Finding your fit: a guide to the Bont Riot range

Bont builds its shoes differently. Instead of a flat sole with an upper stitched on top, every Bont sits on a carbon composite "bathtub" base that wraps up around your foot – and that base can be reshaped with gentle heat. The Riot series is the most accessible way into that construction, and the current line-up covers road, gravel and triathlon.

Because the shell is so structured, getting the size right matters more than with most shoes. This guide walks you through it.

Available to pre-order now: the Bont range, including the Riot 24, Riot G and Riot TR+ 26, is currently on pre-order. Reserve your size today and we'll let you know as soon as your pair arrives.

Meet the range

All three come in 19 sizes from 36 to 50 and share the same Riot sizing chart. They're also built around Bont's newer "slide and ride" shaping – lower carbon sides at the midfoot and forefoot – so they suit a wider range of feet straight out of the box than the older Riot+ models did.

Riot 24 – the road all-rounder. Light, airy microfibre upper and two BOA dials so you can set the forefoot and instep independently. (Sizes 36–39 use a single dial.)

Riot G – a proper gravel shoe rather than a road shoe with a lugged sole. Microfibre and technical mesh upper with armour where it takes knocks, a grippy outsole you can actually walk in, and 0.5 mm and 1 mm stability blocks included to firm up the connection to your pedals.

Riot TR+ 26 – built for transitions. Two Velcro straps and a heel loop for fast entry and exit, a quick-drying upper, and a low heel cup that clears the ankle bone.

Step 1 – Measure, don't guess

Forget the size on your current shoes. Bont sizing doesn't line up neatly with other brands, and because the carbon base wraps up in front of your toes there's no soft toe box to forgive a shoe that's a touch short.

1. Print Bont's sizing sheet at 100% scale and check it with a ruler.
2. Stand on it with your full weight and trace around each foot, keeping the pen upright.
3. Measure the length (heel to longest toe) and the width (widest part of the forefoot) of both feet.
4. Use your larger foot to choose your size on the Riot chart. Sizes go up in 5 mm steps.
5. Check your width against the chart. If you're at or near the top of the standard range, look at the wide option.

Bont's chart gives the exact internal length, so if you like a little more room, allow for it when choosing.

Step 2 – Try them on properly

Wear the socks you ride in. A good Riot fit feels like this:

• Heel: held firmly, with no lift when you flex onto your toes.
• Toes: close to the front but not pressing, with room to wiggle.
• Sides: snug and supportive along the whole foot – firmer than a typical shoe, but without hot spots.
• Closure: you should be able to get a secure hold without cranking the dials or straps to their limit.

If the shoe feels the wrong length, change size. Heat moulding won't fix that.

Step 3 – Heat moulding: fine-tuning, not resizing

Thanks to the slide-and-ride shaping, many riders find the current Riots need little or no moulding. If you do have a pressure point – a bunion, a prominent bone, a tight spot at the edge – the carbon base can be adjusted by a millimetre or two in a standard kitchen oven. It changes shape, not size, and the footbed itself won't reshape.

How to do it (following Bont's instructions):

1. Preheat a conventional oven to 70 °C. Never use a microwave – it will damage the shoes and void the warranty.
2. Remove the cleats, cleat screws and insoles. The BOA dials and laces can stay.
3. Place the shoes in the oven, away from the heating elements, for about 20 minutes. First time? Check them by hand after 5 and 10 minutes, as some ovens run hot. If your oven won't go that low, use an oven thermometer and heat in short 5-minute bursts.
4. Take them out and let them cool slightly. Test with your hand before putting your feet in.
5. Refit the insoles, slip your feet in and close the dials or straps gently.
6. Sit with your feet flat while the shoes cool and set.
7. For a stubborn spot, press it out from the inside with the rounded end of a screwdriver handle while the shell is still warm.

You can repeat the process as many times as you need. Don't go hotter than 70 °C – it risks damage and voids the warranty.

Before you mould or fit cleats: Bont shoes can't be returned once they've been heat moulded, so get your size and width confirmed first.

Step 4 – Set up your cleats

• Riot 24 and Riot TR+ 26 use a standard 3-bolt road pattern with an alignment grid on the sole to help you match left and right.
• Riot G takes 2-bolt SPD-style cleats (not included). Fit the included stability blocks if your pedals feel vague or the shoe rocks on the pedal body.

Take your time getting cleat position right – it has as much effect on comfort and knee health as the shoe itself.

Which Riot is right for you?

• Mostly tarmac, club rides, sportives → Riot 24
• Gravel, trails, rides where you'll be off the bike at times → Riot G
• Triathlon, especially if you leave your shoes clipped to the bike → Riot TR+ 26

Need a hand?

Measuring, choosing between standard and wide, or working out whether a pressure point needs moulding – we're happy to help. Pop in or send us a WhatsApp and we'll get you into the right pair.

Since the range is on pre-order, it's worth measuring now. Get your size and width confirmed, place your pre-order, and your Riots will be ready to ride when they land.

Pre-order now – send us a WhatsApp or pop in to reserve your Riot 24, Riot G or Riot TR+ 26.

Specifications from Bont Cycling. Weights are approximate, based on a size 42.