Shoes for touring and commuting...

kayakguy · 07-02-2008

I have searche the threads to no avail, and besides things change with time...

So what do you use for clipless shoes and pedals? I wish I could find a really good road shoe that I could walk in.

so lets hear it...

Becky · 07-02-2008

MTB shoes. SPD pedals.

kayakguy · 07-02-2008

Yeah I am aware of the mtb option, but most have really aggressive tread.

I am wondering if anyone notices the smaller platform of spd pedals on the road with a more flexible shoe? I have never noticed while mountain biking, but well, riding road is quite different.

JCavilia · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakguy

I wish I could find a really good road shoe that I could walk in...

that can be tough, depending on what you mean by "really good road shoe," and what you mean by "walk". I can walk a short distance reasonably well with Look cleats with rubber Kool Kovers on them, but I wouldn't want to walk too far. If you really mean suitable for walking around comfortably for a substantial time, and not looking too funny, I think you've got to look at mountain bike shoes that recess the cleat, and using a spd-type pedal, ad Becky suggests. There are lots of good reasonably-priced ones out there.

As for the small platform issue, I don't think it's a real issue with good shoes, but consider one of the pedals with a cage around the mechanism, for more support. For a touring/commuting bike, the dual-purpose pedals (cleat mech on one side, plain cage for street shoes on the other) are a good compromise. I use them on my rain commuter, which is also the errand bike.

Henry Chinaski · 07-02-2008

Carnac mtb shoes and Speedplay Frogs.

buck-50 · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakguy

Yeah I am aware of the mtb option, but most have really aggressive tread.

I am wondering if anyone notices the smaller platform of spd pedals on the road with a more flexible shoe? I have never noticed while mountain biking, but well, riding road is quite different.

Are you looking for a shoe you can wear all day or something? How walkable do you need this shoe to be- around the block or 2 miles to lunch?

If you really want walkable, yer best bet is to either get a pair of toe clips and just ride in normal shoes (or just get a pair of flat pedals and skip the clips- that's worked for me) or to just bring your good shoes to work. I leave a pair in my locker.

I wear a pair of dominators and clip into a pair of crank bros pedals- never noticed the smaller platform. Then again, the dominators aren't exactly flexy.

the_dude · 07-02-2008

most comfortable shoe for my feet: specialized taho. just stiff enough for cycling, but pliable enough to feel like a normal shoe off the bike. since owning mine, my sister has picked up a pair , and my brother is riding across the country right now in a pair. no complaints from any of us.

http://spindoctorcyclewerks.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=917

Becky · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becky

MTB shoes. SPD pedals.

To elaborate, Nike something or other MTB shoes with a small-block rubber outsole, rather than plasticky death spikes. And no, the smaller platform of the SPDs doesn't bother me but, then again, I'd steer clear of "platform-less" pedals like Eggbeaters.

kayakguy · 07-02-2008

Well I am looking for walkable as in around the market without scuffing the floors or looking too bizzare.

Right now I use looks on the road. Yes they can be walked in but not much at all, not even around the block reasonably. Plus they squeek while riding. It is driving me mad. After much frustration and grease I eventually realized it is the cleat and pedal interface that is making the noise. I have used soap to temporarily solve the problem, but still...

So now I am thinking a new cleat system is needed so I might as well have my cake and eat it too. I suppose that I may end up with the Mtb shoe.

It just makes me sad that the ones that resemble somewhat normal shoes are really on the low end of performance on the bike.

I was just hoping someone might know of some secret shoe out there. Sounds like I should start a company that specializes in touring shoes...I could be rich!!!

bigbill · 07-02-2008

I wear low end MTB shoes on my commute. The fancier the MTB shoe, the stiffer it is. I have to carry my bike up two flights of stairs and up a steep ramp. I use Crank Bros Candy pedals and the cleats are recessed enough that they don't make noise when I walk. In Hawaii, I wore SPD sandals with my candy pedals. They were better all around since they were very walkable. The PNW is a little cool in mornings for the sandals. IMHO, the best sandals are the Lake versions since they have a lip around the front to protect your toes and keep rocks from ending up under your feet. They run small, go up a size.

Woody the century king (50+ a year) prefers sandals since they keep his feet cool.

Doggity · 07-02-2008

Ditch the clip ins, ride plats. That way, you can wear whatever the hell you want. With the right sole, pedals, and pedalling technique, it's amazing how grippy the pedals can be. I rarely miss my SPD's any more.

jd3 · 07-02-2008

Crank Bros Quattros. I have Quattros on all my road bikes and Acid 2 on my MTB so all my my shoes and pedals interchange. Of course all my shoes are MTB shoes. I have four pair from carbon soles to sandles. The stiff ones are better for the long fast rides. The low end ones walk better. I try to fit the shoe to the needs of the ride.

blackhat · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakguy

Well I am looking for walkable as in around the market without scuffing the floors or looking too bizzare.

