Five Ten still rule the flat pedal roost but the competition is hotting up, with Teva, Sombrio, and now O’Neal bringing out their own sticky-soled MTB footwear. We’ve yet to give these new Stingers a good thrashing but we’ve put their high-top equivalent, the Trigger, through the ringer and it’s come out with flying colours.
O’Neal’s Honeyrubber sole isn’t quite as leech-like as Five Ten’s Stealth S1 but it’s grippier than Sombrio and Teva’s rubber, and the mid-sole gives decent support. The leather upper shrugs off scuffs and the reinforced eyelets let you do the laces up nice and tight. Oh, and the shoes are also available in black. RRP £84.99/€99.90. More info: O’Neal Europe / Fli Distribution (UK).
What’s Choice Kit? It’s our tag for the bikes and gear that are at the top of our wishlist, whether they’re tried-and-tested classics or they’re so new they haven’t even hit the shops yet.
Choice kit: Hope F20 flat pedals
Choice kit: Five Ten Raven shoes
The Azonic Switchback - a new slant on the premium flat pedal
