We’ve been rocking a pair of Ride Concepts Livewire shoes since 2018, and they’ve been our go-to for flat pedals. Budget-friendly at $110, they kept us locked in and shrugged off abuse like champs. But after hundreds of days of mountain biking, it was finally time to send ‘em out to pasture. Naturally, I figured I’d just grab another pair—easy choice, right? But here’s the twist: now there are two versions of the Ride Concepts Livewire. So the real question became… which one should you get?
The Verdict
For the price, you really can’t go wrong with either version of the Ride Concepts Livewire. That said, the redesigned model takes everything we loved about the original and levels it up—better fit, improved debris deflection, and just an all-around more refined feel.
Bottom line: if you’ve got the budget, go for the Tallac (men’s) or Flume (women’s). But if not, the Livewire is still a rock-solid choice you won’t regret.
Ride Concepts Livewire Specs
- MAX GRIP Rubber Outsole – RC’s softest, grippiest compound
- Durable Synthetic Upper with Anti-Abrasion Mesh for Breathability
- Custom Molded Toe and Heel Protection
- Price: $110
- Buy from EVO, Backcountry.com
The “OG” – 2018 Livewire
What first attracted me to the original Livewire was its clean, simple design. This might be dating me, but it reminded me of a pair of skate shoes I rocked back in junior high—the Airwalk One, the model known as “The Random.” I loved the look, and more importantly, how grippy the soles were on my skateboard. The original Livewire had that same vibe—rock solid, dependable, and in my opinion, one of the best bang-for-your-buck options in the budget MTB shoe category. And let’s be honest… they looked way better than the original Five Ten Freeriders.
Upgrade was Needed
Like the original Air Jordan—beautiful in its simplicity—there was still room for improvement when it came to function. On those dry, dusty days, I wasn’t a fan of how the low profile let trail debris sneak in way too easily. The outer material also felt a bit too stiff.
And then there was the shape. The old Livewires had a boxy fit that never quite locked in right. I’d tighten them up to feel more secure, but that just ended up cutting off circulation to my feet—not exactly ideal when you’re out for hours on the trail.
The New-ness – 2024 Livewire
From the moment I pulled them out of the box, I could tell—the new Ride Concepts Livewire had seriously leveled up. From the packaging to the overall look, it was clear they listened and fixed a lot of what held the original back. While no shoe is perfect, this one gets really close. For the price, it’s an awesome pick and hands-down one of the best budget-friendly MTB shoes out there and a huge step forward from the OG version.
What I Love About Them
Speaking of upgrades—the moment I slipped these on and laced up, I was sold. The fit and feel were instantly better. Maybe it’s the puffy collar around the ankle or just the overall design, but my foot felt locked in with zero slop. And out on the trail? That annoying debris issue from the old version was pretty much gone.
The toe still has that rugged, reinforced protection—kind of like a lightweight construction boot—but now the canvas-like upper is way more breathable. And the best part? After the ride, the new rubber sole and cushy insole make them super comfortable for heading straight from the trail to the bar. No need to switch shoes—just ride, chill, repeat.
What I Don’t Like
Alright, time for a little vent… The outdoor gear world seems stuck in a rut with color choices—black, brown, military green. It’s frustrating, and honestly, the Ride Concepts Livewire color options are pretty drab. We’d love to see a bit more options preferably something bright like the OG’s orange.
Now, while the updated fit is a big improvement, it also comes what seems to be a narrower tread pattern on the sole compared to the original. When we paired them with OneUp Components pedals, it didn’t feel quite as locked in. On mellow terrain or climbs, they felt solid. But when we mistimed a jump or our technique got a little sloppy, we noticed our feet floating a bit more than we’d like.
That said, it’s not a dealbreaker. Friends who tried the new Livewires on different pedal setups didn’t have this issue at all—in fact, some thought the new sole was a major upgrade over the original.
Ride Concepts Has Upped Their Game
I still remember spotting Ride Concepts for the first time back in fall 2018. At the time, they didn’t even offer half sizes—the lineup was that new. Fast forward to today, and it’s awesome to see how far they’ve come. The brand keeps learning, improving, and building on what riders actually want.
Whether you’re looking for a solid budget-friendly option like the Livewire, stepping up to the mid-tier Tallac, or going even higher, you really can’t go wrong with any model in their lineup.
