A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed somewhere
more certain?
I appreciate your help…
he>wazza<him
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
> A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
>
> as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed
> somewhere more certain?
I use shoes that are great for gripping pedals and tires, but offer poor
support. They’re MacGregor Turf Shoes, found at Kmart. But they can be hard to
find, as Kmart is not a shoe store. They sell the shoes they have, and may not
get another batch of the same shoes for weeks. Also these shoes are apparently
only sold at some Kmart stores. I’m down to my last pair (too much bleach in too
many washings) and I have to find some more!
They have a studded bottom that grips great on any pedal, and also has great
traction on the tire for wheel walking skills. But they’re lightweight shoes
(which makes them good for racing), without a stiff sole. This may cause support
problems for some.
I use them for all riding, but they’re generally not good as MUni shoes. They’re
fine while you’re pedaling, but not great for the mountain environment.
What other shoes do people recommend?
John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
“Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China
at UNICON X
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
> for us in canada, the “hike sandals” sold by the Mountain Equipment Coop are
> great (uh in summer at least)
Two things to be careful of when unicycling in sandals. If you are a beginner,
or learning tricks, be aware of the fact that every once in a while your foot
can end up in the spokes, and get scissored when it gets to the fork. Ow.
Also, for racing under IUF or USA rules, your shoes must have tops on them (see
above paragraph if wondering why).
Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
“Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China
at UNICON X
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
shoes ~~~
I’m a cons person! I love riding in converse all-stars. They’re great for
tricks because the bottom is somewhat grippy and does not have a heel, and the
shoe is really flexible. For long distance riding tho, I prefer something with
more support.
Tammy http://MarshT.tripod.com
>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com> Reply-To: John Foss
><john_foss@asinet.com> To: “‘Olivier Paugam’” <opaugam@softimage.com>,
>"‘unicycling@winternet.com’" <unicycling@winternet.com> Subject: RE: a shoe in
>the right direction… Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 09:12:02 -0700
>
> > for us in canada, the “hike sandals” sold by the Mountain Equipment Coop are
> > great (uh in summer at least)
>
>Two things to be careful of when unicycling in sandals. If you are a beginner,
>or learning tricks, be aware of the fact that every once in a while your foot
>can end up in the spokes, and get scissored when it gets to the fork. Ow.
>
>Also, for racing under IUF or USA rules, your shoes must have tops on them (see
>above paragraph if wondering why).
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
>
>“Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China
>at UNICON X
>
>
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RE: a shoe in the right direction…
— John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
> wrote: What other shoes do people recommend?
I used to use the worst possible type of shoe (except sandals). Nike Air
Basketball. I have been riding long distances only. I would get numbness in my
feet after only an hour or two. Now I ride with mountain bike shoes with an
extremely stiff sole. “Specialized Rock Hoppers” I believe is what they’re
called. They are great. Also grippy plastic pedals. The only problem is
unintentional dismounts are harder on my feet and ankles because of the stiff
sole. I really think it depends a lot on what type of riding you do.
-Mark
Free e-Mail and Webspace - http://Unicyclist.com
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
> ----------
> From: maxfieldd@aol.com Reply To: maxfieldd@aol.com Sent: Thursday, September
> 7, 2000 8:06 AM To: unicycling@winternet.com Subject: Re: a shoe in the right
> direction…
>
> I know that many like BMX-type soles (like Vans–www.danscompetition.com).
> These soles are quite similar to the deck soles that Topsiders have. They work
> extremely well with pins, but their soles are very flexible. I like flexible
> soles when riding indoors (you can bend your foot around the pedal), but
> outdoors I need more protection.
>
>
Vans makes a BMX shoe called the Insurrection (available at Nashbar) that’s got
the grippy soles and a stiff platform as well, so could be the best of both
worlds (both spd and non-spd versions are available). I haven’t tried these yet
(I’m pretty happy with some Timberland trail runners right now) but will likely
buy these in the future. I also saw in the Sierra Trading Post catalog an
“approach”-style shoe that was made for mountain biking and hiking both, and I
think it was by Montrail. Untested, but interesting.
