The FLR F-35s are among the cheapest road shoes available, costing less than £60 for the pair – less than half the cost of the average UK shoe purchase price.
We tested the £79.99 FLR F-15s back in November and found them robust and comfortable. Like those, the F-35s don’t stretch to a full carbon sole or micro-adjustable lacing system, but it’s clear that they are very well finished and feel well constructed.
The sole is fibreglass-reinforced nylon, which often appears on shoes up to £100, and accepts two- or three-bolt cleats. It also features a mesh vent at the toe, a moulded cleat fitting scale and decent non-replaceable toe and heel bumpers.
The uppers are constructed of perforated synthetic leather and ventilated mesh, with large reflective heel patches. There are three Velcro straps over a ventilated and well-padded tongue, and the footbed is perforated in line with the sole, which makes for very effective cooling.
Our size 45s weighed a competitive 629g, and we found them to be quite spacious, to the point where we could have dropped a size, but they were comfortable, with decent support and no intrusive internal seams.
The straps are the right length to be tightened without any excess flapping, but the narrow strip of mesh between the tightening loops and the tongue surround folds over however careful you are, and although it doesn’t cause discomfort, it is unsightly.
Riding performance is generally good, and on a par with some more expensive shoes of similar construction. The sole does have a pronounced flex, particularly in the forefoot, but this doesn’t hinder steady riding and is most noticeable when walking – it also improves comfort by reducing vibration. If you’re looking for your first road cycling shoes, FLR’s great value F-35s are a good place to start.