Right now I use looks on the road. Yes they can be walked in but not much at all, not even around the block reasonably. Plus they squeek while riding. It is driving me mad. After much frustration and grease I eventually realized it is the cleat and pedal interface that is making the noise. I have used soap to temporarily solve the problem, but still...

So now I am thinking a new cleat system is needed so I might as well have my cake and eat it too. I suppose that I may end up with the Mtb shoe.

It just makes me sad that the ones that resemble somewhat normal shoes are really on the low end of performance on the bike.

I was just hoping someone might know of some secret shoe out there. Sounds like I should start a company that specializes in touring shoes...I could be rich!!!

lake makes/made the mx155 for "Long distance alpine touring, cross-country & extreme conditions riding."

http://bluecollarmtb.com/2005/11/04/lake-mx155-shoes/

I've had a pair for 3 years that I mostly wear in the winter. they're plenty stiff but they have fairly aggressive tread and are on the portly side weightwise.

kayakguy · 07-02-2008

O.T.

that is a really usefull review. First hand information from real world use. I don't know what to think.

rockcrusher · 07-02-2008

I use the eggbeaters on my bike and sidi mountain bike shoes (dominator 5's) done centuries and commuting on them. The only thing I warn against is the sidis as the plastic lugs can be deadly in Safeway with a cleanup on aisle 11.

singlecross · 07-02-2008

Pearlizumi X-Alp Enduros have been good to me... as have Crank Bros. Candy pedals.

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6...6596-1,00.html

singlecross

PomPilot · 07-02-2008

For pedals, I'm using Shimano A520's (a mountain SPD-type pedal), matched up with a pair of
Diadora Bike Patrol Cycling Shoes. Unfortunately, the available sizes are limited these days.

rogerstg · 07-02-2008

I've been walking around all day in a new pair of Shimano MT31 shoes, testing for fit and comfort. The sole is pretty stiff up to the cleat. From the cleat to the toe there is some flex which makes them pretty comfortable for walking. The sole appears stiff enough unless you're really hammering, then some flex might be noticeable.

I bought them to use on my cross bike for running errands around town, and to use with my old steel Giant for the more casual 40+ mile weekend rides that i do with my girlfriend. Not actually touring, but "like" touring behavior where every 15-20 miles we might stop to see things.

Roger

hrumpole · 01-21-2009

I use cages in the winter, but when it's warmer out, I use Shimano MTB shoes and SPDs.

rep · 01-21-2009

I use platforms and sandals, honestly, even for European tours of thousands of kilometers. Socks are too hot in the Caribbean, and they get wet in Europe when I'm commuting/touring there. I use speedplays when I'm racing road, but the shoeplates are ridiculous off-bike.

yakky · 01-21-2009

I use the Shimano SH-MT20D. It use SPD cleats that work well with my WPD-998's (similar to Forte Campus Pedals). The shoes are super comfy, breath well (too well for winter though) and don't look that much like bike shoes.

GeoCyclist · 01-22-2009

I've used the Shimano 747 for years as they are minimal and light. No hotspot problem so long as you have a good MTB shoe. I have tried both Nike and Shimano MTB shoes and had good results. I use platform Shimano 545 SPD on my MTB Tandem, and last summer I used the Shimano 770 (no platform) on my travel road bike. All the above has worked very well. You can easily walk a few blocks in your MTB shoes. My wife and I will most definitely use SPD with our new road tandem, as we like to be able to walk around when out on a tour. Nothing worse than going for a skate in your road shoes across a tiled floor.

MrTiles · 01-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggity

Ditch the clip ins, ride plats. That way, you can wear whatever the hell you want. With the right sole, pedals, and pedalling technique, it's amazing how grippy the pedals can be. I rarely miss my SPD's any more.

I'm of this school of thought. I wear a pair of new balance 806's and toe clips. couldn't be happier...I actually haven't used spds in about 6 years.

JohnnyTooBad · 01-22-2009

MTB shoes with Crank Bros Candies. The flat cleat doesn't stick out from under the shoe treads, so you don't actually walk on it. I've been using them on all my bikes (roadie, commuter & MTB) for a lot of years, and they seem to be a perfect combo. I haven't even worn out my first set of cleats yet.

Bolo Grubb · 01-22-2009

sandals

I have Sette cycling sandals and they work great for the commute. I do keep regular shoes at work but some times I forget to change, other times I just don't bother. The sandals feel better.