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..... the shoes all look like they will have zero grip off the bike and next to no weather resistance. Any suggestions? Approach shoes?
FiveTEns, they're that grippy they stick to my kitchen floor 🙂
Just bought a pair of these to try based on reviews on here..
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SHFLRAFX/on-one-vulcan-shoe
If you're just thinking of trying out, no need for flat shoes until you're sure.
I couldn't be arsed going back out to bikeshed to get my Five tens last night, just chucked on a pair of really light asics running shoes, 15 miles no probs.
No shoes are particularly waterproof on a wet ride. Five tens and a pair of knee high sealskinz is a perfect match IME, go a size up and get a nice warm sock on below the sealskinz too.
If you're using approach shoes or the like, use an old pair - decent flat pedals will make a mess of the sole. They'll also do that to Five Tens but at least they're supposed to.
I have various flat shoes - Five Ten, Shimano, Sombrio - and each have their place. Five Ten Freerider EPS work well for me in wet conditions, but I'd suggest getting a cheaper pair for use in the dry too.
Why not start out with those PX ones, it's pretty dry out there now.
waterproof socks and trousers are the only way to dry feet. your shoe wont be waterproof due to teh big hole where you put your foot. if anything you need drain holes to let the water out fast.
i use either:
vans
510 access approach shoes
510 freeriders
addidas terrex trail cross
spec 2f0 clipless
depending on weather and what i`m doing. trail cross for trail building or wet rides or hill walks in wales; access for wet rides and super hot days; and freeriders for when its dry and i need to look cool in front of teh groms; spec 2fo clipless for a bit of fun/a change or long xc rides.
i`ll happily use my etnies/vans in the dry on any flat pedal / trail.
The soles on all those shoes mentioned would be lethal on wet grass or mud. I'll maybe try flats first in an old pair of trail running shoes first, or even my Giro Terraduro SPD shoes. I'm a wee bit nervous about having laces flapping around, too. I know loads of people use 5 10 shoes and the like, but they just don't look suitable for mountain biking to me.
The soles on all those shoes mentioned would be lethal on wet grass or mud
They're not great, but far from lethal, and the grip you need to worry about is your tyres, not your shoes.
but they just don’t look suitable for mountain biking to me.
They are, don't judge something by just looking at pictures.
I’ll maybe try flats first in an old pair of trail running shoes first, or even my Giro Terraduro SPD shoes.
With the trail running shoes you'll get on better if they have a low-profile sole; a lot of running shoes have a thicker sole which IME makes life difficult on flats.
Don't even try the Giros, you'll have no grip whatsoever.
Laces can be tucked down the outside of your foot.
Personally I tend to use Vans Old Skools (laces replaced with silicone things) for short rides and fun stuff where more control is good but you're not out long enough to make your feet ache, and some old Salomon X-Ultras for rides where I'm not going to be flinging the bike about.
I've got a pair of old Inov-8 trail shoes which have very low profile soles and not much cushioning, I'll give those a go. Thanks for the input, chaps.
The on one shoes have a loop to secure all of the flappy laces.
My Five Ten Impact Sam Hills are among the best approach shoes I've ever had. They glue like crazy on anything but mud
As mentioned previously, get some cheap-ish dry weather flat shoes to try it out.
Worry about the mud and wet grass later.
You might be pleasantly surprised.