Fox Racing Officially Launches Union Shoe Collection

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Almost two months ago, we dropped by Fox Racing to get an exclusive look at their all-new Union MTB shoe collection. We spent the day wandering the halls of their epic workspace, learning about their new shoes, interviewing the Santa Cruz Syndicate, and squeezed in a sunset shuttle behind Laurie and Jackson.

Today, Fox has officially released its shoes into the world. The three-model collection marks Fox’s first step into the MTB footwear category and completes their head-to-toe product offering. For more insight into the development and technical aspects of the shoes, scroll down to read the full press release. We provided a brief two-day review of the Union Flat during our exclusive first look and have since spent more time testing and building on our initial impressions.

12 Ride Update

I was super impressed with the Union Flat right off the bat, and they have only continued to perform phenomenally. The deciding factor of any flat pedal shoe is the outsole grip, and Fox’s Ultratack Rubber and hex-shaped lugs provide a direct, locking connection that rivals any other flat pedal shoe I’ve tested. The damping abilities of the midsole complement the outsole grip by absorbing impacts and maintaining pedal contact through even the roughest trails. As I stated before, Fox is going to give other brands a run for their money with their Ultratack Rubber, and I’m sticking by that statement. (shoe pun, anybody?)

Other noteworthy takeaways are that the shoes have remained true to size as they've broken in. I have an average to narrow foot, and the Union Flat fits comfortably snug with enough room in the toe box to wiggle my toes. The stiffness of the shoe has also remained the same, and I've yet to experience foot fatigue, even on long, multi-hour rides. It's been an unusually wet winter in San Diego, allowing me to test the water resistance of all my riding gear. Even though the Union flat is not marketed as an all-weather or wet-weather shoe, I'd label it water-resistant. My feet have still gotten wet after a few hours of playing in the rain and splashing through puddles, but the time it takes them to become soggy is longer than my FiveTen Freerider Pros or Giro Chamber shoes. My only knock on the shoes is the laces are too short for a double knot, which has caused the laces to lose tension throughout a ride. If only there were some alternate method of tying shoes that didn't require laces...

Overall, the construction of the Union Flat has remained bombproof thus far. The toe cap has withstood multiple rock impacts, with only scuffs to show and no sore toes. The midsoles don't show any signs of compressing or separating from the outsole, and the one-piece welded upper has remained tear-free. The upper is also pretty smooth, making it super easy to wipe off the shoes.

Of course, the true success of a flat pedal shoe ultimately comes down to the outsole's durability. While I have only logged 15 rides in the Union Flat, totaling around 75 miles and 14 hours of moving time, the amount of wear on the Ultratack outsole is on-par with other brands' stickiest compounds. I hardly move my feet when riding, so I tend to develop deep pockets where my pins connect with the outsole. As you can see, both shoes are just beginning to show slight signs of expected wear. Based on how the shoes look now, I expect to get another 6-8 months out of this pair before replacing them.

If my two-day review of the Union Flat seemed surface level before, hopefully, tacking on another ten rides has added some legitimacy to my impressions. Between the grip, fit, aesthetic, and durability, Fox has checked every box for a top-tier flat pedal shoe. And with both Union clipless models sharing many of the same features as the Union Flat, I'd expect the same quality and performance.

February 9, 2023 – Irvine, CA – Fox Racing, the global leader in motorcycle and mountain bike safety equipment and apparel, has entered the mountain bike shoe category. With the launch of the Union shoe series, Fox now offers both mountain bike and motocross riders head-to-toe protection and apparel.

"Fox's demand for best-in-class products is translating across all categories, from helmets to shoes. We've validated the trend through direct rider feedback, consumer data and wholesale partners around the globe,” said Mikey Rangel, Head of Marketing. “Combine this demand with Fox Racing's amazing team of designers, developers, vendors, and professional athletes, pursuing footwear was a no-brainer for us. For the first time in the brand's history, both mountain bike and motocross riders are equipped with best-in-class, head-to-toe protection and apparel. It's a testament to our mission statement – to equip and inspire."

Fox spent over two years in design and development, realigning halfway into the project after gaining valuable feedback from their professional and amateur riders. With input from Fox athletes like Greg Minnaar, Laurie Greenland, Jackson Goldstone, Nina Hoffmann and Steve Peat, the result is three new shoe models, two clipless and one flat. Each model will be available in four different colors – Black, Grey, Mocha, and Red – and uses unisex sizing with a range from 37-47 EU (5.5-13 US Men's / 6.5-14.5 US Women's). Half sizes will be offered from 41-46 and both clipless models will include two pairs of arch height inserts to customize fit.

“Fox has nailed it with the perfect stiffness and support,” Jackson Goldstone.

All of the Union shoes feature a one-piece, welded upper construction for a consistent, precise fit and protection against the elements. A molded toe cap and reinforced toe box further protect against rock strikes while the Ultratac™ outsole balances grip and durability. The Union and Union BOA® clipless models have a lightweight glass-filled nylon shank for an efficient pedal platform. The Union uses a low-profile Velcro strap and lace system to optimize fit and comfort. The Union BOA features the Dual BOA Li2 system to provide on-the-fly micro-adjustability and improved power transfer to the pedals through a secure and formed fit. The Union Flat uses laces and extra attention was given to the outsole design with custom hex-shaped lugs to deliver control on flat pedals, while the toe and heel lug spacing is suited for hike-a-bike sections.

From World Champions to everyday trailblazers, the new Union shoes deliver a real connection to the bike with grip, durability, and superb fit offered across all three versions to suit multiple ride styles and rider needs. Look for Greg Minnaar and Santa Cruz Syndicate team, Neko Mulally, Niels Bensink, Mark Scott and other Fox athletes to be riding Union shoes this year, while being geared up from head-to-toe with Fox equipment.

Union BOA - $249.95 USD

Highlights

Ultratack outsole balances grip and durability. Made with brotobutyl.
Lightweight glass filled nylon shank for an efficient pedaling platform.
"Power and Control" guide to help customers with cleat placement.

Molded heel counter for fit consistency and added durability.
Custom tuned EVA midsole balances cushioning, support and efficiency.
Dual BOA Li2 system provides on he move micro-adjustability and improved power transfer to the pedals.
High density tongue reduces pressure points and provides uniform fit.
Molded toe cap and reinforced toe for protection against rock strikes.
One-piece upper with welded construction provides a technical look and protection from the elements.

Union - $179.95 USD

Highlights

Ultratack outsole balances grip and durability. Made with brotobutyl.
Lightweight glass filled nylon shank for an efficient pedaling platform.
"Power and Control" guide to help customers with cleat placement.

Molded heel counter for fit consistency and added durability.
Custom tuned EVA midsole balances cushioning, support and efficiency.
Low-profile Velcro strap and lace system to optimize fit and comfort.
Molded toe cap and reinforced toe for protection against rock strikes.
One-piece upper with welded construction provides a technical look and protection from the elements.

Union Flat - $149.95 USD

Highlights

Ultratack outsole balances grip and durability. Made with brotobutyl.
Custom Hex shape lugs engage with flat pedal pins for control.
Toe and heel designed to help with grip while hiking.

Custom tuned EVA midsole balances cushioning, support and efficiency.
Molded heel counter for fit consistency and added durability.
Molded toe cap and reinforced toe for protection against rock strikes.
One-piece upper with welded construction provides a technical look and protection from the elements.