ABOUT THE RIDE CONCEPTS TALLAC FLAT PEDAL SHOES
The Ride Concepts Tallac is a flat pedal mountain bike shoe with a lace closure. Sitting in the XC-Trail zone of the Ride Concepts lineup, the Tallac is fairly lightweight at 395g for a single size 9 men’s shoe.
The outsole uses Ride Concepts MaxGrip rubber, which is quite soft to deliver traction on the pedal and when walking. The hexagon pattern allows for the pedal pins to sit into the sole to maximise the locked-in feeling on rough descents, while the reverse hex relief on toe and heel give improved penetration into the soil for improved walking grip.
Between the foot and the outsole is an EVA midsole to balance support, comfort and pedal feel. This midsole has a 4 out of 5 rating in sole stiffness in the Ride Concepts range. A D3O High Impact Zone Technology insole is fitted on top, adding a layer of impact-absorbing material in the high-pressure areas to boost comfort and reduce fatigue.
The upper of the Ride Concepts Tallac is made using a Cordura mesh material to give abrasion resistance without compromising breathability. The fully bonded construction removes any stitches that can fray over time, hoping to extend the shoes’ lifespan. Around the perimeter of the Tallac, a TPU guard is in place to protect against the trail.
The fully gusseted tongue on the Tallac shoes is in place to keep things secure. The metal lace eyelets help the laces to slip through, giving even pressure distribution and allowing the tension to be cranked up. A simple elastic lace tidy then holds the laces in place to avoid damage.
The Ride Concepts Tallac shoe is available in black or tan colorways for men in sizes US 7-13, or black only in women’s sizes US 5-10. The retail price comes in at $188 / £149.95 / €169.90.
THE DIRT
The previous generation of Ride Concepts Tallac BOA struck my sweet spot for all around mountain bike performance in both the clipless and flat pedal versions. With the second generation, I had been a little less impressed by the BOA shoe, so I was curious to see if the lace version could retain the best aspects of my favorite shoe. Much to my relief, the lace-up Ride Concepts Tallac flat shoe proved to deliver stellar performance and comfort.
The laces got the job done, and while they may not feel quite as refined as a BOA or a speed lace system, their simplicity is undeniably appreciated. I was able to get a comfortable and even pressure distribution across my foot with solid retention, and the Ride Concepts Tallac shoes stayed tight without issues during testing. The elastic lace tidies were basic but adequate, and the metal loops ensured the laces could slip through under tension, which notably improved comfort.
The MaxGrip outsole sat in a well-balanced spot from a traction and longevity perspective. They’re somewhere around an 8.5/10 in out-and-out traction on the pedals, keeping my feet in place with a grippy flat pedal without concern. Those looking for the absolute stickiest shoes should look elsewhere, but the flip side was foot repositioning and wear life were improved. After countless abusive rides, the sole is showing some wear, but they’re holding up impressively. Walking traction and comfort were stellar in the Tallacs, making them a perfect shoe for adventures where the trail ahead was uncertain and hike-a-bike might be demanded.
The Tallac is listed as an XC-Trail shoe in the Ride Concepts range, which undersells their capabilities. I wouldn’t expect many XC riders to be considering these, and I would consider them suitable for more abusive riding than just trail. I’ve downhilled in them, raced an eBike challenge, and they have accompanied me on the majority of my enduro rides. Their protection was not the most robust, but the TPU toe guard did a reasonable job at keeping my feet safe. They didn’t leave my feet feeling overly vulnerable, and the midsole provided damping and comfort that supported long and hard-charging descents without pain. If you demand the most protection, Ride Concepts has burlier shoes in their lineup, but the Tallac is still a capable shoe.
After many months of abuse as my primary shoe, across the spread of conditions, the Ride Concepts Tallac shoes are quite tired. The sole still has some life to give, but the sharp pins of the aggressive flat pedals have left their mark. The sharp edges of the SRAM XO cranks took their toll on the collar on one side, but they continue to feel good. It took a long while, but eventually the abuse of puddle splashes and sweaty feet has left them a bit swampy. But they’ve endured a whole lot of good times, and my feet have been happy in them throughout.
The Wolf’s Last Word
I’m relieved to say that the Ride Concepts Tallac shoes – in the lace and flat pedal variant – continue to offer stellar performance. As an all-mountain flat pedal shoe with good grip and excellent walking ability, these are some of the very best. They are undeniably pricey, but it may be worthwhile spending to get the comfort and performance that these shoes provide for your rides. 
Price: $188 / £149.95 / €169.90
Website: Rideconcepts.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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