Totally agree with the need for wider toe box shoes ( why are bike shoes so narrow?). I do like a some what stiffer shoe. This helps eliminate how spots for me. Though I ride either clips or cages and straps. Maybe flats would make hot spots a non issue with less stiff shoes. What you are asking for is what used to be known as a touring shoe, but with a wider toe box, which would be perfect!
Totally agree!!!! bike shoes are stupidly narrow!!! Why? Well, there is no reason, unless you are a professional cyclist and you need that "half second every 100kms" that you can get for its (ridiculously minimal) aerodynamic effect. But that will only be useful for a professional biker in a high-level race.
I do find that the higher end road shoes (we’re talking $400+ here) tend to actually be wider than the cheaper shoes. I do know that most companies make new lasts for their flagship pair based on what they find and just trickle down tech to their cheaper shoes without changing lasts or using higher end materials like natural leather or stiffer synthetics which you need to have in order to help prevent hotspots in your foot. The widest shoes I have used are Bont Vaypors and Shimano s-pyre both of which are in the $400 range. The narrowest I’ve seen are the cheep $100-200 entry level cycling shoes with the nylon soles despite it being coming from the same brands. Part of the reason is that they just decide to not pay much attention to the shoes and just make it more narrow so your feet can do some more of the stability itself which in reality does not work.
Two thumbs up for Lems as a cycling shoe. My favorite is the Lems Chillums and a close second is the Lems Boulder Boot. Both a super light weight and the soles are really grippy on my flat pedals.
@@RaiderWarpath hello, interesting comment as I really enjoy barefoot shoes. What kind of MTB are you doing? I would love to have lems as my MTB shoes but I am affraid for the grip (I live in a country where Lems shoes are not that easy to get)
My favourite cycling shoe is the Specialized Rime 2.0. It seems to fit my definition of the perfect cycling everyday shoe. It takes SPDs, but you also don’t look like a cyclist if u walked into the supermarket with it. On concrete w/ cleats, the cleats does make some concrete grinding sound esp if the pavement is rough, but if you can get over that, u can easily walk all day on it and even do hike-a-bike with it.
I have been cycling in a pair of Merrell barefoot running shoes for a few years now. Really lightweight, nice wide toebox, super flat thin sole (good pedal feel), and really breathable. They work good with toe clips as well.
Hi, Russ - As I mentioned in an earlier comment, in my opinion, the best non-specific cycling shoe is the Camper Peu. It is a so called ‘earth’ shoe with no heel, a super sticky sole that really grips any flat pedal and a really generous toe box. The sole is flexible but the speeds the load across the sole. I am in my late 70s, and sensitive feet and sore knees mean any clipped in pedals are out of the question; clips and straps as well. I found these shoes by chance, and have used them for the last 5 years. Absolute comfort and control. The leather version can be waterproofed with ‘dubbing’ for the winter. I have used every kind of shoe in my cycling ‘career’ and, believe me, nothing comes close to the Camper for flat pedal comfort and efficiency. Get a pair - I’ll look forward to your review! The Fossil, Manchester, UK
I actually really like my cycling shoes to have a stiff sole. Once I get them "interfaced" with the pedal, the big stiff sole makes it feel like my entire foot is on the pedal - like the shoe becomes and extension of the pedal - and I love the way that feels. However, I hate walking in shoes like that.... The Trailheads are a great compromise for me. They're great for walking or hiking in, but still just about stiff and grippy enough for pedals. They were my only pair of shoes for a long tour recently and they worked out amazing.
I’m out of love with Boa closures. They’re impossible to dial in a nice fit without overdoing it and getting too tight. I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumis with 2 velcro straps and they’re so good that I bought a new backup pair when these get thrashed.
The first thing I look for is a shoe that will absorb the least amount of water and dry quickly. I find that with creek crossings and random rainstorms, waterproof shoes/socks/covers just don't cut it--I'd prefer to just let it get wet and wear warm wool socks. I absolutely avoid cushioning around the ankle and prefer as much non-absorbing mesh as possible. With that, I tend to gravitate to watershoe hikers and canyoneering shoes. I've loved Arc'teryx's Konseal LT... a lightweight approach shoe with a handy fold-down heel for slipping on quickly around camp.
I agree with you on the desire for wide toe boxes. Especially since foot placement on pedals tends to put most of your weight and power through your forefoot. I also prefer a more flexible sole. I could understand if I were doing a lot of dedicated downhill riding or slope style that stiffness could be helpful. But for trail,XC and packing rides having natural flex really helps when you are off the bike. And personally also more comfortable on aswell. I do like the sole to be firm or thick enough to distribute and negate the feel of pedal pins. My current pair of 510 free riders iv had for 5 years now and wear them for everything I do (rides, everyday town walking ,work, hiking and as my approach shoes when climbing) and this past season they became worn and thin enough that I could feel my pedals pins and it was a bit uncomfortable towards the bottom of rides. I do really like the free riders. For me they are wide enough in the toe box, flexible enough in the sole, breathable enough since the two pairs iv owned are the canvas ones, and and break in well for walking and hiking in. I have been looking for other options to try this season since I’m at a point where I should replace my current 510s. But like you I find a lot of bike specific brand shoes are over engineers for the type of rider I am. And they fact that I don’t tend to dedicate my shoes to one job. Breathability, ability to keep debris out. And waterproofing or resistance are great aspects of bike specific shoes. But there a big gap in most shoe lines in their reinforcement and protection. Most shoes seem to be geared towards rough riding pro riders. I think most of us trail riders are only out for a few hours a ride and not every day of the week and aren’t doing trails and stunts that warrant that much protection. Bike/hike oriented sole patterns, breathability and weather resistance is only reason I tend to lean towards bike shoes
I am all for wider shoes, but narrow ones are not necessarily for fashion. Some of us just have narrow feet. I absolutely hate having too much space in a shoe. So a wide toe box is not a benefit, but a feature. Bu this video is so useful, and this is an amazing channel ).
If you use wider shoes, minimalist shoes or walk barefoot more often your foot will become wider. Not sure you'd want that for cyling, at all, but it's what people report happening, and exactly what happened to me.
Great video Russ, very informative. I've just been using Converse and Vans bc I refuse to pay for Vans knock-offs that are twice the price because they're branded MTB specific. I'll definitely give one of these pairs a try.
I recently bought some Specialized Recon 2.0s and even though I don't like Specialized in general, I had to buy them. THEY ARE SIMPLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE CYCLING SHOES I EVER HAD. No seriously they are great for people with wider feet.
The Rime 2.0 from specialized is a better everyday riding shoe in my opinion. esp if u don’t want to look like a cyclist while ur in the shops. It’s also very walkable, and has vibram soles so u can even hike-a-bike with it while still having SPD cleats. Yeah I dislike Specialized stuff in general. I think they nailed cycling footwear.
I wear barefoot shoes and have wide feet but similarly I bought the specialized recon 1.0. it has a rounded toe box and has enough flex in the sides, so feel less narrow than other shoes. I like them. Very stiff too.
I have used Giro Rumbles for many years now as my non winter shoe and they don't have a narrow toe box. I have narrow heels and am wide across toes, and like to wiggle my toes. They are SPD shoes but I've also worn them all day on many occasions as shoes. Don't look like bike shoes either, if that's important to you.
Xero Terraflex has been my favorite mixed with XL Pedaling Innovations flat pedals. The Prio is nice but the bottom is a bit slick. I prefer the knobs on the bottom of the Terraflex. Plenty of toe space in a zero drop, lightweight shoe. Standard laces and holes for lots of adjustments.
