I'm currently using stiff soled shoe for bike packing duties(which works well) but keep thinking about the blogs and video's that recommend a shoe with a vibram sole for walking/pushing duties.
I also have a pair of Shimano MP66's which have a bendier sole but my arches start hurting after a couple of hours due to the flex.
Are the vibram versions too bendy that I'll have the same problem as my DX's give?
Needs to drain well from bogginess.
Below are the shoes I have at my disposal.
DX's are bobbins in the wet as they hold SOOO much water.
I currently using a pair or specialized rimes, which have a vibram sole, and just about the right combination of flex/stiffness. They're more comfortable to walk in than my Shimano MW81 winter boots, and have more grip on rock/non muddy surfaces, and they are stiffer, but not as comfortable as my old specialized Tahoe's which are more like hiking shoes with cleats, spesh don't seem to make them any more though.
The Rimes I have are the older design with the Boa closure, the newer model replaces this with an additional Velcro strap.
I use those Spesh shoes pictured...they're good summer/spring/autumn shoes, but rubbish in the wet. Good ventilation, but will squelch if sodden (I found that out on my Wednesday ride).
Yeah seen the new shimano ones plus they do 3 different models which look a bit like fell running shoes - mt34, 44 and 54. I like the way they are lace only as velcro fastnenings are pretty crappy really as they don't last long and don't like being coated in mud. I've been using the 34 model this 'summer' and they are good - light comfy and work well walking. Buy a size or 2 up as usual with shimano. After 6 days of wet feet on my trip this week I will be reverting to the goretex boots for multi day trips however....
I just picked up some MT44's from Bergfreunde, £50 delivered. Cheapest I could find although no cleats (I had a spare set in the parts bin).
So far so good, comfy, relatively stiff and easy to walk in. The 'green' is particularly fetching.....
I would second Sussex Paul's comments on Rimes. Best shoe I've used over the past five years, and I've been through a few
Don't be put off by the current non-boa version. I have last years model with a boa closure, but one day it will break and I won't be able to fix it. Velcro straps for long term reliability.
I'd never found the right spd show so went to flats and fell shoes a while ago. It works well for me.
I've covered a lot of ground in fell shoes in the last 10 years so they feel 'right' on my feet and have a huge stockpile as I am 'sample size' and used to test them for various companies.
Had some Giro Terraduros for a few months now & they've been spot-on so far. Did several hours hike-a-bike over some rocky ground the other week (including climbing up Red Screes from the Kirkstone Pass) that would have crippled my feet in my old Mavic Screes without too much pain. Not as stiff when riding as some disco slippers but nothing too noticable, in fact i'd say that they've got the sole stiffness spot on for an spd that you can walk in.
Not even comparable to trying to walk in winter boots like MW80's or Northwave Artics..
Not cheap though.
Last edited by Wotsits on Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I have those Spesh shoes same as you. Pretty worn out now and I find all my Spesh shoes fail in the same place ( just behind the toe box the vented bit rips). But they are comfy and I plan on getting another pair. Just a shame you can't fit toe studs in the basic version.
Sussex Paul wrote:I currently using a pair or specialized rimes, which have a vibram sole, and just about the right combination of flex/stiffness. They're more comfortable to walk in than my Shimano MW81 winter boots, and have more grip on rock/non muddy surfaces.
The Rimes I have are the older design with the Boa closure, the newer model replaces this with an additional Velcro strap.
This is basically what I was going to say. They're quite light and cool but can be boosted with overshoes quite well
I tried on some 2015 Spesh Rimes on Ian's recommendation but They didn't do it for me. Not much more give than my Spesh Sport MTBs. Also think sizing may have changed recently. I'm normally a 46 but that was too small and the 47 too big. 2014 version my be more flexible?
I went with some size 47 Giro Rumble VRs from Evans Cycles. Not as well made as the Specialised shoes but did well on my recent TCW trip. V comfy on the lots of hikeabike I did and coped well with the numerous dunkings. Lots of mesh for the water to squeeze out of. Insoles are pretty rubbish and have been replaced. Didn't find the laces were a problem and the shoes were stiff enough that my feet didn't get tired despite two 8 hour days of peddling. Grip was fine on rock, mud and wet grass.
They'll be cold in the winter but could be boosted with overshoes.
+1 For the Giro Terraduros. They did have some issues with the sole coming away from the uppers but seem to have sorted this now. Sizing can be tricky so make sure you try em first, or at least buy them from somewhere you can take them back too.
+1 for Specialized Rime Elite (with the three velcro straps). I've had them since last October with no issues. Comfortable for cycling and HAB. Had to get a size up also.
Anyone care to comment on how sizing on Rimes compare with Shimano MTB shoes, my XC50Ns have been good but not on their way out - thinking something with a more hike-a-bikey sole might be nice...
atk wrote:Anyone care to comment on how sizing on Rimes compare with Shimano MTB shoes, my XC50Ns have been good but not on their way out - thinking something with a more hike-a-bikey sole might be nice...
I take a 41 in both Shimano and Specialiized. The latter seem slightly narrower in the toe box, but not so much I needed to size up.
I wear thin merino socks anyway, and would likely use a different shoe for colder winter conditions.
Bit of an update on my Terraduro's, unfortunately after about 6 months they've bit the dust-
Bit miffed about this as i really like this shoe & they've been great while they've lasted. Just don't think that they're built tough enough for a lump like me taking them on Lakeland hike-a-bike.
Anyway, they're away back to Giro now so will see what they say.......Now where did i see those Rimes going cheap
