Shoes for Cycling

[inkspot]

Hello all,

I am in need of some recommendations. I am looking to get some new shoes for a cycling/walking/running trip. I'm looking for an all-purpose (not clipless) shoe that will give me both comfort for long-distance walking/running as well as the necessary stability and support for riding. I'm limited in what I can pack with me on the trip, so I want to have one pair of shoes to cover all my activities. Any ideas for a good, versatile shoe?

[tulip]

Can you bring two pairs of shoes? Cycling shoes are stiff-soled by design, and they are not made for walking, much less running. Walking and running shoes are not stiff enough for cycling, and you'll end up with sore soles.

I'd bring cycling shoes and Keens, assuming the weather is warm enough.

Alternately, if decide to use clipless pedals, then Keen commuter sandals might work, but I certainly would not want to run or hike in them.

[jessmarimba]

I prefer kitten heels myself...


Kidding.

I actually used to ride in Salomon trail shoes before I went clipless, but I had custom orthotics for them and they were incredibly supportive for both riding reasonable distances and running/hiking (for someone who always, somehow, needed stability+ shoes to run in).

[inkspot]

I prefer kitten heels myself...

:D Great advice! Stylish and oh so practical :D

My packing limitations really do limit me to only the one pair of shoes, which is why I'm looking for a more flexible alternative to my beloved cycling shoes.

I will definitely check out the Salomon trail shoes - they sound like what I might be looking for. It's good to know that custom orthotics fit, as I have those as well! Thanks, Jessmarimba!

[Melalvai]

I wear keens for cycling. They fit in my toe cages. They aren't stiff soled, I don't know how important that is but they are all I've ever used. They are comfortable for walking. I don't like running in them.

[indysteel]

I wonder if any brand of trail shoe would work gieven that they usually have a stiffer sole than a running show. IME, each brand has a particular fit. For instance, the only brand that fits me well is Vasque.

[shootingstar]

I have gone on 2 hr. hikes in my Lake cycling shoes. When I mean hike, over rocks and on trails. I wouldn't be thrilled running far in them. They are stiff soled with a tiny amount of flex. I wear custom orthotics.

I have a slightly different shoe. This is a more recent model.
http://www.lakecycling.com/mx101w-p-131.html

I wear these shoes daily when I get off and onto bike to do stuff.

[WindingRoad]

I'd say about any trail shoe would work you might just test ride it b/c if you are using toe cages some of those grippy trail shoe soles can be a pain to slide in and out of toe cages. You don't want to get snagged up.

[jessmarimba]

Yeah, I probably just like salomons best because of the pull lace with the pocket thing to tuck it in. My cycling shoes now tie and I've always been afraid of a lace disaster!

[PamNY]

What distances will you be cycling? I cycle in all kinds of shoes. I think trail shoes are great, though I don't know if you could run in them.

I save the kitten heels for dress-up, of course.

[girlsubobscura]

I have been commuting in Keens (both sandals and sneakers) for two years, the longest distance I've ever done in them was about 25 miles though. Russ Roca and Laura Crawford have been bicycle touring across the United States for about a year now (I think), and I remember a post on their blog about footwear. They both only packed one pair of shoes for the entire trip, and they were both variations of Keen H20 or Newport(?) sandals, with the addition of neoprene booties for really low temps and snow riding. I'm not a great runner, but I have done 2-3 miles in Keen sandals before, and always wear them for Hiking, too.

[Catrin]

I wore Keene Commuters for my BMX pedals - so of course they did not have cleats and they were perfect for those pedals. Then I went clipless and had cleats installed...and found that I strongly dislike them for use with clipless pedals. They are not stiff enough, squeak and are mushy on the pedals. And that was on the spinning bike, I am not going to try them on the bike.

[sundial]

In the summer I wear my regular Keen sandals (non-cycling type) and in the dead of winter I wear Merrell hiking boots--both of which are paired with BMX pedals. I can walk and hike in both shoes.

[Owlie]

Until I got clipless pedals, I just wore my Keen sandals. I also used them for walking everywhere, which is why I now need new ones. :(

[kjay]

I love my lace-up Shimano mtn biking shoes, which are perfect for road biking.