For those who are not clipless

[Flur]

What kind of shoes do you wear? It's looking like I will have to put my original pedals and toeclips back on, and I had a lot of trouble riding in my cycling shoes (Specialized Riata) with the toeclips (could not get the pedal flipped in a way that allowed my to get my foot in easily), so I'm wondering what others do. Do you ride in non-cycling shoes? Do you get cycling shoes with more of a street tread on them?

Thanks in advance.

[KnottedYet]

Three of my bikes have BMX platform pedals. I wear whatever shoes I like, usually my Keens or my Chacos when it's warm. Keens or sneakers or boots when it's colder. Perfectly comfortable for 30 or 40 mile rides.

So far my longer rides have been on my zoom-zoom bike with Speedplay Frogs, but I think I'd be fine doing longer rides with the BMX pedals and regular shoes, too.

(BMX platforms have a HUGE contact area, so I really don't feel like I'm missing out on bike-shoe stiffness: the platforms have that part covered!)

If you aren't wildly in love with your toe-cages, would you consider trying BMX pedals? They'd probably work great with your Riata shoes. I was a devout toe-cage user for about 20 years, and never thought I'd use anything else. But the BMX pedals converted me! (well, so did the Frogs, but I only have those on ONE bike)

When I rode with toe-cages, I just wore whatever shoes I had on. Generally I found sneakers (especially Keen sneakers) to work very well with the cages.

[shootingstar]

I need to wear cycling shoes for more leverage. And tend to choose shoes with a lower profile so that I can get in and out. It does take me a while to find the right cycling shoe since I dislike the chunkier mountain bike cycling shoes. I also need to have abit of flex in sole since I walk around alot in my shoes and wear custom orthotics.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442620537&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692667&bmUID=1218296672723

I could never go back to cycling with ordinary running shoes/sneakers. It feels too slow. But strange to remember that I did do some loaded touring rides in running shoes and no clips about 13 years ago. Some of those trips were 700+ kms.

More like a toe cup: http://www.zefal.com/zefal/produit.php?key=45

[Grog]

For commuting I have platform pedals.

I wear a pair of light hiking shoes which are fairly rigid. I spend 90 minutes commuting every day, a lot of that being uphill, and if I go with softer-soled shoes it ends up hurting my foot.

For short distances I can wear anything I want.

For actual rides on that bike I wear a pair of touring shoes. They have recessed cleats under (SPD mountain) but they work well with platform pedals even without a clip-on pedal. I don't have toeclips though, I think they would be a bit chunky. I am thinking of getting powergrips or something similar, but it hasn't been a pressing need.

[ridenread]

I have toe clips or basket cages on my road bike. I had been riding with my regular sneakers but found that by mile 20 or so my feet would be killing me. My arches ached and my toes felt like they were on fire.

I just recently purchased a pair of mtb shoes. I can not believe the difference. My feet are now very comfortable and my pedal speed is actually a little faster.

Granted I am not the fastest rider, averaging about 15 mph but with the new shoes I have been closer to 16.

I don't think I could ever ride in sneakers again

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I use PowerGrip straps, which cross over my foot diagonally.
So far I seem to have no issues with whatever shoes I wear. I tend to wear comfy Merrill mesh-top running shoes in the summer, and insulated warm heavy hiking boots in the winter. I have to adjust the straps larger for when I switch to the hiking boots.
Now you guys have me wondering about maybe buying stiff shoes....even though I'm comfortable enough in my running shoes. :cool:

[Flur]

I saw a guy wearing road shoes with toe clips today. Do you think if I did that I'd be in for the same issues with getting the pedal to flip up, or will it be easier as there is only that little pad in the front of the shoe?

[denda]

I have the Power Grips. I wear mountain bike shoes. This works well for me.

