On Our Radar: Oakley Radar Lock Shoes

By Vernon Felton

WHAT: Oakley Radar Lock Shoes WHERE: oakley.com HOW MUCH: $95

Note to Reader: This is our second installment of “On Our Radar” (the web equivalent of BIKE Magazine’s Fresh Produce). In short, On Our Radar is a medium that allows us to profile promising stuff that just rolled in with the UPS guy. When we’ve actually had the chance to thrash on the product for a few months or more, then we’ll feature it again as a tested item. Having said that….

Oakley’s Radar Lock shoes are deceptive little buggers. To the untrained eye, they may appear to be representatives of the simple “big black shoes” favored by America’s mall-roving youth. While the Radar Locks give a nod to contemporary fashion, there’s also a quite a bit of mountain biking-specific technology built into them. For starters, you can run them with both flat pedals (for the bmx-trained or stunt-oriented folks) or clipless pedals (for the long-distance pedalers).

There’s also a lot going on with the soles. The vulcanized, rubber outsoles are grippy enough to provide traction on flat pedals, rock and other hard surfaces, yet the compound is firm enough to resist wear. Likewise, the soles are stiff enough to provide pedaling efficiency, with just enough flex to make hike-a-bikes manageable. If that sounds a little vague, here are some cultural reference points: the Radar Locks won’t wrap around your pedal with every downstroke like a pair of floppy Chuck Taylors, and they won’t slip and slide around like a pair of ballet slippers every time you have to push your bike up some hideously steep section of trail.

Other niceties include a rubberized toe cap (resists wear), “memory foam” (to help the shoes keep their shape over time), and heavy padding in the ankle and tongue for extra support and a comfortable fit.

Reader Comments

Posted Wed Apr 2, 2008, 8:04 PM — By Jim Lee

I'm interested in getting some Oakley Radar Lock shoes. Are they still available? What is the current price? What would be the proper size for me? Do they fit "normally" (as in Nikes, Addidas,etc?)I am a size 9 (in Canada). Thanks for your help.

Posted Sat Jul26, 2008, 7:18 AM — By Anthony

i bought myself a pair way back in december '05 and they're still alive and pedalling to this day. i've used them on shimano SPDs before and are now currently clipped on to my crank brothers. Works well with both. Aren't ultra durable, but super glue has helped keep them intact all these years. They still look great inspite of my minor repairs and abusive use. Stylish and comfortable (i once played an abrupt game of tennis after a ride with them on). With that said, i'd buy a new pair again should oakley decides to make them once more. (btw i think they felt true to size)