What Brands Get WRONG About Gravel Bike Shoes
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2021
- If I designed my perfect gravel specific shoe what would it look like? Are there any that come close?
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It's mind-blowing that "foot shaped shoes" is a controversial concept. Shoes have no other purpose than accomodating feet. Why aren't they shaped like feet!
One reason is fashion. Another reason not talked about is to promote "intentional" foot/feet, knee, hip, lower back etc damage. The drug/medical industry relies on "patients" to survive. You are correct, foot shaped shoes are best.
feet shaped feet are not aero
It’s insane, I’ve worn barefoot shoes for a few years and can’t even handle my vans… I’ll have to go to towards lems because my vivo barefoots are toooo thin and the pins hurts my feet 😂
Look at most pro basketball players feet, they are jacked up! Years of wearing narrow toe box shoes which is nuts, especially when some of these guys have their own shoe.
The shoe industry in general needs to wake up. Your toes are supposed to have room to move around, not be slammed into each other.
Russ, you have a gift for naming the un-nameable.
“Lace garage”?
Gold
But that’s what it’s generally called in the trail running world
@@stillshunter LOL! Thanks, I had no idea. You kids and your wacky verbiage….😉
I've been using high-top basketball shoes with flat pedals for cycling. They also work great for walking and hiking. You can get very breathable fabric versions for hot weather and leather versions for cold weather. They are fairly light, stiff enough for cycling, grip well, and come in affordable versions. You should try HIGH-TOP BASKETBALL SHOES!
But, they are so darn ugly these days. ;)
I LOVE when the English major part of Russ shines through in his reviews and conversation: "What shoes have I tried this year, and what has come the closest to my Platonic gravel-specific flat-pedal cycling shoe?" Good on ya, Russ!
As a hard-core Aristotelian I take some issue with this.
You hit every complaint my new riding partner made when we tried to find good flat pedal shoes for her. I wish brands would take these comments to heart! We ended up sticking with a trail running shoe. Might get a cycling insert. Well done.
And thanks for bringing Lems brand shoes into my life!
I've ridden a lot of miles in trail running shoes in the last couple of years. Great on flat pedals, and great off the bike. The TOPO MTN Racers that I'm currently using have over 5000 (cycling) miles on them.
I have been using Topo Ultraventures ;)
An extremely relevant challenge I'm in the middle of right now. Thanks for the first hand experience!
Five Ten Trailcross are great for me. Works well with Raceface Chesters and OneUp pedals.
Vans Pro sound exactly like what you are describing. Reasonably foot shaped, minimal padding, good grip, fairly flexible. For me perfect, gravel and road town shoe (when I don't rock the Tevas).
I think the basic issue with a gravel specific flat pedal shoe is that most gravel riders are either people that are going to be happy with cheaper Vans/Tevas/trainers/crocs/whatever or they are mountain bikers and are going to just ride 510s/whatever mtb shoe they have or are clipless rider. Maybe it is just me but I don't see much of a market there.
Five Ten Trailcross series sounds right up your alley. I want to pick up a pair after my current shoes wear out.
There are three versions of Five Ten Trail Cross but the one you want is the XT since it has the ankle cuff to keep rocks out.
Really like the gravel shoe vids and appreciate your thoughts good casual biking shoes. I picked up the Lems Trailheads a year ago based on a previous video you did and very happy with them. Kind of wish they had a rubber-ish toe to take on a splash or two.
Thanks for the informative videos you all ways have, my feet is in US 11E so is very difficult for me to find gravel shoes but thanks
Five Ten Trailcross series of shoes maybe the one you're looking for. They are trail/bikepacking specific, lightweight, flexible, laced, and great to pedal and hike in. There are summer, winter, and in-between versions. I have a pair of the Trailcross LT (summer) and they are great!
You did not watch the whole video or was tuned out at 13’02”.
@@deKampeerwijzer Having the trail cross LT and XT's they are very similar to that Russ is looking for.
Came here to suggest the same. The trailcross shoes (own LT and XT versions) are awesome for general riding when you will encounter the unknown.
