Fox Racing Union Shoe Release and First Ride Report
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- Опубликовано: 19 дек 2022
- Adding to an already massive catalog of mountain bike protection and riding gear, Fox Racing has teased the release of their new Union mountain bike shoe line. We were lucky enough to once again get the invite to visit Fox Racing HQ for a chance to learn about the shoes and ride with some members of the Santa Cruz Syndicate who’ve been testing and racing in the shoes already. The Fox Union shoes will be available in three different configurations for flat and clipless pedals and are set to hit shelves some time in February.
UNION CLIPLESS SHOES
Two versions of the Fox Union clipless shoes were shown to The Loam Wolf, a dual-BOA closure option and a lace/Velcro option. We opted for the lace and Velcro option as we like the looks and ease of use.
Both clipless models feature a lightweight glass-filled nylon shank, which gives the shoe an efficiently stiff platform. Ultratack outsole is made with brotobutyl and is laid out in unique hex shapes that we tested on some steep hike a bike sections and snow-covered trails. The Union BOA will retail for $249.95 and the lace version will retail for $179.95.
UNION FLAT SHOES
A flat version of the Fox Union shoe will also be available for a more affordable $149.95 price point and features a slightly different tread pattern for optimal contact with flat pedals. Fox uses the same Ultratack outsole with brotobutyl to offer the desired blend of grip and durability.
Like the clipless shoes, the Union flats will be available in four colors and broad range of sizes.
CONSTRUCTION
Fox’s Union mountain bike shoes feature molded heel counters and one-piece uppers for a precise-fitting, reliable shoe. Seeking to further increase the durability and features, the shoes are constructed with welded materials for a technical look and impressive protection from the elements. A molded toe cap and reinforced toe offer serious protection that we tested on our first ride down the San Juan Trail while chasing Laurie Greenland, Jackson Goldstone and Steve Peat.
Of course, the most durable shoe isn’t worth much if it’s not comfortable, so Fox offers a custom-tuned EVA midsole that they worked very hard to develop over several years. After just a couple rides the shoes seem to be on the stiffer side without being abusive or tiring to wear. Fox will also be including Velcro inserts for arch support so riders can dial in the shoe volume and fit based on your arch. It’s a nice touch that should make the shoes more pleasant to wear for a wider range of riders.
FIRST RIDE IMPRESSIONS
Due to some less-than-ideal management by the folks at United Airlines, my arrival at Fox HQ was delayed to just moments before the group’s departure for an epic ride on the famed San Juan Trail. I had but a few minutes to try them on to ensure the correct size, install my cleats and get geared up. I liked Fox’s Power-Control sliding scale labeling on the cleat track. It’s likely not a big issue for clipless die-hards but it shows some forethought for newer clipless users who may not know where to slide their cleats in relation to the ball of their foot. Also appreciated was how much I could rotate the cleats in and out. Duck foot and pigeon-toed riders rejoice, the adjustability is impressive.
Regarding the fit, I noticed the 44.5 was a bit larger than some and so I went with a 44 (10.5 according to Fox) and instantly felt better. I ran the OE-spec’d arch insert as they offered the best feel for my foot shape.
Lacing up and closing the Velcro top was easy and I appreciated how easily the laces slid through their guide holes and cinched up. Some shoes require a lot more force to pull the laces, the Fox Unions are not those.
My first time wearing the shoes, I spent about six hours in them doing everything from driving in the car for 45 minutes to walking in snow, splashing through huge puddles and hiking up near vertical rain ruts. Each time we stopped to smile and high five I’d look down at the shoes and see more and more mud, water and grit covering the once brand new looking kicks. I was a bit sad, but more surprised than anything. I was wearing thinner socks than usual and despite the cold snow and tons of water on the trail, I couldn’t believe my toes weren’t wet or cold. I suppose this could mean they’re going to be a bit warm in the summer, but we’ll have to wait until warmer temps arrive and our long term review goes live, but for now, I’m thankful and impressed at how well they handled the elements.
What stands out most though when I think of the Fox Union shoes, is the protection and durability they offered on that first ride. From rock strikes, impacts and water splashes, the Fox Unions are likely to be some of my new favorite mountain bike shoes.
