shine.

[Sarah Williams]

Hi all,

Not Riv-specific, but I'm guessing folks here may have thoughts.

I've recently gotten obsessed with minimalist/barefoot style shoes and am loving the feel and what it does for my feet. Finding shoes that are good for cycling is a bit more elusive though. I wouldn't really care except that I end up wearing whatever I bike in most days just because that's how I get around.

What I'd love to find is something that has the soles of a FiveTen trailcross but without the midsole and a very wide toebox. Any suggestions?

I've tried Vivobarefoots, which are workable, but the sole feels like it will be destroyed by the pedal's pins. Also tried some Altras that have a more substantial sole (too thick) and are really slick when wet. Both work, but neither is ideal.

Ideas appreciated!

Thanks

Adam 

[Richard Rose]

Sarah, Birkenstock’s! The soles grip my flats nicely even when wet. Thick enough to not cause hot spots. Extreme comfort & support. Adjustable & nice wide toe box. I ride mine all summer or whenever warm enough. I do stick with 5/10’s for rowdy singletrack. I did the GAP trail & my Birck’s were the only shoes I took on the week long trip. Only negative I can think of is that very sharp pins can shorten the life of the sole material. Closed toe options too.

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On Oct 30, 2025, at 5:28 PM, Sarah Williams <sarahwill...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Richard Rose]

Alternatively I also enjoy riding in my very minimal / nearly barefoot Shamma sandals. Hot spots might occur on longer rides but grip is decent. Highly adjustable & MUSA!

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On Oct 30, 2025, at 5:28 PM, Sarah Williams <sarahwill...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Ben Miller]

Adam,

I've never worn FiveTen shoes, but I'm reading this part " but without the midsole and a very wide toebox." as you do want a wide toebox, correct?

Since a severe tibia-fibula fracture a number of years back, I prefer minimalist shoes for comfort on and off the bike. I currently wear two different version of them. Both have very wide toeboxes. And, at least to me, look fashionable and not like sneakers, with minimalist branding to go along with the minimalist sole. 

1. Astral Loyaks - Pros: Fairly inexpensive; SUPER grippy, even when wet, light weight, dry out very quickly when wet. Little insulation so great for warmer days Cons: Not super durable, extremely thin sole maybe uncomfortable for some. 
2. Stomplox Trailworms Pros: Durable: made from leather and have a replaceable sole with program thru Stomplox for resoling. Designed specifically for biking in mind. More insulation, better for cooler days Cons: Expensive, thicker sole may not exactly be minimalist for some.

I do say that the Astral's aren't super durable, but they are enough for me, at that price. I've gone through 2 pairs over maybe 7 years? And that's also wearing them as everyday shoes. I've only had the Trailworms for 9 months or so, but them seem much more durable. And again, I wear them as an everyday shoe. I like that they are repairable, especially considering the expense. I highly recommend both shoes.

Ben

[Minh]

FWIW, Ive been riding in vivo shoes all summer and the sole has been fine, though I think mine are the 'trail' ones.  

I've also been riding in teva's and bedrock sandals, both are relatively stiff, but still easy to walk in, but yeah, they're sandals-though bed rock are more like clog like.  

[Lucia Matioli]

I love vans. Easy look good, good bang for the buck. 

Sambas close second. 

I do ride clip-less on other bikes and have a men’s e width which is a challenge. Just got into fizik Vento proxy wide and they feel good. I got the first pair and it was too big tho so having to return them for a smaller size

Cheers,

Lucia in oakland. 

Lucia Matioli

Sr Creative Consultant

goodthinkingco.com

linkedin.com/in/luciamatioli/

              

   

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[Nick Dabagia]

Big big fan of bedrocks, I own both their sandals and clogs, for warm and cool weather, naturally. Recommended highly. Pairs can be had relatively cheaply secondhand via eBay.

Nick

Tucson, AZ

[Adam]

Thanks all.

I'm a bit confused how this thread has bifurcated into two parallel threads, but whatever.

I am glad to read all the thoughts, think I may try some combination of the Astral, Stomplox, Xero, or Vivobarefoots going forward.

Best,

Adam