Trek’s phasing out of the Bontrager name in its shoe line is almost complete. What better way to put a point on it than to release three new road shoe models – two of which are top-of-the-line? That’s precisely what Trek did, just in time for the “Is winter still a thing?” part of the cycling year.
The new Trek footwear comes in a cascade of options. One is a classic design, similar to the Bontrager XXX shoe. Another is a new spin on the knit ‘sock-style’ shoe with an exceptional feel.
The last is a more budget-friendly but no less performance-focused classic model.
All three shoe models share the same last, METNET relief zones, and updated Trek BioDynamic Cycling Insoles.
The new Trek BioDynamic insoles replaced the Bontrager In-Form models and were developed in collaboration with Superfeet. The new insoles feature enhanced heel capture and shoe fit but no additional arch support like past Bontrager insoles. The most significant advancement of the new BioDynamic insoles is that they incorporate 70% recycled material.
What is METNET?
You’ll hear this term throughout this piece, so let’s cover it now. METNET is a slight punch in the shoe fabric that allows the shoe to adapt to the forefoot’s contours.
It is a very supportive material (I like the fit/feel) and allows the rider’s foot to ‘breathe’ without being constricted by a TPU upper.
The METNET feature helps with numbness and tingling when the shoe is in the break-in period (IMO). This sensation is something I detail with often riding different shoes, and the Trek models using METNET were very comfortable off the line.
Trek 2024 RSL Shoe Models
Developed in collaboration with the Lidl-Trek pro team, the new RSL line has a bit of the classical and the highly innovative. The line consists of the Trek RSL, the classic of the two, and the Trek RSL Knit, the wild card. Both use Treks 100% OCLV Carbon plate, Dual Li2 BOA dials and METNET relief zones.
Trek RSL Road Shoe
The new Trek RSL (classic) is an update on the Bontrager XXX model. The shoe has the same overall feel but is slightly more comfortable in the toebox and supportive using METNET. The updated last feels slightly wider than the previous models, but we await confirmation from Trek on that.
The BOA closure system had an update to Dual Li2 BOA dials. The toe portion has slightly more coverage with plastic and a nifty Trek logo.
The forefoot enclosure and opening are more extensive than its predecessor, allowing for a less constricted feel. The heel cup still employs the shark tooth anti-slip fabric with ample coverage to feel secure.
Trek RSL Details
- Traditional TPU upper
- METNET relief zones
- 100% OCLV Carbon plate (14 out of 14 stiffness)
- Dual Li2 BOA dials
- External heel cup with no-slip lining
- Trek Pro last for a performance fit
- Color: Black and white
- Sizing: Unisex sizing: 36-48
- Weight/Shoe: 222g (without insole)
- Price: US $449.99
Trek RSL Knit Road Shoe
The Trek RSL Knit is the wild card of the bunch. It’s similar to the Specialized S-Works Ares in that it uses more of a sock than a traditional shoe. Trek takes a knit approach to the outer, something they’ve been successful with the Bontrager Ballista Knit.
The fabric sock of the RSL Knit uses what Trek calls a ‘performance knit upper with METNET relief zones.’ It resembles a pair of slip-on running shoes with a compressive supportive material. The support straps snug down the shoe without cutting off movement.
The straps are strategically placed, using two BOA Li2 dials to secure the foot to the OCLV Carbon plate. The OCLV plate is the same as the exact one used in the RSL (classic above) but in a silver color.
The material covering the heel and the shoe’s straps is a soft suede-like fabric that looks nice against the knit material. The jury is out on how it will hold up against mud and winter riding conditions. But as of right now, the limited amount of dirt they’ve encountered has brushed right off.
Trek RSL Knit Details
- Engineered performance knit upper
- METNET relief zones
- 100% OCLV Carbon plate (14 out of 14 stiffness)
- Dual Li2 BOA dials
- Internal heel cup with no-slip lining
- Trek Pro last for a performance fit
- Rise by BLOOM Sockliner
- Official shoe of Lidl-Trek
- Colors: Black/gold and white/silver
- Sizes: Unisex sizing: 36-48; half sizes 38.5–45.5
- Weight/Pair: 226g (without insole)
- Price: US $499.99
Trek Velocis Road Shoe
The third shoe in the Trek Road trifecta is the updated Velocis road model. For Trek, the Velocis shoe is an entry-level road racing design. It packs a lot of performance into the mid-tier price tag.
For this new model, the price pumps up slightly; previously, models started at $185, and the new 2024 Velocis shoe entered at $250. So where is that price difference?
The shoe shares nearly everything as the Trek RSL shoes, except the 100% OCLV carbon plate and anti-slip heel cup. The Velocis arrives with a slightly more flexible composite plate with a 10 out of 14 stiffness.
The Velocis has the same METNET relief zones but a slightly different feel than the others in the new Trek line. This sensation comes from the lack of the anti-slip heel cup and the slightly different upper material. The fit, however, is just as lovely on my foot as the others above.
Trek Velocis Shoe Details
- Material: TPU synthetic upper
- METNET relief zones
- OCLV composite carbon plate (10 out of 14 stiffness)
- Dual Li2 BOA dials
- Inform last for a performance fit
- Color: Black, white, and red
- Sizing: Unisex sizing: 36-48; half sizes 38.5–45.5
- Weight/Shoe: 214g (without insole)
- Price: US $249.99
Availability
All new Trek shoe models are available online or at your local dealer. Stay tuned for a full review of all the models.