I'm with PLP'ed and favor barefoot shoes, specifically minimalist Merrell Trail Gloves, for platform pedal riding. For more technical MTB'ing I go with older 5/10 skate shoes because of their more robust construction, better foot protection and superb, grippy outsole but don't favour the slight heel rise and narrower toebox. What's discouraging about the GIRO shoe that PLP'ed likes is that BOA lacing system. I've had two instances where it required replacing on clipless shoes and while its superior fastening strength makes sense for clipless shoes where power is transferred on the up-stroke of the pedal cycle, I'm not convinced platform pedal shoes merit the extra complexity and expense, standard laces being just fine.
The Giro Ventana is a very similar shoe if anyone is looking for something like this but has SPD. I've used the fastlace version for multi-day bike packing trips the past couple of years and they are very comfortable with all the same attributes Russ goes in to here in my opinion. I use them with the Shimano PD-EH500 spd pedals which are dual sided. The shoes work well on the flat side for times I want it.
Love my LEMS! I live in their Boulder boots all year long, occasionally in their Primal during the summer (or Soft Star mocs in the house). Cycling though, for me its Specialized. I don't use flat pedals, so I do want/need that stiffer sole; and while big S could have a wider toebox, the rest of it fits me very well.
My favorite shoe is now the Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoe, a little on the bulky side, but much lighter in weight than traditional SPD clipless shoes. I use the Merrells with the Catalyst pedals by Pedaling Innovations, a super long pedal (no wider than regular platforms) that allows for full-foot support pedaling (no more hotspots or foot issues). Yes, traditional clipless cycling shoes are ridiculously narrow. I have owned and ridden extensively both the SIDI mega extra wide SPD shoe and the Lake MX-165 extra wide shoe, and despite their claims to being wide, the are about an inch narrower than my Merrell Moab hiking shoes that I now wear ... my feet are SO much more comfortable in regular shoes! You are so right in calling out the narrowness of SPD cycling shoes. Leaving clipless pedaling behind last summer of 2022 was the best think I ever could have done! Now I can wear whatever shoe I want, and I will never pedal on my toes again (as I did for many years with SPD clipless shoes). Thanks for showing your shoes! steve
I have the Lems Trailhead too. I like them a lot, but I actually find them a bit too stiff and too grippy for riding how I want to. The Trailhead is great for getting off the bike and walking round in the wilds, have good protection for water and mud, etc. But I come from bmx and have historically ridden in light shoes, right to pumps with minimal ankle support, no stiffness at all. And that background has shaped what I like in shoes for pedalling big bikes in. I have lots of ankle and foot problems (old displaced breaks, torn ligaments on side, and torn ligaments in my heel which is total killer and has pretty much pushed me away from little bikes), but I still love the feel of flexibility and control that a minimal, trainer or pump brings. I want to love my Lems for riding in, but am considering just getting more trainers or pumps. And on with the endless dilemma of shoes to ride in...
I ditched my clipless setup for flats based on your advice and it made a huge difference! I'm actually faster on gravel trails. I tried several different brands and found the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch work best for me. Even with the obnoxious safty cone orange BOA dials.
If those stick like the Giros I got it’s like glue! I don’t really get the flat pedal thing, I’d rather ride clipless but had to try a “modern” flat set up and found them to be fine. The shoes I got are a bit too based so those look sweet.
Love your sense of humor and personal insight on products. I use 5/10’s and my gripe with them is that nobody makes a good bootie shoe cover to fit them as they are wide. I just can’t buy those ugly thick neoprene ones that are sweaty hot and look like a beginner sewing student made. It’s really not 5/10’s fault, it’s the shoe cover industry’s fault. Yes Shimano I’m talking about you!
Which 5/10 do you run? I've been eyeing their GTX Mid Pro MTB boot for a few years, even just for rainy season, but I can't really justify the price compared to just a Chelsea low cut rainbow.
@@KoroWerks Freerider Pro. I like them real well and they have held up well over the years. I don’t mind the stiff sole as I have no trouble walking. I didn’t want a waterproof shoe as they get hot. Just can’t find a nice shoe cover chukka height that fits over my euro size 45. To each our own and I love Russ’s insight on cycling
The Pearl Izumi Amfib booties with quilted Primaloft gold are awesome. I stay warm and don't sweat anymore than usual. Even if you do sweat, the windbreak material (softshell... not neoprene) keeps the cold out. The vertical velcro attachment in the back is super adjustable and grips like a bear trap. They're on sale right now, too.
As a dedicated clipless rider I appreciate a stiff sole. I've been riding in Shimano SD5 sandals (even in winter), maybe I'll get a pair of the Quoc boots though, they look pretty classy!
Same problems Rus. I wear mostly vivo primus lite 3s all day, vivo tracker boots in the winter and Shamma sandals when it’s sandal time. I actually really like the feel of riding onthe super minimalist shoes on quick spins but for longer rides need something a little more substantial on the bottom. Currently got some pearl izumi alp lace ups that are fairly wide. But kinda klunky.
I've tried various non-clipped-in biking shoes. I go back and forth from spd's to platform pedals frequently (usually clipped in on most gravel/mixed terrain rides) but lately I've been using a pair of Altra 5 trail running shoes with wide toe box, and I really like them. I can hike and ride with them and not feel foot fatigue. There's a stiffener in the Altra 5, but not overly stiff. I love them for long distance walking (I'm not a trail runner, but love the lightweight feel and the zero drop design). The wide toe box is what really drew me to these sorts of shoes, and I didn't originally buy them for cycling. Now I use them for riding and walking. Your review features some very good aspects that the cycling shoe makers need to focus more on.
Great vid! I went through a clipless phase (as I’m sure most of us who follow you did) and I have been looking for the perfect show ever since. For the last decade or so I’ve mostly been riding in my trusty old Converse Chucks, even though they are not ideal. Those Lems look like they may be the ticket.
Over 20 years I've gradually moved from carbon-soled clipless shoes to wider, softer and minimal shoes. Now I'm no longer able to ride in any bike-specific shoe, they are all too stiff and narrow for me. Last few years using Xero Alpine as a winter fatbike boot and some cheap minimalist water shoes for summer.
It just sounds like you should just use minimalist trail running shoes since that seems to be what you are comparing everything to. Shoes are very personal, and I'd also contend that they don't build shoes a certain way just for the heck of it. Road shoes and some gravel/MTB shoes are stiff for a reason- they offer better power transfer and your feet won't get tired from the flex of a sole over a long or rough ride. Some MTB shoes like the Five10's for instance are built the way they are to be more protective of your foot/ankle while thrashing a bike down a trail. Shoes are also more than just width and length, but about volume. I have an average to slightly narrow foot that doesn't have a lot of overall volume, so finding a shoe that fits is hard just because of that. And unless it is cold, exceptionally wet, and/or I want to look fashion-forward off the bike, why am I going to wear a boot that is restrictive in movement, heavier, etc.? So to bring it back around, it is really about finding the shoe that works for you and works for how you are going to use it at any given time.
Been looking for exactly the type of shoe you are presenting, thanks for the tips. Impressed by the Giro Tracker! In the end though, I had already bought the Shimano SH-ET500. It's pretty much the same weight as the Giro Tracker, great grip, quite walkable, traditional lacing + a stow-away band, stiff sole (there's a plastic plate underneath the insole). It costs a little less than the Giro, though I'm a bit bummed I did not consider the Giro before buying. Still very happy with my choice, would be interesting to know what you think of the Shimano SH-ET500.
For flat pedal biking I like the Keen Voyageur hiking shoe. Wide toe box and if you have a narrow heel most Keens can be adjusted to fit a narrow heel.
