Hoping to do a couple of routes this summer than involve a bit of hike-a-bike (cairngorms loop, ht550 top loop). Wondering what the recommendations or go to spds are for hiking as well? When they do ht550 bike check they never mention shoes and I've tried zooming in to see what folk are wearing to no avail!

Bit of hunting around seems like specialized recon 2 or five ten trailcross clip-in would be good options but open to other suggestions. TIA

A lot of people go for fizik.

Unfortunately I have very wide feet and the only ones I found that work for me are Pearl Izumi xalp mesa

My 2 cents:

- I'm currently using Shimano ME702 which I think are classed as enduro shoes but have been doing me well for a year or so including a Cairngorms Loop and aborted HT550. Nice to walk in. Nice to pedal in.
- Pearl Izumi X-ALP SUMMIT were my goto, but they no longer make 'em*. I have an old pair that are still just about functional but have the tell tale spilts on the toes sole from Lakes hike-a-biking.
- Fizik Terra Ergolace and Clima models are popular too, but they were switching things up last time I tried to get a pair of the latter and have seemingly discontinued them.

* Edit. I just checked and they actually may still be available via the Pearl Izumi site, despite my belief that they were getting out the shoe market. I may treat myself. FWIW, I need to go up a size with them. https://pearlizumi.eu/en-gb/collections ... alp-summit The only thing I don't like about them that they use BOA dials, but I've only had one problem with those, knocking a dial off on a river bank. Which just made Strata Florida even more 'enjoyable'.

Shimano XM9's no contest. Good ankle support, a stiff sole but with enough flex to give decent grip. Some of the walking on the HT / CL is hard - think boulder fields and near scrambling at one point.

Sadly the latest version has a stupid boa which are a liability but at least the boot bit is the same. Avoid anything with a hard plastic sole and no flex.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 3:53 pm Shimano XM9's no contest. Good ankle support, a stiff sole but with enough flex to give decent grip. Some of the walking on the HT / CL is hard - think boulder fields and near scrambling at one point.

Sadly the latest version has a stupid boa which are a liability but at least the boot bit is the same. Avoid anything with a hard plastic sole and no flex.

Is that now the EX900? Why have one BOA when you can have two?

Fizik Terra Ergolace for me too.

Yeahyeah, wide feet, one side collapsed arch, so very flat blablabla. The Terra Ergolace needed lots of riding/HAB to become what it is today - very comfy.
Probably the only mtb spd shoe I ever had where the sole was actually useable, has some grip/gives purchase without running down within 2000 km of tech terrain (with lots of HAB/CAB).

Mine needs some love, the lace loops are well worn and likely to tear through soon. A fix anybody with thread and needle can do though.

Water/moisture 'management' is also quite okay. Doesn't get soaked too easily and can deal with a bit of cold, yet doesn't take ages to dry.

MTB spd's usually last 2, max. 3 years in my case (Shimano, Mavic, 5.10, Scott and some othet brands I might have forgotten), but the Terras are now in their 4th year.

TL:DR

Fizik Terra is a great shoe but give yourself some time to wear it in.

Hyppy wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 4:00 pm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 3:53 pm Shimano XM9's no contest. Good ankle support, a stiff sole but with enough flex to give decent grip. Some of the walking on the HT / CL is hard - think boulder fields and near scrambling at one point.

Sadly the latest version has a stupid boa which are a liability but at least the boot bit is the same. Avoid anything with a hard plastic sole and no flex.

Is that now the EX900? Why have one BOA when you can have two?

I’ve never had an issue with Boa. I’ve had it on cycling shoes and work boots for years and never a problem

Hyppy wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 4:00 pm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 3:53 pm Shimano XM9's no contest. Good ankle support, a stiff sole but with enough flex to give decent grip. Some of the walking on the HT / CL is hard - think boulder fields and near scrambling at one point.

Sadly the latest version has a stupid boa which are a liability but at least the boot bit is the same. Avoid anything with a hard plastic sole and no flex.

Is that now the EX900? Why have one BOA when you can have two?

Yes a clear case of fashion over pragamatism. I wouldn't care I can usually tie a pair of laces quicker than I can faff with a single boa dial, let alone 2. Never felt the need to adjust on the go....

Old Specialized Recons= brilliant including HAB
new ones = not that good.
So I replaced my old ones in Nov as were starting to fall apart after 3 years, which is fair enough given the time on feet, New ones have morphed into ever so trendy MTB/Gravel shoes. Still really comfy but the tread has changed. 4th day into HT550 the high bits either side of the cleats tore off. I have a new pair on the way out to me under warranty.
Probably head back to Shimanos next time as the fit suits me, as does Specialized.

