What shoes do you wear for mountain biking?
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2manyoranges
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Good question.
For years I had an excellent pair of Specialized Rockhopper - and still do. Like these.
They must be 20 years old now and still going strong - and have been through a lot of stuff. And on onZa HOs on all my bikes. Flawless - seriously.
But then I went to flats 'cos of the Grom's DH habit. So Hope & DMR pedals (and bite marks in the shins to prove it) using 5.10s - Impacts. And some 5.10 Freeriders for the jump bike.
What I do remember is buying shoes which fitted well. And then of course, my feet swell when riding. And in the winter that caused serious constriction to my feet. Combined with weeks in ski boots, some of those over-tight, it's not done any favours to my feet. I remember winter rides where I could not feel my feet, and had to warm them in water when I got back. I size up now, used to use 41 but now use 42 or 42.5...and should have done that in the first place.
For years I had an excellent pair of Specialized Rockhopper - and still do. Like these.
Men’s SPECIALIZED Rockhopper Red Green MTB Cycling Biking Shoes Sz 39 SPD | eBay
<p>Men’s SPECIALIZED 610-0539 Rockhopper Red Green MTB Cycling Biking Shoes Sz 39 SPD. Condition is Pre-owned. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.</p>
www.ebay.co.uk
They must be 20 years old now and still going strong - and have been through a lot of stuff. And on onZa HOs on all my bikes. Flawless - seriously.
But then I went to flats 'cos of the Grom's DH habit. So Hope & DMR pedals (and bite marks in the shins to prove it) using 5.10s - Impacts. And some 5.10 Freeriders for the jump bike.
What I do remember is buying shoes which fitted well. And then of course, my feet swell when riding. And in the winter that caused serious constriction to my feet. Combined with weeks in ski boots, some of those over-tight, it's not done any favours to my feet. I remember winter rides where I could not feel my feet, and had to warm them in water when I got back. I size up now, used to use 41 but now use 42 or 42.5...and should have done that in the first place.
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Most riders, including myself, recommend Five Tens for flats. I got some Freeriders around ten months ago and they're still going strong.
The sole of the Five Tens is stiffer than that of Vans/Converse shoes at this merch, which is helpful for pedaling efficiency and preventing foot cramps. They're also more durable, which comes in handy when bashing your foot to bits. A strengthened toe box is included in some Five Tens.
The sole of the Five Tens is stiffer than that of Vans/Converse shoes at this merch, which is helpful for pedaling efficiency and preventing foot cramps. They're also more durable, which comes in handy when bashing your foot to bits. A strengthened toe box is included in some Five Tens.
Last edited:
velomaniac
MacRetro Rider
Any trainers with a reasonably stiff sole and a grippy rubber compound. Trainer style walking shoes usually are best.
