Bont is synonymous with premium ultra-stiff, low-stack, and lightweight cycling shoes – both on- & off-road, but their upcoming Vaypor SL G gravel shoes are set to take it to another level. Not only will they be even a bit lighter than the current Vaypor G, they will be more breathable, more durable, and even appeal to a broader audience with simplified carbon sole construction & fit. Plus, if you don’t want to spend almost five hundred euros for a pair of fancy kicks, Bont’s Riot road & Riot G gravel shoes deliver the same stiffness and performance, stack heights lower than most other shoes on the market, and at a pricetag less than half the Vaypor family!
2026 Bont Vaypor SL G lightweight carbon gravel race shoes
Not too long ago, Bont launched an SL version of their original Vaypor S road shoe with lighter materials and a revised carbon sole that isn’t quite the wraparound ‘bathtub’ monocoque design of the original. The idea was, of course, to save weight first, but also to appeal to a wider pool of potential buyers who weren’t used to the way the carbon sole wrapped up the sides of the shoe and closed in more of your forefoot than conventional cycling shoes.
The SL sole offered a more familiar fit, like you might expect from other premium cycling shoes. But it still has the same industry-leading ultra-low 3.6mm stack height. And the premium Toray carbon sole still curves up a bit at the sides to deliver the same excellent stiffness and heat-moldable customizable fit.
And now, the original Vaypor G gravel version – that I tested several years ago – gets the same ultra-stiff, ultra-thin SL carbon sole update, just with MTB-style tread lugs and a much different upper.
The key new feature of the upcoming Bont Vaypor SL G is an all-new fabric upper. Bont picked the woven ripstop-style fabric for its added breathability and abrasion resistance much higher than the lightweight microfiber of the standard road and previous gravel Vaypors.
Plus, the new shoes of course feature the latest Boa Li2 dial retention for security, fit adjustability, and the lifetime Boa guarantee.
The upcoming Bont Vaypor SL G gravel race shoes are officially slated to go on sale in November, for the same $480 / 480€ price as the latest Vaypor SL road shoes. They will be available in this white colorway with Bont-first off-white highlights. Or a classic all-black model for anyone who expects to get their gravel shoes really dirty.
Bont Riot – more affordable carbon shoes for road or gravel
If you can’t stomach a $480 pair of shoes, Bont still has a couple of Riot options that deliver almost the same performance for half the price.
The Riots debuted up the road last year with a simple perforated synthetic upper and a couple of less expensive, single-direction Boa L6 dials. And this year, they get an ‘armored’ gravel version, too.
The newer Riot Gs mix synthetic microfiber and ripstop mesh for a more breathable and durable upper. They also add tougher armor strips around the outside of the shoe to reduce wear, on top of rubber toe & heel bumpers.
Both Bont Riot shoes feature carbon composite soles – more affordable carbon spec with fiberglass reinforcement. That means they are a bit heavier and a bit thicker than the Vaypors. But Bont says they are pretty much just as stiff. And with a 4.8mm stack height, they are still much thinner than many more expensive shoes.
In addition to the road’s replaceable heel tread, the newer Riot G gets replaceable main tread blocks (in 2 thicknesses for perfect pedal contact) and thread-in toe spike mounts.
Instead of almost five hundred bucks, $230 will get you either a pair of the Bont Riot road or Riot G gravel shoes. Road shoes come in black, white, shiny gold, or bright Gamma blue. And the gravel Riots come in just black.
Premium Bont x Cobra9 orthotic insoles, also available separately
In order to deliver top-level fit in their premium cycling shoes, Bont paired up with leading Australian cycling orthotics maker Cobra9 to create the perfect insoles to dial in your all-day fit, comfort, and pedaling efficiency. The result is a set of three variable-height dual-density EVA foam insoles with a carbon fiber core to maintain lightweight, low-stack, and consistent support.
Black insoles offer Low arch support for “cyclists with flat/low arches with significantly low foot flexibility (feet remain flat even when non weight bearing or when doing a calf raise)“. Red ones are Medium support for cyclists with “low arch feet that are flexible (the arch lifts when non weight bearing or during a calf raise). Also suitable for normal arch profile feet with normal foot flexibility.” And Blue offer High arch support for those with “high arch feet and medium arch feet that are flexible“.
The Cobra9 insoles come standard with all of Bont’s premium Vaypor line of shoes – in your choice of arch support height, or the more affordable Riot in a middle gray height. But you can also buy them now separately for 110€ to upgrade your existing shoes to a more supportive fit. Pick your arch height – low, medium, or high – then your size from EU 36-50, then from three available widths.
