UPDATE: Reviews section refreshed, redesigned, searchable: Go take a look
My ancient Freerider Elements have packed in and it seems like the replacement, the Freerider DLX, is also discontinued or at least only available in a few places at high prices. So before I spring for a set of those, any other recommendations would be welcomed!
I have good winter shoes, and good dry weather shoes, looking for something int he middle- doesn't have to be fully waterproof but good splash resistance and good behaviour once wet are the main job. Basically "wet summer" or "intermediate". These old ones were literally just a standard freerider with a water resistant upper so very grippy, not very stiff.
I don't absolutely need the grippiest, but I do want something that's definitely grippy. But also feel, I hate anything that isolates you from the pedal like say an Impact VXI, so I'm a wee bit cagey about anything clever that puts D30 or whatever in the insole. I don't need to feel the spikes, but I want to know exactly where the pedal is underfoot and get good grip feedback. Which I guess probably also means nothing too stiff (plus I do a reaonable amount of pushing!)
Any suggestions much appreciated!
I love my Trailcross GTX & will buy some more when I can find some.
I like my Shimano GR 901, still some to be had on eBay if you can find your size. I might buy a pair before they disappear.
If anyone's a size 43, you could have a brand new pair of Shimano GR9's for £48 delivered. Only issue is one shoe's grey and the other's blue. Separate sellers... https://www.ebay.co.uk/shop/shimano-gr9?_nkw=shimano+gr9
The Freerider Pro’s are pretty decent even with the little holes above the toes. They don’t absorb much water, dry fast and they’re miles more water resistant than normal Freeriders. I have some Freerider EPS I bought v discounted for the winter but although they keep the water out longer than the Pro’s, they take about five times as long to dry.
I've been using Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas shoes for the past couple years and I'm a big fan. I pair them with different socks that are appropriate for the weather. Thin lightweight sock for hot conditions, thicker merino ones for cold and dry and Sealskin/waterproof socks for wet and cold weather. The canvas does get wet but it also dries quickly and is breathable. I didn't have any complaints over this years very wet winter, my feet just got on with it, which I guess is the best compliment?
The pedal feel, feedback and grip is better than my old Adidas Trailcross LT shoes but those were a very old early version, they may have improved since then.
Often available for significantly less than RRP too, which is what tempted me to try them in the first place.
Thanks all! Found some cheap Scrub Amps so I will give those a go
I'm too late for you but should anyone else find this thread I'm a big fan of Fox Unions.
I have the boa version but there is a laceup too for less money. Happily wear them year round (down here in the south), relatively splash resistant uppers, but not too hot in summer either.
Quick drying compared to 5:10s, not as heavy when wet either. These 2 things are probably linked.