Would you please do (or repeat) a video explaining why you ride with flat pedals rather than clip-ons? Don’t you lose the power you would otherwise gain on your upstroke? I always learn something from your videos. Thanks
I'm not Russ, but I think I can answer this... I've been watching him since he got started. His theme says it all... "Party Pace". He and Laura like to explore as much as ride (fish, sightsee, bird watch, etc.), and he has a wide foot. Most clipless shoes, as he points out, have narrow toe boxes and are super uncomfortable to pedal in... much less walk in. However, as far as grip goes, with the right combo of pedal pins and shoe soles, you get really good grip for about 65% to 75% of your pedal stroke. A lot of serious mtb'ers who catch tons of air, manual, and bunny hop all over the place prefer flats. It's also simply a different style of pedaling. Flats are more of a fluid-like chop... think ovals (like the old bio-pace chainrings) instead of circles. Your upcoming foot doesn't take over as quickly. It takes some practice... otherwise, your feet dance around. But that's only if you're getting after it. Just spinning down the road or climbing on fairly smooth terrain is no big deal and you can turn decent circles all day long. Again, flats are awesome when doing a lot of hiking or exploring because of the larger toe box (on most) and the absence of the reinforced cleat shank under the ball of the foot, which over time creates foot fatigue. With Russ, it's not all about super-efficient pedal strokes... Party Pace! Hope this helps.
If you check GCN's most recent video, clipless has no objective advantage except for accelerating/sprinting. Granted, you need good, grippy pedals and a good flat cycling shoe.
The Altra King MT trail runners are decent. Zero drop, Vibram sole with solid grip, rock plate but still very walkable, very wide toe box, very light. The main problem is that Altra changes so much from year to year that I have no idea if the 2023 model will be as good. Edit: also less good is zero ankle protection and no toe guard.
Try wearing old dress shoes, broken in and wide enough for your foot but narrow enough for old toe clips with straps, which is why the narrow tradition. They also have a pronounced heel and sole is stiff enough to push a pedal. My first & only bike shoes are 1992 Shimano stiff, narrow shoes with a steel plate under sole. They are wearing out at the spot that was cut out for whatever cleats/clips, whatever was supposed to be placed there. It’s been through rain & snow and everything in between. I don’t usd cages anymore, all 5 bikes are flat pedals. Go big, go cheap!
I was looking for a flat shoe for days on the gravel bike where I’m riding more single track, techy gravel or just cruising with brewery stops 😂. Always use flats riding mtb so it’s just a preference on trails. The giro tracker is perfect. Not overly bulky, boa and light. It’s like the perfect gravel flat shoe. Now just use my spd’s for days with more road.
The Lems Trailhead sounds terrific from your description, but I found this on their website: *Sizing Note: The Trailhead fits narrow. If you have wider feet, we do not suggest this shoe.
Speaking about wide toe box shoes, did you have a chance to try the Lake MX201 (clipless or flat) ? It seem like they are the new golden confort standart when it comes to wide feet.
Have you ever tried the Xero Prio? Been my go-to for flat pedals, with or without cages/straps. Just don't put them in the dryer or super hot wash cycle (they fall apart).
Just bought the Giro Tracker & I'm loving it. I have Race Face Pedals on my Gazelle E-bike. Theses shoes really stick to the pedals. With the wire lace up, there super easy to take on & off. Great video-!!
I ride my salsa fargo in merrell trail gloves, they are the old trail glove 3, probably not quite enough for cycling but they are my best find for now, glad to hear of these I will give them a look, thank you.
Great shoes. I have the Trail Glove 4 and love them for cycling. The only drawback for some people is that the grip pinches down at the mid foot so there's not much of a platform below the toe/ball area. It's fine for me though. Good for hiking too, and extremely light.
Another vote for the Merrell minimalist shoes. I ride with the Vapor Glove (leather upper) A LOT. While a stiffer soul would make it more bike capable, I am ok sacrificing a bit of performance for the all day comfort I enjoy in these.
I put some rockbros on my Poseidon Redwood and ride with an Adidas ATX something I got from C.OS.TC.O and man… they stuck to those pedals better than any other shoes and when I have to carry my bike thru the trail the shoes work just fine; my point you don’t need to break your bank
I have found that several of the Olukai brand shoes are great for my commuter. I even have worn them for bikepacking, instead of my stiffer 5.10 mtb shoes.
Personal fit and comfort is my priority so I have to try it on first. For casual riding I look at trail running shoes. I can usually find one with suitable grip, width, breathable material, weight, comfort that works on and off the bike. Trail runners also have a good variety of closures available. I like boa or pull cords over laces for biking.
I use my trail running shoes for biking, they work great, and I use lock laces in them anyway, so no worries about laces getting wrapped up in a pedal.
Trail runners can be great b/c some models have a protective barrier of plastic or other material between the outer sole and the inner liner to protect against rocks, etc. for trail running. This can add a bit of stiffness to the sole which makes pedaling more efficient, but not so stiff that they are uncomfortable for walking/hiking.
Just get a pair of Adidas Sambas man. I rode loads of miles all over Portland for a few years in Sambas on flat pedals. I wouldn't ride the Sambas on proper trails though. But Adidas has the product there too... after trying and not liking Five Ten Freeriders, I got a pair of their Trailcross shoes and they are dreamy. I wear them to the trail, on the trail, over to the brewpub, and back home. So comfy and they have the signature Five Ten grip factor.
I know I can alway wear waterproof socks for foul weather riding, but I’m concerned about how long a shoe will last if it’s almost permanently wet from late fall through late spring, even if I use a shoe dryer when I get home.
Sometimes the shoe dryer makes it worse too! It can be harder on leather and glues, but what are you going to do, have 4-6 pairs of the same shoe so you can air dry and rotate them effectively?
@@KoroWerks I use a low power dryer that doesn’t have a fan. You can leave shoes on it for days and it doesn’t cook them. Takes a while to dry though. Best if they aren’t completely soaked through.
@@greggschwabauer6241 yeah mine doesn't have a fan either but heated dryers still wear out leather more than air drying, even if it's not a forced air.
I was thinking about shoes that are designed to get wet consistently, like there are some neoprene water shoes with a vans style bottom. And there are specific boots made for waders, often matched to a specific brand or model of wader with an integrated gaiter, like I see FinnTrail makes their Aquamaster wader set for ATV use in the mud and snow, and while I haven't tried the boots and I suspect they are heavier and clunkier, they are designed to get soaked and dry quickly with the waterproof layer being your sock or waders. I'm probably just going to buy a cheaper rubber Chelsea boot though, just to save my wallet.
If you ride flat pedals, get Chrome Kursk cycling sneakers or a good set of Five Ten MTB shoes with Stealth rubber soles. If you ride clipless, get a pair of Sidi MTB or road shoes. They have many to choose from. Problem solved.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Five Ten seem wide to me, although heavy. I was going to suggest the newer Five Ten Sleuth shoe. They run just over 300 grams per shoe and have the great Five Ten outer sole, which I really like. I think the grip on their soles makes them also great for walking. I guess if all Five Ten shoes are too narrow for your taste, then maybe they're not right either. My feet are probably just more narrow than yours.
Question: in the past you've expressed your love from Crocs as a bike shoe - what reasons would you swap those (or just any all-purpose athletic shoe) for one of these? I tend to do running/gym shoes because they're comfortable, if they get wet they dry easily, and I can use a variety of socks depending on the temperature and weather.
Favourite no-cycling brand cycling shoe: the Black Diamond Circuit. It’s an ‘approach’ shoe, although what I’m approaching on it I’m unsure. So comfortable that its my everyday shoe, but still great to ride on supportive mtb-style flats with pins. The pins do damage the sole however, and cos I wear these shoes everyday, the first pair lasted about 15 months, and I’m about 18 months into the second pair. A side note, or perhaps a different video … for my commuter bike I switched away from the mtb-style flats to the MKS Sylvan Gordito because when wheeling my bike through doorways, train stations etc I find the mtb-style pedal pins attack my calves, so I would often arrive somewhere with blood trickling down the back of my leg. But because the MKS cage-style pedals have less platform than the mtb style, I tend to wear shoes with a firmer sole. Everything is a compromise, right? I have two cycling specific pairs of flat shoes I like, the Five Ten Trailcross, and the Shimano GR6.
