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They’re not the grippiest, or the most outrageous-looking, but when it comes to delivering comfort and versatility in a lightweight and superbly fitting shoe, the Fox Unions are truly brilliant.
However, they don’t come cheap, with the range-topping Union Boa All Weathers setting you back £220.
The limited-edition Jackson Goldstone signature model is even more expensive, costing a whopping £249.99.
- Read more: Fox Union BOA Flat review
The whole package
From the moment I slipped on the Union Flats, I was hooked. They’re lightweight, form-fitting and look like fashionable skate-style shoes rather than disco slippers.
The traction from the Ultratac rubber soles is enough for all but the roughest downhill tracks, especially if you have some long, thin pedal pins.
However, they’re not as tenacious as Five Ten or Ride Concept shoes, which makes them ideal for more casual riding or dirt jumping. In these situations, the ability to adjust your feel easily without having to unstick ultra-sticky shoes from the pedals feels more natural.
They’re impressively lightweight, so they feel great, and the uppers don’t soak up water as bigger, more heavily padded shoes do. This means they remain light even on wet rides.
Sole survivor
Fox has nailed sole compliance, too. The Unions are stiff enough to give good support when G-ing out and prevent them curling around the pedals, yet they’re still compliant enough to offer good grip and feel for where the pedal is under your foot.
They’re wonderfully comfortable off the bike, too, feeling impressively like a regular shoe rather than a riding-specific one when walking. It’s easy to spend all day in these shoes – it’s like wearing your favourite pair of slippers.
The toebox is unobtrusive, but provides surprisingly sturdy protection from toe punts on rocks. The heel area is excellently constructed, too; you can ram these shoes on without loosening the laces and the heel fin always stays up, never bending over into the shoe.
Undercover rubber
Looks are subjective, but in my opinion, the lace-up versions of the Union Flats are suitably stealthy and very wearable on the high street or down the pub – an opportunity to show other mountain bikers you’re one of the tribe while blending in with non-riders.
Options such as the Boa closure are a worthwhile luxury for never having to deal with laces coming undone. I've found that with wet, cold fingers, Boa dials are a godsend after a winter ride, and they’re ultra-quick to do up or adjust. There’s also a neoprene-topped version of the Union for extra weather protection if you like your shoes a little more technical.
I have three pairs and they’re my first option for all riding scenarios.
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