A Day in the Shoes of Dan Atherton

April 8, 2021 – Reno, NV - From racing BMX as a lad to standing on the top step at a World Cup, Dan Atherton has dedicated his career to the progression of mountain biking.

The creator of Red Bull Hardline – the most challenging downhill race in the world – and co-owner of Atherton Bikes along with his siblings, now devotes much of his time to building the spectacular Dyfi Bike Park in the Esgair Forest of the UK.

Many of his days start in the shop, hand-prepping materials for the park in the early mornings.

But before long – and weather permitting – Dan’s back to the park, sculpting berms and jumps with the machine, culminating the day with testing his handiwork and reaping the rewards on the Atherton Racing DH rig. It’s a labor of love and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

As a builder, sculptor and rider, Dan’s daily choice of footwear is the mid-cut, protective TNT.

“I feel so privileged to have found riding and particularly mountain biking, when we were so young. I’ve always felt like it was right. It was always exactly what I wanted to do.”

Pedal feel and contact has been increased on the TNT via a new outsole, using the proprietary soft and grippy Rubber Kinetics | DST 4.0 MAX GRIP rubber, crucial for the wet and technical terrain of Dyfi. The 12mm hexagon pattern outsole also features a recessed area on the toe and heel for traction while digging and hiking, which builders everywhere will appreciate.

“It’s so motivating to feel like that. I feel so, so, so lucky to have found it.”

A new microfiber synthetic upper is more durable with increased weather-resistance, and an anti-bacterial mesh lining to control odor. The 40mm hook and loop Powerstrap offers additional security and retention.

The custom molded toe and heel are robust, providing essential protection for digging trails, hiking segments and blasting down the mountain to test your handiwork like Dan.

The asymmetrical medial collar features D3O impact absorbing material for added ankle protection. Additional high-rise EVA on the medial side provides shock absorption and comfort when big hits are the agenda of the day.

Finally, the High Impact Zone Technology insole uses D3O’s impact absorbing material under the ball of the foot and heel to soak up the trail chatter, transferring less energy to your feet.