Any shoe from Topo Athletic. Terra Ventures for trail or ST5 from road, and the awesome Bedrock Cairn Pro sandal, w/ or w/out merino split tie socks. All are zero drop, wider forefoot, far more durable than Altras and last much longer, while performing great on any terrain. More value.
I have the opposite problem, most shoes are just too wide. I frequently get a women's model as they are narrower. The women's Giro Petra are a nice fit. Lems are ridiculously wide for me. Even going with a women's model and going a size down to normal, they are still way too wide. Mainly nowadays I am riding in Vans Era shoes.
The Fastlace system on my Giro Trackers is stupid. The rest of the shoe is pretty good. You can ride to the store and walk around without looking like a jackass. Plenty of grip. Plenty of stiffness. I wore them on a 200k brevet and they were great. No hot-spots. And when it came to stomping up hills they were a huge improvement over the wimpy-limpy Lems I was trying. What on earth made Giro go with a ridiculous and gimmicky lacing “system” is beyond me. It’s like they had a good product on the drawing board and they decided to ruin it at the last minute. Hey Giro, get your act together, respect the manual dexterity of your customers, and make a decent shoe for flat pedals, and just use regular laces you can tie with a bow.
i feel like you would enjoy the shimano gr5 it has a super wide toebox its not super stiff i would go as far as saying its flexible and thanks to that flex its super comfy for walking riding and sometimes running from an angry grandma on the trail. i wouldn rercommend you try them they are awesome and also super cheap and quite waterproof and breatheble
how do you find the durability of the lems footwear? I've been interested in getting their 'outlander' boots. A big thing for me is that I don't want it to fail on me during a long bikepacking trip, and i cant afford to replace my boots every year so im looking for something that will last a long time.
Price is also important and the Giro Tracker seems to be very affordable and actually on sale at some dealers if you are lucky to find your size. I saw it as low as $93.00 with free shipping at one bike dealer. Looks like a great shoe! Nice review as always. One thing I like about the Chukka-style boots is they keep debris out of the shoe better, important when you are on gravel for sure.
I have the 510s but they are heavy and do not breath. Summertime is miserable. I mostly ride in Keen Targhee 3 hiking shoes. Lighter weight, breath good, wide toebox with rubber toe guard. Very comfortable. Hey! You can hike in them too 🤓
I presently live in South Korea. What I would like is an off the shelf shoe that fits, any shoe. I don't think my feet are abnormally big (11.5 UK/13 US) and the closest I can buy are Nike in a 305 (Asian sizing) and that is still not quite big enough. Any cycling shoes in my size are non existent. As for office/going out shoes. I get them hand made.
I never ever did waste a thought when it came to cycling shoes. Got the same relaxed approach to bike riding as PLP has; - a shoe has to serve to more than one purpose. I always look for shoes that do well in everyday use. Walking, hiking, running, biking. - I absolutely need space around my toes, I sweat less, my feet do freeze much less in cold, wet weather. The shoes have to be water repellent but not entirely water proof because wet feet from sweat cool down much faster and easier than feet kept dry. High quality Merino socks are to be considered as well as insoles. Usually I go for a Salomon trailrunning shoe or a Lowa low-cut hiking shoe, those fit all my needs. They're elegant but sturdy, they flawlessly do their job they were designed for PLUS they're really decent bike shoes!
Look like a great shoe. I’m in Adidas Trailcross XT’s for summer and super bulky skater kid 5/10’s for winter. The Adidas are great! The 5/10’s are… warm.
I'm a big fan of BOA laces. There have been recent attempts to use multiple BOAs on each shoe which gives you a little bit more control with the tightness over different areas of your foot. But nonetheless I still prefer single BOAs to laces. Loosening and tightening are so much simpler and you don't ever have to worry about catching your laces on a sprocket or chain. I ride recumbent bikes and I love super light/comfy shoes. I'm never riding super technical terrain, because recumbents are more suited for long distances and comfort. I'd love to get a pair of Allbirds Runners or Adidas Kaptirs with multiple BOAs on each shoe. I think that would be my ideal biking shoe. But I am intrigued by more rigid soles as every once in a while I like to pedal a little faster and feel they might offer some performance benefits. I think I'm gonna give these Giro Trackers a try. Thanks for the heads up!
Half of the rides (10-60 miles) I end up in Blunstones. Giro trail is second choice. Both a bit heavy. I’m interested in the Lems Chelsea. Thank you Russ
I'd like a more wearable/walkable shoe with SPD's (I use egg beaters on all my bikes but road now,) and need more ankle support as I am 6'. I really like BOA, but maybe if there was one at the top and one at the bottom of the laces. They need to be user repairable/replaceable too. Vaude or XLC might be an option.
I ride in Lasportiva Raptor boots.. the pair Im on now are doing weel after 2 years...good traction when pushing my psuh bike... good grip in my cage pedals..
I truly enjoy tour content! You are reviewing cycles and cycling goods that no one else is and that gives you a niche. Keep up the great work!
Totally agree with the need for wider toe box shoes ( why are bike shoes so narrow?). I do like a some what stiffer shoe. This helps eliminate how spots for me. Though I ride either clips or cages and straps. Maybe flats would make hot spots a non issue with less stiff shoes. What you are asking for is what used to be known as a touring shoe, but with a wider toe box, which would be perfect!
Totally agree!!!! bike shoes are stupidly narrow!!! Why?
Well, there is no reason, unless you are a professional cyclist and you need that "half second every 100kms" that you can get for its (ridiculously minimal) aerodynamic effect. But that will only be useful for a professional biker in a high-level race.
I do find that the higher end road shoes (we’re talking $400+ here) tend to actually be wider than the cheaper shoes. I do know that most companies make new lasts for their flagship pair based on what they find and just trickle down tech to their cheaper shoes without changing lasts or using higher end materials like natural leather or stiffer synthetics which you need to have in order to help prevent hotspots in your foot. The widest shoes I have used are Bont Vaypors and Shimano s-pyre both of which are in the $400 range. The narrowest I’ve seen are the cheep $100-200 entry level cycling shoes with the nylon soles despite it being coming from the same brands. Part of the reason is that they just decide to not pay much attention to the shoes and just make it more narrow so your feet can do some more of the stability itself which in reality does not work.
#Lems needs to get in the biking shoe game!
Two thumbs up for Lems as a cycling shoe. My favorite is the Lems Chillums and a close second is the Lems Boulder Boot. Both a super light weight and the soles are really grippy on my flat pedals.
I went riding with my Lems Boulder Boot Mid Vegan, turns out...great grip. It's my go to mtb shoe. Highly recommend.
@@RaiderWarpath hello, interesting comment as I really enjoy barefoot shoes. What kind of MTB are you doing? I would love to have lems as my MTB shoes but I am affraid for the grip (I live in a country where Lems shoes are not that easy to get)
My favourite cycling shoe is the Specialized Rime 2.0. It seems to fit my definition of the perfect cycling everyday shoe. It takes SPDs, but you also don’t look like a cyclist if u walked into the supermarket with it. On concrete w/ cleats, the cleats does make some concrete grinding sound esp if the pavement is rough, but if you can get over that, u can easily walk all day on it and even do hike-a-bike with it.
I have been cycling in a pair of Merrell barefoot running shoes for a few years now. Really lightweight, nice wide toebox, super flat thin sole (good pedal feel), and really breathable. They work good with toe clips as well.
