Newcomer needs shoes.
 

I'm looking to get into Mtn biking. I've borrowed a hardtail bike. I'm looking for recommendations for shoes. Not really interested in cleats yet. I tried using hiking shoes once but they seemed slippery. Most shops I've been to only carry cleats.

no, what you need are the right pedals. with the right pedals, just about any shoe works.

shimano pd-mx30 platform pedals are pretty sweet.

specialize lo pro mags are also.

straitline pedals are even better.

wellgo make great entry level flat pedals.

i currently ride the shimanos and i do it in converse chuck taylors. no problems.

if you want super awesome shoes, 5-10s are pretty much it.

I look for two things in shoes for flat pedals: a stiffer than normal sole (for more efficiency and less fatigue) and sticky rubber. Five ten and Teva offer shoes that meet these criteria.

Chucks are probably the worst possible option next to flipflops imo, but as always, it's what works best for you.

+1

My lo-pro mags stick to 13 dollar wal-mart tenny's like they was made for 'em. When people start asking me how do I do it, then I'm going to splurge for some of what cryptid suggested.

Within reason, of course. My pedals are no Straitlines (they're Flatboys, if you're wondering), but they just don't work very well when your shoe's sole isn't very flat. My running shoes don't stick well, and I'd imagine a lugged hiking shoe is even worse. Conversely, I wear Five-Ten Impacts and they're awesome, but they're not going to work well with those cheap pedals you get on entry level bikes that don't have pins.

Also, I second what Cryptid said. Stiffer sole, sticky rubber, and to add to that, a flat sole (which any skate or bike shoe will give you, though bike shoes will do a better job with the stiff sole, and Stealth rubber is hard to beat.

I use hiking shoes because I'm a geocacher and do a lot of hiking after I bike to a destination. I don't have a problem with slipping on the pedals I've tried. I like the stock pedals that came on my Specialized Camber. They're a resin pedal, probably not too expensive.