My favourite SPD shoes are Specialized cadet ones.
They feel like wearing trainers when you're walking in them.

Uppers are pretty lightweight and dry quickly - which I've found to be more useful than waterproofing which never really works, waterproof socks work better.

They may not be amazing for intense cycling in though - I'm more of a bimbler than a racer.


Also worth looking in an Adidas outlet if there is one near you. Often have all kinds of 510 shoes at silly prices. I got some Trail cross mids for £20 a couple of months ago

Mr G wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 8:17 pm Old Specialized Recons= brilliant including HAB
new ones = not that good.
So I replaced my old ones in Nov as were starting to fall apart after 3 years, which is fair enough given the time on feet, New ones have morphed into ever so trendy MTB/Gravel shoes. Still really comfy but the tread has changed. 4th day into HT550 the high bits either side of the cleats tore off. I have a new pair on the way out to me under warranty.
Probably head back to Shimanos next time as the fit suits me, as does Specialized.

The original lace-up Recons were ace. I had a couple of pairs with, like you, the first pair lasting years and thousands of kilometres before the carbon sole near wore through around the cleats making unclipping a bit hit and miss, and then the next pair which I'd picked up second hand but unworn lasting literally half a ride before the side lug ripped off.

As Phils says Shimano- XM9, you still might be able to get them. I've not seen the new version yet, but as long as they've not changed them too much, they should also be ok.
Shoes that are good to walk in tend to have a flexible sole, which i find need a platform pedal for support in order to be comfortable to ride in..
One of the only downsides with this sort of 'walking-type' boot is that the open cuff make it easy for water & small stones to enter the shoe, although light-weight gaiters can help.

I've also got some Fizik Terra Clima, they're well made, quite a narrow fit & took some breaking-in, not as good for H-a-B as the XM-9 though.

I have some 5:10's which are good for hike a bike right balance of stiffness and walkability

Also pearl izumi better for walking not as stiff

Use some lakes in winter which are great but hold water

My 510s , which i teally must sell, are an awful fit for me *. I put them on my feet and immediately knoew theybwould rib my ankle so i would.advise not buting them onlime waiting a year to try them out

Anyome size 43 want them? £30 never used but had cleats in them

* mate got a set and has no issies perhaps i ha e a low ankle bone ?

Only one correct answer. Giro Rumble VR. Been wearing these since about 2016 (replaced like for like). Ultra comfy, easy to walk in. Perfect

Just notice a mail from Woods Cyclery listing STOMPLOX SLAK SPD Shoes, which said 'Designed for both riding and walking" and 'wide fit for comfort and space for your toes to breath' which sounded promising but then a warning that 'The sole adhesive may peel off if the shoes are walked on in water' perhaps rules them out.

Hyppy wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:33 pm Just notice a mail from Woods Cyclery listing STOMPLOX SLAK SPD Shoes, which said 'Designed for both riding and walking" and 'wide fit for comfort and space for your toes to breath' which sounded promising but then a warning that 'The sole adhesive may peel off if the shoes are walked on in water' perhaps rules them out.

Oh for crying out loud. Why are SPD shoes designed for dry climates only....

On a related noted I was looking (yet again) for some summer shoes and came across Vaude ones which look far better than any offerings available in the UK so may have to search out a suitable Euro website.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 9:02 pm On a related noted I was looking (yet again) for some summer shoes and came across Vaude ones which look far better than any offerings available in the UK so may have to search out a suitable Euro website.

Alpinetrek seem to stock a fair range of Vaude stuff, some of which looks worth a punt.

Hyppy wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 9:07 pm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 9:02 pm On a related noted I was looking (yet again) for some summer shoes and came across Vaude ones which look far better than any offerings available in the UK so may have to search out a suitable Euro website.

Alpinetrek seem to stock a fair range of Vaude stuff, some of which looks worth a punt.

TVL Pavei look a good shout as I have wide feet which rule out the Giro and spesh options noted above. Interestingly, they also stock Shimano (lace) shoes which seem a bit sparse from dealers over here.

I have just had some of the old xm9 boots and xm7 shoes from bike discount in Germany , I think they're less than half price ATM and only a few quid import duty and you just pay the vat here instead

That is cheap for XM9s https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shimano ... ring-shoes

What was total cost?

Looks like a minimum order of €171+€20 shipping Andy
I’ve just got some too, plus a tyre & couple of other bits..

i had some other bit and bobs , but i think the shoes were total about £80.0 with vat ,then just £4 import tax
it did take about 5 days when they got in the country until royal mail send you the import bill , but all went ok