SPD Shoe Advice?!

KeithRann

Hi Guys,

I have a Specialized FSR Stumpjumper Comp Evo, although the majority of my riding is trail orientated I do like a little XC to pump up the cardio once or twice a week.

I have bought some SPD pedals and can't decide which shoes to go for. Originally, I thought I would grab a pair of one of these:

1. Five Ten Minaar
2. Shimano AM45
3. 661 Filter

Following the reviews, it would seem these are a little more DH orientated and this has left me stuck in the middle. I don't want to go for a full XC or DH shoe but would like something inbetween... Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Look forward to hearing from you.

Keith

.blitz

Can't comment on the other two but I got some AM45s to replace a pair of MP66s and they are OK but nothing to write home about. They're comfortable and stiff-ish but they are freakily heavy (nearly 700g per shoe inc cleats) and the styling isn't to everyone's tastes. Good weather resistance.

Also have a pair of M162s which are allegedly trail shoes but again they're not exactly awesome. The sole is quite stiff (stiffer than the 45s) and they're light but this is at the expense of feeble uppers that rely on the straps for support. They were OK when they were new but after a year it feels as though the straps are the only thing holding them on.

KeithRann

.blitz wrote:

Can't comment on the other two but I got some AM45s to replace a pair of MP66s and they are OK but nothing to write home about. They're comfortable and stiff-ish but they are freakily heavy (nearly 700g per shoe inc cleats) and the styling isn't to everyone's tastes. Good weather resistance.

Also have a pair of M162s which are allegedly trail shoes but again they're not exactly awesome. The sole is quite stiff (stiffer than the 45s) and they're light but this is at the expense of feeble uppers that rely on the straps for support. They were OK when they were new but after a year it feels as though the straps are the only thing holding them on.

This was precisely my thinking, I picked up a set of Shimano AM45s from a local bike shop and they were very heavy. Seems the market for something lightweight and robust for general offroad use is limited!!!

.blitz

KeithRann wrote:

Seems the market for something lightweight and robust for general offroad use is limited!!!

I agree. Tough and lightweight seems to be a rare combination

FingersKFF

I had some 661 Filters and was quite happy with them. Again they're quite heavy and warm but sturdy enough. The lace/velcro combo was the definite weak point for me, the laces always caught on the velcro and trying to take them off in winter when caked in mud was a chore.

After that I got some 5.10 Maltese Falcons. Pretty much the same experience as the Filters but with better build quality. Heavy and warm and the lace/velcro combo got on my nerves.

After that I went to some Shimano xc-50 for a total change. The velcro and ratchet combo is much easier to put on/take off and they're a lot lighter than my old shoes. The soles are stiffer too and airflow is better. It takes a while to get around the looks but they're not quite as slipper-like as some.

rockmonkeysc

XC shoes will be fine. I have a pair of carbon soled xc race shoes and have used then for a DH race when I took the wrong shoes with me, when I was on the bike I soon forgot I wasn't wearing my AM45s.

JBA

Specialized BG Tahoe shoes are good. Not too heavy and nice and stiff. They are not waterproof but dry quite quickly and retain their shape. They are also pretty good for walking (pushing) in as they have good grip and the cleat is set well in to the sole.