[wackyjacky1]

I put toe clips on my pedals because that was what I was used to from when I rode regularly 15+ years ago. I've found, though, that I'm not too happy with them. For one thing, since pedals nowadays don't have that little tab to help you flip the pedal over, it's harder to flip the pedal and get your foot in (as you pointed out). Also, I guess all the shoes I wear now are clunkier than what they used to be and even if I have the straps wide open, my shoe gets caught on the strap. I don't wear cycling shoes, just sneakers or my Keens.

Think I'm gonna give those Power Grips a try.

[kabewyou]

I just got my husband on a new road bike this weekend and he has never used anything but platform pedals with a strapless toe cage. He was not too sure, but wanted to try so I got him the same kind I have - Look pedals. He caught on very quickly since you can flip the pedal and then clip in. He was surprised by how easy it was. I have tried some others in the past, but still like Look style pedals since I can turn them by feel.

[Tuckervill]

I think Keens are always going to get stuck in the straps, even Power Grips, because they're so wide at the ball of the foot. I have straps on my mountain bike (temporarily) and I ride it to the store, etc., wearing whatever I have on my feet. The Keens are always dicey getting them in and out. Especially since the rubber on the side has lots of traction.

Karen

[KnottedYet]

I must've had extra wide toe-cages on my last bike, cuz the Keens were my favorite shoes to wear with them. I don't know what brand they were, they just came with the bike. (Kona Dew) I might still have them somewhere if anyone wants them?

[mimitabby]

funny, i was having the same problem with keens. With my powergrips, i couldn't get them adjusted right and my feet fit crooked into them, it freaked my DH that i might be ruining my knees and he was very against the power straps. I supposed if i had narrower feet i'd still be wearing the powergrips. I switched to wearing a cycling shoe with them, and still had the same problem.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have issues with Keens in my PowerGrip straps too. The Keens have a sort of big rubber ball shaped toe, which can resist being pulled out of the straps.
None of my other shoes have this problem- hiking boots, running shoes, etc....all fine with the Powergrips.

[xeney]

My favorite shoes for wearing with platform pedals are my various Ahnu casual shoes. They aren't super stiff but they are fine, and the sole is particularly grippy. They are much lower profile than Keens so I think they'd be fine with clips and straps, although I have not tried that yet.

I think cycling shoes with clips and straps are a misery and not worth the trouble.

[SadieKate]

What kind of shoes do you wear? It's looking like I will have to put my original pedals and toeclips back on, and I had a lot of trouble riding in my cycling shoes (Specialized Riata) with the toeclips (could not get the pedal flipped in a way that allowed my to get my foot in easily), so I'm wondering what others do. Do you ride in non-cycling shoes? Do you get cycling shoes with more of a street tread on them?

Thanks in advance.Why not just get a two or four-sided pedal like Crank Bros Candy and try clipless? No flipping involved.

As mtn shoes these have a pretty aggressive tread and I could never get cages to work, always gettting the tread caught on the pedal. I personally find Candies/Eggbeaters a heck've a lot easier and less scary than cages.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think cycling shoes with clips and straps are a misery and not worth the trouble.

I would think so too! :D But maybe it's the stiff sole they are after?

[Flur]

Why not just get a two or four-sided pedal like Crank Bros Candy and try clipless? No flipping involved.

As mtn shoes these have a pretty aggressive tread and I could never get cages to work, always gettting the tread caught on the pedal. I personally find Candies/Eggbeaters a heck've a lot easier and less scary than cages.

I agree. MUCH easier in and out. But I have those on my bike right now, and they're crippling me. The medial sides of both knees are inflamed, and I'm having pain in the vastus medialis just above the knee on both sides (worse on the right). Everything feels fine while I'm riding, but then I get off the bike and the pain sets in. Some days after I ride I can't even walk. The LBS can't figure it out either, even after a second fit - they suggested trying Sidis (they don't have a varus wedge like my Specialized shoes), but after the cycling shoes and the 2 pairs of pedals (I started on Frogs, they were even worse for me) I just don't have another $160 to sink into a guess.

