Fox Racing announced today the release of a footwear line aimed squarely at mountain bikers. The heart of the collection, the Union, is a clipless shoe utilizing both laces and a hook-and-loop closure.
The Union line represents Fox Racing’s first foray into the world of mountain bike footwear.
It includes a glass-filled nylon shank for improved pedaling efficiency, a molded toe cap and reinforced toe box for added protection, and the brand’s ULTRATAC rubber compound to provide “balance[d] grip and durability.”
“With Fox Racing’s amazing team of designers, developers, vendors, and professional athletes, pursuing footwear was a no-brainer for us,” said Mikey Rangel, Fox Racing’s head of marketing, in a press release.
To design the Union line, the company leaned on advice from Fox athletes Greg Minnaar, Laurie Greenland, Jackson Goldstone, Nina Hoffmann, and Steve Peat. According to Fox, the process took 2 years, with a midstream “realignment” after riders provided feedback.
“Fox has nailed it with the perfect stiffness and support,” Canadian downhill rider Jackson Goldstone noted.
Fox Racing Union: Style Options, Sizes
While the Union (MSRP $180) anchors the line, there are options on either side to appeal to a variety of riders. The Union Flat ($150) is a lace-only, flat-specific model. As you’d hope with flats, Fox paid special attention to the outsole, claiming “custom hex-shaped lugs … deliver control on flat pedals, while the toe and heel lug spacing is suited for hike-a-bike sections.”
The Union BOA ($250) utilizes — you guessed it — a BOA system. Specifically, the Dual BOA Li2.
The addition of the system adds a significant cost to the shoe, but riders who are constantly struggling with fit and comfort issues might find it worthwhile.
All three models come in unisex sizing (37-47 EU). Fox offers half sizes between sizes 41 and 46. Both clipless models include two arch height inserts so wearers can really dial in the fit.
From a color standpoint, you’ve got four options: gray, mocha, black, and our favorite, red. (To be clear, “muddy” is not a color option, despite the images seen in this story.)
Check out the Union line of mountain bike shoes at Fox Racing.
