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Positioned as a major evolution of one of the Australian brand’s most accessible platforms, the latest Riot models aim to make Bont’s performance DNA more widely available. With a new construction, a modernized fit, and a redesigned carbon composite sole: on paper, this 2024 update promises to raise the bar for the mid-range segment. It remains to be seen whether this step up in the lineup truly translates to the road.
By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr
At Bont Cycling, the product hierarchy is well established, with high-end models focused on pure performance and the Riot line historically designed as a gateway to the brand’s biomechanical philosophy. The Riot models continue this tradition while marking a significant evolution in the brand’s approach. Whereas previous generations might have seemed demanding and sometimes polarizing in terms of fit, this new version takes a more inclusive approach, aiming to reach a broader audience without compromising on its technical fundamentals.
This evolution reflects a subtle repositioning. The Riot is no longer simply an affordable alternative; it has become a pivotal model in the lineup, incorporating features from higher-end platforms while maintaining a reasonable price of €229—less than half the price of many top-of-the-line models. This strategy clearly targets improving skiers looking for high-performance boots, as well as more experienced skiers seeking a sensible balance between performance and affordability. Behind the scenes, Bont is attempting to solve a long-standing dilemma: maintaining its strong technical identity while toning down the most exclusive aspects of its boot design.
=> BUY THE BONT RIOT FOR €209.99
Solid technical specs for its category
The Riot features a carbon composite sole, which is one of the cornerstones of its design. This construction achieves a high level of stiffness while keeping costs down compared to higher-grade carbon fibers. The brand also retains its signature design, featuring a fairly wide forefoot and a sole that wraps up the sides—a configuration that helps reinforce lateral support and stabilize the foot during the most intense pedaling phases. Most importantly, this section is thermoformable, meaning that, to a certain extent, you can adjust the shape of the shoe’s sides after heating it in a kitchen oven at 80 °C. Once the shape has been adjusted to accommodate minor irregularities in the foot (such as bones or bumps that can cause discomfort over time) and the sole has returned to room temperature, the shoe regains its original stiffness.
The spec sheet is rounded out by a particularly low foot-to-pedal height, listed at 4.8 mm, which brings the foot closer to the pedal axle and is supposed to promote stability. That’s just 1 mm more than the brand’s high-end models (the Vaypor) and about 2 mm less than most shoes on the market. In this price segment, this type of construction remains relatively rare. The Riot thus stands out for its performance-oriented approach, which contrasts with certain competitors that prioritize immediate comfort or sole flexibility.
The lacing system has also evolved with the adoption of a dual BOA L6 disc. This design allows for a more precise fit that’s better distributed between the forefoot and the instep, while offering the ability to make micro-adjustments on the go. Although this system is less sophisticated than BOA’s high-end versions, it aligns well with the product’s positioning and significantly improves the experience compared to previous generations.
Advanced Insole
Also worth noting is the inclusion of an insole that’s more advanced than average, featuring substantial cushioning and a slight bulge at the front—known as the “metatarsal pad”— designed to allow the bones of the forefoot to spread slightly within the shoe, thereby promoting blood circulation. This insole, manufactured by the Australian brand Cobra 9, does not provide very pronounced arch support, but it’s worth noting Bont’s effort to include such a feature in a pair of shoes at this price point.
One of the most notable changes to the Riot, however, concerns the shoe’s overall construction, with the introduction of a “slide and ride” design. This approach aims to make the shoe easier to put on and less restrictive from the very first time you wear it. The opening is wider, putting the boot on is more intuitive, and the overall feel is less stiff when the boot is cold—directly addressing criticisms leveled at previous models. Bont is seeking to make its product more accessible without compromising the overall structure.
The microfiber upper also contributes to this balance. It has been redesigned to offer greater flexibility and breathability, while maintaining a secure fit over time. Comfort doesn’t rely on excessive padding, but on a combination of support, fit, and controlled ventilation. This approach, true to the brand’s DNA, prioritizes functional effectiveness over a sense of immediate comfort that can sometimes be misleading.
Weighing 230 g each in size 40, the Riot shoes fall in the lower-middle range for their category. This figure, combined with their stiffness and technical features, confirms their performance-oriented design. They thus stand out as a particularly solid option for those seeking a technical product without breaking the bank on top-of-the-line models.
