Test Bont Vaypor shoes

Australian brand Bont offers several models of high-end shoes with different characteristics. Alongside the Vaypor S Li2 That we have testRecently, the Vaypor appears to be simpler in design, while being much lighter and with an emphasis on comfort. They are also shoes that adapt to many foot shapes. A great discovery.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

Objectively, the Bont Vaypor S Li2 are the most technically advanced shoes on the market, with their monocoque design, their thermoformable carbon sole, a very firm upper and a tightening system that does not cause any pressure points. They are also very rigid shoes, in every way, if not the most rigid we have testes.

At the same level of range, we find two other models from the Australian brand, with the Vaypor, released in 2023, and the Vaypor SL launched recently. The latter use the same clamping system as the Vaypor S Li2, but with the shape, materials and construction of the Vaypor that we testons here. These two models do not benefit from a monocoque construction like the Vaypor S Li2, and use the same material for the upper without the addition of kevlar: DuroliteThe cup-shaped carbon sole remains the same, however, and it is still thermoformable, to customize the shape of the edges if necessary, for greater comfort.

For more details on this operation, which can be repeated as many times as necessary, you can reread the article on le test Vaypor S Li2.

The price of both Vaypor and Vaypor SL reaches €449, compared to €415 for the Vaypor S. A high price and very slightly higher than all the high-end shoes on the market, but which can be justified by their incredible lightness, and the supposed durability of the materials used. The Vaypor are available in 19 sizes (from 36 to 50, with half-sizes from 40 to 47), but in two widths (standard and wide), while the Vaypor S Li2 offer four. It should also be noted that the Vaypor are only available in two colors, white and black, with a rather discreet livery.

Bont runs small in length, and it is better to refer to the size chart on the brand's website. For my part, I opted for 40,5 against a 39 at Specialized or Shimano for example.

Very light shoes

Weighing 370g per pair in size 40,5, the Bont Vaypor are very light, and weigh 70g less than the Vaypor S on the scale. A quality that climbers or long-distance enthusiasts will appreciate, noticeable as soon as you switch from one pair to another.

The shoe rests on a sole with Toray unidirectional carbon fibers that is completely inflexible longitudinally and has little camber, the edges of which rise slightly on each side to stabilize the foot when pedaling.. Unlike the Vaypor S, the upper of the Vaypor is not molded with the sole, but glued and sewn onto the carbon. The midsole, also sewn directly onto the carbon sole, is woven and very thin, so as to soften the contact with the carbon a little, while allowing a very small distance between the foot and the pedal to be maintained. With the Bont, you may be forced to lower the saddle slightly compared to other shoes on the market, to maintain the same saddle height.

The upper is thin and flexible from the midfoot to the toes, and lightly padded from the instep to the heel.. The tongue, on which the tightening cables operated by Boa Li2 dials rest, is slightly stiffer and padded along its entire length. Inside the shoe, there are no seams likely to come into contact with the foot, which greatly limits the risk of pressure points. Only the edges of the tongue cause extra thickness on the top of the foot, but they are properly padded so that the support remains comfortable.

The design of the closure is similar to that of the Nimbl Ultimate : the right and left parts of the upper simply come closer to each other around the foot by applying the tightening. A system that has the advantagetagand not to present any limit as to the adjustment of the shoe, unlike the flap on the instep found on other models, such as on the Vaypor S Li2 for example, which can come up against the tightening wheel.

The thin and light upper is pierced with numerous small holes for ventilation, which contributes to the feeling of lightness experienced when wearing the shoes.. The outsole is however completely closed, even at the front at the location of the rubber toe protection. The carbon sole benefits from the same numerous adjustment marks for the cleats as the Vaypor S. As for the positioning of the cleats, it is facilitated by an increase in the length of the window for the screws, which offers a very wide adjustment range to suit all pedaling styles.

Premium comfort

The shape of the front of the shoe is a little less rounded than other Bont shoes, and the aesthetic is much more consensual. The Vaypor is not offered whether two widths (but which is often one more than many other competing models), but the flexibility of the Durolite upper allows it to adapt to many foot shapes.

The material is still resistant to stretching, and once the tightening is applied, the foot is firmly pressed against the sole and perfectly stable when pedaling. But the front part at the toe level remains barely less flexible than a sock, which allows the end of the foot to move quite freely, which is an obvious source of comfort. By tightening the two Boa dials very tightly, the upper forms some folds, but they are never annoying in terms of contact with the top of the foot..

The rear part is less stiff than on the Vaypor S, with a much more flexible ankle collar above the carbon sole. However, when tightening, it comes to grip the heel well, thus preventing the foot from slipping inside the shoe.

The insole is pretty basic, with little arch support. However, it is heat-moldable after being baked at 70°C for 20 minutes, like the rest of the shoe. For those looking for more arch support, Bont offers insoles designed by the Australian brand Cobra 9, which are stiffer and have three levels of support. They sell for €99.

On route with the Bont Vaypor

In addition to their comfort, the Vaypor are distinguished by their light weight, highly efficient ventilation and the feeling of freedom they provide at foot level. The heel is well cleared, which promotes ankle movements when pedaling. Finally, I particularly appreciate the low arch of the sole which, in my opinion, allows the foot to be wrapped more easily around the pedal when passing the top and bottom dead centers of pedaling.

The tightening is very effective and the foot remains connected to the sole. But the significant flexibility of the upper does not restrict it, allowing it to evolve quite freely in torsion. When you stand up on the pedals to get into a dancing position, the movement is very natural. Moreover, I notice that I need less angular freedom at the cleat level than with the Vaypor S, which clearly shows that the small imperfections of pedaling must be corrected somewhere. And with the Vaypor, it is the upper that takes care of it.

I never felt any discomfort when tightening, even when turning the Boa dials all the way. There are no pressure points inside the shoes and the tongue perfectly protects the foot from the tightening cables. Combined with the flexibility of the upper, this feature helps prevent the sensation of burning in the foot in the heat by blocking circulation on the top of the foot, or even frostbite when it is cold.

Finally, in terms of maintenance, Durolite is easy to clean and it is possible to keep the immaculate white of our shoes for a long time. test. A very good point for a very high-end model, sold for €449, and intended to last several seasons.

The Bont Vaypor are therefore equally durable but even more comfortable shoes than the Vaypor S, and they offer a little more freedom for those who like to have their foot less locked on the pedal. Their sobriety and durability are also significant assets..

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