It’s quite apparent that the AM41 shares a lot of the same DNA as their popular clipless brother, the AM45. This is no bad thing. The shared upper is splash resistant, if poorly ventilated, and allows the laces to be stowed out of harm’s way under the Velcro flap. The inner ankle is nicely protected from rock strikes or hitting against the crank too.
The Vibram sole is perhaps the grippiest on test. Traction is superb, providing a planted feeling on the pedal, with tenacious grip on rough and rocky tracks. The deeply cleated tread made it a little tricky to move the shoe fore and aft on when readjusting foot position, though. We were almost tempted to wind in the pins in order to reduce the grip. The sole isn’t quite as rigid as the Specialized 2FO, but not quite as compliant as the O’Neal Stinger. A good compromise for trail riding. They are pretty comfy for walking, and the sole grips well on rocky ground. They feel a little less compliant when pushing uphill than the O’Neal, though, forming a small crease in the upper around the toe box as the foot bends to grip on the ground. At 930g a pair, they’re marginally the lightest flat shoes here though, which is an added bonus for all-round riding.
Weight 930g
Price 135$