Riding Shoes; In Search of Something Better *Update!

[Marcela]

I just bought and am using a pair of Jim Green African Barefoot Trooper boots to ride in. Really comfy and breath well.

African Ranger Barefoot Boot - Fudge - Jim Green

For every 10 pairs sold we donate a pair to a Ranger https://www.gameranger.org

jimgreenfootwear.com

 

[spokewrench]

Barefoot! A year ago I spent $30 on a pair of Whitun Barefoot shoes. No heel cushioning.... who needs it? I'll switch to industrial shoes if I might step on a nail sticking out of a board or drop a cement block on my toe, but the thin, tough rubber soles and leather-like canvas uppers are normally adequate. I was impressed enough that I bought a second pair 2 weeks later. I haven't opened that package because after a year of daily wear, I haven't even worn down the shallow tread on the heels of the first pair.

Such thin soles might be uncomfortable on some modern pedals. I use the flat kind.

 

[Marcela]

Barefoot! A year ago I spent $30 on a pair of Whitun Barefoot shoes. No heel cushioning.... who needs it? I'll switch to industrial shoes if I might step on a nail sticking out of a board or drop a cement block on my toe, but the thin, tough rubber soles and leather-like canvas uppers are normally adequate. I was impressed enough that I bought a second pair 2 weeks later. I haven't opened that package because after a year of daily wear, I haven't even worn down the shallow tread on the heels of the first pair.

Such thin soles might be uncomfortable on some modern pedals. I use the flat kind.

That’s the pedals I use. Looks like standard issue Spesh. And really enjoying the shoe without heels.

 

[stompandgo]

I'm an outlier. I ride in Specialized Comp (will upgrade soon) MTB shoes on Crank Brothers Candy pedals and cleats. They are very easy to unclip.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Looks like standard issue Spesh.

It is VP-831P. The same pedals.

 

[Underdog]

I went round and round with this years ago wearing stiff ass riding shoes and special pedals, neither did I ever like. Now I'm older and I just want to ride my bike, Skechers arch fit sneakers, and regular pedals work wonders.

 

[Calcoaster]

You seem to be confused with different types of pedals. There are so called 'clipless' pedals and shoes using cleats. There are also cycling shoes for flat (platform) pedals, which are often equipped with traction pins. The sole of a cycling shoe needs to be stiff to efficiently transfer the power from the foot to the pedal.

The OP needs shoes for platform pedals. It takes the two to tango: the shoes and the pedals. I recommend Crankbrothers Stamp pedals, models from 1 to 3 (composite or metal), and these can be regular or Large.

The combination of Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro with traction pin platform pedals is something I can recommend to anyone. There is nothing like "slippery" for such a combination.

View attachment 189581

View attachment 189582

Stefan, Due to a costly mishap I’m exploring going from SPD cleats and shoes to flat pedals/shoes. I looked into your 5 10 Freerider Pro recommendation and they look good but heavier and more bulky than I need. I only ride on the road so I’d like something light weight and don’t need aggressive lugs for trekking through the mud or hiking. I see 5 10 has a Trailcross LT that might be closer to what I’m looking for. Do you have any experience with that one? And your pedal photo - can those pins be adjusted inward further that you show or maybe if they make shorter ones? Im thinking for road riding in dry weather I only need little bumps for grip. Your thoughts are welcome!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Do you have any experience with that one?

None whatsoever

And your pedal photo - can those pins be adjusted inward further that you show or maybe if they make shorter ones?

Someone else has to answer. No idea.

You see Calcoaster: When I was a noob in these Forums, one respected member (cannot remember who it was) recommended the combination of Crankbrothers Stamps and 510 Freerider Pro. I embraced that idea at the time and have never regretted that. Road, gravel or singletrack, a powerful or a lightweight e-bike: it has always been my choice. My feet are sensitive because of my ailment, and FiveTens protect my toes perfectly. Once, I incidentally dropped a heavy hammer on my bad foot but I had a FiveTen on it. No sensation. I felt no impact!

I went through Stamp 1, 3 and 7 and standardized on Stamp 3 Large. I tried Specialized 2FOs, and those were bad for my feet. Not sure if I can help you.

 

[Calcoaster]

None whatsoever


Someone else has to answer. No idea.

You see Calcoaster: When I was a noob in these Forums, one respected member (cannot remember who it was) recommended the combination of Crankbrothers Stamps and 510 Freerider Pro. I embraced that idea at the time and have never regretted that. Road, gravel or singletrack, a powerful or a lightweight e-bike: it has always been my choice. My feet are sensitive because of my ailment, and FiveTens protect my toes perfectly. Once, I incidentally dropped a heavy hammer on my bad foot but I had a FiveTen on it. No sensation. I felt no impact!

I went through Stamp 1, 3 and 7 and standardized on Stamp 3 Large. I tried Specialized 2FOs, and those were bad for my feet. Not sure if I can help you.

Thanks for the input. I’ll read up on those three pedal choices.

 

[spokewrench]

That’s the pedals I use. Looks like standard issue Spesh.

Mine are BV brand. I don't know who made them, but they passed the Zedler Institute's tests for e-bike pedals. That sold me because I imagine it would be dangerous if a spindle snapped!

Home - Zedler Group - Zedler Gruppe

Welcome to Zedler-Group – your experts in bicycles and e-bikes The bicycle is more than a (dream) job, to us it’s a philosophy. We are aware of its growing importance on public roads, as it doesn’t take up much space, strengthens the health of its users and hardly affects the environment...

www.zedler.de

BV is in Illinois. They started as a dog-care products store. They claim they got into bicycle parts because dog owners like to pedal their pets around.

 

[Marcela]

None whatsoever


Someone else has to answer. No idea.

You see Calcoaster: When I was a noob in these Forums, one respected member (cannot remember who it was) recommended the combination of Crankbrothers Stamps and 510 Freerider Pro. I embraced that idea at the time and have never regretted that. Road, gravel or singletrack, a powerful or a lightweight e-bike: it has always been my choice. My feet are sensitive because of my ailment, and FiveTens protect my toes perfectly. Once, I incidentally dropped a heavy hammer on my bad foot but I had a FiveTen on it. No sensation. I felt no impact!

I went through Stamp 1, 3 and 7 and standardized on Stamp 3 Large. I tried Specialized 2FOs, and those were bad for my feet. Not sure if I can help you.

Think I have a couple of those crankbrothers out there. What I found, is when the o.d. of the spindle the pedal rotates on is larger than the rest of the platform, the foot has a tendency to go to sleep, from that axle forward. Don't think I have any spiked pedals in use anymore, just went with the flat ones and never any issues, what I was using 50 yrs ago, good enough then, good enough now

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The combination of a Stamp pedal and a Five Ten shoe holds as strongly as you have to raise your foot a little to disconnect the shoe from the pedal