The fifth season of ION’s bike department sees the introduction of a fifth product category: bike shoes. To mark the premiere of the footwear line, the brand is releasing two different models: a flat pedal bike shoe called Ride_Amp featuring classic lacing. And a clipless shoe named Rascal with a combined lacing and Velcro closure system.The centerpieces of both shoes are the soles. They have been developed in collaboration with Swiss shoe specialist Suplest and are called SupTraction Rubber Soul: for the treads the focus in both versions was on walking comfort and traction on the ground – grip on the pedals together with the right mix of power transmission and flexibility were in any case top priorities.

RASCAL – Sneaker Style Clipless Shoes

Based on the SupTraction Rubber Soul CL (CL for clipless) and with an EVA midsole the Rascal offers much more than uncompromising power transmission onto the pedal: its construction combines stiffness in the longitudinal axis with flexibility in the lateral axis and the upper. This torsional construction principle helps to prevent the foot from tilting on the pedal. Special dedicated climbing and pedal zones on the tread ensure traction both on and off the pedal.

In addition, the lacing, especially the Serpen_Tie (Rascal only), makes sure the upper is perfectly closed, thus adapting to the individual needs and different shapes of the foot. Toetal_Protection (an injected toe cap) and No-Sew_Reinforcements absorb and dissipate the forces when the foot hits a rock or roots, protecting both the shoe and its contents. The asymmetrically shaped upper as well as the An-kle_Pad protect the foot on the crank side while still offering full freedom of movement. The combination of heel hold (through preshaped heel and internal padding), a supportive foot bed with a 2C (=two component) insole and cushioned midsole offers outstanding comfort. Laser cut Jet_Stream ventilation holes and fabrics ensure a balanced foot climate.

Weight: 469 g per shoe (size 42, without cleat)

RIDE_AMP – High-End Flatpedal Shoe

With a similar construction to the Rascal, ION’s flat-pedal shoe Ride_Amp also comes with an asymmetrical shaft including the Ankle_Pad to add some protection on the crank side. Main differences compared with the Rascal are the classical lacing closure without any straps and the flat-pedal sole of the Ride_Amp: the so-called SupTraction Rubber Soul FL (FL for flat pedal) featuring an EVA midsole shows dedicated pedal zones. They extend from the ball of the foot to the very end of the midfoot area. Toe and heel areas are shaped with particular climb zones to ensure maximum traction off the pedal.

The second main focus during development has been placed on the right mixture of stiffness in the longitudinal axis and flexibility across the lateral axis: a flat-pedal shoe needs to provide power transmission without any compromises in the longitudinal axis when pedaling. On the lateral axis you need a certain flex to prevent the foot from tilting on the pedal but still allow for effective stee-ring impulses. And all this while maintaining comfortable foot roll behavior. The shaft of the Ride_Amp is made from synthetic leather. In the toe area a pre-shaped firm toe box protects the foot when it hits rocks or roots. A two-component insole (2C insole) supports the arch in the midfoot area and adds some extra damping to the heel section.

Weight: 400 g per shoe (size 42)

About ION

ION is part of Boards & More GmbH based in Molln, Austria with the operating office located in Oberhaching, Germany. Since 2005 the brand serves the international markets in kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, SUP, wakeboarding and biking (since 2012) and is available in more than 40 countries worldwide. The product range consists of high-quality and technical wetsuits & neoprene accessoires, harnesses, bike wear, protection, backpacks and lifestyle apparel with a unique and progressive design for the global action sports scene.

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Photos: Bartek Woliński /ION