Originally Posted by
MikeDeason
Only problem with them is that the soft rubber that makes them so effective at grip also leads to very rapid wear. I was going through a pair every few months. The rubber also hardeners over time so even in low use situations they lose some effectiveness. Like winter tires. Very short lifespan at maximum efficiency.
I'm going on my 4th year on a pair of fabric Freeriders. Other than being dusty down to the molecular level, they're fine. A few chunks or rubber missing on the sole but nothing notable. According to Strava, I've ridden 6000 miles off road in that time. Most of that was on these shoes but some were on some clipless shoes too.
My secret? I don't wear these shoes to do anything else. Just like clipless, I put them on when I start and take them off when I finish and complain when I have to hike my bike.
I suppose you could get 5.10, La Sportiva, Scarpa, or Evolv approach shoes. They'll have sticky rubber and are made for walking and scrambling on rocks. Not climbing shoes but a better climbing shoe than most walking shoes. I've mountain biked in my Scarpa approach shoes, it is way better than regular shoes. None of those brands are going to be wide.