I've been though alot of them over the years and none seem to have got it right. Currently on Adidas Trailcross protect https://www.adidas.co.uk/terrex-trailcross-protect-shoes/BB4772.html But they are not perfect, that is after 4-5 pairs of 5/10s of various types, Shimanos etc.
What I want is a shoe that protects my inner ankle from crank and chainstay strikes and a stretch cover to stop the crap going into the tops when I'm digging trails. Also a retention system as employed by the spd crowds, instead of laces which get snagged on brambles covered in crap and get difficult to tie. Why is it so difficult for these MTB shoes makers not getting the picture, or do they all ride in spds and not dig? Or am I the only one who wants this?
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12.8px; background-color: #eeeeee;">a shoe that protects my inner ankle</span>
That's a boot!
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12.8px; background-color: #eeeeee;">a stretch cover to stop the crap going into the tops </span>
That's a gaiter!
They seem to be designed by people who never ride in mud or wet conditions.
Hint: If you wash your laces then they remain perfectly tie-able 🙂
(Hope the quoting works!)
Whitestone. After every ride and dig? You don't build trails obviously.
Other than the lace covers the OWNs are pretty close to what you describe. They aren't cheap though, but they are really good.
Yep have checked them out, some nice ideas but don't tick all the boxes ie
"after every ride"
Yes, a workman looks after his tools. Wash, squeeze through fingers, hang on radiator and they are dry in a couple of hours.
i can honestly say I've never hit my ankle on any crank from tiny q factor road bikes to 100mm fat bike cranks, infact when i've had a shoe with "ankle protection" it's rubbed on my ankle and made it sore!
i also want a flat pedal stiff enough for pedalling but still as grippy as a 5-10, thogut i had it woith a 2fo but the grip is way down but pedalling is spot on.
which goes to prove there will never be a perfect shoe for every one as we are all different
I wear Hoggs work boots when trailbuilding and flat shoes when riding my bike. Sometimes old Etnies, or Shimano AM40(?). Not tried my Adidas yet as I'm saving them for drier weather. Never bashed my ankles yet.
To be fair what you are asking for is one pair of shoes to do two completely different jobs which is why you are struggling .
.
Why when Spd options seem to have good options?
or
But they’d ^^^ be crap for wearing when trailbuilding though.
Out of interest on the adidas have you written a review or two, and emailed adidas direct..
ive written multiple reviews saying a gussetted tongue and gtx lining and these would be great shoes.
after years of spd and being very happy I decided to get some v12 and these adidas and they are good, sometimes I look down to check I’m not in my spds, the grip is sublime,
only thing i hate hate so far on an spd it’s easier to setoff,
Shimano AM7.
Trail cross protect might not be perfect but if you're a size 8 be quick and you can get a pair for a bargainous £48!
terrex-trailcross-protect-shoes/BB4772.html
Edit: too late - sold out
Oops double post
I have used the Shimano AM flat pedal shoes (nonSPD) for years now . I used to waste cash on more expensive five tens etc but The Shimano shoes are much better for me . They have excellent lace covers so I NEVER need to wash them 😊. I very surprised other manufacturers dons do lace covers too , but I guess “cool looks “ are more important for them? The covers are rubberised so you don’t get wet feet riding through the odd puddle . The shoes breath well so dry out and are ok in winter and summer . They grip pedals well and are reasonable price.
whatyadoinsucka Worth noting, I may take some photos of my Trail cross and add some suggestions for improvements. So far they are the best flat pedal shoe I've tried.
The older Shimanos AMs were good but weigh a ton when they get wet and take forever to dry out.