=> BUY THE BONT RIOT FOR €209.99
Comfort and Performance Delivered
The Bont Riot are easy to slip on thanks to their wide opening. Inside, the first impression is one of plush comfort, which is confirmed when tightening the laces to adjust the upper to the foot. Be warned, however: Bont shoes run small. It’s important to know this before ordering. You’ll generally need to go up one size from your usual size. When tightening the Boa dials, you feel a gradual, firm pressure that’s never uncomfortable. No ill-placed seams or bulges inside the boot squeeze the foot. The padded tongue provides very effective protection from the Boa cables. A particularly well-executed detail.
On the road, the dominant sensation is one of direct contact with the pedal, almost unfiltered. The stiffness of the carbon composite sole is immediately noticeable, with a feeling of high efficiency as soon as the intensity increases. Whether accelerating or tackling hills, the shoes respond without any perceptible lag, effectively transmitting power without noticeable flex. The relative flexibility of the upper allows for a tiny bit of freedom in foot positioning when switching between sitting and standing, but without giving the impression of floating inside the shoe or lacking connection to the pedal. The material and how it feels against the foot seem similar to the Vaypor shoes I’ve tested before, but the support here feels superior. A big plus.
This very direct feel doesn’t translate into a sensation of excessive stiffness. After a few rides—and especially once the shoe has been properly heat-molded—the fit becomes more consistent. The foot naturally settles into the structure, with uniform support that minimizes unwanted micro-movements. Bont Cycling’s unique anatomical shape requires a slight adjustment period, particularly for those accustomed to narrower profiles, but its benefits gradually become apparent over time.
The Riot also impresses with its stability. The lateral support, reinforced by the shoe’s wraparound construction, contributes to a secure, locked-in feeling without creating noticeable pressure points—provided you’ve taken the time to adjust the fit properly and, ideally, to heat-mold the shoe. The dual BOA system plays a key role here, allowing you to fine-tune the fit with precision as the kilometers go by. Of course, the BOA L6 system here is less advanced than on the high-end models. The tightening remains micrometric, but loosening requires unlocking the system before readjusting. This is the only slight drawback of these shoes. Even the weight—which is slightly higher than that of top-of-the-line models (100 g more per pair compared to shoes like the Nimbl Ultimate)—isn’t really noticeable on the road.
=> BUY THE BONT RIOT FOR €209.99
In terms of thermal comfort, the perforated microfiber upper provides adequate ventilation in mild to hot conditions. While it doesn’t quite match the level of highly open, summer-oriented models, it nevertheless prevents any feeling of stuffiness, making the shoe suitable for a wide range of uses. Moisture management remains satisfactory, even during prolonged exertion. In any case, I believe that the sensation of “burning feet” depends primarily on the shoe’s fit, and that a highly ventilated model offers no additional comfort (quite the opposite) if the lacing creates pressure points on the sole or top of the foot.
Amazing value for the price
Compared to direct competitors in this price range, the Riot stands out with features typically found in high-end models. They offer performance and stability without sacrificing comfort, thanks to a very well-crafted finish. In fact, this is where the biggest surprise lies. Admittedly, they aren’t 100% perfect—the Boa lacing system isn’t as easy to use as the one found on the Bont Vaypor SL, for example. But the overall approach taken by the Australian brand makes the Riot particularly well-suited for recreational riders—and even amateur competitors—who prioritize efficiency and comfort without wanting to invest in a high-end model.
The BONT RIOT at a glance…Pros: stiffness, comfort, build quality, thermoforming options, value for money Construction: carbon composite, thermoformable – Upper: ultra-lightweight microfiber – Lining: honeycomb fabric with lightweight padding – Sole thickness: 4.6 mm – Insole: Cobra 9 – Sole protectors: replaceable heel protectors with internal fasteners – Cleat mounting: 3 holes for road pedals with alignment grid – Adjustment system: BOA L6 Performance with unidirectional dual-dial adjustment – Weight: 230 g per shoe in size 40 – Sizes: 36 to 50, including half sizes from 40 to 47 – Price: €229 – Contact: dagg.fr, bontcycling.com |
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