Hi, Russ - As I mentioned in an earlier comment, in my opinion, the best non-specific cycling shoe is the Camper Peu. It is a so called ‘earth’ shoe with no heel, a super sticky sole that really grips any flat pedal and a really generous toe box. The sole is flexible but the speeds the load across the sole. I am in my late 70s, and sensitive feet and sore knees mean any clipped in pedals are out of the question; clips and straps as well. I found these shoes by chance, and have used them for the last 5 years. Absolute comfort and control. The leather version can be waterproofed with ‘dubbing’ for the winter. I have used every kind of shoe in my cycling ‘career’ and, believe me, nothing comes close to the Camper for flat pedal comfort and efficiency. Get a pair - I’ll look forward to your review! The Fossil, Manchester, UK
I actually really like my cycling shoes to have a stiff sole. Once I get them "interfaced" with the pedal, the big stiff sole makes it feel like my entire foot is on the pedal - like the shoe becomes and extension of the pedal - and I love the way that feels.
However, I hate walking in shoes like that....
The Trailheads are a great compromise for me. They're great for walking or hiking in, but still just about stiff and grippy enough for pedals. They were my only pair of shoes for a long tour recently and they worked out amazing.
I’m out of love with Boa closures. They’re impossible to dial in a nice fit without overdoing it and getting too tight. I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumis with 2 velcro straps and they’re so good that I bought a new backup pair when these get thrashed.
The first thing I look for is a shoe that will absorb the least amount of water and dry quickly. I find that with creek crossings and random rainstorms, waterproof shoes/socks/covers just don't cut it--I'd prefer to just let it get wet and wear warm wool socks. I absolutely avoid cushioning around the ankle and prefer as much non-absorbing mesh as possible. With that, I tend to gravitate to watershoe hikers and canyoneering shoes. I've loved Arc'teryx's Konseal LT... a lightweight approach shoe with a handy fold-down heel for slipping on quickly around camp.
I agree with you on the desire for wide toe boxes. Especially since foot placement on pedals tends to put most of your weight and power through your forefoot.
I also prefer a more flexible sole. I could understand if I were doing a lot of dedicated downhill riding or slope style that stiffness could be helpful. But for trail,XC and packing rides having natural flex really helps when you are off the bike. And personally also more comfortable on aswell.
I do like the sole to be firm or thick enough to distribute and negate the feel of pedal pins.
My current pair of 510 free riders iv had for 5 years now and wear them for everything I do (rides, everyday town walking ,work, hiking and as my approach shoes when climbing) and this past season they became worn and thin enough that I could feel my pedals pins and it was a bit uncomfortable towards the bottom of rides.
I do really like the free riders. For me they are wide enough in the toe box, flexible enough in the sole, breathable enough since the two pairs iv owned are the canvas ones, and and break in well for walking and hiking in.
I have been looking for other options to try this season since I’m at a point where I should replace my current 510s. But like you I find a lot of bike specific brand shoes are over engineers for the type of rider I am. And they fact that I don’t tend to dedicate my shoes to one job. Breathability, ability to keep debris out. And waterproofing or resistance are great aspects of bike specific shoes. But there a big gap in most shoe lines in their reinforcement and protection. Most shoes seem to be geared towards rough riding pro riders.
I think most of us trail riders are only out for a few hours a ride and not every day of the week and aren’t doing trails and stunts that warrant that much protection.
Bike/hike oriented sole patterns, breathability and weather resistance is only reason I tend to lean towards bike shoes
Been using Chaco Ramble cinch shoes ($35) for my winter commute, super light, great grip and super warm! Get a 1/2 size big and throw in an insert.
I am all for wider shoes, but narrow ones are not necessarily for fashion. Some of us just have narrow feet. I absolutely hate having too much space in a shoe. So a wide toe box is not a benefit, but a feature. Bu this video is so useful, and this is an amazing channel ).
If you use wider shoes, minimalist shoes or walk barefoot more often your foot will become wider. Not sure you'd want that for cyling, at all, but it's what people report happening, and exactly what happened to me.
Great video Russ, very informative. I've just been using Converse and Vans bc I refuse to pay for Vans knock-offs that are twice the price because they're branded MTB specific. I'll definitely give one of these pairs a try.
I recently bought some Specialized Recon 2.0s and even though I don't like Specialized in general, I had to buy them. THEY ARE SIMPLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE CYCLING SHOES I EVER HAD. No seriously they are great for people with wider feet.
The Rime 2.0 from specialized is a better everyday riding shoe in my opinion. esp if u don’t want to look like a cyclist while ur in the shops. It’s also very walkable, and has vibram soles so u can even hike-a-bike with it while still having SPD cleats. Yeah I dislike Specialized stuff in general. I think they nailed cycling footwear.
I wear barefoot shoes and have wide feet but similarly I bought the specialized recon 1.0. it has a rounded toe box and has enough flex in the sides, so feel less narrow than other shoes. I like them. Very stiff too.
I have used Giro Rumbles for many years now as my non winter shoe and they don't have a narrow toe box. I have narrow heels and am wide across toes, and like to wiggle my toes.
They are SPD shoes but I've also worn them all day on many occasions as shoes. Don't look like bike shoes either, if that's important to you.
I like to cycle in clogs, sometimes wood sole clogs. The best biking shoes are ones that have a very rigid sole.
Xero Terraflex has been my favorite mixed with XL Pedaling Innovations flat pedals. The Prio is nice but the bottom is a bit slick. I prefer the knobs on the bottom of the Terraflex. Plenty of toe space in a zero drop, lightweight shoe. Standard laces and holes for lots of adjustments.
I cycle in Luna sandals (Oso range)
Absolutely love them. Extremely grippy, flexible and comfortable.
If you ride in BOA lace shoes, always, always carry a couple of zip ties. Sooner or later, it will pay off!
For long time, I have wondered why flatpedals-shoes look like ordinary sneakers ... Iooks like GIRO have made a nice bike-shoe!
Very interesting and very helpful video! Thank you for sharing this information.
Very comfortable and great quality shoes, will definitely recommend this.
I love the Altra Lone Peak - they're light, great for walking and cycling, and the wide toe box means i can put thick socks on in winter!
I’ll second that. Love the wide toe box of the Line Peaks.
They also go on sale every year in the spring. I got mine for $90 on Amazon.
I'm with PLP'ed and favor barefoot shoes, specifically minimalist Merrell Trail Gloves, for platform pedal riding. For more technical MTB'ing I go with older 5/10 skate shoes because of their more robust construction, better foot protection and superb, grippy outsole but don't favour the slight heel rise and narrower toebox. What's discouraging about the GIRO shoe that PLP'ed likes is that BOA lacing system. I've had two instances where it required replacing on clipless shoes and while its superior fastening strength makes sense for clipless shoes where power is transferred on the up-stroke of the pedal cycle, I'm not convinced platform pedal shoes merit the extra complexity and expense, standard laces being just fine.
The Giro Ventana is a very similar shoe if anyone is looking for something like this but has SPD. I've used the fastlace version for multi-day bike packing trips the past couple of years and they are very comfortable with all the same attributes Russ goes in to here in my opinion. I use them with the Shimano PD-EH500 spd pedals which are dual sided. The shoes work well on the flat side for times I want it.
The Giro Rumble is more like the Tracker, i.e. don't look like a bike shoe like the Ventana does.
I use New Balance 608 or 623 for my bike shoes. I love your alternative options.
Love my LEMS! I live in their Boulder boots all year long, occasionally in their Primal during the summer (or Soft Star mocs in the house). Cycling though, for me its Specialized. I don't use flat pedals, so I do want/need that stiffer sole; and while big S could have a wider toebox, the rest of it fits me very well.
