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Bontrager's new inForm Pro last offers what is far and away the best fit of any shoe the company has produced to date. It could still use just a bit of tweaking around the ankle but the most part, this is a superb shoe.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The ratcheting buckle sports a metal lever and half-step adjustments for fine tuning.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
We noticed a bit of wrinkling in the upper between the main and middle straps when everything is ratcheted down. (Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The upper materials are both stretch-free and impressively supple for a comfortable fit.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Graduated markings on the underside of the three-bolt sole help with cleat positioning.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Silver Series carbon plate on the RL Road shoe is actually considered second-tier in Bontrager's range but it's unlikely many riders will notice any difference.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Bontrager doesn't offset the middle and forward straps on the RL Road shoes but the well padded tongue prevents uncomfortable pressure points.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
It's not uncommon for cycling shoes to be tight through the midsection before flaring out around the toes but the shape is exaggerated even slightly more on the Bontrager inForm Pro last.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
There's a lot of very open mesh used on the Bontrager RL Road shoes and not surprisingly, ventilation is excellent as a result.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The heel tread is easily replaceable.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The heel construction is straightforward and does without any fancy add-ons but it's shaped well and holds tightly.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Likewise, there's a bit more wrinkling around the inside of the arch. Thankfully, both sets of wrinkles are only cosmetic but nonetheless, we'd prefer not to see them.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Bontrager shoes continue their upward trajectory with the latest RL Road model and its outstanding inForm Pro last. The fit and feel are excellent, the styling is keenly high-end, and the feature set would be satisfying even at a much higher cost. Spend more if you like but there's certainly not much need.
The new inForm Pro last is the heart and soul of the Bontrager RL Road shoes. The heel cup construction is basic but well shaped so it holds on tightly, the upper is appropriately snug and mostly form-fitting (more on this later) around the ankle and through the rather dramatically tapered mid-section, and the forefoot flares out to provide breathing room for your toes. Bontrager has also integrated a modest amount of arch support into the reassuringly rigid, full-length carbon outsole.
In total, it makes for an impressively foot-hugging feel and it's easily Bontrager's best shoe fit to date by far, all without the aid of fancy gimmicks or add-ons.
Adding to the shoes' appeal are their light weight (just 488g for our size 43 test pair), the half-step ratcheting buckle, and the ample ventilation with notably open mesh panels generously scattered throughout. Our feet got downright cold even at a modest 10°C (50°F) unless we added thicker socks or shoe covers.
Naturally, there are a few omissions that allow Bontrager to hit that US$179.99/£129.99 price point: the main strap isn't adjustable for length, there's no metal clip snugging around the back of your ankle like on the higher-end RXL model (though we'd argue it isn't necessary, either), and the insole does without Bontrager's fancy heat moldable feature (though we've tried it and aren't entirely convinced, anyway). Aside from that, there's little missing.
Bontrager is rapidly closing in on the target but we still noticed a couple of minor issues that we hope will be resolved with later production runs. The upper wrinkles a bit in between the main and middle straps when things are ratcheted down tight and we also noticed more wrinkles around the inside of the arch.
Thankfully, both issues are only cosmetic and unnoticeable while riding, leaving only an excellent overall fit and a solid value behind.
Price: US$179.99/£129.99 Weight: 488g (pair, size 43, with insoles) Available sizes: 39-48 (40-46, half sizes) (whole sizes only for UK market) Available colors: black, white Pros: Great fit overall, light weight, reasonably priced, high-end styling, excellent ventilation, stiff outsole Cons: Whole sizes only for UK, fit could still use a bit of refinement around the ankle, so-so insole Cyclingnews verdict: 4 1/2 stars More information:www.bontrager.com