Peter
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
For Coker riding I have switched to Vans VMX Flat shoes. The flats have Vans
Off-The-Wall sole and a stiffener in the sole so they offer great support for
the bottom of the foot. The flats do not have the SPD adapter on the sole. The
flats along with grippy calf eating BMX platform pedals are just perfect for the
Coker. REI.COM currently has the VMX flats on sale for $29.99. The stiff MTB
shoes are more stuff than the VMX but don’t have as much grip on the pedal as
the VMX. I like stiff and grippy over just stiff.
For muni I have been using Vans Swizzle and Vans Double Cross. Both of these
shoes have Vans Off-The-Wall sole but the sole is not as stiff as the
VMX. I may switch to the VMX for muni.
The Vans aren’t so good for freestyle. They grip BMX pedals really well but
don’t do so well on the indoor friendly pedals used in freestyle. I need to
experiment some more to find freestyle shoe that works for me. Maybe the old
style Vans with a softer flexy sole would be good?
john_childs
From: Mark Stephens
>— John Foss > wrote:
> >What other shoes do people recommend?
>
>I used to use the worst possible type of shoe (except sandals). Nike Air
>Basketball. I have been riding long distances only. I would get numbness in my
>feet after only an hour or two. Now I ride with mountain bike shoes with an
>extremely stiff sole. “Specialized Rock Hoppers” I believe is what they’re
>called. They are great. Also grippy plastic pedals. The only problem is
>unintentional dismounts are harder on my feet and ankles because of the stiff
>sole. I really think it depends a lot on what type of riding you do.
>
>-Mark
>
>
>_____________________________________________________________
>Free e-Mail and Webspace - http://Unicyclist.com
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RE: a shoe in the right direction…
The Insurrection does not have a stiff sole like the VMX. The Insurrection Flat
actually has a very very flexy sole with very little support for the bottom of
the foot. The ankle protector and snap down lace protector (keeps the laces from
getting caught in the cranks) are very nice features, but the sole is very
wimpy. Might be a good freestyle shoe, but it’s not a good muni or Coker shoe.
If only Vans would make a version of the VMX with the ankle protector and a lace
protector they would have an awesome shoe for muni and Coker riding. The Vans
Double Cross flat was almost this ideal shoe, but its sole was not as stiff as
the VMX. Unfortunately the Double Cross has been discontinued.
john_childs
>From: “Kittle, Peter”
>
>Vans makes a BMX shoe called the Insurrection (available at Nashbar) that’s got
>the grippy soles and a stiff platform as well, so could be the best of both
>worlds (both spd and non-spd versions are available). I haven’t tried these yet
>(I’m pretty happy with some Timberland trail runners right now) but will likely
>buy these in the future. I also saw in the Sierra Trading Post catalog an
>“approach”-style shoe that was made for mountain biking and hiking both, and I
>think it was by Montrail. Untested, but interesting.
>
>Peter
>
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RE: a shoe in the right direction…
Yoda,
> John, are those high toppers? I have wondering about something to help protect
> my ankles.
Unfortunately no ankle protection on the MacGregors. Also remember not much
support in the soles, so probably not anything useful for the early stages of
riding. You don’t really need that kind of pedal grip until you start doing
stupid things like trying to pedal over 200 rpm or taking feet off the pedals
while riding…
I was never a wearer of high-tops, but I’m sure you can find a nice pair of
those and then even stuff some padding in there.
> Also do you put the ball of your foot on the pedal or the middle (arch) of
> your foot.
All of my riding is done with the ball of the foot over the pedal axle, excep
for long or extreme uphills. Then I move more toward the center of the foot.
> I find I can swing my ankles away from the cranks when I use the ball of my
> feet. But I don’t know if that is the right way to do it.
In the learning stages, I think anything that keeps your ankles off the cranks
is good. As you get more comfortable riding, your feet will straighten out more
and the ankles will be less and less likely to get into the cranks. Until then,
you will have less control over your feet and the ankles need to be covered.
This is usually more of a problem for people whose feet point outward when they
walk, but I’m sure everybody has had their ankles “clipped”, as Bill Jenack used
to call it, before.
Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
“Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China
at UNICON X
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
REI.COM carries the Axo Ankle Biter. They’re armored pads for the ankle bones
that will turn regular low-tops into armored high-tops. I wish I had these
things when I was learning to ride.
