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I'll start by admitting this is a very silly and petty first world problem.
Buuuut saying that, I've noticed that a lot of clipless MTB shoes are offered with the option of having BOA laces or a velcro strap over regular laces, whereas the flat pedal version of the same shoe doesn't offer either of them, just a regular laced up looking shoe.
Now I actually like the way the BOA and the velcro-strap-over-the-lace styles looks more than just a standard lace shoe.
Two brands I've seen who do this are Fox with their new Union shoes, and the Ride Concepts Tallac. I like the look of both of them but the normal flat pedal shoe just looks a bit boring compared to the clipless ones. Crank Brothers actually do offer that style in flat pedal shoes, but unfortunately I have the Stamp flat pedal shoes and the grip level on them is non-existent.
This was just kind of a rant without a purpose, but I am kind of curious why those styles are sometimes offered exclusively for clipless shoes.
I have the same gripe from a different angle. Why would I want wet muddy laces to deal with? Five Ten have only recently managed to make a waterproof flat pedal shoe but still put laces on it. They also managed to make a laceless Velcro flat pedal shoe but didn’t make that one waterproof. Looks are below grip, durability and no sodding exposed laces on my list
Five Ten have only recently managed to make a waterproof flat pedal shoe but still put laces on it
Leatt HydraDri seem to be better set up in that regard - though it uses a zip to cover the lace, and IME zips and grit don't always play nicely.
RC do a BOA Tallac for flats. I have a pair.
I find the Stamp flat shoes really good. Not as grippy as five tens, but with decent pedals, they're more than grippy enough.
Absolutely agree with the OP.
If you're happy to clip in, you get a wonderful variety of practical and mature mud shedding disco slippers designed by people that have some vague idea about the sport of mountain biking.
If you run flats, you're seemingly forever condemned to battle with fat, sodden, filthy laces on what look like nu-metal era throwback skate trainers.
Cut my life into pieces. This is my last resort.
I think it's partly the "spds for proper riding, flat pedals for rAdNeSs thing that still hangs about even though it was always cobblers. Same reason you can get spd boots for all seasons while most flat pedal shoes have bloody vented tops.
100% with you @tetrode.
I've long wanted a proper 'bike shoe' that has BOA or ratchet closing, good waterproofing, not full of bloody vents and holes, and a proper cycling shoe shape fit combined with a 5:10 style super sticky sole.
Just because I am riding flats, I dont want to be wearing trainers, with laces - which are just about the least appropriate way to cinch up mountain bike shoes I can think of.
ETa - dont get me started on bastard 'vents' in shoes.
I have never, ever, ever, not once in my 37 years on earth, though that my feet were 'a bit hot' when cycling.
RC do a BOA Tallac for flats. I have a pair.
Oh wow they do, how did I miss that? How is the grip on them? Are they decent shoes in general?
I find the Stamp flat shoes really good. Not as grippy as five tens, but with decent pedals, they’re more than grippy enough.
I've tried them with nukeproof horizon pedals and deity deftrap pedals and they are garbage for me with both pedals. Even just pedalling along they slip everywhere. On the flip side, both my old adidas terrex shoes grip amazingly well with every pedal I've tried.
There's no way I'm wearing flat soled disco slippers thanks very much but I applaud your right to do so if you wish.
5:10 do some adult velcro fixing shoes if you look.
I've got around the lace issue by replacing the laces with elastic lock laces / triathalon laces
I have never, ever, ever, not once in my 37 years on earth, though that my feet were ‘a bit hot’ when cycling.
Try riding in 510s EPS high top primaloft free riders in the next summer heat wave then. Your mind will be blown. Guaranteed.
Giro Tracker might fit the requirements, non clip in, BOA and seem to be fairly non water absorbing 🤔
Shimano GR9
Oh wow they do, how did I miss that? How is the grip on them? Are they decent shoes in general?
They're good mate, plentiful in grip, comfortable, lightweight and thus far, three months in mostly riding in slop fairing really well. I'm a big fan
I quite like how well laces work as a method for doing up your shoes. They’re infinitely adjustable and when the break in pretty much any part of the world somewhere they cost pennies to replace.
I also find the stamp bia have plenty of grip (oneup composite pedals). Vaude make a boa flat shoe as well I think.
Shimano GR9 fitted this market, but they fell apart within 6 months.
