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Want to put some new riding shoes on my Xmas list. Currently have some older Freeriders but wondered if anyone had some experience of the Vans compared to these?
Especially interested in levels of grip, stiffness and drying out time.
Drying out time is much better. Stiffness is similar, grip is good but now quite 5 10. I own both and generally grab the vans.
free riders but that's bcos they are 52quid
Don't know anything about the Vans, but the Freeriders are great. The GF just got herself a pair of the Macaskill signature shoes and they seem to have improved on everything needed on the freeriders. Stiffer, dry faster, tougher and sensible colours
Tom KP
Any Saturday opinions?
Proper response - get the freeriders won't be disappointed. Proper sticky, welded to pedals. Comfy, don't look special I've had mine 7months ish & they show very little wear except where I've crashed or rubbed the cranks. Just make sure you've got at least 1 million newspapers to dry them out
Never used the Vans, but the Freeriders are excellent. Tons of grip, very comfortable, and soft enough to really feel the pedal. The weakness seems to be the sole detaching from the upper as (on the grey ones at least) they are only glued not stitched
I'm now using Karvers which I rate as a better shoe. Stiffer, more protection and the flap over the laces does a bit to keep the water out
and just for balance, here is a biased unknowledgable opinion in favour of the Vans..
Vans are very quick drying (overnight on a warm radiator after a thorough soaking) and seem so far to be as tough as umm, tough as old boots.. they are stiffer than skate shoes by a fair bit and the grip on them is great.. a tiny bit too grippy for me with nanos..
I've never tried 5.10s though so couldn't comment
+1 for Gravels - used them daily for over a year and they show no signs of wearing out. Do dry quickly as above, grip is perfect - not too much, not too little.
Gravel- stiffer, better pedalling, slightly less grippy but not worse for it... Much more waterproof and dry overnight... I've owned both and I'd go for the vans all day next time.
5 10 Impacts. far better than the freeriders IMO.