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I stumbled across by accident, but for the last few years I've been using approach shoes for long rides on flat pedals and they've been perfect. Waterproof, grippy sole, very robust and durable, and perhaps best of all they have a stiff lower which eliminates any 'hot spots' or discomfort from the pedals. Anyone else? Is there a better type of shoe out there?
No, but I might look for some next time I need some. Have been searching for the ideal bikepacking/long ride shoe for years. Not a climber so not really sure exactly what makes an approach shoe, but they sound ideal. I've tried fell running shoes, mainly because they're minimal and so quick drying (more useful than waterproof-ness, which is an impossible dream in my book). The grip is great, but the knobs dont work so well with flat pedals - been thinking about trimming some of the middle ones for best-of-both-worlds.
Yep. I started with spds but felt carrying a seperate pair of walking shoes was OTT, so just set off wearing innov8 roclites or something. They were not good, soles too thin.
Next trip I just wore some salamon trainers and have stuck with similar since.
Caveat being lowish mileage days with the OH. Always have flip flops for the end of the day.
Most of my trips I use Salomon lightweight walking boots. Paired with some Nukeproof Neutron pedals. A lot comes down to the amount of hike-a-bike involved and the general terrain. I prefer a boot as they catch less grit etc. around the ankle
I often use salomon walking shoes (pretty much all i wear depending on what's in sale), especially on more relaxed rides with my wife. Longer solo rides 5.10 kestrels without the
SPDs (removed them when I went to flats for knee issues), which are good and stiff, and not too bad for walking about in.
I'd be interested in which approach shoes people use as when the kestrels die it sounds like they might be good as the Salomon's are a bit more soft/flexible than I'd like.
Was using an ultralight pair of walking boots made by Scarpa. There were great but I wore these out & they're not made any more. Now using North Face Hedgehogs which meet your requirements but are not the lightest. Waterproof, grippy & a stiff sole. I've got several pairs of Salomon cross trainers (XA Pro 3D) but there's too much cushioning in the soles.
I think mine are technically via Ferrata shoes, but basically yes. They are my only cycling shoes
But for me most aren’t stiff enough. Certainly Hedge Hogs weren’t
North Face Hedgehogs which meet your requirements but are not the lightest.
One thing I've noticed (I've been using Scarpa) is that they are heavy. That's the trade off for a stiff and durable sole I guess
I’d be interested in which approach shoes people use
I'm about to buy a pair of Scarpa Mescalito GTX. Pricey but they look perfect, I'm pretty sure they're what I had last time but I've thrown those away so not sure. I'll let you know how they go!
I have done so. Advantages and disadvantages imo. Not as good for pedalling as spd shoes but better for walking when its hikabike time.
I use my guide tennies for everything now, various injuries caused the transition to flats across all my bikes.
Especially great for Bikepacking and singlespeed duties though as I'm pushing alot haha.
Shermer75 thankfully not in my size at those prices 🤣 Hope you get on with them
I used some Jack Wolfskin approach shoes during my short possession of a ebike. They were about 70 euros in a sale and sent from germany and they worked well.
I did, but not anymore. Have now moved to Freerider Pros and can’t see me ever moving back. Great shoes
I did, but not anymore. Have now moved to Freerider Pros and can’t see me ever moving back. Great shoes
I was an SPD user for gravel, XC & bikepacking and flat pedals on enduro - recently though I've used my Freerider Pro's for bikepacking too. More versatile and comfier for long, long days plus better off the bike at camp and cafes etc.
I have always used waterproof approach shoes for all my riding. I use the ones with a heel 'step' on the sole, which slots against the edge of the flat pedal and puts your foot in the right position. I normally cut away a bit of the tread on the midsole to make them sit nicely.
Current ones are Mammut Alnasca - have lasted more than two years of constant use.
I am never sure what approach shoes are but I use mid weight walking shoes, waterproof ish (as waterproof as shoe can be).
Only exception is Easter we did weekend tour with one 5 year old on a follow me tandem and one chunky 1 year old on a child seat plus two mid size panniers and large top bag on front and I needed every little bit of efficiency I could get so swapped back to spds. Otherwise it's walking shoes for me unless the point of the trip was pure miles with no chilling, walking, pub stops etc.
I am never sure what approach shoes are
A compromise (of varying degrees either way depending on the shoe) between a hiking shoe and a rock climbing shoe, the idea being you can hike to (or 'approach') the rock face and then climb it without changing footwear. So, rubber bumpers ahoy as well as soles with smaller lugs and less heel. The soles also need to be grippy and durable (obviously!) and the ones I've had before were very usefully stiff also
Approach shoe = brown trainer 😉
Brown expensive trainer...
Seriously though, they tend to be a lot stiffer in the sole than conventional trainers. I've never found a pair of ordinary trainers that works as well for pedalling and hike-a-bike.
A couple of foreign hols with bike trips (only a few days on rented bikes, on road) has been approach shoes, worked fine, and I'd use them off road too.
I rode in meindl shoes until I started using SPD's.
Waterproof, stiff, comfy, grippy.
https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/p/meindl-mens-respond-gtx-shoe-B1222278.html?colour=3599
A bit challenging on the eyes, but they were mostly covered in mud
Also I'm sure they were £60. Not the £145 in the link above
, That is not a cheap pair of shoes!
I use my guide tennies for everything now, various injuries caused the transition to flats across all my bikes.Especially great for Bikepacking and singlespeed duties though as I’m pushing alot hah
How are they for grip in mud?
I've always figured that approach shoes - with the need for their soles to have a reasonable amount of flat tacky rubber so they work for low grade rock climbing - would be terrible for hike-a-bike stuff when its mucky. Admittedly not a concern in the UK at the moment...!
The guide tennie is the most like a rock shoe, and has the little dots of rubber tread you see on a lot of 5.10s, so basically useless on mud/wet grass etc. Most other approach shoes have a proper tread. Which is great for grip off the bike, but can make the pedals not sit as securely (which is why I took a stanley knife blade to the lugs on the midsole on mine)
currently using some Addidas Terrex approach shoes, they seem fine fir pedalling in but not used them long enough to comment on wear
I think this thread is the exact reason five ten started to make bike shoes as well as approach shoes.
Is the Five Ten trail cross about the right compromise?
Alternatively, when riding a bike in boots with very stiff, slightly rocketed soles, I find smaller profile/bear trap type pedals work better than flats. Flat shape and pins don't seem to line up well with hiking boot grip, and just tear chunks out of the soles.