I’ve been riding a lot on flats for a few years but have had a little dabble with spds again a few times. Got some fairly decent Nukeproof platform spds but the shoes I’ve got are traditional shimano xc ones and they don’t work awfully well with a platform spd with pins on it.
Was thinking about trying to pick up some cheap flat style spd shoes but such a thing doesn’t seem to exist. Had about £50-£60 in mind - preferably from somewhere you can use to pay via paypal as I have a balance on there (although I can always withdrawal it if needed).
Seen some older black shimano am5’s but none in the sort of size I need. Usually a 44 in Shimano, 44 in Northwave or 43 in Five-10 freeriders.
So at the moment I’ve found 5-10 district clip in ones for just under £60, or the new am5’s for around £65.
Are either of those any good or is there something else better for similar money?
I had some 5.10s (Kestrel I think) in the sales for about that. Can't find anything by 5.10 for that price poitn now
There is a set of 661s in CRC if they have your size..
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sixsixone-filter-spd-clipless-shoes/rp-prod152536
That’s a good spot but they don’t have my size 😞
I've got a beaten up pair of shimano DX shoes for sale in the classifieds.........
TBH I'd swap the pedals to bog standard M520's and stick with XC shoes. I really don't get on with these platform SPD's, they just make clipping in harder. The only advantage of SPD 'trainers' is they're a lot easier to walk in with their properly recessed cleat and a big flat rubber sole not just a few bits stuck on.
I have got some xc pedals as well - some Boardman ones that I use on my commuter bike with the xc shoes in the winter (leaving proper road pedals and shoes for mostly nicer commuting weather).
They’re ok, but it’s nice to have the platform in case you unclip and can’t get clipped back in on a downhill section.
My all time favourite pedals are still Time Atacs from the 90’s though. Wish I hadn’t sold them as they just kept going and going with no maintenance and were easier to clip into then shimano style spds.
cheap flat style spd shoes:
I use the AM5s and get on well with them, have you tried Go Outdoors? They have them in 44s by the look of it and at a decent price.
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15920964/shimano-am5-off-road-cycling-shoes-15920964
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Shimano-AM5-SPD-MTB-Shoes_204010.htm
strange pricing array-
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giro-Rumble-VR-SPD-MTB-Cycling-Shoes_82714.htm
Thanks all - I tried to buy they AM5’s from go outdoors but they aren’t available to deliver and none of the stores in my region can get them in to click and collect. So I think to buy them you’ve got to be lucky that a local go outdoors has stock. That was my first choice of shoe to buy.
I think I’m now torn between the new am5’s and the last gen am7.
The 5’s look better but the 7’s have much better reviews (can only get the 7’s in grey and blue - maybe if the blue laces were swapped out for grey ones they wouldn’t look quite as special).
Got the spesh ones mentioned up there and they are excellent- light stiff and in the sale.
I get on well with the AM9 shoes (they are about 90 quid now) and have had the old AM45 for ages too, I would imagine the AM5 would be fine judging by the review on pinkbike but you'll want sealskins in the winter so size accordingly.