Alternate flat MTB shoe

[Guest dilldesigns]

Also discussed here:

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/143140-flat-pedal-shoes-other-than-five-ten/?hl=%20flat%20%20shoes

 

I've just bought the Hi-Tec Figaros (R400 at Tekkie Town). Haven't tried them out yet, so can't comment on how good they are, but apparently they work well with a good set of flats.

I have had a pair since December and ride twice a week. No slipping on my cheapo flat pedals, would be nice if sole was more stiff on the ride but honestly that means they more comfy off the bike aswel. They work well and you can get them even cheaper at Hi tec factory shop. Paid R290

[Piston ZA]

I have had a pair since December and ride twice a week. No slipping on my cheapo flat pedals, would be nice if sole was more stiff on the ride but honestly that means they more comfy off the bike aswel. They work well and you can get them even cheaper at Hi tec factory shop. Paid R290

Good to hear. I'm planning on pairing them with Shimano Saints, so should be decent enough for a noob like myself.

 

Unfortunately I'm busy training for Argus, so still with the clipless.

 

Don't want to hijack the thread or start a clipless vs flats debate, and not sure if this has been posted before, but I was reading through this again today. 

 

http://www.bikejames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Flat-Pedal-Revolution-Manifesto.pdf

[Raydek]

Ok, so first ride this evening with the flats and a pair of DC shoes as shown previously...

 

It is something to get used to, just the simple thing of trying to pull the pedal up to get into the best position to push off, my foot comes up and the pedal just stays there.  Doh..  After some time though and with the right technique this actually did become possible to an extent.

 

Shoes were grippy, although being the only time I have ridden with flats I have nothing to compare it to.  My feet could barely twist on the pedal, so thats good. 

 

Over a really bumpy rock garden was the first time I noticed my foot move slightly on the pedal, but not enough for concern.

 

The first jump though, ouch.... Took off and then my foot and pedal started drifting apart, tried to find it in the air, all sorts of things went wrong and landed k@k.. Will have a nice big bruise on my knee tomorrow where it connected the top tube..  On I carried..

 

Then the first drop, at this stage I was ready for the worst, but all actually went smoothly. I did feel like the pedals dropped away from my feet a bit, but not as much as I thought they would.

 

I attempted a bunny hop and to my dismay I realised that I have not ever really been able to do it, I was simply pulling up in the cleats.  With a bit of practice though I managed to get to about half my usual height.

 

So it seems I just need a bit more time with them.  They are very different to clipless and I think I need to get used to them a bit more before deciding to move over or not.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

100% there Ray. Even of you decide to stay with cleats, give the flats a few months and you'll do wonders for your technique

[RiverInTheRoad]

Jumping and foot issues are great for your shins.

[Raydek]

Jumping and foot issues are great for your shins.

Ja, I'm waiting for it....

[RiverInTheRoad]

Haha. Its worth it though. Your technique will improve a lot. I'm on the other side of the spectrum, i freak out with clips and fall over

[Uni]

Get a pair of Etnies from Tekkie Town. .

I was super excited about my Etnies last year but having bought them online I never got to try them on, my toes get very numb on rides, at first I thought I just needed to wear them in, but I find my foot moves around a lot in the shoe and I end up with lots of pain - so best get a fit before buying. I've reverted to trail takkies.

[EmptyB]

Damn I love my Spez 2FO.....bit pricey but worth it. Sooooo comfy too!!

[Brett]

How much were the Spez shoes @EmptyB

[EmptyB]

How much were the Spez shoes @EmptyB

About R1900.00 if I remember correctly......

[gummibear]

Damn I love my Spez 2FO.....bit pricey but worth it. Sooooo comfy too!!

 

Über drool worthy

[popcorn_skollie]

I'm selling some casual shoes that are great for flat pedals. They also have the option of adding in cleats at the bottom for incase you do get cleated pedals. They've got reinforced soles so that you don't lose so much power when pedalling, and come in either laces or quick release system. Prices are from R550 - R750 for new, never used. Let me know if you interested.

 

Those dont look very grippy as flats.

But i like being clipped in anyways and I like the green one. Do you have a website?

[marko35s]

Ok, so first ride this evening with the flats and a pair of DC shoes as shown previously...

 

It is something to get used to, just the simple thing of trying to pull the pedal up to get into the best position to push off, my foot comes up and the pedal just stays there.  Doh..  After some time though and with the right technique this actually did become possible to an extent.

 

Shoes were grippy, although being the only time I have ridden with flats I have nothing to compare it to.  My feet could barely twist on the pedal, so thats good. 

 

Over a really bumpy rock garden was the first time I noticed my foot move slightly on the pedal, but not enough for concern.

 

The first jump though, ouch.... Took off and then my foot and pedal started drifting apart, tried to find it in the air, all sorts of things went wrong and landed k@k.. Will have a nice big bruise on my knee tomorrow where it connected the top tube..  On I carried..

 

Then the first drop, at this stage I was ready for the worst, but all actually went smoothly. I did feel like the pedals dropped away from my feet a bit, but not as much as I thought they would.

 

I attempted a bunny hop and to my dismay I realised that I have not ever really been able to do it, I was simply pulling up in the cleats.  With a bit of practice though I managed to get to about half my usual height.

 

So it seems I just need a bit more time with them.  They are very different to clipless and I think I need to get used to them a bit more before deciding to move over or not.

If your feet are positioned well (heels dropped etc) this is cut almost to zero. Also since I got the 5-10's I can't think of a single time my feet have left the pedals without some kind of idiot input from me.

[Raydek]

If your feet are positioned well (heels dropped etc) this is cut almost to zero. Also since I got the 5-10's I can't think of a single time my feet have left the pedals without some kind of idiot input from me.

 

Ja, will definitely do some more rides to get used to them.  It really is a totally different way of treating your feet when riding..  

 

Thanks again for the loan..

[Raydek]

Been riding with the flats for a good couple of weeks now and things have improved, me feet are very solid on the pedals (except on super bumpy sections, they move around a bit) they have saved my ass once or twice where I almost feel but got by foot out in time to prevent this, don't think I would've unclipped in time either if I where clipped in.

 

I don't find myself putting my feet out though in any sections of trails like corners etc, they are pretty much planted unless something goes wrong.

 

So I got the below to test as well for interest sake, multi release cleats, maybe best of both worlds (a connection to the bike that can be broken quicker and easier), maybe a bunch of rubbish, we'll see.