Mt. Tallac literally stands head and shoulders above the rest in Lake Tahoe. It’s the tallest peak that rises straight up from the shoreline — and you can spot it from just about anywhere in the basin. So when we picked up the Ride Concepts Tallac shoe, the first question that came up: Is it named after that legendary peak for a reason? In one word — yes. This shoe is what we’ve found to be the pinnacle of flat pedal MTB footwear. But like any top-tier gear, it’s not perfect. Here’s our full take — the good, the great, and the not so great — in our review of the Ride Concepts Tallac MTB shoe.
The Verdict
While the Ride Concepts Tallac shoes land on the higher end of the MTB shoe price range, the old saying holds true: “You get what you pay for.” And with these, it couldn’t be more accurate. The grip is unmatched — sticky on the pedals and almost like flypaper on slippery hike-a-bike sections (more on that below). No matter where you are on the trail, you’ll feel confident and locked in. Add in solid toe and heel protection, plus a breathable upper that keeps your feet from overheating, and it’s the best MTB shoes I’ve ever laced up.
Ride Concepts Tallac Specs
- MAX GRIP Rubber Outsole – RC’s softest, grippiest compound
- Lightweight bonded upper featuring Cordura® mesh
- Custom Molded Toe and Heel Protection
- Price: $170 ($200 w/ BOA)
- Buy from EVO, Backcountry.com
Did Ride Concepts Sell Their Soul to a Crossroads Demon?
There are plenty of MTB shoes that perform well on the flat pedals — from the iconic Five Tens to budget-friendly options like the Livewires. But there’s one thing most of them overlook: hike-a-bike performance.
No matter how skilled you are, there are moments when you’re forced off the bike — and it always seems to happen in the gnarliest, slipperiest sections. Think granite boulders coated in fine, dusty grit that feels like marbles underfoot. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve slipped in those exact situations.
But with the Tallacs? I don’t know if Ride Concepts made a deal with a mountain biking crossroads demon or what, but the grip is insane. No matter the terrain, they’ve stuck like glue — and I’m genuinely blown away.
What I Love About Them
From the moment you slide your foot in and lace up the Tallacs, it feels like strapping into a jet fighter cockpit — secure, dialed, and ready for action.
Stepping onto my OneUp Components pedals, the sole locked in like sliding into a pair of stirrups on a wild bronco ready for anything. Even on those rare moments where I got bucked forward or backward from a mis-pedal or rock strike, the grip held strong until I could reset. It’s impressive how planted they feel, even when things go sideways.
Secret Sauce for Grip
Flip the shoe over and the secret starts to reveal itself. The outsole features a hexagonal tread pattern — grippy on the bike, sure, but there’s more. In the center is the signature Ride Concepts waffle pattern for pedal contact. At the toe and heel, you’ll find a reverse hex relief that boosts traction on hike-a-bike sections. It’s a thoughtful design that works just as well off the bike as it does on it.
Then there’s the upper. While my riding buddies were dunking their feet in alpine lakes to cool off, I was totally comfortable. Even under the blazing sun, my feet never felt like they were overheating — the breathability is on point.
Steel-like Protection
Now, after logging hundreds of miles in these shoes, I’ve started hitting obstacles that would’ve crushed my toes in other footwear. The Tallacs have the battle scars to prove it. While they don’t have reinforced steel in the toe or heel, it sure feels like it — the protection is seriously solid.
What I Don’t Like
When it comes to flat pedal MTB shoes, it’s all about form over function. And honestly, I struggled to find anything I didn’t like about the Ride Concepts Tallac from a performance standpoint.
That said, if we’re talking pure looks, I still prefer the style of the Ride Concepts Livewire. The Tallac doesn’t have that skate-inspired vibe. Instead, its rugged Cordura upper, sturdy heel pull tab, and funky tread-covered toe give it a more purpose-built feel — less like a casual shoe for dirt, and more like one that hit the gym to become a trail-ready hiking boot that shreds.
And over time? The style’s grown on me.
Should You Buy It?
Sure, the price tag is on the steeper side, but just like Mt. Tallac towers above Tahoe’s shoreline, this shoe stands at the top of the flat pedal game. If you’ve got the budget, the Tallac is absolutely worth it. You won’t regret it.
