MTB shoes

[Coopz]

I always used SPD clipless on my gravel bikes (when I had gravel bikes) but since getting my first mtb as a kid in the 90s I've always just worn sneakers. I'd crash too much if I was wearing clipless.
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[Rorschach]

Are your 2FO Roosts the current iteration?

I bought some 2FO DH clips in 2020, and they have had a re-design in the last year or two. slightly wider toebox, I think. I tried the new version on and the toebox and forefoot seem a bit wider.

I've had them a couple of years when they went on sale, so possibly. They do look the same as the current ones though so they might be current?

Found the 2FO shoes a little narrow also. Tried the 5Ten/Adidas and found them to be the same so ponied up again for the allegedly wider version and half a size bigger. I seriously think they were smaller than the first ones so they didn't work out for me. I then tried the new Crankbrothers flat pedal shoes and I'm now on my third pair (just bought them for $99 shipped from Berwick Cycles), Great shoes. They have a little more give than the 2FO and the 5Tens and so feel much more normal to walk in. Grip wise they are about an 8/10 with my T-Macs (2FO and 5Ten about 9/10).

I'll have a look and see. Those ones Poods linked though are hard to go past!

 

[dancaseyimages]

I've had them a couple of years when they went on sale, so possibly. They do look the same as the current ones though so they might be current?

I'll have a look and see. Those ones Poods linked though are hard to go past!

The new fox shoes seem to be on sale at the moment too, just in case you are looking for another option.
I like the 510s but apparently the Impacts are a wider fit than the rest of their range, and with no local stockists, hard to bit the bullet.
The 2Fo's were great when I tried them on but they did fit a little thinner than the rest, maybe the arch had a little more lift or something to it.

If you get some, wear them around on carpet, after a day at work so your feet are maximum swellness, just so it semi replicates what you will feel on the bike comfort wise. Then if you need to you can return them. (Pushies if you need to buy shoes its about $30+ to return them so an expensive exercise, buy locally or free returns if you can, I learnt that the hard way)

 

[ozzybmx]

Ozzy, are they the normal lace Mallet clip-in, or the new one with speed laces and velcro strap?

How does the CB sizing compare to Spesh and shimano - assuming you've worn those brands too?

I am slightly too big in the foot for a 44 Specialized 2FO, but the 45 is a bit roomy.
In Shimano road and MTB shoes I am definitely a 45.

the Shimano, Spesh and Crack Brothers size charts aren't exactly standardised though, which is a pain in the bum.

Sorry, been away for Easter. I have a record of my different sizes across brands. I'll post it up for you.

There are 3 levels, lace, then Velcro, then Boa.

My 2 pairs are the Mallet Lace.

 

[ozzybmx]

Here you go @ForkinGreat

Normally I'm a UK9/US10/43Euro.

In the past I've had to sell shoes after a ride or two and get bigger or smaller size.

The downfall of limited colours and styles coming to Australia when released.

 

[ozzybmx]

Spotted during a search, the new Crank Bros Mallet Trail shoes. 30g lighter than the regular Mallet lace, only available at BikeDiscount.de and BikeInn so far.

New stuff gets full RRP, they're nearly twice the price of the regular Mallet. Might be wiser to stick with the tried and tested instead of looking for something better, when I though they couldn't get any better.

Praying they fit the same as I would say my curiosity will get the better of me first time I see them on sale

 

[dancaseyimages]

Here you go @ForkinGreat

Normally I'm a UK9/US10/43Euro.

In the past I've had to sell shoes after a ride or two and get bigger or smaller size.

The downfall of limited colours and styles coming to Australia when released.

View attachment 408312

Do you find the FiveTens are wider in the Impacts and thinner in the Freeriders? Tempting on getting a pair but unsure if will be wide enough.

 

[pink poodle]

Do you find the FiveTens are wider in the Impacts and thinner in the Freeriders? Tempting on getting a pair but unsure if will be wide enough.

If you have wide feet and are worried about the width, don't do 5:10s. I've squished my feet into a few pairs over the years and never been able to achieve enough width across the ball of my foot to achieve supreme comfort.