My favorite shoe is now the Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoe, a little on the bulky side, but much lighter in weight than traditional SPD clipless shoes. I use the Merrells with the Catalyst pedals by Pedaling Innovations, a super long pedal (no wider than regular platforms) that allows for full-foot support pedaling (no more hotspots or foot issues). Yes, traditional clipless cycling shoes are ridiculously narrow. I have owned and ridden extensively both the SIDI mega extra wide SPD shoe and the Lake MX-165 extra wide shoe, and despite their claims to being wide, the are about an inch narrower than my Merrell Moab hiking shoes that I now wear ... my feet are SO much more comfortable in regular shoes! You are so right in calling out the narrowness of SPD cycling shoes. Leaving clipless pedaling behind last summer of 2022 was the best think I ever could have done! Now I can wear whatever shoe I want, and I will never pedal on my toes again (as I did for many years with SPD clipless shoes). Thanks for showing your shoes!
steve
I have the Lems Trailhead too. I like them a lot, but I actually find them a bit too stiff and too grippy for riding how I want to. The Trailhead is great for getting off the bike and walking round in the wilds, have good protection for water and mud, etc. But I come from bmx and have historically ridden in light shoes, right to pumps with minimal ankle support, no stiffness at all. And that background has shaped what I like in shoes for pedalling big bikes in. I have lots of ankle and foot problems (old displaced breaks, torn ligaments on side, and torn ligaments in my heel which is total killer and has pretty much pushed me away from little bikes), but I still love the feel of flexibility and control that a minimal, trainer or pump brings. I want to love my Lems for riding in, but am considering just getting more trainers or pumps. And on with the endless dilemma of shoes to ride in...
I ditched my clipless setup for flats based on your advice and it made a huge difference! I'm actually faster on gravel trails. I tried several different brands and found the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch work best for me. Even with the obnoxious safty cone orange BOA dials.
If those stick like the Giros I got it’s like glue!
I don’t really get the flat pedal thing, I’d rather ride clipless but had to try a “modern” flat set up and found them to be fine. The shoes I got are a bit too based so those look sweet.
what do you think 5ten Trailcross? low profile, stealth sole, light, not too narrow
Love your sense of humor and personal insight on products. I use 5/10’s and my gripe with them is that nobody makes a good bootie shoe cover to fit them as they are wide. I just can’t buy those ugly thick neoprene ones that are sweaty hot and look like a beginner sewing student made. It’s really not 5/10’s fault, it’s the shoe cover industry’s fault. Yes Shimano I’m talking about you!
Which 5/10 do you run? I've been eyeing their GTX Mid Pro MTB boot for a few years, even just for rainy season, but I can't really justify the price compared to just a Chelsea low cut rainbow.
@@KoroWerks Freerider Pro. I like them real well and they have held up well over the years. I don’t mind the stiff sole as I have no trouble walking. I didn’t want a waterproof shoe as they get hot. Just can’t find a nice shoe cover chukka height that fits over my euro size 45. To each our own and I love Russ’s insight on cycling
The Pearl Izumi Amfib booties with quilted Primaloft gold are awesome. I stay warm and don't sweat anymore than usual. Even if you do sweat, the windbreak material (softshell... not neoprene) keeps the cold out. The vertical velcro attachment in the back is super adjustable and grips like a bear trap. They're on sale right now, too.
As a dedicated clipless rider I appreciate a stiff sole. I've been riding in Shimano SD5 sandals (even in winter), maybe I'll get a pair of the Quoc boots though, they look pretty classy!
Keen CX Clearwater sandals.
Safety toe fisherman sandals, perfect for cycling in warmer climes.
Skate shoes are good too. I have some Nike SB shoes that have a pretty nice stiff and heavy sole for flat pedals.
Same problems Rus. I wear mostly vivo primus lite 3s all day, vivo tracker boots in the winter and Shamma sandals when it’s sandal time. I actually really like the feel of riding onthe super minimalist shoes on quick spins but for longer rides need something a little more substantial on the bottom. Currently got some pearl izumi alp lace ups that are fairly wide. But kinda klunky.
I've tried various non-clipped-in biking shoes. I go back and forth from spd's to platform pedals frequently (usually clipped in on most gravel/mixed terrain rides) but lately I've been using a pair of Altra 5 trail running shoes with wide toe box, and I really like them. I can hike and ride with them and not feel foot fatigue. There's a stiffener in the Altra 5, but not overly stiff. I love them for long distance walking (I'm not a trail runner, but love the lightweight feel and the zero drop design). The wide toe box is what really drew me to these sorts of shoes, and I didn't originally buy them for cycling. Now I use them for riding and walking. Your review features some very good aspects that the cycling shoe makers need to focus more on.
i also use altra trail shoes for cycling (and running)! it's the only brand that doesn't hurt my morton's neuroma. 👍🏼
When I switch to flats here in the PNW, I love my Altras with the rock guard in them.
Great vid! I went through a clipless phase (as I’m sure most of us who follow you did) and I have been looking for the perfect show ever since.
For the last decade or so I’ve mostly been riding in my trusty old Converse Chucks, even though they are not ideal.
Those Lems look like they may be the ticket.
Over 20 years I've gradually moved from carbon-soled clipless shoes to wider, softer and minimal shoes. Now I'm no longer able to ride in any bike-specific shoe, they are all too stiff and narrow for me. Last few years using Xero Alpine as a winter fatbike boot and some cheap minimalist water shoes for summer.
Most trail running/light hiking shoes do the job as they have some kind of rockplate to make them stiffer than running shoes.
It just sounds like you should just use minimalist trail running shoes since that seems to be what you are comparing everything to. Shoes are very personal, and I'd also contend that they don't build shoes a certain way just for the heck of it. Road shoes and some gravel/MTB shoes are stiff for a reason- they offer better power transfer and your feet won't get tired from the flex of a sole over a long or rough ride. Some MTB shoes like the Five10's for instance are built the way they are to be more protective of your foot/ankle while thrashing a bike down a trail. Shoes are also more than just width and length, but about volume. I have an average to slightly narrow foot that doesn't have a lot of overall volume, so finding a shoe that fits is hard just because of that. And unless it is cold, exceptionally wet, and/or I want to look fashion-forward off the bike, why am I going to wear a boot that is restrictive in movement, heavier, etc.? So to bring it back around, it is really about finding the shoe that works for you and works for how you are going to use it at any given time.
Been looking for exactly the type of shoe you are presenting, thanks for the tips. Impressed by the Giro Tracker! In the end though, I had already bought the Shimano SH-ET500. It's pretty much the same weight as the Giro Tracker, great grip, quite walkable, traditional lacing + a stow-away band, stiff sole (there's a plastic plate underneath the insole). It costs a little less than the Giro, though I'm a bit bummed I did not consider the Giro before buying. Still very happy with my choice, would be interesting to know what you think of the Shimano SH-ET500.
Every time I look at those two Lems shoes I think the same damn thing. Why do they not make the Chelsea in a trail tread sole.
For flat pedal biking I like the Keen Voyageur hiking shoe. Wide toe box and if you have a narrow heel most Keens can be adjusted to fit a narrow heel.
