German apparel and protection brand ION have a pretty comprehensive range of riding shoes with plenty of options in both flat and clipless varieties. I’ve spent the last six months trying the Scrub flat pedal shoes to put them through their paces and see how they stack up through a winter of UK riding. Construction: The Scrub are at the cheaper end of the ION pricing spectrum and come in at €129, with only the urban inspired Seek shoes sitting below them in the range at €99. The Scrub shoes feature a textile upper that has additional synthetic rubber on the sides and instep for additional protection and weather protection. The tongue and ankle area of the Scrubs feature a good amount of padding, without being bulky, and this continues inside the shoe, but to a slightly lesser extent. For added ease of getting on and off, there’s a loop on the back of the heel, which can also be used to hang the shoes for drying. Around the front of the shoe is a rubber toe cap for added protection from rock strikes when riding and shrugging off rocks when walking. The Scrubs use a traditional lace system, with a separate tongue rather any sort of full sock, and there is an elasticated loop fitted onto the tongue to keep the laces secure and stop them from getting snagged. The heel cup is pre shaped for a precise fit and added comfort, along with reducing heel lift. The midsole...