I went to an Ortho, but it turns out he didn't know anything about cycling - I said my shoes where Specialized (I brought them with me) and he asked if that meant they were custom made. He didn't know Specialized was a brand.... He did prescribe a few PT sessions though, and it turns out the PT place has a cycling program at the location closest to my house, but they can't get me in for 3 weeks. So either I suffer through until then and hope they can figure it out, or I go back to the platforms with the clips and straps until my appt.

[SadieKate]

Oh, OW! For three weeks, use whatever you already own. Just don't try to use a shoe with aggressive tread with the platforms. You may find that the treads catch and settle into a certain angle on the pedal that isn't good either. Firm but smoother sole so your feet can sit anyway they like until then.

Maybe wedges or orthotics will help but don't spend money until you talk to your PT.
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/prodreview/newproduct/lewedge.html

Hang in there.

[Flur]

Yeah, I think that's my plan at this point. I'm not convinced the PT will be able to find the problem, or she'll just tell me I have to ride platforms. I've been shopping for superlight platform pedals just in case.

[crazycanuck]

Just a quick question Flur...Do you do any stretches for the vmo area? For example, (can be done lying down or standing)put your feet together then turn them to make a v. Now "squat" (kind of like a ballet move). Next one is to turn your feet inwards..

This is just one of the many exercises the pilates studio (and the physio) gave me as part of a regimen to get my right leg back on track.

Do you have access to a thera band? (the stretchy band things) What about a roller? Can you go to a pilates studio(not for a group session but a few semi-privates?)

Crazy thoughts on a wed afternoon..I know i didn't explain this well but i'm trying to visualize the movement..

[shootingstar]

I need to wear cycling shoes for more leverage. And tend to choose shoes with a lower profile so that I can get in and out. It does take me a while to find the right cycling shoe since I dislike the chunkier mountain bike cycling shoes. I also need to have abit of flex in sole since I walk around alot in my shoes and wear custom orthotics.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442620537&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692667&bmUID=1218296672723

I could never go back to cycling with ordinary running shoes/sneakers. It feels too slow. But strange to remember that I did do some loaded touring rides in running shoes and no clips about 13 years ago. Some of those trips were 700+ kms.

More like a toe cup: http://www.zefal.com/zefal/produit.php?key=45


Flur, you probably still want to bike (but carefully) while you heal.

I've been riding for over 16 years on a regular trips. I've never used the toe cages with strips.

That's why I use the toe cup above. My bike shoe has some tread and other bike shoes with treads have been fine. The plastic bottom of cup is smooth, so one's shoe undersole doesn't get caught.

I'm not convinced that going clipless for myself, would encourage me to ride strongly and aggressively in congested traffic where there is enough stopping and sudden interuptions.

For certain I couldn't just be on platform pedals with no foothold, shoe feels as if it will slip off when I go faster. And it has happened, for bikes I've rented.

[Flur]

Just a quick question Flur...Do you do any stretches for the vmo area? For example, (can be done lying down or standing)put your feet together then turn them to make a v. Now "squat" (kind of like a ballet move). Next one is to turn your feet inwards..

This is just one of the many exercises the pilates studio (and the physio) gave me as part of a regimen to get my right leg back on track.

Do you have access to a thera band? (the stretchy band things) What about a roller? Can you go to a pilates studio(not for a group session but a few semi-privates?)

Crazy thoughts on a wed afternoon..I know i didn't explain this well but i'm trying to visualize the movement..

I have been doing VMO-specific exercises, mostly yoga exercises though. Light strength stuff and gentle stretching so that everything doesn't seize up. I've also been doing the clam exercise that PTs almost always give for knee issues. I hadn't thought of plies though (which BTW you described perfectly), I tried that this afternoon and I could definitely feel the right muscles working. Thanks!

