Simple, yet packed with technology – that’s how Swiss brand Suplest promote their MTB shoes. To find whether the description fits, we tested the Flatpedal Sport MTB shoe, which features a BEARPAW 5 sole. According to the Swiss manufacturer, it provides maximum grip, both on and off the pedals. Here’s how it performed!
€129.99 | Manufacture`s website
As the contact points of a bike, the handlebars, saddle, and pedals of a bike have to fit like a glove – one you’d be happy to wear all day. Just as important as the pedals are the shoes you wear to complement them. After all, you wouldn’t bomb down a trail in flip-flops! Two Swiss founders came to the same conclusion, and in 2007, they launched Suplest to take cycling shoes to the next level. Originally focusing on road shoes, Suplest now also manufacture mountain bike shoes and lifestyle sneakers.
“Check out my new shoes!” hollers tester Manne while walking through the front door with a big grin on his face, showing off his brand-new Suplest Flatpedal MTB shoes. And he’s not wrong – the 2022 Flatpedal Sport certainly catches the eye. With its understated design, the Suplest Flatpedal Sport features black and grey microfiber with synthetic leather sections and red accents on the eyelets and the pull loop on the tongue.
The Suplest Flatpedal Sport shoes are available in two colours, black and yellow-brown, which both retail at around €130. One of the first things you’ll notice is the lacing system – or rather, you won’t notice it at all, as it’s hidden under a neoprene cover. The cover is there to tuck the laces away, preventing them from catching in the drivetrain, which has caused many crashes in the past. The Flatpedal Sport features the BEARPAW 5 sole made from SUPtraction rubber, which is also designed in Switzerland. Together with the knobby tread, it promises superb grip both on the pedal pins and on the ground. So, how did the shoes perform in our test?
On the trail and in the office – Suplest Flatpedal Sport MTB shoes on test
After Manne showed off his new shoes in the office, we couldn’t wait to see how they performed on the trail. The Suplest MTB shoes are easy to slip on and fit snugly right from the start – even before tightening the laces. The front of the shoe is reinforced with a stiff rubber toe cap, and there’s excellent padding around the ankle, ensuring the shoes fit securely without being too tight. Even after a full day in the office, Manne had no pressure points, nor did he after several consecutive days of long eMTB tours in the Dolomites.
The roomy toe box makes these MTB shoes ideal for riders with wide feet. Plus, the breathable material ensures your feet don’t overheat – unless it’s 35°C outside, in which case, you’re going to sweat regardless of your choice of footwear!
On the pedals, the SUPtraction rubber sole of the Flatpedal Sport provides a solid connection with the pedal pins. The grip is so strong that you need to consciously lift your foot to adjust your position – just as it should be. The stiff sole ensures excellent power transfer to the pedals while remaining flexible enough for comfortable walking. This means you don’t feel like you’re clomping around in ski boots on the way to a scenic viewpoint. And the knobby tread doesn’t act as a dirt magnet, so you don’t need to swap your shoes when you get to the office after your commute. And the comfortable sole also making those five daily trips to the coffee machine no problem at all in these shoes.
Manne’s tip: buy the shoes a size larger than usual – feet tend to swell by the evening!
Conclusion about the Suplest Faltpedal Sport
The Suplest Flatpedal Sport MTB shoes impressed us above all with their BEARPAW 5 sole, which offers great grip both on the pedals and on the ground. We’re pretty fond of the overall comfort feeling too, even when just walking around the office. Highlights include the snug fit, reinforced toe cap and ankle protection, and breathable materials. The shoes remain comfortable, even on longer rides. For €129,99, you’ll get a solid pair of MTB shoes that can handle the trail while still looking good for everyday use.
Tops
- Excellent grip on and off the pedals thanks to the sole
- Comfortable fit
- Practical neoprene cover for the laces
Flops
- None
For more information, visit suplest.com.
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Mike Hunger