I ride in trail running Salomon shoes. Love them for both
Would you please do (or repeat) a video explaining why you ride with flat pedals rather than clip-ons? Don’t you lose the power you would otherwise gain on your upstroke? I always learn something from your videos. Thanks
I'm not Russ, but I think I can answer this... I've been watching him since he got started. His theme says it all... "Party Pace". He and Laura like to explore as much as ride (fish, sightsee, bird watch, etc.), and he has a wide foot. Most clipless shoes, as he points out, have narrow toe boxes and are super uncomfortable to pedal in... much less walk in. However, as far as grip goes, with the right combo of pedal pins and shoe soles, you get really good grip for about 65% to 75% of your pedal stroke. A lot of serious mtb'ers who catch tons of air, manual, and bunny hop all over the place prefer flats. It's also simply a different style of pedaling. Flats are more of a fluid-like chop... think ovals (like the old bio-pace chainrings) instead of circles. Your upcoming foot doesn't take over as quickly. It takes some practice... otherwise, your feet dance around. But that's only if you're getting after it. Just spinning down the road or climbing on fairly smooth terrain is no big deal and you can turn decent circles all day long. Again, flats are awesome when doing a lot of hiking or exploring because of the larger toe box (on most) and the absence of the reinforced cleat shank under the ball of the foot, which over time creates foot fatigue. With Russ, it's not all about super-efficient pedal strokes... Party Pace! Hope this helps.
If you check GCN's most recent video, clipless has no objective advantage except for accelerating/sprinting. Granted, you need good, grippy pedals and a good flat cycling shoe.
They suppose to be stiff on the road.
What kind cycling do you do?
Finally a review focusing on wide (or normal) feet, I'm a cyclist not a ballerina. Thanks for this!
I would like the Giro tracker with SPD please. What I would really like is if Keen made an SPD shoe.
The Altra King MT trail runners are decent. Zero drop, Vibram sole with solid grip, rock plate but still very walkable, very wide toe box, very light. The main problem is that Altra changes so much from year to year that I have no idea if the 2023 model will be as good. Edit: also less good is zero ankle protection and no toe guard.
I love my altras as well for cycling but I’m not sure they are perfect.
Try wearing old dress shoes, broken in and wide enough for your foot but narrow enough for old toe clips with straps, which is why the narrow tradition. They also have a pronounced heel and sole is stiff enough to push a pedal.
My first & only bike shoes are 1992 Shimano stiff, narrow shoes with a steel plate under sole. They are wearing out at the spot that was cut out for whatever cleats/clips, whatever was supposed to be placed there. It’s been through rain & snow and everything in between. I don’t usd cages anymore, all 5 bikes are flat pedals. Go big, go cheap!
I was looking for a flat shoe for days on the gravel bike where I’m riding more single track, techy gravel or just cruising with brewery stops 😂. Always use flats riding mtb so it’s just a preference on trails.
The giro tracker is perfect. Not overly bulky, boa and light. It’s like the perfect gravel flat shoe. Now just use my spd’s for days with more road.
Salomon Speedcross and any Hoka trail runner. All other shoes are substandard. Craft shoes would be better but they are for running, not trails
Vans Eras are good for everything, plus they have limited editions each year like Snoopy and Slayer
Agreed! Ive been riding in Vans for 45 years. Plus you dont look like a bicycle nerd when you get off your bike
Vans Pro slip ons are ideal for city riding too, maybe not so good if hiking as well
I ride all kinds of bikes in the vans bmx slip ons. Everything but bmx🤔
Toe box on vans are so so pointy and narrow
So happy to see my vans people here haha. My nickname at the road club rides is “vans.”
The Lems Trailhead sounds terrific from your description, but I found this on their website: *Sizing Note: The Trailhead fits narrow. If you have wider feet, we do not suggest this shoe.
been using 5tens stealth recently it's really looks like normal shoes and going from altras - a bit narrow yes, but grip is amazing in comparisson
Check out Pear Izumi Canyon (non-spd version), it looks to fall in between the cracks as well
Speaking about wide toe box shoes, did you have a chance to try the Lake MX201 (clipless or flat) ? It seem like they are the new golden confort standart when it comes to wide feet.
Vans old skool is very good for flat pedals nice and wide. I don’t recommend vans because shoe if your foot is on the wider side
Have you ever tried the Xero Prio? Been my go-to for flat pedals, with or without cages/straps. Just don't put them in the dryer or super hot wash cycle (they fall apart).
Gorpcore has entered the chat. 🤣
Just bought the Giro Tracker & I'm loving it. I have Race Face Pedals on my Gazelle E-bike. Theses shoes really stick to the pedals. With the wire lace up, there super easy to take on & off. Great video-!!
I ride my salsa fargo in merrell trail gloves, they are the old trail glove 3, probably not quite enough for cycling but they are my best find for now, glad to hear of these I will give them a look, thank you.
Great shoes. I have the Trail Glove 4 and love them for cycling. The only drawback for some people is that the grip pinches down at the mid foot so there's not much of a platform below the toe/ball area. It's fine for me though. Good for hiking too, and extremely light.
Another vote for the Merrell minimalist shoes. I ride with the Vapor Glove (leather upper) A LOT. While a stiffer soul would make it more bike capable, I am ok sacrificing a bit of performance for the all day comfort I enjoy in these.
I put some rockbros on my Poseidon Redwood and ride with an Adidas ATX something I got from C.OS.TC.O and man… they stuck to those pedals better than any other shoes and when I have to carry my bike thru the trail the shoes work just fine; my point you don’t need to break your bank
I have found that several of the Olukai brand shoes are great for my commuter. I even have worn them for bikepacking, instead of my stiffer 5.10 mtb shoes.
Thanks for sharing. It's always good!!
Personal fit and comfort is my priority so I have to try it on first. For casual riding I look at trail running shoes. I can usually find one with suitable grip, width, breathable material, weight, comfort that works on and off the bike. Trail runners also have a good variety of closures available. I like boa or pull cords over laces for biking.
I use my trail running shoes for biking, they work great, and I use lock laces in them anyway, so no worries about laces getting wrapped up in a pedal.
Trail runners can be great b/c some models have a protective barrier of plastic or other material between the outer sole and the inner liner to protect against rocks, etc. for trail running. This can add a bit of stiffness to the sole which makes pedaling more efficient, but not so stiff that they are uncomfortable for walking/hiking.
Put a link next time bro , took me 10 min to find the shoes 👞, nice shoe the giro , I was looking for a shoe like this for a year
Just get a pair of Adidas Sambas man. I rode loads of miles all over Portland for a few years in Sambas on flat pedals.
I wouldn't ride the Sambas on proper trails though. But Adidas has the product there too... after trying and not liking Five Ten Freeriders, I got a pair of their Trailcross shoes and they are dreamy. I wear them to the trail, on the trail, over to the brewpub, and back home. So comfy and they have the signature Five Ten grip factor.
Too narrow.
I know I can alway wear waterproof socks for foul weather riding, but I’m concerned about how long a shoe will last if it’s almost permanently wet from late fall through late spring, even if I use a shoe dryer when I get home.
Sometimes the shoe dryer makes it worse too! It can be harder on leather and glues, but what are you going to do, have 4-6 pairs of the same shoe so you can air dry and rotate them effectively?
@@KoroWerks I use a low power dryer that doesn’t have a fan. You can leave shoes on it for days and it doesn’t cook them.
Takes a while to dry though. Best if they aren’t completely soaked through.
@@greggschwabauer6241 yeah mine doesn't have a fan either but heated dryers still wear out leather more than air drying, even if it's not a forced air.
I was thinking about shoes that are designed to get wet consistently, like there are some neoprene water shoes with a vans style bottom. And there are specific boots made for waders, often matched to a specific brand or model of wader with an integrated gaiter, like I see FinnTrail makes their Aquamaster wader set for ATV use in the mud and snow, and while I haven't tried the boots and I suspect they are heavier and clunkier, they are designed to get soaked and dry quickly with the waterproof layer being your sock or waders.
I'm probably just going to buy a cheaper rubber Chelsea boot though, just to save my wallet.
Waterproof cycling socks??? Is that a thing?
