Road Shoes or MTB Shoes

[bikemad1]

Can Anyone tell me what the difference is between the two? I ride a road bike but I like the fact that I can walk around better with MTB shoes on. Is it weird to use MTB shoes on a road bike?

[Bikingmomof3]

I do not know if it is weird, but I use mtb shoes with my road bike. I also have road bike shoes. I prefer walking in my mtb shoes.

[sarahkonamojo]

It isn't weird to wear mtb shoes on a road bike. Many people do and for just the reason you mentioned, walking is easier. There are some riders who wouildn't be caught dead in the "wrong" shoes, but they have more problems than their shoes.

Use what works. Don't worry about what others think.

I wear Shimano mtb shoes on my road bike and my mtb. Cheaper that way and I'm still searching for the perfect shoe...

sarah

[Fredwina]

Plenty of folks use mountain SPD's on road bikes. That way you don't have to worry about bringing or wearing the wrong shoes.

[bikemad1]

Thanks for the input!!! Right now I wear a pair of Shimano bike shoes that have the flat sole and almost looks like a regular shoe. I guess it already is a MTB shoe. I like it because I can use them for both my spinning classes and also my road bike. I have to admit that the main reason for my asking is that Nashbar.com has a pair of Sidi Dominator 4 MTB shoes on sale for like $79.99!!! At one time, they were $219.99 !! I've wanted to buy Sidi shoes but couldn't decide on anything yet, plus the prices are a little steep. These shoes might just be the ones to try!! Especially since I don't have that "wrong shoe complex" !!!!

[Xrayted]

I use the SIDI Dominators on my road bike b/c I like to stop and walk around and sight see a little sometimes. The cleat is recessed just enough that it doesn't get damaged when I'm walking on pavement. I haven't had them for long but personally I love mine. I tried dozens of different brands and styles before I bought some. I have a very hard time getting shoes that are comfy since I have a skin graft around the back of my ankle and a bunch of other complications. Very touchy. No rubbing with the SIDI's. I just love the ratchet strap. My left foot swells up a lot as I ride and I can just pop the strap one click when I need to and I'm good to go. I would be wearing out velcro constantly without that option. I picked out my shoe and then picked my pedal. The only thing I would be careful of is to watch for slim fit. If you have even slightly wide feet for a woman, they may be too tight across the metatarsal heads. (pad of your foot) It's a GREAT price so I hope it works out.

Cindy

[Kalidurga]

Ditto. I tend to make a day out of my rides by stopping in cool little towns to eat before or after the ride, and I just didn't want to have to carry another pair of shoes with me. The cleat on my Lake mtb shoes isn't totally recessed so I'm probably going to wear my cleats out sooner than I would otherwise, but I have to admit I get a kick out of that clicking sound as I walk down the street. It's my subtle way of saying "Yeah, I'm a biker, that's right..."

(I'm also a nerd, in case you hadn't noticed. )