Some form of ankle protection is a good thing while learning to ride. The Ankle
Biter or high-top basketball shoes will make the learning process less painfull
on the ankles.
john_childs
>From: “yoda” John, are those high toppers? I have wondering about something to
>help protect my ankles. I keep hitting the cranks with my ankles. Got skin
>marks on both of them. Also do you put the ball of your foot on the pedal or
>the middle (arch) of your foot. I find I can swing my ankles away from the
>cranks when I use the ball of my feet. But I don’t know if that is the right
>way to do it.
>
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Re: a shoe in the right direction…
for us in canada, the “hike sandals” sold by the Mountain Equipment Coop are
great (uh in summer at least) since their rubber grip very well on the pedal
even in the wet - I havent check the new models but mine (3 years old) are
really fantastic even when muni-ing
“warren summers” <wazza@nextcentury.com.au> wrote in message
news:K%Dt5.103$h3.476@news.syd.ip.net.au…
> A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
>
> as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed
> somewhere more certain?
>
>
> I appreciate your help…
>
>
> he>wazza<him
>
Re: a shoe in the right direction…
“warren summers” <wazza@nextcentury.com.au> wrote in message
news:K%Dt5.103$h3.476@news.syd.ip.net.au…
> A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
>
> as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed
> somewhere more certain?
I find that the Sperry Topsiders I got have fairly firm soles. They are a heavy
brown leather moccasin style with tie up rawhide laces. Their grip comes from
the rubber used, not wrapping around the pedal in slavish conformity. And again
last night I noticed how nice it was not to have them bashing into the cranks
like my wide Nike runners do.
Blessings!
Arthur Doerksen
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
>
> > A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
> >
> > as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed
> > somewhere more certain?
>
> I use shoes that are great for gripping pedals and tires, but offer poor
> support. They’re MacGregor Turf Shoes, found at Kmart. But they can be hard to
> find, as Kmart is not a shoe store. They sell the shoes they have, and may not
> get another batch of the same shoes for weeks. Also these shoes are apparently
> only sold at some Kmart stores. I’m down to my last pair (too much bleach in
> too many washings) and I have to find some more!
John, are those high toppers? I have wondering about something to help protect
my ankles. I keep hitting the cranks with my ankles. Got skin marks on both of
them. Also do you put the ball of your foot on the pedal or the middle (arch) of
your foot. I find I can swing my ankles away from the cranks when I use the ball
of my feet. But I don’t know if that is the right way to do it.
> They have a studded bottom that grips great on any pedal, and also has great
> traction on the tire for wheel walking skills. But they’re lightweight shoes
> (which makes them good for racing), without a stiff sole. This may cause
> support problems for some.
I use my regular shoes, Rockport Pro Walkers, fairly rugged with a lug sole. But
they are low toppers.
> I use them for all riding, but they’re generally not good as MUni shoes.
> They’re fine while you’re pedaling, but not great for the mountain
> environment.
>
> What other shoes do people recommend?
>
> John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
>
> “Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China at
> UNICON X
Lowell yoda@socket.netRE: a shoe in the right direction…
>
> Yoda,
>
> > John, are those high toppers? I have wondering about something to help
> > protect my ankles.
>
> Unfortunately no ankle protection on the MacGregors. Also remember not much
> support in the soles, so probably not anything useful for the early stages of
> riding. You don’t really need that kind of pedal grip until you start doing
> stupid things like trying to pedal over 200 rpm or taking feet off the pedals
> while riding…
Well, I’m not to that stupid stage yet, I’m still learning. Perhaps I’ll just
get used to placing my feet on the pedals so the ankles don’t hit.
> I was never a wearer of high-tops, but I’m sure you can find a nice pair of
> those and then even stuff some padding in there.
I have always hated high toppers myself. But if they would help…
> > Also do you put the ball of your foot on the pedal or the middle (arch) of
> > your foot.
>
> All of my riding is done with the ball of the foot over the pedal axle, excep
> for long or extreme uphills. Then I move more toward the center of the foot.
Good, I think I can control the ankle hitting better that way.
> > I find I can swing my ankles away from the cranks when I use the ball of my
> > feet. But I don’t know if that is the right way to do it.
