If you like these barefoot-influenced shoes I'm not sure I'd recommend going to clipless. All the SPD shoes I've worn (XC style) have really stiff soles. No bend in them at all. Not comfortable to walk around in, and the cleats clink around and skid on hard surfaces. Things might be different now though. I love my Merrell Vapour Glove 3's for general walking around, feeling very close to the ground, and running in every so often, but the Trail Glove 5 is my usual running shoe. Try the Vapour Gloves, a really light weight shoe, you can roll it up, but not for cycling in unless it's an easy gentle ride without any performance demands. Not sure about the TG6, seems like it's starting to depart from barefoot a little. When running in the VG3 you need to be very careful about landing on stones, with the TG5 still some care is needed, but I think there's specific protection against stone strikes in the TG6, reducing the flexibility and increasing thickness.
Yeah, I’ve always just been curious about clipping in. But I’m off the bike a lot and off into the woods. So a basic shoe has always worked for me. I’m wearing a pair of vapor gloves as we speak, I can feel every rock so I’m cautious of where I wear them. Merrell makes a quality shoe.
Great looking shoe. Looks comfortable. I just purchased the Five Ten Kestrel Pro and they look great, I ride clipped in and I definitely recommend anyone who tours should give it a try. Thanks Matt
I had bought a pair of Lone Peak Altra 4's for my 2020 AT Thru hike but due to COVID I ended up canceling that hike .... Grrrr ..... I'm not bitter though, well, kinda I am. Anyway, started using them for biking and loved them. Light weight, dry out fast, large toe box, comfortable to walk in when off the two-wheeler. Still in good shape. Can't use them in the winter though. Will take a look at Merrell when the Altras crap out. Thanks for the vid!
Nice, I hope you get back to that Thru-hike. You won’t regret it, AT 2004. In the winter when it’s really cold, I ride in the lone peak boots, not so squishy on the pedals. Hope they work well for you.
@@TravelingThru222 yeah, I don't like being clipped in. I tried it and it just wasn't for me. Luckily the Pearl Izumi shoes that I bought double as sneakers so I just took the clips off and put the caps on them. They are fine walking anywhere and great for cycling touring on the flats as well. I like using the flat gravity type pedals.
I don’t recommend any of the Vapor Gloves. You can really feel every pebble, and the stitching on mine started pulling out in a few areas. They really only look cool.
@@steffivandongen I made a video on The Trail glove 6, Merrell also makes a Vapor Glove which I don't recommend. The Trail Glove 6 is awesome I wear it everyday, The Trail Glove 5 is equally a great shoe.
Thanks! I like Merrell shoes but they don't fit me...any of them. I just picked up some Pearl Izumi X-Alp's that seem good so far. I REALLY wish Altra would make bike shoes!
pearl Izumi has some nice shoes, I have looked at several pair. If Im not wearing Trail Gloves I am wearing Altras. I work in them, I hike in them, and I would definitely bike in them. Great shoe.
