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Hi all!
It's time for some new shoes, the current pair are the 5ten trailcross and I really don't like them.
Not used 5tens in several years, so I was expecting them to be like the freeriders I had around 6 years ago, which were great at sticking to the pedals but when wet would take ages to dry out.
In between that time I have a couple of pairs of the Specialized 2fo, which I like because they dried really quickly, but I felt the sole was too stiff.
Moving back to the trailcross shoes, I can feel the inside back row pin pressuring the soles of my feet which in turn leads to premature leg fatigue. I feel that the sole is not stiff enough as I didn't previously feel the pin before switching shoes.
Also trying to get them on this time of year is a struggle, especially with the thicker socks (I sized up counter this). I have a right fight trying to get them on, I get some right funny looks in the car park by the passers by.
So I'm looking for something have has the grip closer to the older 5ten shoes with a stiff enough (but not too stiff) sole that won't lead to the pressure points in my feet.
Anyone else suffer with this? What did you do to stop it?
Finally something that doesn't hold on to the water would be nice too!
I've had some Giro Jacket II which I really liked. Supremely comfortable and well made. Lacked the maximum grip of a Five Ten but wasn't really an issue and actually beneficial on the DJ bike.
Currently using Fox Union which are much the same but with a smoother finish that clings onto less mud. Perfectly comfortable on and off the bike, no complaints.
EDIT: Just noticed the grey Fox shoes are 40 quid cheaper than the black ones. I might be another pair at that price.
I think the 5-10 freerider pro are probably close to what you want. Stickiest sole and stiff enough you don’t feel the pedals through it. Compared to the freerider elements I had before they dry out quicker too (although not as quick as my Shimano am7 clipless shoes).
Picked up some 5-10 impacts in the Evans sale and I quite like them - but haven’t got them properly gopping wet yet - I think they will absorb more water and take longer to dry out. They have epic grip but are stiffer and their looks are a bit ‘challenging’.
Very happy here with Ride Concepts Hellion Elite, bought on sale from Tredz for £45.
They're grippy enough for me (on Vaults) and I find them extremely comfortable - not sure how much my comfort will translate to others, but I have a terrible time finding comfy shoes of any sort and these were immediately comfortable with no break in period. Which literally never happens with my awkward, boney feet.
Not waterproof of course, but I have a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks which do ok for my needs.
The answer is always Freerider Pro.
Trailcross are a lighter and more flexible sole aren't they?
I'm using Impact Pro mids and they're nice and burly/stuff but still have decent pedal feel.
Dry out quite quick too.
For me (one for you to consider) the answer is regular freeriders for summer, freerider EPS for winter/wet/cold, and a shoehorn!
The answer is always Freerider Pro.
Nah, the answer is the newer Specialized flat pedal shoes now (from someone who would have only ridden in 5-10’s before).
The Specialized shoes are as, if not more grippy than 5-10’s now, with a sole that doesn’t fall to bits in 6 months of quite a bit of use, an upper that doesnt fall apart & they dry out far quicker.
Over the years I’ve tried various other shoes, which have technically been better than 5-10 but all fail the one simple thing they need to be comparable on. Grip.
As above, Freerider Pros have a stiffer sole and are a fair bit less spongy.
And Ride Concepts Hellion are at least as stiff, very nearly as grippy but last much better. Probably my favourite now.
They are closer to the Impact Pro in feel, which is another option for a more solid shoe.
The Five Tens are still available cheap in the sale, and you might find some RCs about £50 too.
American brands like Etnies, Ride Concepts and Unparallel are making some of the best flat shoes IMO. I wouldn't buy another pair of Five Tens!
Trailcross are Adidas designed… just with 5ten stuff stuck to the bottom… I like them… lightweight and very breathable and quick drying. Nothing like Freeeriders other than the stickiness. Which I also like, but feel completely different… warmer, wider, more protection.
Nsmb like the specialized roost flats
https://nsmb.com/articles/update-specialized-2fo-roost-flat-pedal-shoes/
I like my specialized roost flats. They are much less stiff than the specialized fto clips I tried.
I also like my five ten sleuth flats bought on the cheap from Evans. The sleuths have a different rubber and are less grippy than the specialized.
I also like carbon road and xc shoes, so my opinion on stiffness probably isn't helpfull
The pre 5Ten rubber Adidas Trail cross lasted me ages so if the new ones are as good but strickier they would be hard to beat.
Currently got Northwave Clans which have been great so far, and more grippy. They are a touch narrow though.
I’ve only been back on flats for a couple of years so out of touch but those Spesh shoes above have been really very good for relearning how to not be clipped in.
As above I’m a big fan of the spesh 2fo dh’s which I have on rotation with a set of Fox Unions. Rate both highly, both dry out pretty fast and neither act like sponges when wet. Spesh can normally be had a bit cheaper and I suspect they’ll outlast the fox shoes. Previously exclusively a 5.10 impacts fan. Got a set of ride concepts cheap a while back, grip isn’t comparable with any of the above and they have ended up as my dirt jumping shoes where I don’t want that high level of grip.
Specialized 2fo dh on offer here
I love my 510 Sam Hill Impacts (they look like the old, Florence/ Magic Roundabout, ones but seem more water resistant and dry way faster). Nice and wide. Great with Sealskinz
New Adidas last is too narrow in the forefoot imo.
On the wide forefoot front - I’ve a mate whose a guide and swears by the Altra lone Peak All Weather. Rare to find that kind of boot that works on flats.
https://www.northernrunner.com/shoes-c133/hiking-walking-boots-c478/lone-peak-all-wthr-mid-2-mens-hiking-boots-black-p7854
ION shoes are a good level of stiffness. I find them really comfortable (quite wide feet) and decently true to size. Few pairs on SportPursuit at good prices. And [url= https://www.stifmtb.com/collections/mtb-shoes-flat?gf_30158=Ion ]Stif[/url].
I got some Etnies Camber/Brandon Semenuk version off vinted for £20 and they're pretty good. Not too stiff but enough to not cause pain, and the grip is great. Probably more of an autumn/winter shoe as the material keeps your feet warm/dry and I can imagine they'll get sweaty in the summer. Only issue is the toe feels a bit narrow, I don't really notice it on the bike but can be uncomfortable for walking in.
Ion scrub amp are amazing. I'm using fox union , splash proof and comfy with fox waterproof socks
I rate Ride Concepts Powerline very highly and also the Vice shoe for more casual rides. All subjective of course but they are super comfy, more so than 5tens. The vice shoes are like wearing slippers.