Visit foxracing.com to get yours!
#foxracing #santacruzbikes #mountainbike #enduromtb #mountainbiking 
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BOA shoes are awesome. I’ll be looking forward to the release in February!
Would like a high top for ankle protection and support. Im excited to have Fox enter the market
Even if not revolutionary, hopefully more competition will lead to competitive prices. 5 years on my shoes so it might be about time for a new pair or at least a back up pair in case one gets soaked or something.
Great review. Love the wider toe box. How is the heel to toe drop? I have worn barefoot shoes for 15+ years and now "normal" shoes feel like on on a ramp tipped forward all the time.
Pretty cool looking kicks. I have wide feet and Shimano is the only company that I know offers wide and x wide. Looking to check out these shoes at the Sea Otter Classic next year.
Apologies for the revive. Did you ever try these out? Also a fellow wide footer.
Hopefully they picked up on the trend of slamming cleats extra far back. I have high arches and have to size up in order to get the width I need, but that means it's hard to find a shoe that can get the cleat far enough back (high arches = bowed foot bones, so you have size 10 bones but the bow makes it a size 9 in length). Only Crank Bros and Ride Concepts have allowed me to get the cleat slammed far enough back that it doesnt blow up my calves.
These can definitely slam back a ways. Hopefully they’ll work for you.
Only one thing matters. How is it compared to 5.10
Will there be wide options that you are aware of?
What about sizing compared to five ten hellcat pro??
Why no BOA on the flat pedal shoe?
Bummer they don't have BOA or Velcro for flats.
Who makes your favorite BOA flat?
@@TheLoamWolf ride concepts ones are sick
I'd agree ride concepts. Almost as good of grip as 5-10. The problem is there aren't many options for them but I'd gladly get them because I'm lazy. Tried the crank brothers and they look cool but grip is awful.
Thanks for sharing!
Came to see if BOA or Velcro straps would be on flats… you know something actually different that I think a lot of want!! but I guess not 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Velcro is for children dude, grow up.
Why does every company insist on leaving all the options off of their flat shoes? Evidently, Fox didn't bother doing a whole lot of research. There's nothing that sets these shoes apart at all 💩
Exactly. Came here to ask the exact same question.
Options for what?
@@janeblogs324 different enclosure for flats.
Haha yesss
My five tens just won’t die lol
Well that’s a good thing, right!?
@@TheLoamWolf for sure! Great videos btw
Thanks for watching. We appreciate it Grant.
Guess it's easy to find a place in the market when your product looks and performs just like everyone else's....when are we going to see some footwear that is different, has greater performance and the addition of very very needed features.... I have tons of proven ideas... any companies out there who want to actually create a needed product hit me up.
Better than 5.10 Hellcat? 🤙🤔
We think so but maybe ask Greg Minaar? Haha he switched over.
No BOA for flats.. daang
Not yet, no.
I’m just glad size 47 is too small…
Foot haters. 😢
Two years to make a shoe that does nothing for me other shoes don't already. Give me a Velcro strap on flats for the love of god.
Oh come on the BOA doesn't come in flat? Why is every BOA shoe a clip shoe lol can't a flat pedal guy hate laces
Haha. We're not experts but if we had to guess, a BOA is more about performance benefits of having a snug shoe while pulling on the up stroke. And obviously flat pedal riders don't care about performance or being able to pull on the upstroke, so shoe brands probably figure, why bother increasing the price? These guys don't want technology!? Right?? 😂😂
PS - We're only joking.
Why not a Velcro strap to manage the laces on flats? Seems like an obvious addition that most brands avoid.
@@TheLoamWolf flat BOAs are out but they be expensive!!!
Until these companies cater for ppl who live in wet muddy conditions, i.e Ireland, or most northern European countries, they just won't sell many. Yeah they look good and I'm sure they are great for what they are made for but they aren't made for sloppy rain filled trails!!
Shimano gr9
@@Hihopeyouhaveawonderfulday I have a good set of 5-10 gore tex that the trick!! 👍