5:10 goreTex were super hot
5:10 Freerider Pro Mid VCS are my current favorite
Options from Giro and RC look interesting
I’ve got around the lace issue by replacing the laces with elastic lock laces / triathalon laces
I actually have them on my adidas terrex trailcross shoes after replacing my old tattered laces and they're good, but it's not the laces that I have an issue with. I called it a petty problem because I just like how the little velcro strap looks over the laces, that's all I want on flat pedal shoes! I want to look pretty dammit!
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I quite like how well laces work as a method for doing up your shoes. They’re infinitely adjustable and when the break in pretty much any part of the world somewhere they cost pennies to replace.
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Yeah as mentioned, laces are great. Just let me have the velcro strap over the top too because I think it looks good.
Shimano AM41's are my fave MTB shoe due to having laces but then a big velcro flap that goes over the laces which helps keep them dry and acts as a cushion against rock strikes
Shame they are now discontinued although i managed to pick up 3 brand new sets in my size and good condition 2nd hand ones can be found on ebay
Would you consider a mid height shoe? I swear by my VauDe Moab mids. Very comfy, waterproof, not too hot and not too cold. I wear mine from freezing mid winter to blistering hot summer rides. Lace up but have the required velcro strap! Plenty of grip on flats too. Plus, billy bonus, they last for ever. I wore a hole in the toe of my last pair after over 4 years of 2x a week off-road riding. New ones now broken in after 2 years and still look good. Mates buy new shoes every few months as they fall apart.
https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Women/Shoes/Bike-Shoes/AM-Moab-Mid-STX-cycling-shoe
Or. Just seen these, though not tried them. Based on experience of brand should also be top drawer
Back when 5:10's were the newest awesome thing, I got some Vans resoled by
They made a great job, and I'm sure could sort out whatever waterproof well sealed shoe of choice you can find, into a grip like you-know-what to a blanket waterproof well sealed shoe of choice?
It’s odd. For me, one of the attractions for flats is that the shoes generally don’t look like disco slippers. I’ve met people who wear 5 10s purely as casual shoes because they look like decent, ordinary skate shoes (those were Freeriders).
New Ride Concepts on FGF look really good. Not that I need any new flat shoes (or have a particular issue with laces)
I hear you OP, the lack of well thought out winter flat pedal mtb shoes is really poor IMHO.
I liked the older shimano gr9's with the cover over the shoelaces albeit that water would still make its way in (but well protected for showers or non-biblical conditions). Shame they have now made them look just like five 10's.
I've recently bought those new Leatt 7.0 HydraDri which have speed laces and kind of like an inbuild overshoe as part of the trainer/boot. Had a couple rides so far and my feet have been dry and therefore warm which is what I wanted. Grip isn't quite as good as the best on the market but happy to compromise a little (only a little) on that for toes that aren't so cold they feel like they will snap off at any moment.
Shout out to
<span class="bbp-author-name">ayjaydoubleyou</span>
I've upgraded my shoes to speed laces, which will obviously make me faster
Actually doing up laces tight enough to ride in, but not too tight is a pita (yeah I'm lazy) so quite excited about theas
I have never, ever, ever, not once in my 37 years on earth, though that my feet were ‘a bit hot’ when cycling
Sounds like the vent holes are working perfectly for you 😄
I'd just like some shoes that would fit my wide feet properly. Now, if you could make them comfy, pedally, waterproof and warm when I need it, and airy when I need that, that would be marvellous thanks.
Oh, and Shimano....bring back the AM41s but in good colours please!!
+1 for AM41s They last for ever - I have a pair still going from 2008! (not my only shoe though). However when they get wet they take a month to dry out...
The Shimano GR9 with speedlaces and cover flap things were great, but no longer exist- they've gone normal lace now..
I'm looking for something similar for the summer, light and thin, quick lacing, but ideally with a lace cover for manky days
Scott Sport Volt
Just bought some PEARL IZUMI X-Alp Flow which look similar to the Giro Tracker, apart from the BOA dial being side mounted.
£75 at Alpine Trek.
I also just got some of these speedlaces, thanks for the link!
Avitus arcas
Avitus zapatullas
Possibly not waterproof though.
I quite like the look of the Unparallel Dust Ups actually, anyone have any experience with them?
https://www.unparallelsports.com/product/dust-up/