Thread: Most hikeable clipless shoe?

I'm in the market for new bike shoes. I sometimes enjoy long epics that require significant hike-a-biking and would like to get a shoe that hikes better than typical clipless shoes. I've been perusing Hucknroll a bit today and noticed the Mavic Alpine http://www.hucknroll.com/mavic-alpine-bike-shoe-mens which seems to fit the bill nicely. I found a couple positive reviews of them but nothing extensive. Anyone have any experience with the Mavics or have any other suggestions?

edit: I really should have titled this thread "Best" hikeable clipless shoe instead of "Most"

Check out the Lake MX 165

What about the 5.10 maltese falcons? They might not have the support of a pure hiking shoe, but have a grippy, flexible sole, recessed cleat, and you should be able to lace them up pretty tight. Will lose a little efficiency peddling, but thats a tradeoff that's inevitable with how flexy of a sole you want.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/2011-Five-Ten.html

Check out the Shimano MT series. I've owned the MT51s and now ride the MT52s. They're my everyday mtb shoe and I love them. They walk well, yet still have a stiff platform for pedalling. I believe the new version is the MT53.

I've also got a pair of the MT91s on the way for winter riding and combo ride/hikes.

Some of the other MTs look really nice too.

Originally Posted by Dromond

Check out the Lake MX 165

These look interesting, but they are pretty heavy.

Originally Posted by chatton18

What about the 5.10 maltese falcons? They might not have the support of a pure hiking shoe, but have a grippy, flexible sole, recessed cleat, and you should be able to lace them up pretty tight. Will lose a little efficiency peddling, but thats a tradeoff that's inevitable with how flexy of a sole you want.


http://www.pinkbike.com/news/2011-Five-Ten.html

I looked at those. The seem like they'd be pretty hot with all that leather and pretty much no venting. Have you ridden them in hot weather?

Originally Posted by Arty50

Check out the Shimano MT series. I've owned the MT51s and now ride the MT52s. They're my everyday mtb shoe and I love them. They walk well, yet still have a stiff platform for pedalling. I believe the new version is the MT53.

I've also got a pair of the MT91s on the way for winter riding and combo ride/hikes.

Some of the other MTs look really nice too.

Hmmmm, heavy but no worse than the Lakes. Only problem is hucknroll doesn't carry them. Trying to stick with what they sell as I can get a deal.

The new Specialized Rime is sweet, but sold out till feb. They added a Vibram sole and backed the stiffness down a bit. The shoe now bends so you don't get heel blisters from a full-length carbon sole.

Arty I've like to hear what you think of the MT-91 when you get them.

Puzzles me why that shoe is not available in NA. I assume you ordered from the UK?

I like my Specialized Tahoes a lot, though it looks like they redesigned them since my current pair.

Originally Posted by Dickeymotto

Specialized Tahoes

Oooh, those look like exactly what I'm looking for. Not on hucknroll but at first glance it looks like lots are available from other sites for <$100.

Originally Posted by Dantheman

Oooh, those look like exactly what I'm looking for. Not on hucknroll but at first glance it looks like lots are available from other sites for <$100.

It looks like they have two versions now: the "Sport" which has a vibram sole and is stiffer (6.0) and the regular version without vibram and less stiff (3.0). I have no idea how stiff the older Tahoe is for comparison, but I ride Mallets anyway so its never been a problem for me. I wear them primarily because regular bike shoes tend to fit me a lot tighter and my feet always go numb. I never have a problem in these.

I've used Lakes for years, but last year I got a pair of Pearl Izumi X-Alp shoes and they hike amazingly well. I got them for the same reason- hike-a-bike filled epics and I was happy with them all the way around. I did a little review on my blog HERE.

LBS owner uses the X-Alp with the new XT trail pedal and he's a glutton for hab. They seem to have held up well and if I didn't like a stiffer sole I'd go that route.

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp series are the best shoes of that type I've found. Nice trail-running outsole with grippy rubber. Get the ones with laces (the Seek) unless you like buckles getting busted off on rocks.

The only problem I have is that the rubber toe protector doesn't go far enough around the side and the little toe area still gets ripped up on rocks. A preventative piece of gaffer tape is probably a good idea here. That being said, mine are still going after two seasons, but they look awfully raggedy on the outside.

I started withe Spec Tahoe. It broke down a bit faster than I hoped, but still a nice shoe. I switched to the Mavic Alpine-XL beginning of 2010 and it was noticeably stiffer. I liked it, but couldn't get it to fit my foot right. The sole was stiff, but definitely still walkable and let you scramble up rock with the very grippy sole. I ended up committing to flats and would likely go back for something along the lines of the Tahoe but more durable.

One more for PI X-Alp Elites. Best clipless shoes I've ever used.

I've been riding the Pearl Izumi X-Alp lace up model for several years. I think they're a great choice for hike-a-bike days.

Originally Posted by Dantheman

Hmmmm, heavy but no worse than the Lakes. Only problem is hucknroll doesn't carry them. Trying to stick with what they sell as I can get a deal.

Chainreaction has a huge sale going on right now with free shipping too. They carry most of the MT line too. Seems like Shimano isn't selling them in the US anymore. Damn shame since they rock.

Originally Posted by shirk

Arty I've like to hear what you think of the MT-91 when you get them.

Puzzles me why that shoe is not available in NA. I assume you ordered from the UK?

Si. I have no idea why they're not selling them here. I hate stuff like that. If you're going to make it, why not sell it all over the world? Oh well. Intertubes to the rescue. I'll let you know more once I get a couple of rides on them.

I have an older pair of Specialized Tahoes. They fit great for walking, but my feet always hurt while clipped in on the bike. I've had a pair of X-Alps for 3 or 4 years, and they are the most comfortable bike shoes that I've ever owned. I will absolutely buy another pair.

Another vote for the Pearl X-Alp. I got a pair so I wouldn't have to change shoes when I go out for short trailwork sessions, and they quickly became my go-to shoes for rides.
The downside is they kind of look like grandpa shoes.