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The Austrian MTB shoe manufacturer First Degree had already won the hearts of our freeride group with their Flite XT. Unlike the Flite that we tested here, however, the XT version is made entirely from what First Degree calls "action leather" - a material that is supposed to be somewhat more robust than the one used here.
The First Degree Flite without XT is a little more casual and is mainly made of soft suede. Even though the shoe looks like a classic skate sneaker, it has a few special features to offer.
The sole is lined with shock-absorbing foam and the laces can be threaded through the double row of tabs on the inside or outside - for more or less grip in the shoe. To prevent the laces from coming into contact with the crank, they can be clamped in a tab on the outside.
If you run your hand over the sole, you get the impression even before riding: this could be the home of grip. We'll find out later whether the Hypergrip rubber really is the ultimate in grip. Oh yes, the toe and heel areas are also rubberised and protected. However, the reinforcement on the toes is somewhat weak.
Fit & handling
Of course, we tried out how it feels when the First Degree Flite is laced inside or outside. However, we couldn't really tell the difference. You can lace the shoe both inside and outside so that it sits tightly on the foot and to be completely honest: We had the feeling that the Flite fits even better when laced on the outside.
The size of the First Degree is not very special. The length fits, the toe area is medium wide and rather flat than high. Only the heel is cut a little flat for our taste. You sometimes have the feeling of slipping out easily. If you have low and sensitive ankles, you might have problems with the poorly padded shaft.
When lacing, the round laces always slip back slightly. The external tab for the laces is too tight and difficult to use. A tab directly above the lacing makes much more sense in practice.
Grip & stability on the pedal
You could say that two hearts beat in the First Degree Flite. On the one hand, the MTB shoe is a classic sneaker. The sole is soft, the material is comfortable and the Flite would also look good on a stroll through the city.
When cycling, this has the disadvantage that the pedal presses noticeably through the sole. On long tours, the soft sole can tire you out in the long run. The soft upper material is also not ideal for hard trail use and provides less support for the feet.
The protection on the toe cap is more visual than practical. And as already mentioned above: the flat-cut heel gives the foot little support. On the other hand, First Degree has managed to construct a really grippy sole with the Flite. The combination of soft rubber compound, honeycomb design and presumably also the slightly softer sole construction ensures the best grip on the pedals.
Running with the First Degree Flite
There is also some slight criticism when running, because here too you can feel the rather thin sole on roots and rocks. The ends at the ankles are a little hard and can pinch. The material bends unfavourably over the midfoot, which can also lead to pressure points.
First Degree Flite - Info & Price
- Weight¹ (size 46): 888 g
- Sizes: 37-47 / 40.5-46.5 half sizes
- Equipment: Double lacing; lace tab; rubberised toe cap; cushioned tongue
- Fit: medium width, flat, true-to-size fit; very flat heel
- Price: 145 Euro >> available here
Evaluation & conclusion
The Austrians First Degree know how to mix a grippy rubber for an MTB shoe. Together with the angular profile, the Flite generates plenty of grip. Unfortunately, the sole is far too soft for long tours and real trail riding. Whether you're pedalling or pushing through corners, the shoe literally wraps around the pedals.
In addition, there is little protection and a very flat heel that provides little support. The First Degree Flite can be laced on the inside and outside - but we couldn't feel any difference in the fit. The area of use matches the casual look: tricks in the city, occasional trail laps or pump track sessions.
Stefan Frey
Editor
