The Not Winter Shoes, Shoe Recommendation Thread

Shaggz

Shaggz

A strong 7
Sadly, after 13 years of faithful service, it is time to retire my Sidi Dominators. I am looking for something a little more comfortable. Home trails are MDR, Stephens, DP etc. I ride more low and slow trail/xc style as opposed to enduro and use Crank Brothers Candys (may try the Mallets at some point).

Was thinking something along the lines of the Sidi Defender. Does anyone have experience with these, or can recommend other options?
 
I'm in pretty much the same boat...had the same pair of Dominators for years and the time has come. I've been looking at the Shimano ME-702s given how much success I've had wearing their AH45s for downhill. 5.10 has some options as well that might fall into that category. Have never seen the Sidi Defenders, but Sidis in general are obviously great.
 
Big fan or the Giro Empire VR90. Current pair is 4 years old. They're more XC than Trail, but I think the Sector or Privateer are more burley.
 
I went to “skate” style spds and never looked back. I have the 5.10 hellcats. https://www.adidas.com/us/five-ten-hellcat-mountain-bike-shoes/BC0700.html

I do a lot of trail work when I ride and these style shoes are 1000 times more comfortable than slipping around in XC shoes. There are also super comfortable. I have also switched to spd with a large platform and mated with these shoes, cornering is noticeably better. You also don’t look like an idiot in your XC Shows when you stop for coffee or someplace on the way home. They also walk considerable better in Home Depot.

I think the kestrels are alittle more XC oriented.
 
If you want to look like a roadie go with Sidi. If you want to look like Enduro Bro go with 5.10 style. You can hop off your bike in baggies, cool bro flannel and walk over to local bar in bowling style bike shoes and grab a beer and blend in.

I will say the look these days on a mtb is 5.10 style. They're comfortable, clipless and practical for mtb.

This is my opinion. Comfort, price and look will determine what you like.
 
I’m currently hanging out in flat-pedal land, but I’ve got a pair of the Five Ten Kestral Pro Boa for clipless duty, and think they’re terrific on all fronts.

XC-stiff, but they also have a Stealth sole for walkability. The Boa closure produces a very nice fit, though I’m always leery of how a Boa failure renders a shoe useless.
 
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ChrisG said:
though I’m always leery of how a Boa failure renders a shoe useless.
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I think @Patrick had an issue like this,
IIRC he was quite pleased with customer service response,
and user serviceability.

To OP: I'm a Lake dude myself, having found their wides work well with my clown feet.
I think like hiking boots, it's important to find a company whose lasts and sizing match your literal footprint.
 
jmanic said:
I think @Patrick had an issue like this,
IIRC he was quite pleased with customer service response,
and user serviceability.
Click to expand...

this is true - just go on their website and request a replacement.
(before one breaks would be prudent)

Lake for my pizza slice shaped feet. and not that dumb missouri cut in squares pizza.

en.wikipedia.org

St. Louis-style pizza - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

1602089481307.png
 
ChrisG said:
I’m currently hanging out in flat-pedal land, but I’ve got a pair of the Five Ten Kestral Pro Boa for clipless duty, and think they’re terrific on all fronts.

XC-stiff, but they also have a Stealth sole for walkability. The Boa closure produces a very nice fit, though I’m always leery of how a Boa failure renders a shoe useless.
Click to expand...
I think all BOA has a lifetime warranty. If not, it is easy to pick up the parts from them and pretty easy to install. I replaced them twice on my lake winter shoes.
 
stb222 said:
I think all BOA has a lifetime warranty. If not, it is easy to pick up the parts from them and pretty easy to install. I replaced them twice on my lake winter shoes.
Click to expand...
My issue is seeing other riding buddies snap their Boa fishing line during a ride, or even worse, a race, and being totally screwed.

Older-school shoes with Velcro on the forefoot and a ratchet buckle can at least limp to the finish.

That being said, I dig the fit the Boa achieves. Lighter and less bulky, too.
 
stb222 said:
I went to “skate” style spds and never looked back. I have the 5.10 hellcats. https://www.adidas.com/us/five-ten-hellcat-mountain-bike-shoes/BC0700.html

I do a lot of trail work when I ride and these style shoes are 1000 times more comfortable than slipping around in XC shoes. There are also super comfortable. I have also switched to spd with a large platform and mated with these shoes, cornering is noticeably better. You also don’t look like an idiot in your XC Shows when you stop for coffee or someplace on the way home. They also walk considerable better in Home Depot.

I think the kestrels are alittle more XC oriented.
Click to expand...
Never in all my years of cycling have I had a need to wear my cycling shoes to Home Depot.
 
pooriggy said:
If you want to look like a roadie go with Sidi. If you want to look like Enduro Bro go with 5.10 style. You can hop off your bike in baggies, cool bro flannel and walk over to local bar in bowling style bike shoes and grab a beer and blend in.
Click to expand...
Eff that, Immagunna rock these with my road kit and aero helmet on the next coffee ride:

1602545291938.png


Thanks for all of the collective advice. It was easier to try on my son's 5.10s for size, as opposed chasing down other options. From what I've read, the Kestrel has a stiffer sole. The fact that Mr @ChrisG runs the BOA version and @stb222 reccos a wider platform, this has to be a winning combination. Goods land tomorrow.
 
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