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Australian brand Bont offers several models of high-end shoes with different features. Compared to the Vaypor S Li2 we tested recently, the Vaypor models have a simpler design, while being much lighter and emphasizing comfort. These shoes also adapt well to a wide range of foot shapes. A great find. By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr
Objectively speaking, the Bont Vaypor S Li2 are the most technically advanced shoes on the market, with their monocoque design, thermoformable carbon sole, very firm upper, and a lacing system that causes no pressure points. They are also very stiff shoes in every respect—perhaps the stiffest we’ve tested. 
In the same price range, the Australian brand offers two other models: the Vaypor, released in 2023, and the recently launched Vaypor SL. The latter feature the same lacing system as the Vaypor S Li2, but with the shape, materials, and construction of the Vaypor model we’re testing here. These two models do not feature a monocoque construction like the Vaypor S Li2 and use the same material for the upper—Durolite—without the addition of Kevlar. The cup-shaped carbon sole, however, remains the same, and it is still thermoformable, allowing you to customize the shape of the edges as needed for greater comfort.
For more details on this process—which can be repeated as many times as necessary—you can refer back to the article on the Vaypor S Li2 review.
The Vaypor and Vaypor SL both cost €449, whereas the Vaypor S is priced at €415. That’s a lot of money—a touch more than other high-end cycling shoes out there—but the asking price is justified by their incredible lightness and the presumed durability of the materials used. The Vaypor is offered in 19 sizes (36 to 50, with half sizes from 40 to 47), but in two widths (standard and wide), whereas the Vaypor S Li2 offers four. It’s also worth noting that the Vaypor is available in only two colors—white and black—with a fairly understated design. 
Bont runs small in length, so it’s best to refer to the size chart on the brand’s website. For my part, I opted for a size 40.5, compared to a size 39 from Specialized or Shimano, for example.
Very lightweight shoes Weighing 370 g per pair in size 40.5, the Bont Vaypor are very lightweight, weighing 70 g less than the Vaypor S on the scale. This is a feature that climbers and long-distance riders will appreciate—it’s noticeable as soon as you switch from one pair to the other.
The sole is made of Toray unidirectional carbon fibre that is completely rigid longitudinally and has minimal arch support, with edges that rise slightly on each side to stabilise the foot while pedalling. Unlike the Vaypor S, the Vaypor’s upper is not moulded to the sole; it is glued and sewn on instead. The midsole, which is also sewn directly onto the carbon sole, is woven and very thin, designed to soften the contact with the carbon slightly while maintaining a very short distance between the foot and the pedal. With the Bonts, you may need 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, which holds the lacing cables operated by Boa Li2 dials, is slightly stiffer and padded along its entire length. Inside the shoe there are no seams that come into contact with the foot, which greatly reduces the risk of pressure points. Only the edges of the tongue create some extra thickness on the top of the foot, but they are properly padded to ensure a comfortable fit.
The closure system is similar to that of the Nimbl Ultimate: the right and left sides of the upper simply pull together around the foot as you tighten the Boa dials. This setup has the advantage of allowing unlimited adjustment of the shoe, unlike the instep flap found on other models—such as the Vaypor S Li2, for example—which can come into contact with the tightening dial.
The thin, lightweight upper features numerous small ventilation holes, which contribute to the feeling of lightness when wearing the shoes. The outsole, on the other hand, is completely closed, even at the front where the rubber toe cap is located. The carbon sole features the same numerous adjustment marks for cleats as the Vaypor S. As for cleat positioning, it is made easier by an extended length of the screw window, which offers a very wide range of adjustment to suit all pedaling styles.
Top-of-the-line comfort
The toe box is slightly less rounded than on other Bont shoes, and the overall look is far more mainstream. The Vaypor comes in just two widths (though that’s often one more than many rival models), yet the flexibility of the Durolite upper lets it adapt to a broad range of foot shapes.
The material is nonetheless resistant to stretching, and once laced up, the foot is firmly secured against the sole and perfectly stable while pedaling. However, the forefoot area remains almost as flexible as a sock, letting the toes move freely, which is obviously a comfort boon. When the two Boa dials are tightened very firmly, the upper forms a few creases, but they never interfere with contact against the top of the foot. 
The rear section is less stiff than on the Vaypor S, with a much more flexible ankle collar above the carbon sole. However, once tightened, it snugly wraps around the heel, preventing the foot from slipping inside the shoe. 
On the Road with the Bont Vaypor
In addition to their comfort, the Vaypor stands out for its light weight, highly effective ventilation, and the feeling of freedom it provides for the foot. The heel is well-spaced, which promotes ankle movement while pedaling. Finally, I particularly appreciate the low arch of the sole, which I find makes it easier to wrap the foot around the pedal as you pass through the top and bottom dead centers of the pedal stroke.
The fit is very secure, and the foot stays firmly connected to the sole. But the upper’s significant flexibility doesn’t restrict it, allowing the foot to twist fairly freely. When you stand on the pedals to ride out of the saddle, the movement feels very natural. In fact, I’ve noticed that I need less angular freedom at the cleat than with the Vaypor S, which clearly shows that minor imperfections in pedaling must be corrected somewhere. And with the Vaypor, the upper takes care of that.
I’ve never felt the slightest discomfort when tightening them, 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 lacing cables. Combined with the upper’s flexibility, this feature avoids the burning sensation in the foot in hot weather caused by restricted circulation on top of the foot, or even numb toes when it’s cold.
Finally, in terms of maintenance, the Durolite is easy to clean, and it’s possible to keep the pristine white color of our test shoes for a long time. This is a major plus for a top-of-the-line model, priced at €449, and designed to last several seasons.
The Bont Vaypor shoes are just as durable but even more comfortable than the Vaypor S, and they offer a bit more freedom for those who prefer a looser fit on the pedal. Their understated design and durability are also significant advantages.
The BONT VAYPOR at a glance… Pros: weight, ventilation, sole stiffness, exceptional comfort, build quality, durability, thermoformable |
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