Bont V23
Shoe Tested - Bont Cycling Vaypor - White Sz 45 - Standard Width
Price - $629 RRP (Cheapest online Price - $549)
It’s been a while since we reviewed a shoe, but this shoe from Bont Cycling has created a lot of interest since it was released at the end of 2023. Bont is a renowned Australian cycling and rowing shoe manufacturer with a proud history of design innovation and performance. Bont also has a history of polarising riders with the lovers and haters separated by the design and manufacturing techniques used across the range. The new Vaypor promised to end that conversation. So we test rode a pair for three months to see if this was the case.
Bonts are the shoes many aspiring cyclists wish to ride. The company has always pitched itself as a maker of shoes for all foot types including narrow and wide feet. The anatomical shape of the shoes has been a selling point as this feature distinguishes Bont from many of the pointy toe offerings from Europe. I don’t want to do a review of all Bont shoes, but the singular challenge many riders have had with traditional Bont shoes is contact on the firm Carbon ‘tub’ that the foot sits inside. The softer microfiber materials in the upper sit above the foot so if your foot is placed inside the incorrect width, then pressure points can ensue. Heat molding can solve this challenge, but there are limitations and given carbon is not a flexible material, some riders will remain overwhelmed by that sense of innate firmness around their feet.
The new Vaypor seeks to keep the sense of structure around the foot, but release the forefoot into a softer pliable upper. The traditional and famous supportive heel cup remains around the heel, however, the carbon ‘tub’ height drops as it reaches the mid foot. By the time we reach the forefoot of the shoe, the carbon ‘tub’ sits in line with the 4mm insole ensuring there is no carbon bucket sensation around the ball of the foot or toes. Remarkably, the heel cup is still one of the best in the business at holding the foot firmly.
Once you grab a pair of these shoes it is impossible not to be startled by the weight.
Once you grab a pair of these shoes it is impossible not to be startled by the weight. These shoes are LIGHT! I mean, real light - we tested a pair at 190grams - beaten only by the old S Work EXOS single boa climbing shoe at about 170 grams in the same size. The closure on the Bont destroys the EXOS with a dual-dial BOA Li2 Fit System and a structured heel cup. Looking at the shoe it seems impossible that this much shoe can weigh so little.
The second feature which we noticed was the extremely thin carbon sole which remains incredibly stiff despite the 3.6mm stack height (this measurement provided by Bont). The foot feel into the pedal remains wonderful and responsive. There is slightly more flex in these two-piece constructed shoes compared to the monocoque chassis of the Vaypor S but when riding, it’s hard to spot the difference.
Bont V23
The upper closure on the Vaypor is plush and soft without any constricting elements. The eyestay mounted BOA Fit System is effective and remains relatively open upon tightening. Higher volume feet in the mid foot should find this shoe suits them well. In the last 3 three months of riding my foot has remained secure in the shoe and I have only had to tighten occasionally when riding, which is standard for me in all shoes.
The durability is superb. I haven’t treated my pair of Vaypors with any care and attention including walking for 2km on gravel yet they remain intact and relatively white. There is some mild discolouration which you would expect with frequent wet rides, yet they clean up very well with wet wipes.
The insoles in these shoes are 4mm dual density base level insoles designed by Bont and Cobra9. The insoles feature a thin flexible carbon shell for arch support and dual density foam for cushioning.
In summary, we have loved these shoes. The shape, weight and foot feel are tremendous. These shoes are perfect for the standard to wider feet who want to do some serious riding. Lovers of the Vaypor S shoes may find this offering a little too unstructured for their tastes however we promote this shoe as a kilometre-heavy shoe. One for the big days in the saddle where you want comfort and performance.
Pros
Light - seriously!
Comfortable
Adjustable
Attractive
Normal to Wide foot suitable
Cons
Not as stiff as Vaypor S for the devoted
Narrow feet might them a tad too roomy
Price Point may be too much for some
Rating 9/10