The unparalleled rubber I linked to recently have provided the best fit for me of many riding shoe brands I have tried. Leatt are not too bad. I have a pair of etnies barge that stretched out reasonably well after a few uncomfortable outings. I have a pair of etnies marinara that I've have flogged to death and they still haven't stretched out wide enough.

 

[teK--]

If you have wide feet and are worried about the width, don't do 5:10s. I've squished my feet into a few pairs over the years and never been able to achieve enough width across the ball of my foot to achieve supreme comfort.

The unparalleled rubber I linked to recently have provided the best fit for me of many riding shoe brands I have tried. Leatt are not too bad. I have a pair of etnies barge that stretched out reasonably well after a few uncomfortable outings. I have a pair of etnies marinara that I've have flogged to death and they still haven't stretched out wide enough.

Agreed.

My last pair of 510s which fit were just before Adidas took over. Since then all their shoes became narrower and nothing fits anymore.

I would have to go a full US size up to get enough width but then it's just sliding around like slippers.

Even the Impact Pros which look chunky and wide outside, are tiny and narrow inside like all the other models.

EDIT: Other options which I subsequently moved onto:

Specialized 2FO - Had to go up from 43 to 44 Euro, and then really cinch down the laces with a heel lock lacing pattern, to get them secure. Best grip; almost as good as Stealth rubber and very durable.

Shimano GR9 - Sizing is bang on 43 Euro, lots of width and fit like a glove. Grip was rubbish so had them re-soled with Vibram dotty tread. Slightly less grip than Specialized but useable.

Shimano AM9 clipless - fit is exactly as per the GR9.

Leatt 4.0 clipless (the new 2024 model) - Sizing is bang on, lots of width and fits just like Shimano. The cleat channels go REALLY far back (about 10mm further back than even the AM9), which means I can get a truly mid-foot cleat position like when I rode flats.

 

[ForkinGreat]

Here you go @ForkinGreat

Normally I'm a UK9/US10/43Euro.

In the past I've had to sell shoes after a ride or two and get bigger or smaller size.

The downfall of limited colours and styles coming to Australia when released.

View attachment 408312

Thanks Ozzy.
I generally have "D" width in street shoes, so narrow-ish width shoes aren't usually a problem, as long as there is sufficient length to avoid toes being squashed from the side and the front.
I took Euro 44 in Specialized for Years. Then as my feet flattened out, a little laterally and a bit lengthwise, Euro 44 was a bit too tight, so I went to 45 in Specialized 2FO (the circa 2020/2021 2FO DH clip shoes)
For Roadie and dawdle ride shoes, I went from Specialized Eu 44 to Shimano Euro 45. Shimano's size 45 is a bit more snug fitting than Specialized's 45, IMO.

Currently:

Specialized 2FO DH clip Euro 45. They are a bit roomy, so I need to wear thicker cushion-foot socks, but the 44 put pressure on my toes laterally and a bit at the front. Stiff midsole. Kickarse grippy rubber outsole. A big velcro strap would make them even better.
I would love to try a half size down, but when I contacted Specialized Australia, the guy I spoke to basically said that they CBF bringing them in from Murica, not even as a special order. fkg straight up refused. LAME.

Shimano AM9 clipless Euro 45. A bit of a squeeze (for me) to get into with the speedlace, but roomy across the forefoot. Haven't ridden in them yet. The velcro flap won't quite close properly for me, but the big strap is good.
The rubber does feel grippy, so curious that @teK-- found them a bit slippy (???)

Shimano XC1 clipless Euro 45. 3 strap velco, fit is generally good, but the toebox is a bit low and tight for my liking. The forefoot and instep upper material is perforated for ventilation. Good rubberized outsole. No slippy hard plastic areas. not a super stiff sole, but keen to try them out for trail riding and gravel.

Shimano RC7 roadie shoes. 2 boa dial, Euro 45. Nice snug fit and a wee bit more room at the forefoot. Stiff, but surprisingly comfortable for a road shoe.

 

[ozzybmx]

Do you find the FiveTens are wider in the Impacts and thinner in the Freeriders? Tempting on getting a pair but unsure if will be wide enough.

