Supplied by Wiggle, these shoes are super-versatile and a bargain, especially if you want to stay lower-key in the pub after your ride.
As you’d expect for casually styled shoes, the soles are stiff enough to pedal hard and long without flexing and flopping around or causing a hot spot over the cleat. In fact, they’re flexible enough to spend a fair amount of time walking without them becoming wearing or feeling too clompy. The chunky, soft-compound Vibram soles give excellent off-bike/off-piste grip.
Fit is quite long for the size, but generous in width too, so you might want to size down compared to your normal shoe fit. If not you’ll have plenty of room for fatter socks in winter, and the solid wraparound toe bumpers and splash-proof uppers give more protection than most shoes on showery/puddly days.
Thanks to lace-only closures and reflective details restricted to flashes on the uppers and heel cups, the DHBs are one of the least conspicuously cycle related shoes you’ll find.
The mix of fabric loops and plastic eyelets mean the laces generally stay tight for extended riding periods, although there’s no cunning stash to keep the loose ends out of your chainrings. Contrast stitching and webbing detail is in the currently-very-fashionable lime green.
Relatively high heel cuffs give a secure fit and protected feel with minimal heel lift when walking or riding. They’re no heavier than most other trail shoes and at £50 they’re an absolute bargain.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