No theraband - I'm sure the PT will give me some when I get there though. I've used it for the clam and a few other exercises previously, but that would almost be too much for me right now - I'm way too sore! I've been using a tennis ball to massage the sore spots out. I can't really tell if that helps at all or not.

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Please keep them coming! Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

Hopefully the cycling PT you'll be seeing next will immediately home in on your internally rotated femur and the torsion at your tibia, and get right to work pulling your subtalar joint back into line.

That could mean some juicy posting at the foot (and a cycling PT will know to post cycling shoes differently than street shoes) or it could mean some crazy sounding foot and toe exercises (do them, crazy is good!) or some extraordinarily annoying leg posture work (standing in front of a mirror and maintaining correct leg alignment as you slowly do some very controlled movements) or more hip and core strengthening ("butt and gut"). Or maybe all of that at once!

It would help if the cycling PT is a woman, because what you're dealing with is the classic woman's leg and female PT's seem to get it better; but having a cyclist working with you is more important!

[Geonz]

I haven't done clipless (i'm too cheap and forgetful). On my faster bike I have toe clips and straps, and I do have to flip things to get 'em in. I had a pair of saucony's that had the *perfect* tread - the triangles on the bottom were in just the right place to grab the pedal. Of course, the next time I bought shoes the tread was just enough different so it hit the wrong place.
On my commuter bike I have the toe clips but without the straps, which would be a lot like the toe cup. It makes it lots easier to find my way in, tho' I do still have to push the pedal over toget it on the right side, but I really like being able to get in and out from any angle, any position, quickly - commuting has its moments.
I got some Salomon shoes from steep and cheap that were made for somethign like waterfall climbing, so they have a nice stiff sole and are meshy so that when they get doused, they don't get funky. (I am also blessed with not getting cold feet easily.) The stiff sole is very nice. My next steepandcheap sneakers were Montrails which are more like regular sneakers but they're fine (adn I love their bright orange color with reflection).

[Flur]

I got a call from the PT place this morning. It turns out they can get me in a full week earlier, which now is only a week away. And the therapist I'll be seeing is a woman, so yay! I'm so excited! Now all I have to do is not make anything worse or injure anything else before I get there....:o

[Geonz]

Good news! Good luck!

[shootingstar]

I haven't done clipless (i'm too cheap and forgetful). )

Well Geonz, I've said my piece already. I have to say that after falling twice on black ice off my bike (during different winters) on the road here, I guess I'm more hesitant to get myself to go clipless.

After all these past years of cycling because we are car-free and cycling trips I've done, I do occasionally feel the pressure...to go clipless. But then when I find myself caught in heavy car traffic, etc., those thoughts go away.

I also now realize that being car-free, does mean a certain amount of walking when getting off and on the bike temporarily and several times over a multiple-hrs. in a day. It's probably something I've taken for granted for so long..

[deeaimond]

yeah shootingstar, i agree about the pressure to go clipless. When other cyclists ask me I just tell them I'm not ready. There are so many risks involved especially when you need to cycle in urban traffic because there are no alternatives.

Recently the cover inside of the BB bracket on my bike comes loose and pops out. has happened twice already. both tims I could just come to a stop. I can't imagine what it would have been like with clipless.

I use regular platform pedals (they are aliminium and have teeth which give a relatively decent grip) I found these shoes by Gola. in the beginning i liked riding with a softer sole, but now I have a pair with a stiff sole. They look very much like cycling shoes so much that no one usually notices i'm on platforms.

Oh yesterday a guy friend of mine showed up for a ride with sparkling new platforms. asked him about it and he said.. well.. it's just safer.

my opinion is unless I'm like.. training for a race or something, I can deal with the slightly lower pedaling efficiency of platforms. At the end of the day I like my relatively unmarred skin. heh. :D

[KnottedYet]

BMX pedals.

I push 'em like crack.

BMX pedals.
(wellgo, crank bros, kona jacksh*ts)