Issue #019 Review

Vaude AM Moab Shoes in review


First and foremost, cycling shoes have to serve their intended purpose. To do so, they need to be as comfortable as possible without developing hot spots on long rides and they need to provide a positive connection to your bike, either with a grippy flat sole or an intuitive and reliable clipless system. Only once the shoe has met these basic requirements, can you start to consider additional features.

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The Vaude AM Moab is a flat pedal shoe that offers a wide fit, with ample space in the toe box and a comfortable climate for your feet. That suited Manne who certainly wouldn’t have worn these shoes on the trails for over 8 months otherwise. But it’s not only on the trails that the Vaude AM Moab’s shine. They’re very comfortable to walk in, making them perfectly suited for riders who often push or carry their bike or generally walk around in their bike shoes. The sole construction strikes a good balance between stiffness for power transfer on the pedals and flexibility for walking.

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At first glance, the Vaude AM Moab doesn’t look like a bike shoe. The design is clean with a smart looking water-repellent leather upper. The perforations at the front are reminiscent of brogue shoes and offer ventilation for your toes. The workmanship of the Vaude AM Moab is good and after 8 months of almost daily use, while they’re showing obvious signs of wear, they have a lot of life left in them. The soles grip to the pins of flat pedals quite well, but they can’t quite live up to the stickiness of Five Tens. We didn’t find the sole supportive enough for bike park use either.

The Vaude AM Moab is a discreet flat-pedal shoe offering a very comfortable fit, and the construction of its sole is ideal for long days in (and out of) the saddle. The ‘Green Shape’ label, guaranteeing environmentally conscious production, is an added bonus.

Tops

  • comfortable fit
  • sole offers good grip on flat pedals
  • environmentally friendly production with sustainable leather exterior

Flops

  • the sole doesn't do well shedding heavy, clay-rich soil

Tester: Manne
Dauer: 8 months
Price: € 150

Weight: 820 g (size 42, UK 8, USM 9)
More info: vaude.com


Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Jonas Müssing

About the Author

Manne Schmitt
Authorized Officer

Manne Schmitt is a Procurator at 41 Publishing, contributing a wealth of methodological expertise from his career as a Chief Analyst for a state authority. This background ensures the journalistic depth of his research, and the acquisition of exclusive news for E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN. Active in cycling since 1989, he combines operative test support with administrative responsibility, strengthening the quality of editorial processes. The world of racing remains a passion; no one on the team knows the EDR professionals better than Manne.

E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine

E-MOUNTAINBIKE is the world’s leading magazine for e-mountainbikes and modern eMTB lifestyle, serving as the global benchmark for testing. Since our founding in 2013, we have accompanied and shaped the industry’s evolution – from the very first prototypes to today’s high-end machines.

As an international pioneer, we bring the industry together and actively drive progress: With our Think Tanks, from St. Vigil to the Scottish Highlands, we create platforms for exchange, innovation, and new perspectives. Our awards are recognized worldwide as a definitive guide for riders, retailers, and manufacturers alike.

Our editorial team combines years of independent testing experience with deep technical expertise. We consciously think beyond classic categories, evaluating products and developments consistently from the perspective and everyday reality of our readers, rather than viewing them as just the sum of their parts. 

E-MOUNTAINBIKE is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.