Review: Crankbrothers Stamp Street Fabio Shoes
Crankbrothers might be better known for their pedals and components, but since coming into the shoe market several years ago they've certainly made a splash with their clipless models. Riders, myself included, love the construction, fit, and how well they integrate with the brand's own pedals. That said, clips are just one way to go, and flat pedal riders are a different proposition entirely.
Stamp Street Fabio Details
• Two-part construction
• Four colorways available
• Sizes: 5-14
• Weight: 299g per shoe (US 9)
• MSRP: $129 USD
• www.crankbrothers.com
• Two-part construction
• Four colorways available
• Sizes: 5-14
• Weight: 299g per shoe (US 9)
• MSRP: $129 USD
• www.crankbrothers.com
The brand has two main lines of aggressive trail and downhill pedals: the Mallet clipless pedal and the Stamp flat pedal. Both ranges get their respective shoes under the same name. The idea is that you buy into a system that was built and designed from day one to integrate seamlessly. Both shoes would share the same uppers and be fitted with different soles.
With their new shoe, the Stamp Street Fabio, they've teamed up with trials and street superstar Fabio Wibmer to make a more casual shoe that's better suited to trials and dirt jumps than flat-out janky tech and World Cup runs.
The inner bootie is a good system, with loops to make life a bit easier.
Your laces can be held in place with an elastic loop.
Comfort & Fit
These shoes are very comfortable to wear. The uppers, which are made of a two-piece system that includes an internal bootie as well as a more conventional shoe outer, are form-fitting and supportive without being restrictive. There is a bit of a theme with this shoe and that is flexibility. If we cast our eyes back to the original Five Ten Impact, which is possibly the most influential mountain bike shoe of all time, then these are the polar opposite. Where something like that was bulky, these are lightweight. Whereas the Impacts were voluminous, these are minimalist.
As you can imagine, that does mean the shoes don't quite have that armored feel others have, the reasoning for which I'll come back to when discussing on-bike feel, but that's not to say that the shoe doesn't have protection. It does, but it's well-placed and thought-out rather than universal. There is a reinforced inner pannel to protect from impacts from the cranks and a reasonably solid toebox.
Unlike other Crankbrothers shoes, this model doesn't feature a pouch on the tongue to store the laces in. Instead, they make do with an elastic strap on the tongue. There are pull tabs on the tongue and heel for ease of use.
The sole isn't the grippiest, but that should make it at least more durable.
These aren't the best breathing shoes, despite the perforations.
Performance
Before I talk about using these on mountain bike trails we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room - I don't think these shoes are really meant with all-out mountain biking in mind. What we want from a flat-soled shoe on the trails isn't such a priority for an someone like Fabio Wibmer.
For every left-of-field observation, there is sense to be found on its dexter side. So, in no particular order - are these shoes particularly grippy? No, not really, but for some that means ease of foot adjustment. Are they stiff under power? No, but that does mean a "monkey gripping" on the pedals for extra control is very easily done. Are they burly and armored? No, not really, but they do make a great everyday shoe.
The truth is, if you're looking for the ultimate mountain biking shoe this isn't it. But if you want to get a shoe that's comfortable to ride in, while being good at all the things mountain bike shoes are bad at - IE. all day comfort and looks - then this shoe is actually great and really offers something. If you're commuting to the gym or mincing about town and filming a viral YouTube hit on your trials bike in the afternoon then these will serve you well.
Pros
+ Very light
+ Comfortable and casual
+ A good sole for walking, dirt jumps and street riding
Cons
- Not grippy enough for rough trails
- Not particularly armoured
- A very flexy sole
Pinkbike's Take
 | I don't think anyone at Crankbrothers will read this review and consider it a revelation. These shoes are good at what they're meant to be good at, it just so happens that when reviewing things on a mountain biking website it's hard not to have your attention drawn to the things they don't excel in. If this was streetbike.com though, I'd be writing a glowing review. Comfortable? Absolutely. Good looks? Sure. Ready to smash that super triple black diamond downhill run? Not so much. These are good shoes, and if you want something that is good for cycling and everyday life I would suggest them. For mountain biking though, I would lean toward other options. |
Author Info:
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I picked up the Mallets to try for clipped in days, and by golly they’re just as comfortable as the Stamps, stiff, great off bike. And play very well with Saint SPD pedals. And yes I’ve tried Shimano AM9, AM5, Ride Concepts and XC shoes. CB shoes just work for me. YMMV.
Thanks!
I liked mine but same issues. Not stiff enough, no protection etc. grippier sole tho…
I typically go for shoes that offer a degree of flexibility rather than being super stiff, so they suit me in that regard. I've worn mine for some long rides (and rode Ard Rock in them) and comfort was never an issue, although I use pedals with quite a large platform so that might offset some of the lack of support from the shoe itself.
Are they true to size?
Are they wide / narrow?
Are they roomy or compact in the toe box?
Heel hold?
etc etc
I know nothing from this article, and please don't say try them on at my local bike shop. The only way the majority of readers here will get these shoes is via internet order.
Also had decent luck with Vans, but I had a promo code for Etnies, so I figured I'd try 'em...
tldr; Not sure why you need $130 shoes to goof around on your DJ bike.
-if the shoe is grippy (aka soft soles) then they last 5 month before shoe sole is totally shredded
- if the sole is hard, they last a long time but your feet fly off spinning 180s or 360s -and steal your confidence
These seem like you’ll need a new pair in 5 months. And why do they look like bowling shoes? Thought Fabio would want flashy fluorescent color accents ?