Trek Velocis road cycling shoes review

Trek’s Velocis road cycling shoes are an upper-mid-range model, with a carbon and fibreglass composite sole and twin Boa Li2 dials.

Although Trek describes the Velocis as a “high-performance” shoe, the forgiving fit and middling sole stiffness feel more general-purpose than race-oriented.

For general road riding, Trek’s latest Velocis road cycling shoes offer a comfortable fit in a well-made and lightweight package.

However, the level of performance on offer for the £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99 price tag doesn’t quite match the relatively high price versus key competitors.

Trek Velocis road cycling shoes specification and details

Part of Trek’s recently revamped road cycling shoes collection, the Velocis is a mid-range option intended to offer high performance in a more value-focused package.

However, they still sit towards the upper end of the pricing spectrum.

As opposed to the full-carbon soles on Trek’s pricier RSL Road (£349.99 / $449.99 / €399.99) and RSL Knit shoes (£399.99 / $499.99 / €449.99), the Velocis shoes use a sole made from 70 per cent carbon fibre and 30 per cent glass fibre.

As a result, the sole’s stiffness rating drops to 10 out of 14 on Trek’s arbitrary in-house scale.

The Velocis shoes share a last (the model foot around which a shoe is shaped) with Trek’s pricier shoes, though, and the soles get adjustable cleat bolt holes and a replaceable heel bumper.

Compared to the previous version (which fell under Trek’s sister brand, Bontrager), the new Velocis shoes gain a second Boa dial on the forefoot, in place of a Velcro strap.

Both dials are from Boa’s high-end Li2 range, offering multidirectional micro-adjustments and pop up to completely release the tension in an instant.

The thin uppers are made from a mix of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and nylon, and are heavily perforated to improve ventilation.

On the sides, these perforations take the shape of three-point stars (like the Mercedes Benz logo, without the outer circle). Trek calls this METNET technology and says it makes the uppers more flexible, thus reducing the chance of pressure points, hotspots or foot discomfort.

At 244g per shoe in a size EU45, the Velocis is the lightest road cycling shoe in Trek’s new range, despite its lower price.

As a point of comparison, the pricer RSL Road and RSL Knit shoes come in at 267g and 269g per shoe, in the same size.

This also compares favourably to similarly specced competitors. Van Rysel’s RCR shoes £169.99 / $162.94 / €169.99, for example, tip the scales at 313g in a size EU45, while Specialized’s Torch 3.0 shoes (£210 / $250 / €250) weigh 337g each in the same size.

Shimano’s RC7 shoes (£189.99 / €199.99 / $240) weigh 290g, also in a size EU45.

The Trek Velocis cycling shoes are sold in three colours – black, white and red (which I tested).

In terms of sizing, the Velocis is available from size EU36 to EU48, in a single width option.

The shoes seem to run on the larger side – I had to size down from my usual EU45 (which I wear with Bont, Shimano or Specialized shoes) to an EU44 for the best fit.

As always, trying a pair on at your local bike shop is recommended.

Trek Velocis road cycling shoes performance

In use, Trek’s Velocis shoes feel well made and provide a comfortable fit, but the soles are less stiff than I’d hoped for, given their relatively steep price compared to the competition.

As promised, the perforated uppers are highly flexible, meaning I didn’t experience any hotspots or pressure points, and the plentiful ventilation helps keep your feet cool.

The twin Boa Li2 dials also make setting and releasing the lace tension easy, even with winter gloves on or while riding.

However, there’s little in the way of arch support, which left my feet feeling more tired than usual by the end of longer rides.

It may be possible to remedy this issue with a set of insoles with greater arch support, though. Trek sells its own BioDynamic insoles, with options for low, medium or high arch support, for £26, for example.

I was also disappointed that the soles are fairly flexible, especially for shoes at this price. Specialized’s similarly priced Torch 3.0 shoes offer tangibly stiffer soles, for example, as do Van Rysel’s cheaper RCR shoes.

While there’s limited evidence linking sole stiffness with power output, I tend to prefer stiffer soles for road cycling from a feel and comfort perspective.

Of course, not everyone will feel the same way – feel and comfort are subjective, after all. Considering Trek describes the Velocis shoes as a 'high-performance' option, though, I believe many will expect stiffer soles.

The Velocis shoes are impressively lightweight, however. While it’s not something you can feel while riding, they could be a good option for those who like chasing KOMs / QOMs.

Beyond performance, it’s worth noting the cleat bolt holes are positioned relatively far forward, with only a small amount of fore/aft adjustment built in.

Limited adjustability is better than none, of course. However, even with my Look Keo cleats pushed all the way back, I still felt like I was pedalling on my toes when compared to my favourite cycling shoes (Specialized’s S-Works 7 Lace).

However, I generally prefer a fairly rearward cleat position, so this won’t be an issue for everyone.

Ideally, though, I’d have preferred a greater range of fore/aft adjustment here, to allow for my preferred cleat placement.

Trek Velocis road cycling shoes bottom line

All things considered, Trek’s Velocis road cycling shoes offer a comfortable fit and sleek design, making them a solid mid-range option.

This is especially true if you’re looking for something relatively lightweight.

However, their relatively flexible soles and lack of arch support leave them feeling less racy than I’d hoped at this price.