Ride Concept Men’s Hellion Elite BOA

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

A recent refresh to Ride Concepts’ MTB shoe lineup, the Men’s Hellion Elite BOA® is designed for all-mountain, enduro, and gravity-fueled MTB adventures. The updated Hellion line features three models—one with laces and two with the BOA® Fit System. The shoes I reviewed are the Hellion Elites, which feature a dual dial BOA® Fit System, Cordura® upper for durability and abrasion resistance, a D3O® High Impact Zone Technology insole to absorb impacts, an EVA midsole for support and shock absorption, and a MaxGrip rubber outsole designed for flat pedal traction. I’ve used the previous generation of laced Ride Concepts Hellion flat pedal MTB shoes for over five years, so I was eager to see what this latest iteration brought to the table—err, trail.

The standout feature of this shoe is the BOA® Fit System, which utilizes two Li2 dials (with low-friction TX4 cords) to control how tightly the PerformFit™ Wrap conforms to your foot. The wrap features four “straps” and integrated D3O® pads for top-of-foot protection. Both dials are protected from impacts by a custom-molded ridge.

Other notable features include a fully gusseted tongue that provides a snug fit and prevents it from shifting to the side—a notable pet peeve of mine. The inner side of the shoe also has extra height around the ankle bone to protect against frame or crank hits. The molded toe cap is made from a stiff material to protect your toes from stray rocks or roots. Lastly, an anti-bacterial mesh lining helps control odors.

Detailed Review

When you slide your feet into the shoes and tighten the BOA® Fit System, no pressure points form—which is a huge bonus for me. My other MTB shoes all feature standard laces, and I have to be careful not to over-tighten them. With the Hellion Elites, it’s simple: put your feet in and twist the dials. The front dial controls the first three straps, while the rear dial tightens the final “finger” strap nearest the ankle joint. A few twists, and you’re ready to get shreddy. Like other BOA® dials, the lacing system can be released by pulling the dials outward slightly. You can also reduce tension by twisting the dials in the opposite direction—handy if your feet swell during a ride.  The heel area holds the foot securely and prevents heel lift, enhancing the overall locked-in feel.

The soles are what I’d call “medium stiff”—they transfer power to the pedals efficiently, but still have enough flex and grip to walk comfortably during inevitable hike-a-bike sections. On one ride, I crossed a creek multiple times with noticeable splashing, and my feet stayed completely dry—a testament to how well the PerformFit™ Wrap conforms to the foot and forms a barrier.  The shoes do breathe, but they are not super airy due to their rugged trail-oriented design. I did not have any issues with my feet getting too hot.

The MaxGrip rubber outsole continues Ride Concepts’ tradition of excellent pedal grip. My feet stayed locked in during jumps, bumps, and rough terrain—I never had a foot slip off during any of my rides.

The shoes did take a few rides to break in. I normally wear a size 10.5 US, and initially, the toe box felt a bit tight. That went away as the upper conformed to my foot. I have standard-width feet, so wider-footed riders should take note.  Personally, I’ll size up by half a size for my next pair.

Closing Thoughts

Over the few dozen rides I’ve put on Ride Concepts’ Hellion Elite BOA shoes, I’ve been impressed by the fit and comfort provided by the BOA® Fit System. My feet felt securely locked into the shoes and, by extension, into the pedals thanks to the sticky MaxGrip rubber outsole. Protection from trail impacts is top-tier, with a strong toe cap, inside ankle padding, and the D3O® insole. Fit-wise, these run a bit smaller than my previous Ride Concepts MTB shoes, so I recommend sizing up by a half-size—or better yet, trying them on in person. Ride Concepts took their already solid flat pedal shoes and made them even better with added comfort and features. These will be my go-to MTB shoes from now on, no matter the trail.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.