MTB Shoes...cross-trainer style any good?

mangabootoo

I'm considering my first pair of MTB shoes....everyone says it really helps performance etc etc

However, I'm unsure what style to go for? A lot of MTB friends I know have shoes that look like this... http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9 ... 4PJ179wV7N

but they also road cycle...I've been considering this sort of thing, but am not sure what's best...

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9 ... 6Me1q9_mAg

If the links don't work then essentially I'm wondering whether the cross-trainer style is better for purely off-road or does the less rigid sole lessen performance compared to the more rigid shoes?

I only do off-road MTB, no road cycling.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

cooldad

Your friends have shoes with cleats - need clip in pedals.

mangabootoo

Thanks...but both styles I've been looking at have cleats...just one style looks more rugged and like an actual shoe and one more 'slimline' and like traditional clip in shoes...do you know what the advantages of the more cross-trainer like shoe would be??

S-M

I have been wearing some Karrimoor hike/walking mid ankle boots which have been great for climbing up some muddy unrideable hills and while the uppers looks brand new after a wash, the soles have been chewed to death from the pedals.

cooldad

I think he means getting SPD's

felix.london

I have the shoes in your second link - Specialized Taho's. Very good, very comfy, pretty tough, fairly light

mangabootoo

thanks felix.london...