Bont’s Vaypor+ get added bounce

BONT’S ORIGINAL VAYPORS WERE THE heatmoulding pioneer’s out-and-out race shoe, the Vaypor+ has seen big changes – the light, thin microtex upper has been replaced with a supple kangaroo leather outer and a soft cowhide lining.

Bont’s unique bathtub-shape remains, which encompasses the sole and plenty of the upper, but it’s added a larger – and replaceable – heel bumper and a thermoplastic polyurethane toe protector. A thin layer of high-density memory foam is bonded to the base, on top of which sit the minimal insoles.

The super-supple leather lining gives the Vaypors the feel of a pair of high-quality handmade shoes rather than sports equipment, the soft mattfinished kangaroo leather outer adding further luxury. The usual downside of leather cycling shoes is that they tend to give and stretch over time. Bont counters this by using a proprietary lightweight material sandwiched between the two animal leathers to keep these shoes fitting perfectly.

As with all Bonts, you can also custom-mould these to the shape of your feet. Put the shoes into a pre-heated oven at 70°C/160°F for 20 minutes, and when they feel safe to touch with your hands, place your feet in the shoes and tighten the Boas. As the shoes cool, they’ll set in the shape of your feet. You can also remould them as many times as you like.

These have the same super-rigid feel as previous generations. The weight may have increased to 590g a pair (45s), a gain of around 80g, but we think the benefits of such a solid connection outweigh those of saving a few grams. They breathe well and the Boa IP1 twin dials offer plenty of adjustment to get fit and retention just right.