Look what just turned up at Dirt HQ, a pair of Sombrio X–float shoes.

Sombrio launched their new range of shoes at Crankworx this year, but unfortunately none of us here in the office were there in attendance. Luckily the crew at Sombrio have sent us a pair out (only sample size 8 unfortunately…the work experience kid has them!). It is great to see that brands are breaking out into the flat pedal shoe market. We of course already have Five Ten, Shimano, Vans and more recently Teva, so Sombrio make a good addition to that list.

Here is the low down: The X–floats are the low top versions in their new line and they come in two different colour schemes. They also produce three different styles of high tops, which also come in two different colour schemes (check the gallery below for the images).

For this shoe line Sombrio have been focusing on three different points to improve the flat pedal cycling shoe; traction, durability and dexterity. First of all is the new technology that the soles have, FlyerSol, or FS compound ‘a high friction rubber durometer that is malleable and conforming to a rider’s platforms for a truly unmatched feel.’ This compound on the outsole is soft, sticky and yet they say it is still durable.

So far we have only had a quick pedal on a bike in the car park, they do grip the pedals very well, you can also really feel the pedal beneath your feet, but we’ll have more info on these shoes once we’ve had a proper ride on them and given them some abuse.

Ben Winder