I’m looking for a tough SPD shoe, something that’s reasonably stiff but has a good sole for the odd bit of hike a bike and generally trail riding. I quite like the look of the Mavic Alpine XL, has anyone got any other recommendations?

My newish pair of Diadora X-trails died in three months, so looking for something a bit tougher.

Five Ten Maltese Falcon. Much unlike the rest of the 5.10 offerings, it’s not a sneaker, but a tough boot, with stiff sole, which is good for long walking climbing. Plenty of grip to the ground when walking, apart from the area around the cleats, of course.
The only downside is that it’s not vented much. May be it’s so that you won’t get water inside, which rarely happens, but once in it’s hard to get it out…

Shimano do a walking boot style spd shoe. Mt91?

Has a vibram sole.

I got the first version and it lasted well.

I just ordered a set of Shimano MT43
from Ribble for £45.

They for the cx. I just cant run/walk in normal style mtb racing shoes .. they far too stiff.
The penalty of not having a stiff sole is far outweighed by actually being able to run/walk in these shoes.

Shimano MT91 are brilliant hike a bike boots, but a bit much for local trails, so I usually use AM45 for that, which makes both last a good while.

I’ve got a set of alpine xl’s, I’m fairly happy with them, good grip for hike a bike, pretty comfy, not as stiff as my carbon specialized but that’s to be expected.

Lake mx102 or mx100 can never remember which I have. Vibram sole, soft shell outer. Good for hike a bike, pretty weather resistant but if you have wide feet i’d size up.

The shimano mt91’s have always looked good though. I’ve always fancied a pair.

Spesh Taho?

I had the Alpine XLs. They started to come apart after ten days in the Alps. Look great but sole isn’t stiff enough for my liking. MT 91s for the win. Mine have had over two years of use and are only now falling apart. 😀

mt 91s here too.
stick some g-wax on ’em and they are pretty easy to look after too.

What’s gwax? Graingers?.

I’m looking for the same! If you can wait Pearl Izumi are coming out with one designed for it (+lightweight) in october. Otherwise, the Mavic Scree seem to be the best current offerring 🙂

yep

I’ve still got the original Shimano mt90 – the boot that will not die. They are certainly tough, but also comfortable and probably the spd footwear of choice 80% of the time. In truly subzero temperatures my Northwave Celsius Arctic are a better bet and on sweaty summer days mt086 shoes get a run out, but the rest of the time they are spot on.
Pair them with a caged spd pedal for preference (Time Z Control for me, though they are fine with Time Atac)