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What shoes do you wear when riding flats?


BIGnige's picture

By BIGnige - Posted on 17 October 2012

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Just interested to know if people buy MTB specific shoes or just wear regular trainers, skate shoes whatever?
Cheers

[Mod. moved to MTB gear]

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cambowambo's picture

Personally I use the Impact Low model.

Runners and trainers don't last and nor do they give much support. The 5.10s are awesome for grip, support and my experience has been that they last a very long time.

BT's picture

A too recommend the 5.10s. Super comfy and super sticky. I started with these when using flats before I went to clipless.

I still wear them around though whenever I may need some extra grip on a slippery surface (wet tiles, etc).

chrischris's picture

I currently use my Salomon cross-trainers. Combined with my DMR V8's I'm very happy.

However, when they wear out, I will be trying 5-10's next. I've heard nothing but good news.

When I did try clipless for a few weeks, I did quite like the 'shoe' itself. It just felt comfy on the bike. I can't explain it exactly, but it just felt more comfortable. (not the being clipped in part, my left knee rebuked me viciously)

Are there any 5-10's that are designed specifically for XC, not for skateboarding?

BT's picture

Have look on the 5.10 website mentioned above. I don't think they make an XC specific shoe though.

The main thing that makes them good is the 'Stealth' rubber sole so make sure the model you're keen on has that.

philberesford's picture

What are flats? you mean the bit after the hills?

Eye-wink

BIGnige's picture

No Phil..I'm talking about blocks of flats....you call them units over here. Eye-wink

Jeddz's picture

Get some color in your life. Sam Hill 510's model is my choice.

philberesford's picture

Where I come from we call them blocks too, units are far too singular.

BIGnige's picture

Nothing but in Sheffield is there?

cambowambo's picture
Are there any 5-10's that are designed specifically for XC, not for skateboarding?

Chrises: I don't think 5.10s would be very good for skateboarding - way too grippy. The Impact models I use are specifically designed for mountain biking.

In my own case if I am doing a XC race I use my clipless shoes (Mavics) and my eggbeater pedals. The rest of the time (which is most of the time) I use my 5.10s and flat pedals.

FWIW I also own a pair of Teva Pinners which I bought to compare with the 5.10s but I don't ride with them very often. I like the 5.10s better for mountain biking, I use the Teva's for coffee shops Smiling

mikethebike's picture

Sam Hill 5.10's. Lots of support, very grippy, very comfy and long lasting. I get about 2 years out of a pair. Well worth the money.

Burt de Ernie's picture

I hear that Teva brad shoes are great too.

chrischris's picture
GW's picture

I recently converted to clipless but before that I rode flats for years, I have Teva links which are great but if i could only have one shoe for flats
it would be shimano mp-56.. great grip, water rarely gets in and the laces are tucked away, bang for buck, comfort and grip they just cant be beaten IMO
ps I rode Straitline pedals with these shoes for what its worth

Jeddz's picture

Hey BIGnige. I went on a spending spree when I discovered 510's and bought 3 pairs in size 8. I dont know if they will fit you but the Impact Low's I have have never been worn. I opted for the Sam Hill's. Let me know if you want to buy them cheap.

BIGnige's picture

Thanks for the offer Jeddz but too small for me I'm afraid.

CN001's picture

Can anyone comment if 5.10 sizing is large, small or normal. Ideally a comparison to Shimano or Specialized shoes would be good as that's what i have at the moment.

shano's picture

I ride shimano shoes size 45 which are a smidge too big.
My 510 Freerunners are 44.5 and are perfect!

Chuck's picture

My various joggers and cross trainers etc are all 46.5, my 5.10 Low Impacts are 47 and are half a size to big.

Pants's picture

5.10s and straitline pedals.

Best combo for grip.

pancakes's picture

Specialized Tahoes

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/3...

I've got this model, now superseded. These things are tough but light. Fantastic shoe. Super grippy and heaps of protection. I've whacked things that should have left me limping. The sole is really stiff which aids comfort. Great ventilation, too. I have noticed these are a bit cool in low temps, but really not an issue. The only part of me that doesn't hurt when I get off the bike is my feet, lol.

hawkeye's picture

I wouldn't have thought shoes would make that much difference.


http://youtu.be/Wtx9rk_Ump8

Lach's picture

Maybe there is something about shoes in there, but I decided at about 1:30 that this was somewhere between a troll and a bad pun.... and I think I'm probably a bit slow.

Hawkeye, you have too much time on your hands... Eye-wink

muvro's picture

5.10's are imo the benchmark flatpedal shoe. So much grip, last for ever and are so comfortable. I've even used them for a bit of cross training/jogging.

Scottboy's picture

love to see you ride a flat tyre like that at the dam it's ok on a football field with long grass on it lol

hawkeye's picture

Too kind, Lach. I think "dad joke" would be a more accurate description Smiling

It's become a form of revenge on my teenagers, best extracted in public in front of their friends. So I need the practice Eye-wink

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