Home > Reviews

First Look: Vaude TVL Sykkel Bike Shoes are Modern ATB Classics

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe Front on gravel
6 Comments
Support us! Bikerumor may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

A while back I was scrolling through my pal Erick Cadeno’s Instagram page – which is great inspiration to travel by bike more. While doing so, I noticed these shoes that I’d never seen before. They looked like a comfy and handsome pair of shoes. I was intrigued, so I asked Erick about them. He gave them high marks and told me that they were the TVL Sykkel Bike Shoes, by Vaude Sports.

I’d never heard of Vaude before, but I figured that if they were good enough for a 1900+ mile bike tour, like Erick’s Truth and Dignity tour, then they would be great for me. I decided to take a look, follow his advice, and acquired a pair for review.

I have to tell you, after the first few rides with them, I’m impressed.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe top view

I’ve been riding with flat pedals for a few years now after riding clipless for 25+, but I have recently switched back. The choice to come back to riding with clipless pedals came when planning the Masi Incanto Dream Build I just recently wrote about. The building of that bike made me want to go back to riding clipless.

So, it was time to try a new cycling shoe to use while riding my mountain bike.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoes

When searching for new shoes, the TVL Syskkel shoes had to fit a few criteria.

  • I wanted the shoe to use laces. Check.
  • The shoe needed to be good for both on and off the bike… like for hike-a-bike sections. Check.
  • They had to be durable. TBD.
  • I wanted a medium-stiff sole. Check.
  • The shoe needed to have a wide-ish toe box. Check.

The TVLs seem to be fitting the bill so far. I just got them, so the jury is still out on durability.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe off the bike
The TVL Sykkel shoe’s wide toe box.

Outta the Box

When the shoes arrived, they looked really good. The TVL Sykkel shoes come in either black or bison colors. I chose the “bison” color. It’s kind of an “ox blood” color, kinda like a brownish-red… ish. They are really nice looking in person.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe new outta the box
Brand new outta the box.

Upon first inspection, the quality looked good, with a fine fit and finish. I ordered the shoes in a size 46, and when I initially tried them on, they felt ever-so-slightly on the big side. But after cinching the laces (I love the infinite adjustability that you get with laced cycling shoes), they ended up fitting pretty true to size.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe new with out clips

These shoes are SPD-compatible and come with an easily removable, rubber pad that can actually be replaced later if you decide to run the shoes without the cleats. They also have a decently aggressive sole. Vaude calls it a “high-traction” outsole.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe side gravel

I’m making a guess that the durability will be fine. The well-constructed upper is made from hydrophobic nubuck Terracare leather that Vaude claims is “certified leather” that is sustainably manufactured in Germany.

You can actually check here for more information on how Vaude Sports uses Trustrace to give you details on, not only how the TVL Sykkel Shoes, but how all of their products are responsibly made.

Adding to the durability of the shoe, there are toe and heel caps to protect from scuffs and scrapes. The mesh tongue and ventilation holes will hopefully keep my foot nice and comfortable while riding… or walking for that matter. The pull tab on the “lace keeper” is a welcome addition, and really easy to use.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe with clips
Pre first-ride photo

The TVL Sykkel shoe uses a SUPtraction R20 outsole that we will touch on more in the actual review of the shoes. But for now, know that the sole is medium-stiff, making it really easy to walk while still providing enough stiffness to deliver the power to the pedal.

Vaude TVL Sykkel Shoe on the go

That’s it for now, I’m excited to continue to ride with these and get more familiar with them. They seem like they’re going to be a great pair of cycling shoes.

Keep an eye out here for the full review.

Vaude.Com

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Aaron
Aaron
1 year ago

Where did you order these from?

Dano
Dano
1 year ago

Hi Ron, what is the width of the insole at the widest point on your size 46’s?

sirbikealot
1 year ago

these are actually great, look like they’re right out of the dolomites, sweet!

mud
mud
1 year ago

Price?

mud
mud
1 year ago
Reply to  mud

The website says 179 euros. Is there a US distributor? Cmon Ron!

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Sign up to receive BikeRumor content direct to your inbox.