>
> In the learning stages, I think anything that keeps your ankles off the cranks
> is good. As you get more comfortable riding, your feet will straighten out
> more and the ankles will be less and less likely to get into the cranks. Until
> then, you will have less control over your feet and the ankles need to be
> covered.
So true. I have two skinned ankles and I still can’t take my hands off the walls
in the hall.
> This is usually more of a problem for people whose feet point outward when
> they walk, but I’m sure everybody has had their ankles “clipped”, as Bill
> Jenack used to call it, before.
I normally walk with my feet pointing straight ahead, but on the uni I may twist
around a lot. I’m having to pay close attention to the way my feet are on the
pedals to start with now, it may come more natural later on.
> Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone http://www.unicycling.com
>
> “Are we eating Chinese again tonight?” – More than one rider in China at
> UNICON X
Lowell yoda@socket.netRE: a shoe in the right direction…
>
> REI.COM carries the Axo Ankle Biter. They’re armored pads for the ankle bones
> that will turn regular low-tops into armored high-tops. I wish I had these
> things when I was learning to ride.
>
> Some form of ankle protection is a good thing while learning to ride. The
> Ankle Biter or high-top basketball shoes will make the learning process less
> painfull on the ankles.
>
> john_childs
I’ll have to check that out. Might be what I’m looking for. Thanks John.
> >From: “yoda” John, are those high toppers? I have wondering about something
> >to help protect my ankles. I keep hitting the cranks with my ankles. Got skin
> >marks on both of them. Also do you put the ball of your foot on the pedal or
> >the middle (arch) of your foot. I find I can swing my ankles away from the
> >cranks when I use the ball of my feet. But I don’t know if that is the right
> >way to do it.
> >
Lowell yoda@socket.net
Re: a shoe in the right direction…
For Muni I really like the off-road running shoes made by Montrail. These shoes
have stiff soles–that prevent me from injuring my feet when I land on the edge
of a pedal. These shoes also have soles that work well with pedal pins–unlike
Vibram soles that get caught on the pins. The off-road running shoes made by
Nike, Adidas, and others don’t have stiff soles, and don’t offer the protection
that I want.
I know that many like BMX-type soles (like Vans–www.danscompetition.com). These
soles are quite similar to the deck soles that Topsiders have. They work
extremely well with pins, but their soles are very flexible. I like flexible
soles when riding indoors (you can bend your foot around the pedal), but
outdoors I need more protection.
David Maxfield Bainbridge Island, WA
Re: a shoe in the right direction…
“warren summers” <wazza@nextcentury.com.au> wrote in message
news:K%Dt5.103$h3.476@news.syd.ip.net.au…
> A qwik q about shoes for unicycling…
>
> as in…which work best? is it just personal pref or can I be directed
> somewhere more certain?
I find that the Sperry Topsiders I got have fairly firm soles and give good
support. They are a heavy brown leather moccasin style with tie up rawhide
laces. Their grip comes from the rubber used, not wrapping around the pedal in
slavish conformity. And again last night I noticed how nice it was not to have
them bashing into the cranks like my wide Nike runners do.
Blessings!
Arthur Doerksen
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
Shoes – how about ‘vans’ or similar shoes used for skateboarding, and maybe
even bmx riding. All these sports involving accurate foot placement, feel, use
of pedals in the case of bmx, etc. 
Re: a shoe in the right direction…
Laszlo Vecsey wrote:
> Shoes – how about ‘vans’ or similar shoes used for skateboarding, and maybe
> even bmx riding. All these sports involving accurate foot placement, feel, use
> of pedals in the case of bmx, etc.
I always wear Converse SkateStars for that very reason - excellent grip and good
flexibility for wheel walking etc. Not a lot of ankle protection but I’ve never
had a problem with that.
Regards, Mark.
–
Fujitsu Telecom Europe Ltd,| o Solihull Parkway, | In the land of the
pedestrian, /|\ Birmingham Business Park, | the one-wheeled man is king. <<
Birmingham, ENGLAND. | O
RE: a shoe in the right direction…
>
> Shoes – how about ‘vans’ or similar shoes used for skateboarding, and maybe
> even bmx riding. All these sports involving accurate foot placement, feel, use
> of pedals in the case of bmx, etc.
I’m not familiar with those, but I can look around and see if I can find them.
Thanks for the tip.
Lowell yoda@socket.net