Vans with waffle soles. It's what we used to use back in the good old daze for BMX racing, and they're still some of the best (and most cost effective) riding shoes. And well RAD! too.
Don't think skate shoes count as "counterculture", and if you're on an MTB, surely the only thing to really worry about is whether they work on the bike? Your call obviously.
Some of the specialized cylce shoes (the taho I think) come with a hard sole, and you have to cut a section out for the cleat, so if you don't use spds you can don't have to cut it out and have a pair of shoes ideal for riding!
and, you've always got the option to cut the section out and put cleats in for spds in the future 🙂
Shimano AM40s? They don't look "counterculture", mainly they just look horrible. But they're very good shoes.
Otherwise, Vans with either the full waffle sole or, if you can find them, the older dot sole. They're available in loads of different styles, some of which are very understated. They're just shoes tbh, nothing skatery about them at all.
I tried some Nike 6 Zoom Oncore on today, they were really comfortable and I have heard good things about the soles and flat pedals. They also got the approval of my wife who can't stand the look of Five.Tens. So hopefully a pair will be coming my way on my birthday…
have recently bought 5.10s but also use old pairs of Vans shoes with waffle sole and they are plenty grippy, and with the larger platform of flatties you dont need a stiff sole (my first observation of riding 5.10s wasnt wow how grippy it was hmmm stiff sole cant feel the pedals).
I'm 38 and wear Vans and Etnies anyway. Nothing counter culture about them, Vans became synonymous with skateboarding first time around when you and I were at primary school! many of their designs are pretty restrained, and shoe discount shops and TK maxx often have em in for 20 quid or so.
I have used some Adidas Originals for the last year. They were all black 'Stan smith' sytle shoes with an almost perfectly flat sole that was rock solid once on my flats. Zero movement on the pedal. I got on with them good, but it could get a bit hairy if for any reason you had to bike-a-hike on slippery ground. I changed out the insoles with the ones from my Spesh BG shoes for extra support and stiffness.
Cheap in the sale and sound in the pub after!
I have used some Adidas Originals for the last year. They were all black 'Stan smith' sytle shoes with an almost perfectly flat sole that was rock solid once on my flats. Zero movement on the pedal. I got on with them good, but it could get a bit hairy if for any reason you had to bike-a-hike on slippery ground. I changed out the insoles with the ones from my Spesh BG shoes for extra support and stiffness.
Cheap in the sale and sound in the pub after!
Just got a deal on some Fiveten Freerides tho, i've heard good things about Stealth rubber off friends of mine but couldn't stand the look of the traditional shoe.
I have used some Adidas Originals for the last year. They were all black 'Stan smith' sytle shoes with an almost perfectly flat sole that was rock solid once on my flats. Zero movement on the pedal. I got on with them good, but it could get a bit hairy if for any reason you had to bike-a-hike on slippery ground. I changed out the insoles with the ones from my Spesh BG shoes for extra support and stiffness.
Cheap in the sale and sound in the pub after!
Just got a deal on some Fiveten Freerides tho, i've heard good things about Stealth rubber off friends of mine but couldn't stand the look of the traditional shoe.
I've been riding in adidas originals, they're ok in dry conditions but when it gets wet they become a bit sketchy.
I have some FiveTen freerunners for sale in the classifieds, they're new but a size too big. When I sell these I going to buy some more FiveTens, the stealth sole is really good.
i'm currently riding in some Karrimor low cut walking shoes that i picked up from TK Maxx for £20. the sole is nice and stiff (like vibram, but not), they're dead grippy on the pedals – moreso than my old Etnies, great for hike-a-bike, and have a waterproof liner.
maybe it was user error that you fell off the pedals all of the time? i have never experienced such issues, so i suppose that's why i could never justify such a ridiculous outlay.
5/10s really are worth the money. so much better in every respect.
more grip
more protection
more supportive
and perfect for hike a bike missions in the lakes/alps etc. which is what I use mine for primarily.
peachos – stiff sole is not what you want IMO – those look wrong to me
5-10 Freeriders. Designed for biking, got the stealth sole, but look like understated mainstream skate shoes. Had mine for a year – v. comfy. Thinking of getting some for casual wear
peachos – stiff sole is not what you want IMO – those look wrong to me
well, when i say stiff i don't mean stiff like spd shoes, but stiff enough for decent power transferance. those shoes are spot on for biking, but because they've not had all the marketing bollox (like 5.10) you'll probably think they not fit for purpose and somehow don't work.
peachos -I explained why I would spend £80 on a pair of 5:10's. i'm sure your shoes work for you and I'm happy for you to spend your money on them.
5:10's work for me and thousands of other flat pedal riders. you will be in a minority at a DH race if you aren't using them and given the styling, that really isnt a fashion thing….
I ride in Solomon approach shoes. Waterproof, warm, breathable and comfortable, and whilst they're slippy on el cheapo beartraps they stick like a catholic priest to a small boy on DMRs.