A quick update on the Vaude Moab Mid STX AM shoes. I’ve worn these half a dozen times now and am getting more impressed with them the more I use them. Some of the initial stiffness has gone as they wear in. Still less feel through the pedals than freeriders (or even Impacts for that matter), but they are getting more comfortable. They are warm enough (with a decent sock), totally waterproof and shrug off muck really well. I suspect that they will last a lot better than any pair of FiveTens I’ve owned, but obviously that’s just a guess at this stage. They seem to dry out in no time if they do get wet though.
The sole really does offer noticeably more grip on the hike-a-bike sections while still gripping the pedals well, so no complaints so far.