First Ride: Leatt’s Next-Generation Flat Pedal Shoe
Sneak peak at the new Leatt 3.0 Supertack Flat Shoe
Leatt’s latest flat pedal shoe is still officially under wraps, but after several weeks of riding this pre-production pair, it’s already looking like a strong addition to the brand’s 2027 lineup. Lightweight, insanely grippy and built to handle hard trail riding, it’s made a solid first impression.
Construction, Look and Feel
The upper is refreshingly minimalist. Leatt has opted for Cordura, a durable fabric made from reclaimed materials that have been recycled into high-quality yarns. It’s widely used in technical apparel, outdoor gear and heavy-duty workwear, making it a logical choice for a flat pedal shoe that’s destined to take plenty of abuse.
Closure comes via a traditional lace-up system, with a neat lace pocket on either side of the ankle to keep everything tucked away while riding. Although the upper is relatively minimal – which helps keep weight down – Leatt hasn’t skimped on protection. The toe box and ankle areas are well reinforced, and a substantial protective rand wraps around the base of the shoe to guard against rocks and trail strikes.
The outsole is where any good flat pedal shoe earns its keep, and it appears Leatt has developed an all-new compound here. Dubbed Supertack, the rubber is noticeably soft and tacky, paired with an aggressive tread pattern that’s clearly designed with grip and pedal feel as the priority. I’m told the priority is grip and they’ve gone with a very soft compound to achieve that – as such, the shoes are not made to last ‘forever’.
Impressions
Fit is true to size, with a secure heel hold and enough room in the toe box to avoid feeling cramped. The upper wraps the foot nicely without creating pressure points, while the lacing system makes it easy to fine-tune the fit – and is pretty robust too. Straight out of the box they were comfortable.
On the trail, the first thing I noticed was how light these shoes feel. They also seem to absorb less water than many flat pedal shoes I’ve ridden. That’s likely down to the Cordura upper – it’s not fully waterproof, but it’s water-resistant enough to limit water absorption and dry out more quickly after wet rides.
Grip on the pedals is excellent. Actually on a level I’ve never experienced. The Supertack outsole provides a very secure connection with the pedal, and I never once felt my feet shifting around, even on some of Cape Town’s roughest trails. Leatt has also struck a nice balance with the sole stiffness. It’s supportive enough to resist folding over the pedals under load, – like on a big landing – while still offering enough feedback to let you know what’s happening beneath your feet. The result is a confident, predictable connection that inspires trust when the trail gets janky.
Bottom Line
I don’t have information on launch dates, sizing, colours or pricing. What I can tell you is from the rides I’ve done with these prototypes the sole has acceptable signs of wear and the uppers look as good as new. I think they are light enough for trail missions, robust enough for eMTB and they have plenty of protection for gravity riding. Most importantly, I experienced little to no slippage on the pedals. The grip is insane. //