Another fan of the Five Ten trail cross, I like how they shed water and dry very quickly though they lack the wider sole shape some prefer.
I wear Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes, very comfortable on the bike, I gave up cycling specific shoes long ago.
The Reebok Nano 9 surprisingly work really well as flat pedal shoes. Bought a pair February last year to replace my worn out Crossfit shoes but since COVID happened and couldn't go to the gym, I used them as cycling shoes. Not overbuilt, foot-shaped, firm but flexible soles. And since the Nano 9s were an old model, relatively cheap. Can't speak for the Nano X and 11s.
Tell me more. I have been looking at the new Nano 1 (or whatever space age term they use). Is the sole too soft?
The new mantra: Keep the Rocks Outta Yer Socks!
I just want vans or converse making a cleat and normal looking shoes
Yup, same. Sorta like how Chrome did that back in the day, but this time in the form of a shoe that actually looks good...
Well done.
i have a wider foot and have spent much time looking for the right shoe for biking. Not too tight or stiff, not too this or that. Sometimes i don't even know what is bugging me about a shoe but know it's not working.
Look forward to what you discover that is closer to "just right" for your feet and gravel biking.
I really enjoy a super-stiff sole for cycling. It feels to me like when the shoe is stiff enough it becomes like an extension of the pedal and functions sort of like the Pedalling Innovations pedals. I enjoy it for mountain biking too, where I find a sole with too much flex hurts my feet after a bunch of riding in an "attack position" or taking lots of big hits.
You're right that they suck to walk in though.... 😅
I've actually been touring in the Lems Trailhead for about 5 months now and it's great! I even went to Blue Derby MTB Park in Tasmania and rode a day of pretty gnarly trails and they worked just fine!
"Missile-shaped Feet"! I love it!
My favorite flat pedal shoe: La Sportiva TX Approach shoes. They’re not light (700+ grams), but they strike the right balance for me of fit/flex/stiffness and have excellent grip.
I have been using an old pair of Under Armor runners and a pair of the Stamp1 composite pedals. Have yet to have any issues and I ride pretty aggressive dropbarmtb. I am looking around for a more cycling specific pair though as these are wearing fast so it is good to see your take on a variety of designs and brands, some I hadn't even heard of.
Also, RE: cycling shoes--I think a Rose Anvil-PLP shoe teardown collabo would be an awesome project for both channels.
Dang... You dropped pointy missle on 'em?! Could not breathe
I’ve been using a pair of Nike Air Revaderchis as my gravel riding shoe. With the exception of that wide toe box, I think they check off a lot of the boxes you’re wanting. They have a neoprene-like upper around the heel and around the ankle, making it super comfortable and keeps the grav grav out.
You might consider approach shoes. I find they balance many of the factors you mention pretty well, and illustrate that our shoes (accessories) don’t always need to be cycling specific in order to be effective.
Firstly, great shoe review! I've started wearing Merrell Antora 2 trail shoes for cycling. I like the little bit of extra ankle padding, the shoe flex is stiff but not too stiff (IMO) and the sole is very grippy with my Raceface Chester pedals. They've been nice for hike-a-bike situations too where I haven't felt like they'd slip on rocks. They have the EVA midsole, but I've not seen any instances so far with them getting chewed up by the pins. They're also quite light at 226 grams =)
I’m using Keens Newport H2 sandals 9 months a year. I get more water crossings than maybe others do.. wading into knee / waist deep water. Sandals let the grit wash out and are super grippy. At 40 degrees and below I’m in my hiking boots… and avoiding water crossing.
You have some good options in the video too.
I personally find Vans perfectly suited for all reasons you mentioned. Am I missing out not trying gravel specific shoes?
I’ve been using the New Balance Numeric Jamie Foy pro models for gravel riding. super grippy soles and stiff enough for cycling but still easy to walk in.
If riding with mtb flats, I personally LOVE Vans Authentics. I think that they rule and provide a lot of on and off bike comfort. I was recently watching a Dustin Klein vid where a dude was shredding on a Rivendell wearing Vans with a carbon insole of his own making lol.
