ABOUT THE RIDE CONCEPTS ACCOMPLICE CLIP SHOES
The Accomplice Clip features a synthetic upper construction, designed to withstand the abuse of trail riding while keeping weight reasonable. This shoe uses a traditional lace-up closure system rather than BOA or velcro straps, which keeps the price point reasonable while still providing a secure and highly adjustable fit. For those who demand BOA, there’s a slightly more expensive Accomplice Clip BOA model, and there are flat pedal offerings of both if that’s the way you swing.
The latest update of the shoe features the same 4-way slip tongue seen in the previous model, which helps keep unwanted rocks and debris from slipping down into the footbed. Between the foot and sole is a EVA midsole and dual-density EVA insole to keep things comfortable.
Ride Concepts has incorporated their ClipGrip rubber outsoles with a lugged tread pattern, which offers a trustworthy combination of durability and grip. Using ClipGrip helps to ease release from clipless pedals with pins when compared with a tackier rubber compound. A TPU reinforced toe cap and heel counter provide protection and durability in high-wear areas.
The 40 mm long cleat box with index markings is compatible with standard two-bolt SPD cleats, making these shoes versatile for both mountain biking and gravel riding. The nylon sole construction receives Ride Concepts’ Level 4 flex rating (out of 5), providing a balance between pedaling stiffness and off-bike walking comfort.
Ride Concepts offers the Accomplice Clip in a comprehensive 7-15 size range, with half-size increments available from 7 through 12.5. The shoes come in two colorways – black/gum and a white/black combination. In size US 9, the Accomplice Clip weighs 451 grams per shoe, making them competitive with other trail-focused clipless options. The retail price sits at $150, positioning them as a mid-range option in the clipless market.
THE DIRT
Fit is everything when it comes to bike shoes, and fortunately, the Ride Concepts Accomplice Clip gets this mostly right. As someone who has wide feet, I’ve struggled with narrow cycling shoes in the past. The Accomplice Clip has a roomy toe box that doesn’t feel constricting; however, on longer rides, I noticed a minor hot spot on the outside edge of my forefoot. Although this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, it’s something to be aware of if you have especially wide or high-volume feet.
The lace-up system worked well for me. After lacing them up I didn’t find myself needing to make any adjustments throughout the ride. The laces stayed securely put in the elastic lace tuck, and didn’t cause any worry while riding. Unlike some cycling shoes that require you to crank down the closure system to feel secure, the supple 4-way slip tongue on the Accomplice Clip provided a snug fit without feeling like it was cutting off circulation. The snug-fitting tongue did its job keeping trail debris out, though I did notice some fine dust getting in during particularly dusty conditions.
On the bike, the nylon shank provided noticeable stiffness compared to more casual mountain bike shoes. Power transfer felt efficient, and I didn’t experience any hot spots or pressure points on the sole of my foot during rides up to four hours. The cleat engagement was smooth and predictable with my Shimano SPD pedals. Compared to the previous generation flat pedal Accomplice, it seems this shank has provided the stiffness required for aggressive mountain biking.
The Accomplice Clip continues to shine in its off-bike performance. The ClipGrip rubber compound provides excellent grip on rocks, roots, and loose terrain. During hike-a-bike sections, I felt confident on steep, loose climbs where some cycling shoes would have me slipping. The sole design strikes a good balance between pedaling stiffness and walking comfort — something that’s often a compromise in clipless shoes.
However, the shoe isn’t without its drawbacks. The synthetic upper, while durable, doesn’t breathe as well as I’d like. During hot summer rides, my feet definitely felt warmer than they would in more ventilated shoes. Additionally, the benefits of the snug-fitting 4-way slip tongue come at a cost as it restricts air circulation and can feel particularly warm on hot days or high-exertion climbs.
The durability has been solid so far, with the reinforced toe and heel areas showing minimal wear. The ClipGrip rubber compound has held up well, without any noticeably divots after coming into contact with several rocks while riding.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Ride Concepts Accomplice Clip delivers on its promise of being a well-rounded clipless trail shoe. It’s not the most specialized shoe in any one area, but it does most things well enough to be a solid daily driver for trail and casual XC riding. The combination of efficient power transfer, off-bike comfort, and that sticky Ride Concepts rubber makes it a compelling option in the crowded mid-range market.
While ventilation could be better and the overall width of the shoe may not fit the widest of feet (it’s still wider than many), these are minor complaints for a shoe that performs well in most conditions. For riders looking for a versatile clipless shoe that won’t break the bank, the Accomplice Clip is worth considering. 
Price: $150
Weight: 451g per shoe (size M9)
Website: Rideconcepts.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Rand is a Bend, Oregon native who’s been chasing gravity on two wheels for 24 years. When you don’t find him enjoying the trails in Central Oregon, he’s likely seeking out the best Alpine descents in the Alps, preferably where the views are as epic as the vertical drop. After pedaling with him, you’ll quickly learn that, “You don’t need a bottle, it’s just a short ride,” really means “pack 3 bottles and even more bars.”
Size: 6’2” / 188cm | 160lbs / 72.5kg
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