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Having found myself in remote unridable places in shoes seemingly made with teflon soles when confronted with rock... Can anyone recommend a hike a bike capable shoe that's not horrific to look at? I need to look cool all on my own up on those mountain passes after all😆
Nice but in the hideous but grippy category IMO 😆
Do XC/gravel shoes differ to just mtb shoes?
What about Shimano XM9's - the updated version of the MT91 that I've been using for years in more extreme conditions?
What shoes are you currently using? I love my Shimano ME5
The shimano shoes are good tbh, I have friends that use them. I'm using an old specialised Tahoe? Mtb shoe that I dug out the loft as the Giro Chambers weigh a ton for a mixed road/gravel ride.
Ideally it needs to be lightish so that's why I said xc mtb shoe. Sidi do some with adjustable heel cups that look decent...
Just picked up some Spesh Recons and am really impressed with the walkability so far. A bit of flex in the toebox (deosn't seem to affect pedalling stiffness) and faurly good soles. They look like bike shoes.
Shimano XC5 is a good option but not as comfy and grippy as the ME5
Not in the you'll be ok in the winter in Wharncliffe category but if looking for something a bit more road/gravel looking I've been using these and haven't died and yes its muddy in the Winter in some down under parts...choice based on available in local store and described as using "gnarguard" so must be good...have a couple of threads in sole at front for adding studs but haven't bothered
Do XC/gravel shoes differ to just mtb shoes?
Yes. An XC shoe is like a road shoe with some tread on the bottom. MTB shoes are much bulkier looking, like the XM9 you posted.
I have found al the XC shoes I have had to be fine for walking (5 miles back home with a puncture) and grippy enough off road up steep climbs.
After having done 3PCX in a pair of Sidi xc shoes and had an interesting moment on the steps up to Whernside for things that involve trudging I now use a pair of Giro Empire VR70 Knit which have Vibram soles.
I'd say Giro Terraduro, but they don't make them any more.
I replaced them with Spesh Recons and they're rubbish in comparison.
Although that said - if hike-a-bike is a major component of the ride, I'd probably be using flat pedals and 5tens anyway - partly as I'd expect the descent to be worth the effort of the climb.
Specialized Recon 1.0 are pretty good and nice and comfy.
Shimano ME7's hard to beat.
I've four pairs of Shimano shoes. I'd hike a bike in any of them.
Xc pair- fine on the Jen ride.
Am9- fine pushing uphill in Whistler and torridon
Me?- I bought some second hand ones to get to work and they are genuinely nice for sauntering about. Not tried them off road at all, but they seem like they would be fine
The old water proof boots. I've had many a sodden trudge up the peak District steep bits in these.
Your definition of remote might be different to mine- mostly I ride in the UK, not normally in the Scottish mountains.