I mostly ride in Old School Pros but I wish they were a bit stiffer.
I personally wear Nike skate shoes and I think most skate shoes work great for cycling. Flat, comfortable, good grip. No complaints really.
Etnies for basic shoe comfort. Do miss Vans waffle pattern though.
I have wrestled with this exact topic. I almost exclusively wear zero drop minimalist/barefoot shoes, so finding riding shoes is a challenge. After trying several things I settled on Fizik Gravita Versor. I did have to go up 1/2 size to accommodate width/toe box, but they checked a lot of boxes: Not overly built, light on the ankle padding, not excessive arch hump, good on flexibility/support, thin tongue, quick drying like a good mountain shoe. They also come in flats and clipless
My simple answer might be to literally wear a trail running shoe when on a gravelish ride with hiking, and walking, and pushing, and campfire sitting?
I wear my approach shoes for climbing, the La Sportiva TX2. Hits pretty much every box here.
Currently using some Vans Pro something (the ones with lots of laces) that I scored for cheap from a friend. Best Ive found in years. I tried some 5Ten and sizing up more than once they were always to narrow at the heal surprisingly. These specific Vans are also pretty great for walking around. I tend to need plenty of toe room and the Vans also win here which is rare. Also while Im not going to anytime soon, you can customize the Vans at their site if your willing to pay full price.
I use the vans pros as well. 80 bucks. Wear em every day until there are holes in them. They seem to grip to the pins in flat pedals real well. They are comfortable as well.
I'm patiently awaiting the new Lems Primal Pursuit, which combines the Trailhead outsole but the zero-drop Primal upper. Still not mid-top for you, though!
For the longest time, I was riding in my Saucony Peregrine trail shoes.
The Ginger Runner of gravel cycling! I enjoy your reviews, Russ. Totally agree with foot shape.
Love my Trailheads in Mercury Sunset, so nice of them to design a shoe that color matches with the Bombora perfectly.
I’ve really been digging Chrome’s Kursk. I think they strike that stiffness balance and they will resist some splashes and light showers. Grip my Diety Bladerunners well.
I thought ultraromance already explained that you should be in sandals if you aren't doing technical mtb.
I guess you could. My main issue with sandals is though is them slipping off and gravel getting under my feet. You could run with sandals too. Same issues though.
I lean towards being a gravel "roadie" using MTB clipless shoes and helmet, while wearing typical cycling jerseys and bibs. I ride gravel tires, but at thinner sizes and opt for longer stem, but with flared bars. I like riding both party pace, but also stepping on the gas when rides get spicy. It's an odd middle ground in the cycling world to occupy!
So a CX rider, nothing niche about that, I think that's what alot us is when you really peel back the layers, a rider that goes out for quick blasts (or not so quick) maybe for an hour or 2. I find it very rare to come across riders like Ross, i really wouldn't say he's your typical gravel guy, to be honest (at least in my part of the world). And there's nothing wrong with that at all everyone has different needs and enjoys their bikes in many different ways.
@@gaza4543 I totally appreciate Russ' take on gravel cycling, which isn't competitive. In fact I make it a point to ride fun destinations and appreciate the tinkering aspect of bike maintenance as well. Topics this channel covers quite well.
Plus I think CX is still rooted in road cycling and I consider myself someone who started MTB/gravel, that's adapted to become more road.
I repurposed a pair of ultra lightweight Puma Monolite golf shoes as flat pedal shoes. The rubber sole has big knobbies so they really grip the metal pins on the pedals. Also great low cushion support around the ankle and top of the foot. It’s black with a dark gray puma swoosh, black laces and bright purple sole. Wish I could find another pair as they’re now discontinued.
Thanks for this interesting roundup. My problem is I have flat feet and cannot wear shoes with a pronounced arch. I know that’s precisely why I should be wearing shoes with arches, but they are uncomfortable and hurt, so for me the flatter the better. I’ve settled on Vans skate shoes and they work great. However I’m always interested in alternatives. Can you rate the shoes you critique in terms of how flat vs arched the inner soles are?
