For those who are not clipless

**Flur** · 08-09-2008, 07:00 AM

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** · 08-09-2008, 07:21 AM

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** · 08-09-2008, 07:48 AM

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_d...=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** · 08-09-2008, 08:12 AM

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** · 08-09-2008, 12:37 PM

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** · 08-09-2008, 02:20 PM

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.

**Flur** · 08-09-2008, 03:37 PM

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** · 08-11-2008, 10:37 AM

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

**wackyjacky1** · 08-11-2008, 05:09 PM

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** · 08-11-2008, 05:41 PM

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** · 08-12-2008, 05:18 AM

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** · 08-12-2008, 05:32 AM

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** · 08-12-2008, 06:09 AM

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** · 08-12-2008, 06:32 AM

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** · 08-12-2008, 06:40 AM

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.

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