Looking for some new flat pedals shoes that sit somewhere between a standard Vans and a stiffer soled shoe. I'm not really riding big days out or anything too gnar where the stiffness and protection comes in handy, but normal Vans are a bit too flexible on the sole.
I've had the Etnies Brandon Semenuk shoes for ages now and they're good but have that stiff and clumpy feel of a MTB shoe still. Looking at reviews people say these should sit in that middle ground but I still find them a bit uncomfortable.
Used to have Orchid and Lotek BMX shoes which I remember feeling nice so was thinking of trying the Vans BMX Proof or Peak model - anyone tried them or anything similar from other brands?
Would be nice if they were made of a material that doesn't soak up water like a sponge as well, the Etnies are pretty good for this with whatever the shiny material they use on the outer.
I like: Specialized Method, Ride Concepts Vice or Bontrager Flatline.
I'll be wearing Freeriders til they stop making them I think. They're basic, and I've regretted the lack of toe protection 3 times with 3 broken toes but I like everything else about them. I'm very picky about foot feel, I've had high end shoes that I just hate to ride in (lookin at you here impact vxi) but these just work for me.
Ion Scrub. perfectly what you describe.
Buy Scrub Amp MTB shoes for men & women online | MTB shoes | ION shop
I find Adidas TrailCross fairly flexible for actual MTBing (or perhaps I need a bigger pedal). Very non clunky feeling too, they're quite a slimmed down shoe.
Pretty happy with my Ride Concepts Accomplices. They just feel like a stiffer pair or Airwalks, Etnies or Vans, and don't look weird if I wear them off the bike. They don't make your feet sweat either, and dry super quickly if they get wet. Another thing I like about them is they don't have a separate tongue, so don't fill up with pine needles/small stones.
https://www.biketart.com/products/ride-concepts-accomplice-shoes-2026?variant=56303671804278
I only paid around £60 or £70 for mine.
Freeriders are pretty bendy - the Pro versions are much stiffer which I prefer.
Standard Freeriders
I like the Crank Bros Stamp, always on offer too, bargains to be had
Freeriders, they're a lot more flexible than my impact or sleuths
Leatt 1.0 flats are the thinnest mtb shoes I’ve ever felt. Actually too thin and flexy for me to use on the bike.
I love the standard Freeriders, but they’re just a bit too soft and flexy for me. So the deluxe ones are even better in my book.
Vans pro model shoes sound like what you're after. They are stiffer with a more supportive insole than non pro models
As you've realised Vans Old skool soles are just too thin for any sort of rough mtb... Fine for pumptrack n jumps etc. tho.
Also pretty much any etnies genuine skate shoe. (as opposed to their mtb range)
Freeriders honestly aren't all that flexible and because of the sticky soles give up tons of "feel". folk will insist of recommending their favourite horrible stiff soled sticky rubber mtb shoes even though that's clearly not what you're asking for. .