Most of the shoes in this video are actually pretty flat with little to no arch support.
BOUNCE HOUSE-What a scream🤣,so true!! I love my Giro -riddance, not crazy bout all the ankle padding!great breakdown Russ!
Keen usually have nice foot shaped shoes? I use their sandals in summer cycling and find them stiff and grippy! Or Clark’s desert boots, grippy, thin in construction and a little bit higher!
Love Lake shoes. I use clipless but having square shaped toes, Lake is great! Too bad Altra doesn’t make anything. I love their trail runners and hiking shoes.
For Altra shaped biking shoes, get Bont shoes. I think most people would fit better in the wide models, they can be heat molded as many times as you want, and you might want to go up a half size or a full size from normal size.
I'm like the Five-Ten Trailcross LTs. They may run a little narrow for you. The sole is great, has good flexibility and they are pretty light. One advantage they have is that they are a good hot weather shoe and are made to get wet and dry quickly. They do tend to catch gravel inside them when I get a little rowdy.
Could you not get the Lems Chukka re-soled with the Trailhead (or similar) soles? Seems like that'd be the ideal solution.
What I don't like is pointy missile shoes with bounce house padding. That is almost T-shirt filler. I migrated to hike shoes and then went to walking shoes. I wound up with Timberlake mid walker and added a foot forming insole. Great toe box. Best combination so far for me. My riding when wearing bike specific swag is for long dirt roads and two track, so I need an efficient walker for hike a bike. I did a forty miler the other day and feet felt great. No pavement, a lot of pokey hard climbing, standing, and more than a bit of hiking to boot.
That new Giro Latch looks promising for you guys. I'll stay clipped in, though
I've tried a couple of approach shoes to try and find something similar to my old Five Ten Ascents. Evolv Cruzer Psyche was too stiff. Black diamond was too narrow. I am liking the Astral TR1 Junction on MKS Allways. Not the widest pedal, but they feel pretty good for gravel. I have Chesters on my MTB
Crossfit shoes are great for cycling. Nike’s Metcon or Reebok’s Nano are super light, very walkable and stiff-ish soles.
Also Altra HIIT, or Topo Mtn Racer
Interesting to hear your perspective. I also like minimalist trail shoes, but when it comes to cycling shoes, I have a completely different set of preferences. To start, I’m not a fan of flats. Second, I prefer stiffer shoes. I do agree about shoes being overbuilt though. I just recently got my first pair of shoes with boa and I really like them.
+1 for the adidas trailcross. all of the benefits of the proven five ten sole with a nice breathable upper and really comfy midsole. i've got wide feet and they fit perfectly (size down by 1/2 size)
I bought a pair of ride concepts wildcats for my mtb and I like them that much I took my clipless pedals off my gravel bike and went back to flats. They have got so much padding it's great 👍
I just got a pair of X-Alp Flow Pop. I believe it's slighly less chonky compared to the X-Alp Launch, but it's still heavier than my Sidi Mega MTB shoes (even with the spd's installed). Fit is decent for wider feet, but still a little stiffer than I would prefer, considering I'd like to do more walking off the bike. I do like Lems boulder boots, but those sneakers you showed were still too narrow for me.
With my use of extra large flat pedals, I have tried several varieties of Xero shoes and have loved them all, although Russ may find them too flexible. I have also found over the years that cutting away offending portions of the shoe(like upper portion of the heal pad) reall changes the comfort of a shoe. It may make the shoes ugly but “comfort” trumps “looks.”
Try Columbia Fairbanks Low, fairly light weight, and the lugs on soles are perfect for pins and mixed terrains.
Lems Trailhead are my all time favorite hiker and shoe. Perfect fit for my feet. That said, not my favorite for trail running, but good for moderate gravel. When things get bumpy though I find the sole does not grip the pedals as well as other shoes.
