Bedrock Sandals Prototype R&D with Ronnie of Ultraromance
We are pleased to present a behind-the-scenes report on the research and development of the clogs released by BEDROCK this year, with the help of Ronnie—a.k.a. Ultraromance, a pioneer of new styles in cycling and a maker of fine bike bags—in his home state of Connecticut.
Take a look at his fun commentary on making clogs that are perfect for cooler weather. Also, be sure to follow Ronnie on Instagram (@Ultraromance & @Ronsbikes).
Words & photos by Ronnie Romance a.k.a Ultraromance
Troy, the person I'm about to introduce, is a trusted riding buddy I've known for over a decade, and we ride here in the gentle wilderness of small-town Connecticut, along the long river that gives the state its name. We started getting into fitness years ago, dedicating ourselves to enjoying our rides as a 50/50 mix of chill and effort. Troy seemed to have a hunch about something for a while, but for me, having spent my past devoted to road racing and shaving my legs, I didn't quite get it yet.
Troy is an art school graduate and has never worn skin-tight cycling gear (other than revealing swimsuits). And it’s certain that he never used those rigid, performance-oriented cycling shoes that were considered essential equipment for self-proclaimed "serious cyclists" (at least for people like me back then).
— And then came the moment that completely changed our lives and our sun-tanned foot tan lines.
I imagine those of you reading this have had a similar moment. Yes, that moment when you rode a bike in Bedrock Sandals for the first time. You get your hands on these sandals, start pedaling a bit, and your heart begins to tingle from the sensation. You stretch your toes out and the air massages the spaces between them… the gentle scent of salt and vinegar reminds you of your post-ride shower time. Socks are a thing of the past; even on long rides through the rain or crossing creeks, there’s no need to worry about trench foot. The blood flow returns to feet that had been crammed into ballerina-fit cycling shoes for decades, and the transformation is complete!
Aside from the occasional rock or stick hitting your toes, the only other issues were the colder seasons, work, or formal occasions. Were these factors enough to justify an open-toe manifesto? Some would say "Yes! YES!", but I'm sure many would say they aren't so sure.
A few years ago, before the pandemic, Dan, a co-founder of Bedrock and a fellow Connecticut local, spilled the beans... Bedrock was developing a clog! I still remember throwing my arms up in excitement when I happened to find that email while preparing dinner, just like always. To understand this feeling, it might be like realizing that your footwear was incomplete even when you were heading to a formal event in the winter. The shoes I was actually wearing at the time were fine for riding, but they had a problem: if they got wet or soggy, the cork midsole and soft rubber couldn't withstand constant abuse.
A clog-style shoe with a system like Bedrock's… My foot size is US 13, and Dan told me it would take years for them to be ready… and I really waited a long time.
Troy intuitively brought Bedrock sandals into his riding, and he tackled most of his rides for a year in Bedrocks, sometimes wearing those strange tabi-style socks. Several cyclists I know, including me, wear Bedrock sandals the same way. (Mostly me, though) I think all year round about whether I should show my strange feet to the world and get matching anklets.
A year later, Dan started sending me secret photos, and the Clog was really everything I hoped it would be. Since then, every time we exchanged emails, I would bring up the performance clog, trying to get all the hot news for the clog-loving community. But since 2020, everything has taken longer, and in the meantime, I’ve worn out two pairs of the riding shoes I used to wear for winter.
Then, in 2021, when the chill of late autumn started tickling my toes, I got an email with some photos and a question: "Do you know anyone who is size 9?" ……………wait… 9. The sample size they had was 9!
Waawaaawaaa welp, not my size… it’s Troy!
My heart warmed knowing how happy he would be to test the clogs. And I wasn't wrong. As you can see in the photos, he wore this leather clog sample all through the winter. The marketing pitch was "all-terrain, four-season use," and he would talk daily about how warm his feet were and how good the circulation was. The exact opposite of us, who squeeze our feet into regular shoes. The wide toe box and breathability of the clog allow you to wiggle your toes without compressing your wool socks. It blocks the wind from the front and lets it breathe from the back. Think of the clog as an engine scoop for a sports car.
There were a few times in the snow or mud when Troy put his foot down and soaked his precious clogs, but aside from the harsh conditions of cold and sludge, his choice of footwear was the envy of our riding group. They work for work, on the bike, and as casual everyday wear. The sticky Pro outsole grips the pedals like a handshake from a greasy used-car salesman, and the tension system holds your foot firmly, just like the older "Cairn Pro" sandals. They are lightweight, breathable, and less likely to leave your toes bloody from trips or falls, so I recommend them to anyone prone to that.
Wow, what a great sales pitch! I'm looking forward to them being sold in pairs before the end of autumn 2022, just in time for the sock season!
*Update* The world is changing!
After I submitted this article, Bedrock finally found enough leather to make a pair of clogs for me! I just got back from a 5-mile trail run. And they were, as expected, the most comfortable things ever! They feel wonderful even just sitting on the couch.
Even in Japan, which has four distinct seasons, these clogs are highly versatile for seasons other than summer, and they make excellent relaxation shoes after activities while being easy to incorporate into daily life. Some sizes and colors are already running low, so please consider getting yours soon!