Sombrio are new to the ever-expanding world of flat-pedal shoes and the X-Float is one of their low-top, sticky soled offerings. Key to any flat pedal specific shoe is its sole. Sombrio have used their own FlyerSol compound here, which produces enough traction on the pedal to keep your feet planted.
Grip-wise the X-Floats aren’t a million miles away from Five Ten’s Stealth Rubber sole, but you don’t get the same cushioning or stiffness. The X-Floats let you feel the pedal beneath the sole, yet they’re still stiff enough to let you ride for hours at a time without being uncomfortable.
The upper is tough and will put up a good fight when the elements turn against you. Although the minimal bulk that the X-Floats offer means less chance of scuffing on your cranks, we'd like to see some additional ankle padding on these low-tops just to help take the knocks a bit better.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