I have a older style 5ten that is more like a regular shoe, and a pair of the stiffer new 5tens . I like them both
I watched your last shoe review. I'd commented that I use my Tevas and would try Vans. I'm still using the sandals and my Alta trailrunners. Both go well with my Chester flats.
Chrome/panaracer is just about to launch one!
I like anything by Lems. Have you tried the Lems Boulder Boot?
I have. It has the same slick sole though.
I knew you would like Lems. I'm sure they'll eventually build a mid upper on that outsole eventually.
I think your thoughts and analysis are on point. However, since I mainly enjoy mountain biking and really only want one pair of riding shoes at a time, I want everything you've said but need a durable sole. Otherwise those Lem's would be great.
I totally agree with your contemplation! ❤️
Yess. I'd love a cycling chukka!!
Nice Goldilocks video, LOL! I'm shopping for a gravel shoe now. I'm tall so I'd like more ankle support and mid-boot options. I like more padding, but not when it isn't quilted, so it stays in shape/place over time. I don't like the lower cut shoes because sticks, rocks, and dirt end up in them. Especially with thinner socks that are better if you get them wet. If I'm going to spend $200 on shoes I want to be able to walk and wear them everywhere. LOL I'm a huge fan of BOA because it tightens more evenly, and you can easily adjust them while you're riding. I had knee surgery a few years ago and they were so helpful. I also use two-sided egg beaters so my shoes have to have SPD mounts. Trying a Giro Gauge and Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit, but they may get lost in shipping.
I'm thinking about trying the five ten sleuth canvas, kinds skate, but I like riding in vans usually.
Been just using Vans BMX Old Skools. Admitting not much different then the reg pro van shoes. But most importantly they work & are comfy. Also I wont have to re-spoil the weedwacker cable mechanism of that BOA dial when it breaks. Hate that enough doing yard work don't want anymore of that in my life.
I’ve been trying to find something for years now. Free rider pro is the closest I can get without going to a trail running shoe, which get destroyed by my traction pins.
I ride "Flatties" with Altra hiking shoes because they are 'Footshape' and the toe box is great large and doesn't crowd my toes.
I've been using Toms pretty much all my riding. Just canvas and rubber, no ankle padding or thick tongue. And for my feet (admittedly I've always ran very narrow), they're quite foot shaped.
You can buy carbon-fiber shoe inserts (choose your level of stiffness) to make any shoe stiffer. They are wafer-thin. They are not cheap, but allow you to make your favorite shoes your biking shoes now and in the future.
Links to shoes are not working.
You can take your favourite pair of trail running shoes to a good cobbler and have them put a new outsole good for cycling.
I like Black Diamond Circuit approach shoes. They are 255g each. NOT stiff at all, but I’ve decided that’s fine with flat mtb pedals. After four months of daily riding, including two tours of six and nine days, they are my favourite touring shoes ever. They might not be the most durable option … there is visible wear from the pins in a couple of places. But an excellent shoe for both walking and cycling (on flat pedals), I just wear mine all the time.
I wear the Peal Izumi X-Alp Flow and I like them a lot.
Vans pros have been a favorite of mine for a while. Light, Flexible, and grippy. I’ve been riding a set of wellgo alloys and they work well. I’m switching to one up composites so the verdict is still out on if they are good on serious flat pedals. Not super durable but they a cheaper than most dedicated cycling shoes.
I wish Lems had a narrower heel, they’re just too wide in the heel for me. Currently riding in my Altras, which are very comfy.
As for pedals, MKS Gamma, FTW. Lots of length so you can move your feet around, but hour-glass shaped so there’s tons of cornering clearance. Highly recommended.
I think you want some approach shoes. Like the 5.10 Five Tennie or the Access.
Shoes: Five Ten Trailcross Mid (Adidas Terrex base) Perfect for my pedalling and hike-a-bike efforts on a week-long, off-road expedition in Scotland this Summer.
(Oh, and I am in the size-up camp.)
I want to try these shoes....can it handle decently long rides without heavily fatiguing the feet? Thanks
@@kellrockets101 Well, I did "The Badger Divide" in Scotland under-biked, so walked for an hour one time on chunky gravel during a 40mile off-road effort and they were great. No foot fatigue in particular...just general!
