Summary
We spent 7.2 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what cyclers think:
6 reasons to buy
- Based on several consumer reviews, the Bont Riot cycling shoe has impressive quality and is well-made.
- Many cyclists declare this footwear to be uber comfortable.
- The stiffness of its outsole receives kudos from an abundance of road bike riders.
- This notable Bont cycling shoe delights buyers with its excellent design and aesthetic.
- Some purchasers have said that, given its affordable price, it is a shoe with excellent value.
- A bunch of users love the heat-moldable fit of the Bont Riot.
2 reasons not to buy
- Based on a small number of reports, the BOA version is more preferred than this pair’s buckle closure.
- This cycling shoe falls short in colorway options, according to very few individuals.
Bottom line
The Riot by Bont was first introduced as an athlete-exclusive model, but luckily the brand has made it available to the masses. It is world-renowned for its first-rate performance and anatomical power transfer.
The shoe’s customizable fit, stiffness, and excellent aesthetic are some of its front-running features. These are not only perceived as very good entry-level road shoes, but they’re also one of the most affordable moldable bike shoes in the market.
Facts
| Use: | Road |
|---|---|
| Cleat design: | 3 holes |
| Closure: | Ratchet, Velcro |
| Feature: | Replaceable Sole Guards, Water-resistant |
| Price: | $129 |
| Weight: | Men: 10.4oz |
| Brand: | Bont |
| Colorways: | Black, White |
| Special editions: |
Expert Reviews
Experts are cyclers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
90 / 100 based on 13 expert reviews
Fits smaller than previous shoes. Super rigid for an entry-level design.
If you’re looking for a wicked cool entry-level cycling shoe, the BONT RIOT at only 295 grams and $129 retail is pretty legit.
There’s only one thing preventing the Bont Riot MTB from being a true 10/10 and that’s the level of grip from the outsole. Yes, you can fit toe studs to get purchase in soft conditions, but the main grip sections lack bite and are of a relatively har...
While the new BONT Riot Buckle road shoe did not fit my foot, Mitch took over the testing and gave it high marks. It was comfortable and provided good stiffness especially needed on our mountain climbs in Tucson. BONT priced these road shoes at an en...
Out on the road, initially, I was blown away by the stiffness of the sole. The other thing that I noticed straight away was the arch support built into the shoes. I’ve run the shoes for about 2 years now. The shoes themselves are still in good condit...
When we tested the Bont Vaypor G last year, we really came away impressed with how comfortable the gravel shoes were, even with their exceptional stiffness. A lot of that came down to the total customization of fit that you get with their fully heat-...
The Bont Riot is a heat-moldable, composite, entry-level road footwear that adds to the brand’s wide range of cycling shoes, which includes mountain and triathlon models. The Riot is recognized as the first beginner road shoe that utilizes a carbon composite sole and is heat-moldable.
The combination of anti-stretch upper and ratchet and strap closures excels in the provision of snug, comfortable fit. Down below, uber stiff soles and supportive insoles complete the package for optimal performance and comfort while on the saddle.
Maximum power transfer. The Bont Riot’s outsoles are carbon composites. This means that apart from carbon, another element has been added to achieve a comfortable level of stiffness. The other element is fiberglass. The result is stiffness without sacrificing fit and comfort.
Replaceable heel pads. Every cycling pair features rubber pads for grip while off the bike. But not all models offer replaceable ones. The Riot offers renewable heel pads to prolong your pair’s lifespan and provide maximum grip.
Highly-praised arch design. All of Bont’s models feature structural medial longitudinal arch supports. This means that the outsoles were designed with built-in arch support to prevent overpronation. This design allows the rider to perform longer and prevent injuries.
The Bont Riot comes with the traditional road cleat design, 3-holes. It is suitable for the following pedal models: Look Keo 2 Max Blade 12, Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL R8000, and Time Xpresso 15.
The shoe also displays a graph in the cleat area that serves as adjustment markers for a fine-tuned fit.
Even pressure distribution. This pair’s retention system utilizes a Z-form strap closure for the forefoot and midfoot areas, while a ratchet buckle secures the ankle area. This combination offers a highly adjustable and secure fit while spreading pressure throughout the top of the foot.
Lightweight and breathable. Integrating a microfiber upper with mesh inserts, this shoe provides a lightweight, well-ventilated, and sturdy construct that keeps the foot comfortable and supported.
The Bont Riot has a fully heat-moldable chassis. This allows purchasers to further customize their shoe’s fit for optimal comfort. The brand has taken 36 years to develop the perfect material that provides excellent stiffness but becomes pliable at relatively low temperatures in order to be moldable.
This model utilizes a standard cycling insole. It helps reduce road vibration and enhances in-step comfort.
- This model is also called “Bont Riot Buckle” to create a palpable distinction from the BOA version.
- This pair’s replaceable parts are the following: insoles, ratchet buckle, heel rubber pads, and front bumper.