Good shoes/sandals for platform pedals?

I have platforms, and I have about zero interest in getting cages or clipless at this point...but I need a nice stiff-soled shoe for riding. I'd like some sort of sandal/open/mesh shoe because we are coming on summer and I know I'll appreciate it then. I really don't need or want shoes that have the cleat pegs on the bottom that allows you to use them with clipless pedals. I just want some stiffer than usual, well made, comfy shoes.

Any recommendations? Someone here has had to have had the same issue :) I also don't want to spend too much. $100 or below would be great. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Heifzilla

I have platforms, and I have about zero interest in getting cages or clipless at this point...but I need a nice stiff-soled shoe for riding. I'd like some sort of sandal/open/mesh shoe because we are coming on summer and I know I'll appreciate it then. I really don't need or want shoes that have the cleat pegs on the bottom that allows you to use them with clipless pedals. I just want some stiffer than usual, well made, comfy shoes.

Any recommendations? Someone here has had to have had the same issue :) I also don't want to spend too much. $100 or below would be great. Thanks!

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How about the Keen commuter sandal - goes for 115, can be used now without the cleat and later with the cleat. A friend just bought the closed version and the sandal seems very popular here.

I agree with the Keen idea. I use them with clips, but just keep the cover over the clip part and use them as regular sandals. They are kinda heavy, but the soles are very stiff and are made for riding.

Are the Keen sandal clipless version sandals stiffer-soled than regular Keen sandals? Because I have 2 pairs of normal Keen sandals and the soles are not what I'd describe as stiff at all, they are soft and bend-y...nice for walking and hiking, for sure. :confused:

I just ride with my usual comfy shoes (insulated hiking boots in the winter, walking/jogging shoes in the summer) and PowerGrip diagonal straps, on platform (touring) pedals that have some nice teeth. I like the Merrell Ventilators in warm weather- they have some mesh openings that let your feet breathe and they feel nice and cool yet supportive. I enjoy the feel of a decent arch.

Yes, these are specifically for cycling.

Cycling with sneakers leads to hot feet, numb toes in my experience. I don't like that.

Another vote for the Keen commuter sandals! They rock and I've actually got a friend using them now too :D

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

I just ride with my usual comfy shoes (insulated hiking boots in the winter, walking/jogging shoes in the summer) and PowerGrip diagonal straps, on platform (touring) pedals that have some nice teeth. \

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A little o/t, here, but what brand of pedals do you use? I love my half-clips, but I feel like the pedals themselves are a little too small and aren't supporting enough of my foot, even with cycling shoes on. I'm looking for pedals with a wider platform.

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Originally Posted by wackyjacky1

A little o/t, here, but what brand of pedals do you use? I love my half-clips, but I feel like the pedals themselves are a little too small and aren't supporting enough of my foot, even with cycling shoes on. I'm looking for pedals with a wider platform.

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I use MKS touring pedals, shown on this page:
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/pedals.html
They are slightly wider than usual, which works well with my straps.

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Originally Posted by wackyjacky1

A little o/t, here, but what brand of pedals do you use? I love my half-clips, but I feel like the pedals themselves are a little too small and aren't supporting enough of my foot, even with cycling shoes on. I'm looking for pedals with a wider platform.

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My pedals are ancient: Odyssey Sveltes. Here's a link: http://www.bikepro.com/products/pedals/odyssey.html I have the cro-molys. They work decently for my very wide feet, but they aren't super long so I don't think they would give you what you are looking for. Like I said, they're ancient...see the copyright date on those pics? :D

Same pedals, different name: http://bikepro.com/products/pedals/titan_pedal.html

I've found that for rainy day riding, my Crocs with wool socks work quite well for rides of less than 20 miles. They don't hold any water, but still give your toes a bit of protection, which my Shimano SPD sandels did not. Even if they are wet, wool socks will still keep your feet warm. They aren't particularly stiff, but more and more the biomechanics of many cycling traditions are being questioned by scientific studies: stiff may not be more efficient, clips or clipless may not increase your power on the upstroke, ankling is highly doubtful, and they are even telling us that cyclists don't sit on their sit-bones. Try lots of things, starting with what you already have, then use what seems comfortable for you.

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Originally Posted by ASammy1

Another vote for the Keen commuter sandals! They rock and I've actually got a friend using them now too :D

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I just scored a brand new pair on ebay for $65. Thanks for the recommendations :)

Ooooh, these look cool for summer:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1487051.html

Also, a Keen commuter shoe available this year. :cool:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodKE_5279.html

Wish I could cycle over to Team Estrogen headquarters and play in the shoes. :D

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Originally Posted by sundial

Ooooh, these look cool for summer:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1487051.html

Also, a Keen commuter shoe available this year. :cool:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodKE_5279.html

Wish I could cycle over to Team Estrogen headquarters and play in the shoes. :D

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The price on those first isn't bad and they look nice. I looked at those Keens, too, but I wanted something more open. But yeah, I liked the look of them.

Perhaps you are in need of a transitional season shoe. ;)

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Originally Posted by sundial

Perhaps you are in need of a transitional season shoe. ;)

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Hey, I sense some enabling going on here :D