Specialized Launches the Rime Flat, a Flat-Pedal Shoe Designed for Adventure
The Takeaway: The Rime Flat sits in the middle of Specialized’s lineup of shoes, and it’s capable both on the bike and hoofing it on the trail. It’s not quite as built for pure cycling performance as the 2FO DH, and it doesn’t have the street styling of the 2FO Roost.
The brand’s three models of flat-pedal shoes are tuned for different uses.
All come in sizes 36 to 49, with half sizes from 38.5 to 46.5.
Specialized’s latest flat-pedal rubber graces the soles of all three.
The Rime 2.0 Clip shoes use a different closure and outsole rubber than the Rime Flat.
If you’re keeping track, Specialized has three new flat pedal shoes. In order of date of introduction, they are: 2FO Roost ($120), 2FO DH ($160), and the latest, the Rime Flat ($130).
All three shoes use the same SlipNot (™, of course) SuperTacky sole rubber, and all have lace closures. So what’s the difference? Well, aside from their appearances—which are as important as anything because of the power of The Uniform—there are some fundamental distinctions in the feel and features of the shoes that orient them toward different types of cyclists.
The Rime Flat, which was released last week, has the “adventure” styling of a hiking or approach shoe. That’s deliberate, as Specialized calls the Rime Flat “our first riding shoe specifically designed with hiking in mind.” To that end, it has more flex at the toe, which should allow more natural foot articulation while walking. The tread design at the very front and rear of the shoe is also optimized for traction while walking and not pin engagement. Other features include a quick-drying Xpel mesh, a foam midsole for cushioning, an impact-absorbing shank, and an injected-molded toebox for protection.
What surprised me most about the Rime Flat is how legitimately easy it is to walk in. Sure, all flat shoes are walkable, so to speak, to some degree, but most of the ones you want to ride in feel somewhat stiff and awkward when you’re off the pedals. And despite their walkability, the Rime Flat is great on the pedals too. (I tested all three shoes primarily on Diety Deftraps). The lug design did a good job of guiding my foot into my preferred position, and the rubber compound is grippy and sticky (but not too sticky) and doesn’t feel bouncy. The laces slide easily through the guides without much friction, tightening easily and evenly—in this way, the shoe is superior to the other Specialized models. The Rime Flat also seemed to breathe the best of the three shoes and felt slightly roomier as well.
Surprisingly, the 2FO DH shares some features with the Rime Flat. It has the same impact-absorbing shank and the protection of an injection-molded toe bumper. The DH also uses Xpel mesh, including in the insole. But this is a different shoe. It doesn’t have the same focus on walking/hiking (though Specialized says this shoe also has a flexible toe for improved walking performance). Compared to the Rime Flat, the 2FO DH is more armored, the upper is made with (seemingly) more durable materials, it’s more supportive, and has more padding, particularly around the ankle.
The 2FO DH is arguably the best on-the-bike shoe of the trio. It has the most protection, the most support, and feels the most optimized for pedaling performance and bike control. Off the bike, it feels a bit clunkier than the other two shoes and is the least comfortable to stand around in.
That brings us to the 2FO Roost. This is the most street-looking shoe and noticeably less bulky than the others. Compared to the Rime Flat and 2FO DH, it does not have the impact-absorbing shank and lacks some of the padding, support, and armor. But by stripping away the features, it’s also the lightest of the trio and has the most pedal feel.
The Roost is the best at transferring between bikes and everyday life. It’s lightest, most comfortable, and looks and feels the most like a normal shoe. And if you’re a nerd about pedal feel, these offer noticeably more than the Rime or DH because they lack the shank. The tradeoff is more potentially tiring feedback when you’re pounding rough terrain.
If I had to pick one, I’d go with the 2FO DH. But that’s because I want my bike shoes to be at their best on the bike. The other two are more about what you want or need off the bike. If your riding involves a lot of time off the bike walking or hike-a-biking, the Rime Flat will serve you best. The 2FO Roost is mostly about having a great-looking shoe that’s also a sneaky-good flat-pedal shoe, though their lightness and increased pedal feel will appeal to some riders.
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