This is because of the wider outsole which makes the shoe really stiff and the plastic surrounding the upper moulds to the foot for stability. There's an image of the Mobi One and the Mobisu which are the best shoes in this cross over sports range for biking.
This is because of the wider outsole which makes the shoe really stiff and the plastic surrounding the upper moulds to the foot for stability. 
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.