RIDE CONCEPT Accomplice 2026 - First Impressions
Product tested: Accomplice Lace Flat Black EU44
Key Details:
- RRP: £119.95
- Colours: Black or White
- Sizes: Every half size from UK6 to UK12 plus UK13 & UK14.
- Pedal: Both flat and clip versions available.
The 2026 Accomplice arrives looking cleaner and more refined than previous models. The first giveaway is the sole: a single-colour outsole with no blue speckle, signalling Ride Concepts’ new rubber compound. With the updated branding and casual style, it looks good too.
On foot, the Accomplice feels fairly light, supportive, and immediately comfortable. Warm enough on a cold winter night-ride (with the right socks), but not clammy. Pedal placement is quick and intuitive. It is easy to adjust your foot mid-trail without the shoe feeling locked into one position.
Walkability is better than you’d expect for a grippy medium-flex flat-pedal shoe; you don’t feel like you’re wearing bricks around the trailhead.
On the Trail - What Stood Out
Grip: exceptional, even in mud
This was the biggest surprise. The new compound feels properly tacky - not just in the shop floor squeeze-test sense, but on real wet, muddy, steep trail sections.
On a sloppy ride, the Accomplice stayed planted on the pedals even when conditions should’ve made things sketchy. Pins bite into the outsole confidently, and the shoe maintains connection without feeling glued in place. It’s a balance that many flats miss.
The extra cushioning of this model with the grip made a real difference over rougher terrain. Less shock and more confidence.
Crash-tested
They took a knock in a crash, and the feet inside were completely fine. The reinforced toe and the upper’s structure absorb more impact than you’d expect for a “trail-comfort” flat. Whilst the crash wasn't planned, it was a good test. Kicking a tree didn't hurt. Plus the laces stayed secure in the provided elastic loops. I just stood up and carried on.
Comfort & Feel
The foam-lined tongue, padded collar, and midsole setup strike a nice blend of cushion and trail feel. Goldilocks. You can feel the pedal, adjust position easily, and ride all day without hot spots. The tongue and shoe lining is one piece, like another sock. This proved very comfortable... no awkward tongue positioning. Plus it kept all the debris out of the shoe = big plus.
Of note, there was no awkward pressure points when pedalling as is common with other similar shoes. It aligns with the highlighted walkability.
I rode the EU44 size and with my narrow feet was comfortable. However, the sizing seems better width wise for normal/ wider feet than mine. Minor point, not a DSQ. Sizing seems pretty true to size for an EU44. Good. I felt confident and comfortable riding in them.
Laces over BOA
This pair uses traditional laces. It keeps it simple and reliable. The fitted elastic lace loops lets you tuck them out the way so they stay secure. Ok, no BOA adjust - but for those who want a simpler shoe - its ideal. There is a BOA version available for £149.95 in both flat and clip.
Verdict
The 2026 Accomplice is exactly the kind of flat shoe we like to ride. This shoe is now my default trail flat.
A comfortable, reliable, grippy all-rounder with a new sole compound that genuinely performs on wet, muddy, steep terrain.
Buy it if:
- you ride trail/ all mountain style
- you want a versatile, all-day flat
- you ride mixed terrain, including wet and steep stuff
- you value pedal feel over maximum stiffness
- you appreciate simple, dependable construction
- you like the casual styling
It might not be for you if:
- you need DH-level stiffness or ankle support
- you want the precision of a BOA system (Accomplice BOA available)
Final Word
This shoe did everything I asked of it - from mud to steep bits and with a decent crash (night ride... didn't see a branch.)
It’s grippy, comfortable, and confidence-building.
And that’s exactly why it’s on ROVIKA. Buy your pair here.