I've only had the Hellcats, wore them for 2-3 months then sold them. Decent shoes but too bulky and heavy at around ~550g per shoe. The Pros saved around 100g on those at about ~450g I believe, definitely your feet is one place you will feel weight.

I generally have "D" width in street shoes, so narrow-ish width shoes aren't usually a problem, as long as there is sufficient length to avoid toes being squashed from the side and the front.

Same, though I have wide feet, any 'D' with a decent width toe box fits. The record of shoes-size chart I posted, any of the shoes at 44 are all XC style MTB shoes. In the more recent years since about 2018 is been 99% trail shoes but still dont mind the XC shoes for a gravel ride where there is no overnight social. The CrankBros Mallets can be worn after riding is dont for the day like skate shoes on a bikepacking trip, cleat recessed enough to stop tap dancing and bendy enough to make you forget you have bike shoes on.

 

[teK--]

Thanks Ozzy.
I generally have "D" width in street shoes, so narrow-ish width shoes aren't usually a problem, as long as there is sufficient length to avoid toes being squashed from the side and the front.
I took Euro 44 in Specialized for Years. Then as my feet flattened out, a little laterally and a bit lengthwise, Euro 44 was a bit too tight, so I went to 45 in Specialized 2FO (the circa 2020/2021 2FO DH clip shoes)
For Roadie and dawdle ride shoes, I went from Specialized Eu 44 to Shimano Euro 45. Shimano's size 45 is a bit more snug fitting than Specialized's 45, IMO.

Currently:

Specialized 2FO DH clip Euro 45. They are a bit roomy, so I need to wear thicker cushion-foot socks, but the 44 put pressure on my toes laterally and a bit at the front. Stiff midsole. Kickarse grippy rubber outsole. A big velcro strap would make them even better.
I would love to try a half size down, but when I contacted Specialized Australia, the guy I spoke to basically said that they CBF bringing them in from Murica, not even as a special order. fkg straight up refused. LAME.

Shimano AM9 clipless Euro 45. A bit of a squeeze (for me) to get into with the speedlace, but roomy across the forefoot. Haven't ridden in them yet. The velcro flap won't quite close properly for me, but the big strap is good.
The rubber does feel grippy, so curious that @teK-- found them a bit slippy (???)

Shimano XC1 clipless Euro 45. 3 strap velco, fit is generally good, but the toebox is a bit low and tight for my liking. The forefoot and instep upper material is perforated for ventilation. Good rubberized outsole. No slippy hard plastic areas. not a super stiff sole, but keen to try them out for trail riding and gravel.

Shimano RC7 roadie shoes. 2 boa dial, Euro 45. Nice snug fit and a wee bit more room at the forefoot. Stiff, but surprisingly comfortable for a road shoe.

The GR9 use the same Ultread soles as the AM9. On the clipless shoes they were fine, and reasonably good for hike a bike. However as a flat shoe, the Ultread weren't enough. The previous generation which used a Michelin sole were actually decent, so it was a downgrade when Shimano changed.

 

[bigdamo]

Agreed.

My last pair of 510s which fit were just before Adidas took over. Since then all their shoes became narrower and nothing fits anymore.

I would have to go a full US size up to get enough width but then it's just sliding around like slippers.

Even the Impact Pros which look chunky and wide outside, are tiny and narrow inside like all the other models.

EDIT: Other options which I subsequently moved onto:

Specialized 2FO - Had to go up from 43 to 44 Euro, and then really cinch down the laces with a heel lock lacing pattern, to get them secure. Best grip; almost as good as Stealth rubber and very durable.

Shimano GR9 - Sizing is bang on 43 Euro, lots of width and fit like a glove. Grip was rubbish so had them re-soled with Vibram dotty tread. Slightly less grip than Specialized but useable.

Shimano AM9 clipless - fit is exactly as per the GR9.

Leatt 4.0 clipless (the new 2024 model) - Sizing is bang on, lots of width and fits just like Shimano. The cleat channels go REALLY far back (about 10mm further back than even the AM9), which means I can get a truly mid-foot cleat position like when I rode flats.

I bought my Leatt 4.0 clipless a couple of years ago agree what TeK said. Waiting for them to die so I can get the 4.0 pro but mine look like there got a few more years in them.