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661 Dually Shoes
msrp CDN$150 US$70 |
Shoes are important to freeriders but you wouldn't know it from the number of
manufacturers making footwear for us. For the most part, we are stuck trying
to make skate shoes work on our pedals. Sometimes they work relatively well,
but often they are a poor compromise. We'll know that freeride has penetrated
the popular consciousness when Wade Simmons has an Oakley signature shoe or
when Nike makes something freeride-specific.
For those of you thinking about crossing over from your SPDs to flats, there are some specific traits in a shoe that make it ideal for sticking to flat pedals. Look for a sole that isn't interrupted at the arch; on flat pedals you will want to move the ball of your foot forward so it is hanging over the pedal, allowing your foot to grip, and you want some stick there to keep you on the bike. This positioning also saves your ankles when you are landing drops because your foot is exposed to less leverage. This means you want to avoid stiff soles like those found in SPD shoes; shoes that have an SPD option are horrendous on flat pedals. Some excellent riders prefer to wear relatively stiff hiking boots on their flats, but I have no idea how they do it.
The tread pattern should also be fine and uninterrupted by channels or large gaps, so it can dig into as many of your pedal pins as possible. If you go looking for a skate shoe that meets all these criteria, be prepared for some searching - very few will fit the bill. Whatever you come up with, it's worth giving flats a try if your riding generally focuses on the technical side and going down is more important to you than going up.
| The folks at Axo have been making their Dually model for a few years now. In the past, the shoe was durable and functional but it looked like something out of the former Communist Block. This year the shoes come under the 661 name (rather than Axo) and you no longer have to be embarrassed by their dated look. You may still avoid wearing them to the bar but they do look suited to riding a mountain bike. |
 Fresh out of the box |
While the styling has changed, several of the key features remain. One of the things I appreciated most about the previous Dually was the ankle protection and it is unchanged. Not only is the shoe a 3/4 cut, there is a plastic cup that does a very good job of protecting that awkward, lumpy bone that gives our foot mobility. The material outside the cup isn't as tough as it used to be, however, and I wore through to the plastic after a few rides. I rub my ankles against my cranks more than most people, so this may not be an issue for you. The Axo model also had an Achilles cut-out for excellent mobility. This was discontinued, probably as a concession to style, but the cut is low enough at the back to allow unrestricted movement. 661 didn't change the sole pattern and it provides excellent pedal contact and grip. I was very pleased with the longevity of the sole in the '01 shoe and this should be no different; there are very few signs of wear after six months of use.
| There were some concerns that the suede in the upper would absorb water in wet conditions but my feet have been comfortable and relatively dry on rainy days. When the mercury has dipped, the Duallies have done a good job of keeping my feet warm as well. If you are looking for a well-ventilated shoe, keep moving. One thing I didn't like about the previous version was the way the upper stretched out. The shoe grew almost a full size after a couple months of riding, leaving me no choice but to wear thick socks even on warm days. That issue has been dealt with and I found the new upper almost too stiff and slow to break in, but now it feels good. The old shoe also came with a neoprene gaiter that helped take up the extra size and kept the muck out as well. It attached to the inside of the shoe and closed around your ankle with Velcro but the hook and loop tore holes through the inside of the shoe over the course of the ride. There were times when the gaiter came in handy but it was more hassle than it was worth. |
 Rider ~ Norco Team manager Dave Devlin. Photo: David Ferguson |
| The materials used to protect high-wear areas in the upper are extremely tough (with the exception of the ankle cap covering) and are holding up very well. Unfortunately, the stitching attaching these panels to the shoe is less durable and has worn through in several spots. Luckily, these panels are also glued in place and thus far this hasn't been a big concern. If you are a serious about getting a few seasons out of your footwear, pick up some Freesole or Shoe Goo and do some reinforcing when you see your shoe beginning to succumb to abuse. The shoe gives you two lacing pattern options. There are leather loops for folks with wide feet and plastic loops for those not cursed with pontoons. I am often accused of overkill and I put in some longer laces and used both sets. This gives the shoe a very even pressure and it feels very secure, but one of the leather loops has already failed. There are enough plastic loops that this wasn't a problem at all, but you still don't expect to rip through a $150 shoe in six months. |
 After a North Shore winter |
Overall, I think this is about the best shoe out there for the kind of riding we do. It seems durable enough (although work could still be done in that area), it provides excellent protection and pedal grip, and it doesn't look bad either.
You can pick up the Dually in U.S. sizes 4 to 13 (Euro 36 to 48) on the Shore at On Top Bike Shop. They are also available online from 661 for US$70.
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