Test Bont Vaypor S Li2 shoes

With many size options (in length and width) and the possibility of applying thermoforming to eliminate possible pressure points, the Bont Vaypor S is an extremely rigid shoe while providing a very good level of comfort. The materials used and the level of finishing also suggest very good durability. Test of a pair of shoes dedicated to performance, technically very advanced.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

In the field of cycling, and much more than just a piece of clothing, shoes are considered as important equipment as the bike itself. A direct link between the cyclist and the pedals, the support and comfort of the shoes have a direct impact on the ability to continue the effort over long distances in good conditions.. As for rigidity, it limits losses of efficiency by preventing part of the power developed by the cyclist from evaporating with each pedal stroke. This is a phenomenon that is not very noticeable during a regular effort at constant power, but much more marked during each restart or acceleration.

With their extreme rigidity, the Bont Vaypor S are clearly dedicated to performance. They are used by some professional riders and track cyclists, including Benjamin Thomas, winner of a Giro stage and 2024 Olympic omnium champion. The handmade soles made of unidirectional carbon fibers are obviously not the only rigid soles on the market, since there are competing shoe models in the same price range that are just as inflexible. However, the sensation is even more pronounced here because the sole is cup-shaped and rises up the sides – not just at the heel – with the addition of an upper that is also made of a very firm material. The monocoque sole has markers for the placement of cleats (with three holes), and there is a rigid rubber protection at the forefoot to limit the consequences of contact with the front wheel. A small heel pad (replaceable) is present at the back of the sole to prevent slipping while walking, or damaging the bottom of the shoes.

Bont shoes in general are distinguished by a very rounded shape on the front, which actually reproduces the true shape of the foot.. Inside these shoes, the toes can spread out perfectly and take their natural place, so as to promote comfort and full power when pedaling.

A wide choice of sizes

The Bont Vaypor S are available in 19 sizes (!), from 36 to 50 with half sizes, and in four widths (narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide). But be careful, Bont is smaller than most models on the market, and the right choice is made froma very detailed table on the Australian brand's website. It is necessary to measure the length and width of both feet to find your way around. For my part, I had to opt for 40,5 (as with the Nimbl Ultimate), for a 39 at Shimano ou Specialized for example.

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The upper is made of Durolite synthetic material, which is quite stiff to handle but very easy to clean, supported by an exclusive material that is as resistant as Kevlar, according to the brand. Features that allow the Bont Vaypor S to retain their holding qualities even under conditions of high humidity (in the rain or during an intense home trainer session), and to stand the test of time very well, whether in terms of deformation or in terms of aesthetics. The sides of the upper are distinguished by golf ball-type patterns, a process initiated by Zipp on some of its rims to improve aerodynamics. It is not known if it is really effective here, but it presents the advantagetagand to harmoniously dress the shoe from our point of view.

Above the toes, the upper is pierced with a few holes for ventilation., as well as the tongue and the upper part of the upper just below the tightening flap. Four small vents are also present at the level of the toe protection.

Tightening is carried out by two easy-to-handle Boa Li2 knobs, with notch-by-notch tightening and loosening, and a total release of the system by pulling on the dial. The Boa are also guaranteed for life. On the top of the upper, there is a padded tongue, on which the Boa wire closes on the middle and front of the foot, while the tightening at the instep is ensured by a wide panel which perfectly distributes the support without creating a pressure point.

At the ankle necklines, a little less open than the Nimbl, a small layer of memory foam is placed to provide additional comfort and avoid injuries due to too stiff heel contact.

A trip to the oven, really?

The curved sides of the cup formed by the sole can possibly cause discomfort if your feet rest on this part, but The shoes are thermoformable to reduce pressure points. A process that may seem a little scary at first, but it turns out to be relatively simple. You have to put the shoes in a kitchen oven for 20 minutes at 70°C, then take them out before putting them on and tightening them normally, so that the thermoformable elements adapt as they cool and harden to the small irregularities in the shape of your feet. You can also modify the adjustment of sensitive areas using a sleeve or any tool to act on possible pressure points. You can repeat the process as many times as you want, but in reality the deformation can only be done on one or two millimeters, which confirms the need to choose the size and width of the shoes carefully from the start.

The EVA insoles are also heat-moldable, although they initially appear relatively basic, with fairly neutral arch support. Bont sent me two pairs of optional insoles, designed in collaboration with another Australian specialist brand in the field, Cobra9. Designed to fit specifically to the unique shape of Bont shoes, these insoles are made from a carbon body and lined with a thin EVA foam. They provide extra support and hold in shoes, provided you choose the right arch height. They come in three colours, for three types of height: black for flat feet or low arches, red for intermediate support, and blue for maximum support. A quality product but sold at a high price of €99,95. At this price, it may be more useful to turn to insoles designed by an orthopaedist, if it is really necessary.

For my part, I use this last type of insoles, and I have a little more pronounced support on the left foot, with therefore a slightly higher insole. I therefore felt slightly more cramped on this side in the Bont Vaypor S, and I decided to go through the thermoforming stage, only for the left shoe. As explained above, you should not expect to radically modify the size and width of the shoes after this operation, but For me, this was enough to slightly separate the edges of the carbon sole in the shape of a bowl, and to find sensations comparable to the right foot..

A total connection with the bike

On route, The rigidity demonstrated by the Bont Vaypor S is truly impressive, whether seated or dancing.. The feeling of connection with the bike is total. The low sole height promotes the stability of the foot on the pedal, and the shoes are not very arched, with a heel height only two millimeters higher than that of the Nimbl. This rigidity is not only to the credit of the carbon sole. Its cup shape, but also the stiffness of the upper, provide absolute support, greatly limiting all movements of the foot inside the shoe. The heel is very firmly supported, but without causing the slightest discomfort when pedaling.

In terms of comfort, the Vaypor S also stands out, because this very strong support is not accompanied by pressure points on the top of the foot. The material used for the upper is very stiff, but no seams or other forms of assembly come into contact with the foot. Only the tongue is sewn, but it is much more flexible and soft to the touch, in addition to being slightly padded. When applied with a strong tightening on a thin foot, it forms unsightly folds, but which turn out to be totally transparent in terms of feeling.

Combined with custom soles, Bont Vaypor S does not cause overheating or a feeling of frostbite depending on the outside temperature, because they promote very well-distributed support across the entire foot. The ventilation system is not exceptional in itself, but it is sufficient in temperatures of 30°C. And on the other hand, in pouring rain, the holes on the upper and at the front of the shoe are enough to evacuate water. Once soaked, the Vaypor S retain a little more moisture than some competing models, but the fineness of the materials prevents too much weight gain. And above all, even when wet, they continue to support the foot perfectly.

The fact remains that the rigidity and stability provided by the Vaypor S are not necessarily suitable for everyone., it is necessary to be aware of this. Some foot shapes will not necessarily be very comfortable in Bont, and in this case it will be advisable to communicate well with the brand to choose the right size and width, or even the right model. In the case of certain defects in the way of pedaling, irregularities in the shape of the feet or ankle movements, shoes with too much support can also cause discomfort when pedaling.

Finally, The Bont Vaypor S are very high-end shoes, designed with great precision and rare technicality.. I just regret the folds formed by the tab when tightened to the maximum, but the inconvenience is only aesthetic. The Vaypor S are high-performance shoes, but also comfortable when you appreciate a total connection with the pedals.. Sold at a price of €415, they are expensive, but comparable in price to all the high-end shoes on the market.

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