J-McKech

So it's offical, nike has introduced a freeride shoe to the market. This is from cycling news
"New for 2006 from Nike Cycling is the Nike Air Whistler, specially made for the "hucking" set and developed with input from freeride pioneer Andrew Shandro. Originally a skate shoe, Air Whistler became a bike-specific shoe after much development by Shandro and Nike shoe designers. Air Whistler is a non-SPD platform shoe with an 047+ 'sticky' rubber outsole from Nike, a PP injected insole board for a stiff sole and a comfortable Nike Air cushion heel, combined with a molded heel and inner pad that protects ankles from crank abuse."

I don't know what to think of it. Here are some pictures.

WannaGetGood

Well, if they stick to shoes, then they shud be alright. But I don't think they will go futher than that.

Hopefully Not anyways.

Funkychicken

would someone like to tell me straight - is there much benefit to be gained from buying/wearing a specifically designed "freeride shoe" when all i use are flats?

WannaGetGood

I want some of those now lol. You have any pictures of the bottom tred.

J-McKech

Specifically, you're buying the "super tacky" tread that freeride shoes have. Supposedly, they are also supposed to withstand a beating unlike vans or DC's.

BCBike

If the price is right i would say Nike scored. Available from the Big box stores, in most cities and towns. There's a whole ton of kids out there that buy mountain bikes and freeride out on the street. I know how well skate shoes hold up to offroad use because i used to dirtbike with my old etnies for over 2 years. I would have bought them if i know about them earlyer this year.

Maelstrom 

Wohoo, a shoe that should fit. Yehaw.

I am encouraged. It can only mean good things if nike is involved.

cryptid01

Yes, but as FreeridinLoon said, it's all in the sole compound. It will make a significant difference if you get the Five.Ten Impacts with the Stealth rubber sole. It looks like these Nikes will have a tacky sole also, but I have no experience with them. One ride will blow your mind, they really stick like nothing else.

Other "freeride" shoes like the Lake Schleys aren't anything special in terms of traction, they're just skate shoes with reinforcements.

WannaGetGood

The only thing I don't like about Nike, is that they slave the kids in China in a left foot, and right foot factory.

swifferman

As opposed to other shoe manufacturers who do what exactly?

harov3

Oxfam sell a range of sneaker style shoes with a classic look that are made to ethical principles, the "No Sweat" brand.

Hopper

If they are anything like the Five Ten Impacts previously mentioned inn this thread, then they will be very good.

Muddyrookie

Doesn't seem like wearing a pair of freeriding shoes would be any different than wearing flats. Do you need to stick to the pedals. Buy yourself a pair if pedals and some shoes and get ridin.

WannaGetGood

Anyone know how much they are in Canadain, and where can you buy them?

Maelstrom 

If its like most things...we won't see them up here unless they get popular in the states

WannaGetGood

I don't think you would want to freered with your shoes stick in your pedals. Cuase if you gatta bail. I think they are more for tought landings, that's why they have more padding they normal shoes. And they have the stickiness to stick to the Spickes that come from your pedals. I think that's what they are for.

Maelstrom 

There is a different between sticking like a clipless pedal and sticking enough to catch air without the feet coming off.

I would hope that would make the sole stiffer, skate shoes are too flimsy to last long

WannaGetGood

Yeah, I fell lots of time with my skate shoes. I still where them though. But you don't think that Foot Locker would have them in a couple of months?

cryptid01

Or sticking well when the feet come back on.

gattm99

This should tell you how complelely overblown and commericalized Freeriding has become.

Dannihilator

So?

dirtbikedude

This may take the thread a whole different direction but so what? Yeah it means more kooks riding and your foavorite trail might be a bit more croweded but it also means more money for the sport. More money will mean better products, possibly more trails being opend or at least not closing them and perhaps more sponsors for the races wich could even mean the simi-Pros and Pros in the US will actually start making money again. Probably not like they were in the early '90s but better then it is now.

Back to the thread, the shoes look decent but I prefer a high-top for the ankle support and protection from hits on bolders . They should come out with something like the older AXO Descend. Luckily I still have a good pair I wear.

DBD

mtnbiker66

After throwing your superman??

koine2002

Hmmm. I wish New Balance would come out with some stuff for cycling, especially MTB type stuff--they would fit better than anything out there. Back when I ran, my podiatrist restricted me to them--no foot problems after that.