Bikes, accessories, clothes and now: shoes! It was actually only a matter of time before the Koblenz-based mail order company worked its way up to our feet in its range. Canyon now has two models on offer especially for mountain bikers and, in some cases, for gravel use.
The lightweight Tempr CFR, which we've also been able to test extensively, is being pushed to the starting line by the manufacturer for race riders. With the equally new Scampr, Canyon is targeting all studded bikers who are looking for adventure off the beaten track - gravel bikers are explicitly included here, even if the Scampr looks less like a shoe for narrow tyres.
Canyon Scampr: Equipment & special features
Canyon charges € 159.95 for the Scampr, which sadly isn't all that expensive for a bike shoe in this day and age. As you would expect, however, the mail-order company also packs a lot of features into its latest model. The high-quality Li2 twist lock from Boa, which allows adjustment in both directions, is something you won't find anywhere else in this price range.
Boa fastener defective? In our how-to guide, we explain how you can replace the practical rotating wheels yourself in just a few steps.
The construction of the Canyon shoe also shows great attention to detail. The Scampr does away with a classic tongue and instead uses stretchy mesh fabric to cover the entire surface of the foot like a kind of sock, which is intended to prevent pressure points and increase air permeability. To ensure that the foot sits firmly in the shoe despite the comfortable construction, three wide straps distribute the pull of the Boa system over a large area of the arch. A high-quality Solestar insole with a light pad is also anything but a matter of course in this price range. The Scampr makes contact with the ground via an outsole developed in collaboration with Vibram.
Fit & comfort
According to the manufacturer, the fit of the Canyon Scampr was developed based on extensive data analysis. It is clear that no shoe can fit every foot perfectly. But from our point of view, the Koblenz-based company has done a lot of things right with its debut model. While the midfoot and heel are enclosed a little more tightly by the shoe, there is more space and freedom of movement at the toes, which has proven to be a comfort booster, especially on longer tours.
Pressure points? No problem thanks to the flexible mesh material. The Scampr is not uncomfortable either in the "tongue" area or at the ankles. The heel is held firmly in the shoe when kicking off and also when running. This is mainly due to the Canyon Scampr's well thought-out fastening construction with its three wide laces, which allows an amazing amount of traction to be applied to the foot. The "wrap-around tongue" means that it is not as easy to get into the shoe as a normal shoe, but if the Boa fastener is open wide enough, the foot slides into place without much effort.
The Canyon Scampr in practice
Canyon has achieved a good compromise between stiffness and rolling comfort in the sole construction. In combination with the good grip, you can put a lot of power on the pedals. Thanks to the long pedal channel, clipping in and out is no problem even with mud on your feet. Nevertheless, the Scampr works best when it is supported by a slightly larger pedal body. In our opinion, the shoe is not stiff enough for small race pedal cages.
The sole is particularly criticised. Despite the Vibram rubber, the tread does not cope well with damp ground, slippery roots or slippery rocks. Sliding passages through the autumnal mix of mouldy leaves and muddy ground quickly become a slippery ride. We would have expected more from a shoe for gravel adventures and trail experiments.
The surprisingly airy material, on the other hand, is pleasant. While your feet steam along in many current trail shoes like plastic bags, at least on hot days, the climate in the Scampr is usually very comfortable.
Canyon Scampr - Info & Price
- Boa Li2 twist lock with three wide tabs
- Vibram sole
- high-quality Solestar insole
- Airy and comfortable mesh
- all-round wrap-around tongue made from stretchy mesh
- Lightweight toe protection
- available in black and silver
- Sizes: 36 to 48
- Weight: 945 grams (size 46)
- Price 159,95 Euro
Conclusion on the Canyon Scampr Trail MTB shoe
There are already enough shoes out there, but new brands and models are constantly being added. So do we now also need shoes from a bike mail order company? From a purely functional point of view, I have to say yes: because Canyon does a lot of things right with the Scampr. The equipment with high-quality Boa fastener, Solestar insole and Vibram sole is unrivalled at this price. The fit and comfort are also excellent. The sock-like tongue and airy mesh flatter the foot. The three-lash Boa fastener works superbly and holds the foot and heel securely in the shoe, which promotes power transmission. Canyon leaves more room for the toes, which promotes comfort on long tours. Less successful is the Vibram sole, which only works well on easy, dry terrain. As soon as it gets wet and slippery, the grip is lacking - not ideal for an adventure shoe. Otherwise, however, the Scampr impressed all round.
Advantages & disadvantages of the Canyon Scampr
+ very good features at a fair price
+ comfortable fit and solid power transmission
+ well thought-out adjustment system
+ not too sweaty even on warm days
- weak profile with little grip
- not ideal on pedals with a small cage
One MTB shoe for all occasions? Not so easy. All-round models not only have to deliver plenty of power to the pedals, but also cut a fine figure when pushing and carrying. Which touring shoe best manages the balancing act between these requirements? We tested six current MTB shoes for trail and enduro use.
Stefan Frey
Editor
