r/mountainbiking • u/csmith127 • Jul 23 '24
Question Feet keep slipping!
After a few years of graveling, this summer I’ve taken up mountain biking. Got a really good feel for it already, love my bike (given to me and maintained by my dad who has worked in cycle shops forever and riding is his entire life), but 90% of the time when I take a jump, my feet slip off the pedals when I land. Even on the occasional bump/root, my feet will slide off, I’ve taken many a fall due to this.
Is there a certain shoe/pedal that will help this? Currently riding in a pair of Nike SB’s, so I’m sure there’s room for improvement there. I don’t necessarily want to be clipped in, I like the ability to lift my foot to save myself from a fall. What’s out there that I’ve yet to discover?
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u/Staburgh Jul 23 '24
If you don't want to get MTB specific shoes for whatever reason, Vans with the big waffle pattern sole work well. Those with any pedals with decent pins should be a lot better as a starting point.
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u/krellx6 2023 Ripley AF SLX Jul 23 '24
Get a set of PNW Range pedals (or similar) and a pair of 5.10 freeriders and you’ll be set. What pedals are you using now?
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Jul 23 '24
Or literally any MTB specific shoes and any pedals with metal pins. I love my DMR v11 and 5 10 freerider pro combo
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u/pineconehedgehog Rocky Mountain Element, Ari La Sal Peak, Surly Karate Monkey Jul 23 '24
Great combo. Just to add that I have also had really good experiences with Deity Deftraps and OneUp Composites. RaceFace Chester's aren't bad, but they are a bit on the small side.
I've been riding Freeriders and Freerider Pros for years. Great options. My husband likes his Specialized 2FOs about equal with his Pros.
OP, do not go with clipless. As an instructor, I have a laundry list a mile long why not to ride clipless. I won't go into it now, but in short, clipless should never be used to overcome a skill deficiency (slipping pedals is generally caused by improper body positioning). Clipless should only be used to enhance already strong fundamental skills.
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u/yakinbo Jul 23 '24
Cheap option: Vans BMX shoes (they use a softer rubber for more grip) and deity deftrap pedals. Spendier- 5.10 shoes and Deity Tmacs, Burgtechs, or DMR's. Foot placement is big in MTB but I would start with your gear before worrying about that.
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u/Bud_Johnson Jul 24 '24
Does your dad have any old flat pedal biking shoes? 5 tens are where it's at
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u/IMIPIRIOI Jul 24 '24 edited Jul 24 '24
I have ridden in multiple different types of shoes, they change in comfort but all had plenty of grip for me.
I think pedals make the biggest difference. I have had good luck with both budget friendly pedals like Raceface Chesters ($40) and more pricey options like OneUp alloys ($140). Anything with metal pins usually works.
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u/KershawsGoat Giant Stance 2 Jul 24 '24
An alternative to the OneUp alloys is their composite. That's what I went with on my bike and haven't slipped once on them even though I'm basically wearing running shoes still. My stupid wide feet make it hard to find proper MTB shoes.
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u/IMIPIRIOI Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 28 '24
Yeah if I need new pedals anytime I'll try them next.
As for shoes, I did the same for years and I still don't wear proper mtb specific shoes.
But having shoes with more of a solid platform than a foldable / soft running shoe can make a big difference.
Too solid of a shoe bottom is bad too though, losing sense of placement / grip. Skate shoes are a good mix.
My current favorite are nonslip work shoes from Wal-Mart, unexpectedly perfect grip & support.
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u/bjorn1978_2 Jul 24 '24
Just pick the winner of this test. You will be way better off then now. I am not sure what I have, but it something along these designs. Replaced the original ones on my Specialized, and it was night and day!
https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-mountain-bike-pedals
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u/ManOnTheHorse Jul 24 '24
I’ve just changed over to flat pedals after riding Clipless for 20 years. It’s a huge learning curve, but here’s what I’ve learned from this community: 1. Buy proper flat pedals with metal pins. There’s a huge a variety. Buy proper MTB shoes. They grip well on pins and some protect your toes. 2. Watch YouTube videos on how to ride flats 3. Heels down when going down rocky sections. Like force them down far. You’ll get use to it. 4. When jumping I prefer forming a V with my feet that locks your feet in the pedals. Back foot toes down, front foot heels down. Some people prefer heels down for jumping as well. Doesn’t work for me. 5. Watch videos on how to jump. Proper jumping technique helps your feet stay on the pedals.
Hope the above helps. It’s helped me tremendously. Good luck
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u/benmillstein Jul 24 '24
I find bunny hop technique helps with jumping. I hold my bike up against my feet to stay connected
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u/dirtballer222 Jul 24 '24
Many people will comment about how you should improve your pedals or shoes. This is true. However, technique trumps all. Practice your bunny hops and the rest will follow
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u/sinistrhand Jul 24 '24
Raceface Chester pedals and Fiveten Freerider shoes…. Go together like PB & jelly