What's up with shoes for flats?

Yea, dusty, those are the boats I've been riding in. And the shoe I saw today was the Impact VXI, not the Low.

I do think the pedals play into it. Long, thin spikes like on HT pedals seem less forgiving than fatter ones. But yea, sticky is the word with Stealth rubber...

 

Actually, the times have changed. There are only one or two world cup DHers who consistently ride flat pedals, and Sam Hill isn't among the top riders anymore. A few will choose flats if it's ultra muddy. CB Mallets (or clip-in equivalent) are the most popular WC DH pedals.

As you mentioned, better balance and more security with your feet on the pedals. It may look "moto" to put your foot out, but your outside pedal has to drop down to do it, unlike a moto, and that changes your suspension, traction and balance.

My .02

 

I know riding flats is not the most efficient. I've always done it because I like to. I'm also not part of the crowd that's going to try and tell anyone you have to do one thing or another to enjoy riding your bike. I'm just aware that I'm part of a minority group that catches a lot of flak and I like to point to that out . Have fun crushing those downhill sections firmly attached to your single speed rig by the pedals

 

Sliding into the tired and predictable flat/clip debate...

TFPU about shoes for flats. I won't be committing to anything for a bit, so your info on shoes for flats is greatly appreciated. Shoes for flats

 

Wouldn't be Imtb trails without a trainwrecking thread derailment.

Casey Jones you better watch your speed...

What about laces vs. velcro vs. BOA vs sock W/sandals?

 

Been using the Freeriders for a long time. Added bonus last week riding Maple Springs on a cold blustery Friday was the warmth they provided, nice and toasty feet while my friends suffered. Using very thick REI socks as "volume controllers" for my 12.5 feet in size 13 shoes helps too.

 

I'd use cleats but I ride bear foot for better shredding.

 

Lots of offerings in walkable shoes available these days. Most manufacturers are offering SPD-compatible, Vibram-soled, Gore-tex, hiking shoes/boots, that actually work for cycling. I got tired of carbon-soled hike-a-bikes real quick. Our recent Strawberry adventure would have really sucked without my Shimano XM-7 shoes.

 

Couple of rock strikes and you'll be shredding for sure!

 

I had to paws to think about that.

Truth is I ride Sidi Dominators on M540 spd's.. generally awesome, but I'm not fond of the hard, slippery soles for quick dismounts in rock gardens, traction on wet boulders during stream crossings, or when they're so caked with mud the release is compromised. They can also be so funky when not clipped in I've considered putting stealth rubber under the insteps.

 

Perhaps from the norm..but I have been using the Specialized 2FO..very stiff sole, think a tad less grippy than the 510's..but works not as tacky to re-adjust..has a very clean look/simple.

 

Isn't your weight supposed to be on the outside pedal as you lean into a turn?

 

I know, I'm just not interested anymore been running flats for years now and quite comfortable with it.

 

A portion of your weight should be on your outside foot as the apex of your corner. In addition, fully dropping your outside foot to the 6'oclock position is becoming a bit of an aging riding style. In recent years the "preferred method" is to just dip your outside foot at the apex/snap point of the corner to load the suspension and drive the tires into the ground.

Everyone's style is different for sure so there is no "right way". I can say that measuring and changing this had an impact on my riding that I quite like. In addition, being very careful not to enter corners with your outside foot down is important. Doing so actually stands the bike up as you enter the corners which is no bueno. You are way better served to chose the dip/loading point and hitting that spot hard instead of trying to distribute the load through out the entirety of the corner.

This is why the perceived riding style of the newer mtb video's shows people squaring off corners and roosting. This is the prevailing style of the new age of mtb riding.

 

Thank you! As more of a cross-country rider, I have never really focused on my turn technique, and I have a tendency to go into turns too upright so that I can't carry my speed through the turn without over-balancing to the outside. So I end up braking to maintain balance and the whole turn is a lost cause.

I have recently been making an effort to consciously weight the outside foot with the outside pedal in the 6 o'clock position, and it gives me a lot more confidence to really drop the bike low on the inside of the curve. In the past, I would probably drop the inside foot as a confidence builder, but I find that that motion also causes me to maintain a more upright body position than just to commit to the curve and keep my body tucked low. That's the theory I tell myself, at least

 

No problem. I recommend renting "flow tonic" on google play for 3.99. It's a decent 30 minute video that covers some basics of turning. I usually harass all of the newbies that I bring into the sport to watch it... hell I've watched it with them a few times because everyone needs a refresher.

 

I guess I am late to the party. I recently picked up 5:10 kestral (has spd holes). Even though the sole is nice and stiff, I really think a pair of sturdy ankle high Vans with waffle soles are the way to go for my type of riding.

If you are set on a cycling specific shoe @7Mary3 suggestion is what I think of as the ideal shoe.

 

I was a fan of the BOA system when I played golf back in the days..is there a company that makes BOA style but flats? I've seen them for clipless shoes, but would be interested if they made BOA for pure flat shoes.

 

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/adidas-terrex-trailcross-protect-shoes-review.html+

https://adidasoutdoor.com/terrex-trail-cross-protect/KDZ47.html?dwvar_KDZ47_color=Black

https://adidasoutdoor.com/terrex-trail-cross-sl/IUV85.html?dwvar_IUV85_color=Umber

 

was just reading the PB review... waiting for them to go on sale

 

those adidas terrex look just about right. I'd like the low top version; will try those next. wierd on their site not all sizes are listed...hope theyre not discontinued!

edit: uhoh just read " Riders with wide feet should look to try a pair on for size before ordering". I have very wide feet.

 

I had been riding clipped for 14 years before my tragic groin injury. That injury would have been avoided if I had been in flats. Was it freakish and one in a 100? Likely.

However, I am now trying out flats for the first time with the obligatory 5.10's. So far so good. Not getting rid of my time pedals yet!

 

I recently purchased the Adidas Terex Trail Cross SL. I found 5.10s to be too clunky and not that comfortable. Now that Adidas has purchased 5.10 and these Terex shoes use the 5.10 Stealth rubber, it should open up more new options. I've only done two short rides on the new Terex Cross SL, but they fit better than the 5.10s for me, are less clunky and are very nice. Comfortable to hike or walk in as well with superb traction.
These: https://adidasoutdoor.com/terrex-trail-cross-sl/IUV85.html?dwvar_IUV85_color=Umber

 

I have yet to overcome/surpass the oh $hucks factor..many of times flats have saved my l

Is it stiff?

 

Tread resurrection please...

My 5ten freeriders are getting tired. They have served me well for heavy flat pedal usage. Where I feel they lack is in their cluncky, loose, and casual feel to them. Feels like I’m wearing puffy skate shoes with stiffer/sticky soles.
I will stay on flat pedals for the for seeable future and need a new pair of riding shoes. Anyone with experience, ideas, or “I heard a guy talking about X” please chime in. Thanks a bunch.

 

I put flats in my gravel bike. The best thing I've found, believe it or don't, is a pair of Nike running shoes I had lying around. No. Really.

 

Look at ride concepts hellion or livewire