I personally have not had your issues with BOA closure systems loosening while riding. Are you sure it's not coming from the fact that your foot can swell/shrink during a workout depending on the temperature? Also, your foot tends to compress when you have weight on them so you are always able to tighten them down further when you're standing vs when sitting down?
Have you ever watched a sprint finish in the tour or Paris-Roubaix? Always a shot of riders ratcheting the boa laces near the end. It’s a known thing.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Pretty sure that's because you want your shoes tighter for sprinting than is comfortable for the earlier longer distance... I've never heard anyone else mention BOAs loosening.
forums.thepaceline.net/archive/index.php/t-182093.html
www.snowboardingforum.com/threads/boas-coming-loose-all-the-time.165529/
I have boa winter cycling boots, wading boots and multiple shoes and they all loosen.
Very informative yes I like the last shoe supple ride and supple clothing 👍
I like the idea of having a little bit more ankle coverage on the shoes if riding on gravel. But having said that, Adidas Samba indoor soccer shoes have been a "go to" for many years. They are flexible enough, stiff enough and aren't overly padded. And the sole plays nicely with most any flat pedals especially the Crank Bros. 50/50 pedals that I like.
I'm finding that it's not just cycling shoes are running a little narrow. I have trouble with shoes having a tight toe box in width and height. Going with a wide size just means my heel slides around. For clipless shoes I think Lake has the best with the wide toe box. For flats I find Sketchers trail shoes work great.
Wide clipless shoes with good toe box: Bont
I think Trailcross from 5ten/adidas would be a shoe you would like a lot.
I have Lake MTB/Gravel clipless shoes -- they are better than most. I tried my Altra Lone Peak All-Weather shoes, and they are OK. But...they have a weird flange on the back of the heel that catches on the chainstay or kickstand on occasion.
I use 5 tens. I have clipless as well. Best shoe once they break in. Affordable as well.
How about vibram 5 fingers or chuck Taylor’s. Love both for cycling
I ride with shimano sandal. Nice one and quite durable.
You should try it russ
While I have "narrow, missile-shaped feet" (lol), I always relish the moment that I can slip off my cycling shoes and get comfy with my Birkenstocks post-ride. I wish it weren't so. For now, I'm currently on the hunt for some Giro Privateer laces in EU 50. May take me a while to find them though.
I have Giro Privateer lace ups. It's a great riding shoe, but pretty clunky for walking. If I'm going for a ride I wear the Privateers, if I'm going to a destination I wear the Giro Rumble VR.
@@frizzen Thanks for the rec!
You should check out the five ten access knit shoe
I think you will like the Giro Ventana. Not overbuild, wider than average toebox and fastlace and velcro closure.
the lems look hella cool
Lol @ “roadie foot missile” 😂
I’m loving my new keen H2 sandals at the moment. I’m thinking about buying some waterproof socks and seeing how they work this winter.
Socks do not double as a shoe in the winter. Water proof socks are designed with the shoe as the first layer of protection in mind.
We pedaled through snow in the winter with waterproof socks and Keens one year. :)
@@MA-zg2pz others don’t share your perspective on this and my 3 decades of experience using shoes and over boots has made me willing to experiment
@@PathLessPedaledTV did you wear over boots as well?
@@csobering3108 no. Just thick seal skinz socks. It worked but wasn't the best idea.
I wish Altra would make a bike shoe!
basically, Russ wants Altra Superiors but with a stiffer sole
Flat pedal: Altra HIIT or Topo Mtn Racer
Clipless: Bont
I really like my Salomon XA Pro 3D for riding with flat pedals. They are 2/3 really stiff with a supple front. Best of both worlds. With fully flexible shoes my feet tent to hurt after a few hours on a flat pedal.
Check out the Evolv Rebel. They make climbing shoes. They grip my Chester's amazingly well. Super comfy. It's styled like a skate shoe, which I find casual and cool. I like foot shaped shoes but they usually look pretty nerdy.