If you ride flat pedals, get Chrome Kursk cycling sneakers or a good set of Five Ten MTB shoes with Stealth rubber soles. If you ride clipless, get a pair of Sidi MTB or road shoes. They have many to choose from. Problem solved.
I’ve tried the chrome and 5 ten and they run narrow. Still a problem.
I see. The quest continues. You're close.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Five Ten seem wide to me, although heavy. I was going to suggest the newer Five Ten Sleuth shoe. They run just over 300 grams per shoe and have the great Five Ten outer sole, which I really like. I think the grip on their soles makes them also great for walking. I guess if all Five Ten shoes are too narrow for your taste, then maybe they're not right either. My feet are probably just more narrow than yours.
Question: in the past you've expressed your love from Crocs as a bike shoe - what reasons would you swap those (or just any all-purpose athletic shoe) for one of these?
I tend to do running/gym shoes because they're comfortable, if they get wet they dry easily, and I can use a variety of socks depending on the temperature and weather.
It’s winter.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Fair enough. I wear boots during the winter, too.
Favourite no-cycling brand cycling shoe: the Black Diamond Circuit. It’s an ‘approach’ shoe, although what I’m approaching on it I’m unsure. So comfortable that its my everyday shoe, but still great to ride on supportive mtb-style flats with pins. The pins do damage the sole however, and cos I wear these shoes everyday, the first pair lasted about 15 months, and I’m about 18 months into the second pair. A side note, or perhaps a different video … for my commuter bike I switched away from the mtb-style flats to the MKS Sylvan Gordito because when wheeling my bike through doorways, train stations etc I find the mtb-style pedal pins attack my calves, so I would often arrive somewhere with blood trickling down the back of my leg. But because the MKS cage-style pedals have less platform than the mtb style, I tend to wear shoes with a firmer sole. Everything is a compromise, right? I have two cycling specific pairs of flat shoes I like, the Five Ten Trailcross, and the Shimano GR6.
Any shoe from Topo Athletic. Terra Ventures for trail or ST5 from road, and the awesome Bedrock Cairn Pro sandal, w/ or w/out merino split tie socks.
All are zero drop, wider forefoot, far more durable than Altras and last much longer, while performing great on any terrain.
More value.
Love the quoc shoes. I have 2 pairs for commuting and even wear them when not biking. Also have the Lems. Will have to try them on the bike next
I have the opposite problem, most shoes are just too wide. I frequently get a women's model as they are narrower. The women's Giro Petra are a nice fit. Lems are ridiculously wide for me. Even going with a women's model and going a size down to normal, they are still way too wide. Mainly nowadays I am riding in Vans Era shoes.
The Fastlace system on my Giro Trackers is stupid. The rest of the shoe is pretty good. You can ride to the store and walk around without looking like a jackass. Plenty of grip. Plenty of stiffness. I wore them on a 200k brevet and they were great. No hot-spots. And when it came to stomping up hills they were a huge improvement over the wimpy-limpy Lems I was trying. What on earth made Giro go with a ridiculous and gimmicky lacing “system” is beyond me. It’s like they had a good product on the drawing board and they decided to ruin it at the last minute. Hey Giro, get your act together, respect the manual dexterity of your customers, and make a decent shoe for flat pedals, and just use regular laces you can tie with a bow.
leatt makes some great flat pedal shoes.
i feel like you would enjoy the shimano gr5 it has a super wide toebox its not super stiff i would go as far as saying its flexible and thanks to that flex its super comfy for walking riding and sometimes running from an angry grandma on the trail.
i wouldn rercommend you try them they are awesome and also super cheap and quite waterproof and breatheble
how do you find the durability of the lems footwear? I've been interested in getting their 'outlander' boots. A big thing for me is that I don't want it to fail on me during a long bikepacking trip, and i cant afford to replace my boots every year so im looking for something that will last a long time.
Price is also important and the Giro Tracker seems to be very affordable and actually on sale at some dealers if you are lucky to find your size. I saw it as low as $93.00 with free shipping at one bike dealer. Looks like a great shoe! Nice review as always. One thing I like about the Chukka-style boots is they keep debris out of the shoe better, important when you are on gravel for sure.
how is the sizing on the tracker? they look like exactly what I’ve been looking for and struggling to find!
I'm with you. BOA laces are way overrated. One pair and I'm done. What was wrong with the velcro?
Hi is that the Lems Trailhead V2 or is it an older version? I can only find V2s in UK
Airmax 90
I have the 510s but they are heavy and do not breath. Summertime is miserable. I mostly ride in Keen Targhee 3 hiking shoes. Lighter weight, breath good, wide toebox with rubber toe guard. Very comfortable. Hey! You can hike in them too 🤓
Please, provide us with links to the products you review. I do appreciate your reviews!
How about Giro Latch? Looks similar, but with laces instead of Boa.
Not through the whole vid yet, but…..Keen Newport Sandals. I have many miles and pairs, very versatile, stable, comfortable.
Can you review the Stomplox shoes? Thankyou!
Very good review! So it is wider in the toes than a Xero shoe? All the best!
Altra Bikeshoes would be great : )
I presently live in South Korea. What I would like is an off the shelf shoe that fits, any shoe. I don't think my feet are abnormally big (11.5 UK/13 US) and the closest I can buy are Nike in a 305 (Asian sizing) and that is still not quite big enough. Any cycling shoes in my size are non existent. As for office/going out shoes. I get them hand made.
I never ever did waste a thought when it came to cycling shoes.
Got the same relaxed approach to bike riding as PLP has; - a shoe has to serve to more than one purpose. I always look for shoes that do well in everyday use. Walking, hiking, running, biking. - I absolutely need space around my toes, I sweat less, my feet do freeze much less in cold, wet weather. The shoes have to be water repellent but not entirely water proof because wet feet from sweat cool down much faster and easier than feet kept dry. High quality Merino socks are to be considered as well as insoles. Usually I go for a Salomon trailrunning shoe or a Lowa low-cut hiking shoe, those fit all my needs. They're elegant but sturdy, they flawlessly do their job they were designed for PLUS they're really decent bike shoes!
Look like a great shoe. I’m in Adidas Trailcross XT’s for summer and super bulky skater kid 5/10’s for winter. The Adidas are great! The 5/10’s are… warm.
I’m in the Adidas Trailcross XT for summer. Super bulky skater kid 5/10s for winter. Adidas are great. 5/10’s are…. warm.
I'm a big fan of BOA laces. There have been recent attempts to use multiple BOAs on each shoe which gives you a little bit more control with the tightness over different areas of your foot. But nonetheless I still prefer single BOAs to laces. Loosening and tightening are so much simpler and you don't ever have to worry about catching your laces on a sprocket or chain.
I ride recumbent bikes and I love super light/comfy shoes. I'm never riding super technical terrain, because recumbents are more suited for long distances and comfort. I'd love to get a pair of Allbirds Runners or Adidas Kaptirs with multiple BOAs on each shoe. I think that would be my ideal biking shoe. But I am intrigued by more rigid soles as every once in a while I like to pedal a little faster and feel they might offer some performance benefits.
I think I'm gonna give these Giro Trackers a try. Thanks for the heads up!
Half of the rides (10-60 miles) I end up in Blunstones. Giro trail is second choice. Both a bit heavy. I’m interested in the Lems Chelsea. Thank you Russ
I'd like a more wearable/walkable shoe with SPD's (I use egg beaters on all my bikes but road now,) and need more ankle support as I am 6'. I really like BOA, but maybe if there was one at the top and one at the bottom of the laces. They need to be user repairable/replaceable too. Vaude or XLC might be an option.
I ride in Lasportiva Raptor boots.. the pair Im on now are doing weel after 2 years...good traction when pushing my psuh bike... good grip in my cage pedals..