Fox Racing are renowned for producing some of the best mountain bike equipment including full face helmets, MTB body armor and a range of clothing to cover the requirements and demands of some of the top mountain bike riders on the pro circuit.
The company is now entering the crowded mountain bike shoe category with its Union shoe range. Fox Racing say they will offer precision fit and innovative features across the three shoe models. It will also see it offering mountain bike riders full head-to-toe protection and an ever-growing choice of complete apparel that includes some of the best MTB jackets.
So it's only a shoe you say? What can be so innovative? Fox agrees it's just a shoe but it also says it has spent over two years in design and development, gaining valuable feedback and input from its Fox athletes including four times World Downhill Mountain Bike Champion Greg Minnaar, Laurie Greenland, Jackson Goldstone, Nina Hoffmann and Steve Peat. Quite a pedigree of mountain bike knowledge to tap into, and the result is three new shoe models, two clipless and one flat.
With all that development we are expecting something pretty special to arrive when we test the range soon and look forward to dropping a full first-ride test of the Fox Racing Union shoes. Meantime, here's what we know so far about the three models available.
Fox Racing Union BOA clipless
The top model in the Fox Racing Union shoe range is the Union BOA shoe which features the Dual BOA Li2 system that provides on-the-fly micro-adjustability. Fox says the shoe is lightweight and offers a precise fit, and that it will deliver more power to the pedal through its molded internal stiffening plate. Adding that stiffness doesn't come at the expense of off-bike comfort, saying they are just as suitable for those hike-a-bike moments.
The ability to customize fit to perfection comes with the custom-tuneable midsole ratchets, to adjust your pedal grip and feel, and are aimed to give riders more comfort.
The sole is designed using the Ultratac rubber compound, with the engineered tread pattern and again aimed to provide best-in-class grip and durability. There is a two-bolt cleat system, compatible with most major clipless pedal suppliers.
The Union BOA comes in four colorways, Black, Grey, Mocha, and Red and uses unisex sizing with a range from 37-47 EU (5.5-13 US Men's / 6.5-14.5 US Women's). Half sizes will be offered from 41-46 and both clipless models will include two pairs of arch height inserts to customize fit.
Pricing for The Union BOA is $249.95 / £ 219.99 / €239.99
Fox Racing Union clipless shoe
Next up in the range is the Fox Racing Union Clipless shoe and like the other two shoes features a one-piece, welded upper construction for a consistent, precise fit and protection against the elements. The Union Clipless features all the same features as its BOA sibling but uses a low-profile Velcro strap and lace system to optimize fit and comfort instead of the BOA fastening system, which offers mountain bike riders the choice of system and probably down to each rider and their preference on which they use.
Again, the Union Clipless comes in four colorways, Black, Grey, Mocha, and Red and uses unisex sizing with a range from 37-47 EU (5.5-13 US Men's / 6.5-14.5 US Women's). Half sizes will be offered from 41-46 and both clipless models will include two pairs of arch height inserts to customize fit.
Pricing for the Union Clipless is $179.95 / £159.99 / €239.99
Fox Racing Union flat shoe
Last but not least is the Fox racing Union Flat shoe. The flat-pedal version of the Union mountain bike shoes utilize the Ultratac rubber sole compound and stick confidently to your platform pedals and Fox says should you come into a corner with 'too much pepper' they'll let you easily stick a foot out and steady the ship. Including the same mentioned features as the other models, but with laces rather that the BOA or Velcro strap fastening
The Union Flat comes in four colorways, Black, Grey, Mocha, and Red and uses unisex sizing with a range from 37-47 EU (5.5-13 US Men's / 6.5-14.5 US Women's).
Pricing for the Union Flat is $149.95 / £129.99 / €239.99.
We will be testing out the Fox Racing Union shoes and all the features they have developed into the range very soon. For more information, check out the video below and head over to foxracing.com.
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