I am looking to get a pair of SPD cleats on my second bike and would like an SPD compatible shoe to keep my feet cool in the summer.
I saw the Keen commuter sandals, but would also appreciate any other recommendations! Thanks so much.
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I am looking to get a pair of SPD cleats on my second bike and would like an SPD compatible shoe to keep my feet cool in the summer.
I saw the Keen commuter sandals, but would also appreciate any other recommendations! Thanks so much.
I have the Keen sandals, and used them with SPD pedals for a couple weeks. I changed out my pedals, so took off the cleats, but still wear the sandals. I think the Keens worked great on short rides around town, but I don't think they offer enough support from mid-foot to heel if you're riding for more than 20 miles. I do like them as sandals, and have gotten compliments on them when just walking around.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_15211006.html
This is my second season with this shoe. I actually prefer it over my Keen cycling sandles. It is comfortable on / off the bike and with the mesh upper is cool on warm weather rides.
Wow thanks. I would not have pegged that as a warm weather shoe by looking at it so that is good to know. :)
Keen arroyo sandal. I just use mine for getting around on my feet. They are good for artritis, very stiff. Covers a lot of the foot though.
This past weekend, I tried on several pairs of TEVA and KEEN shoes. My favorite were the Keen Willow's. What a dream those were, like walking on a cloud. I plan to buy a pair.:D
I have a pair of the Keen sandals. I wear an 8.5 in street shoes and regular Keens have never quite fit me right, either too short or too long. I live in Hawaii and happened to see the Keens at my cycling shop and tried on a pair, and I ended up feeling like Goldilocks.Quote:
Originally Posted by leah
I bought them for commuting but I've been visiting family in Texas and brought them and my eggbeaters with me. I've been using them on rides of 25 miles without issue, but I don't think I'd want to go 50 miles in them. I haven't tried them with socks (major fashion faux pas, I'm sure). I know someone that wore them the whole week at RAGBRAI.
I have fallen in love with the Keen commuter SPD sandals. I have almost 10,000 miles on my first pair and bought a second pair. I rode them through a week at RAGBRAI, longest day 80 miles, and rode through the rain in them. Lots of things hurt but not my feet.
I wear them year-round and always wear socks with them.
On hot days (TX summers, temps to 105F) I wear thin cycling socks (DeFeet/sock guy). I don't like the feel of the rubbery insole on bare feet.
On cool days (50-65F) I wear thin wool cycling socks
On cold days (30-50F) I wear heavy wool cycling socks (DeFeet Blazer) AND thermal toe covers (Pearl Izumi). Important note: the toe covers are designed to wear OVER a road shoe; I wear them between socks and sandals. With the thick socks, the rubber toe bumper on the sandals, toe wiggle room, and the thermal barrier, my toes stay much warmer than they ever did wearing traditional bike shoes. I've never bagged a ride due to cold heels.
The sandals dry out pretty quickly after riding in rain/puddles compared to traditional bike shoes.
The width adjusts so much that they can be comfortable with either thin socks or thick socks. Traditional bike shoes I would have to size up to wear heavy socks.
I have long wide feet with squared-off toes (size 10.5C) with a high arch and a thick ankle. Generally I fit men's shoes better than women's but the Keens worked well.
Traditional bike shoes cut into the tendon on the front of my ankle but the sandals are cut a little lower.
I also appreciate the ease of clipping in and out having good traction on slick streets, tile floors, short stretches of gravel. They are walkable, perfect for bike commuting, touring, breakfast/coffee rides. I keep the pedals set on loose tension so I can wear the sandals a little floppy and loose but still have good attachment for climbing out of saddle or for hard sprints. The sole also lets me take a few pedal strokes unclipped in - useful in packed crowds with novices and kids, or when having to sprint uphill across a busy road from a dead stop.
When bike commuting to work, I do keep normal shoes at my desk and change. It saves wear on the sandals and is more appropriate in my office.
I am able to just slide my foot in the Keens like wearing a pair of loafers.
As far as "cute", you can make your fashion statement with your sock choice. Barbie doll pink, simple white, HiVis yellow, stripes, sock monkeys - go crazy.
The sandals are heavy compared to regular shoes, but that's about the only downside. It hasn't been a problem for me.
My foot is rigid and I do not like a lot of support. I am sure that would make a lot of difference in how comfortable you would find them.
Also, I bought my first pair at a bike store that keeps them in stock so I was able to try them on before purchase.