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The dudes from Fox have made a name for themselves with cool mountain bike clothing, helmets and protectors. The fashion of the original motocross label from California spilled over into mountain biking back in the late 1990s.
The Union Canvas flat pedal shoe from the Fox range looks like a normal trainers - but still really pulls you along on the trail.
The Fox Union Canvas is designed for anyone who doesn't want to run around in clunky clickies or pure performance shoes every day. Instead: a robust canvas upper that lasts all day, whether on the bike or in a café afterwards. The so-called Ultratac™ rubber sole with its hexagonal profile grips the pedals so well that you almost forget you're on flats - according to the manufacturer. Underneath, a finely tuned EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole provides cushioning and a direct pedalling feel without the shoe becoming too spongy.
There's protection too: a moulded toe cap plus reinforcements ward off stone chips and root contact. An internal stiffening plate ensures proper power transmission on the trail - and at the same time enough flex so that the shoe is simply comfortable off the bike. So much for the theory.
The test: through all seasons
We know the Fox Union well - BIKE editor Laurin Lehner's favourite flat pedal shoe. The only point of criticism so far: the ventilation. The rubberised upper material of the Original is extremely robust, but allows little air to reach the foot. That's why we were so keen when Fox added a canvas version.
I've been riding the Union Canvas for a year now. Every day. 25 kilometres through the forest to the office - and back again. Dust, mud, gravel, rain, winter, summer. When it gets really uncomfortable, I put on gaiters, because the coarse-meshed canvas is hardly water-repellent. On the other hand, it ventilates much better than the rubberised version. Surprisingly, the shoe still looks surprisingly fresh after this continuous use. Hardly any wear, no open adhesions, no chafed heel padding - a classic weak point of many trainers. In short: extremely robust and very neatly finished.
The stiffened sole is impressive on the trail. It provides noticeable counter-pressure on hard hits, rough passages and unclean landings after drops. Where softer shoes such as the First Degree Flite give way more, the Union Canvas remains stable - on a par with classics such as the Five Ten Freerider Pro. Disadvantage: The sole feels a little stiff when walking. So the Fox is not entirely casual. On the bike, however, this is an advantage.
As always with shoes, the fit is individual. I have a narrow foot and previous Five Ten models (before Adidas changed the lasts) fit me just as well as First Degree. The Union Canvas sits snugly on my foot without me having to tighten the laces too much.
Conclusion
Robust, grippy, pleasantly ventilated, high-quality workmanship - and fairly priced. A shoe that you can recommend with a clear conscience. Even to your best friend.
The facts at a glance
- Price119,99 Euro >> at Rosebikes or Alltricks available at a reduced price
- Upper material: Durable canvas
- SoleUltratac™ rubber with a grippy, pedal-optimised profile
- MidsoleCustom-tuned EVA foam for better grip and comfort
- ExtrasMoulded toe cap, reinforcements against stone chips, internal reinforcement plate
- Material composition50 % textile, 25 % EVA, 25 % rubber
- Weight373 g (according to the manufacturer, per shoe)
- Sizes: 37 to 47
- Coloursfive station wagons. Black rear, combined with grey, brown, olive, black and vintage white
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
