Bike, Hike Cycling Shoes - Thoughts?

[Velocivixen]

I ride a hybrid Trek FX 7.3 (has platform pedals currently) and live in the suburbs near Portland, OR. Mostly bike to the store, library, Zoo, regional multi use trails, etc. I currently wear my running shoes to ride my bike. I've read that cycling shoes are better at distributing the power from the legs onto the pedals, etc., so I want to buy some cycling shoes. I'm not sure that I'll ever go to clipless pedals, although I saw one today at a LBS made by Shimano where it's platform on one side and clipless on the other! Anyway, I need shoes that I can walk around in and not have them obviously be bike shoes.

I tried on several pairs and LOVED the Specialized Women's Tahoe (charcoal grey/crimson). They fit well and at $79 are affordable. Now that I'm home I've looked at some online reviews and, given that they fit really well, plan to likely buy them. I know function should come first, but it's important to me that they look good. I'll be cycling often with "street clothes" like sporty dresses, etc.

Any thoughts? Advice? Are there shoes that might fit my needs that you love?

At this point my focus is on gloves, shoes, shorts (don't worry, I'll be asking things about shorts when I get to that point).
Thanks in advance.

[redrhodie]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodKE_5291.html

These look great with street clothes.

[WindingRoad]

+1 on the Keens! I see they have a new style now too, those are nice. They run relatively narrow because if you have ever worn regular Keens they are pretty wide. The cycling sandal is skinnier so you can clip out without getting stuck. I love mine, I even wear them with no socks and they are super comfy. I will warn you tho, you WILL get the most bizarre tan lines ever if you wear them w/o socks, LOL.

[Velocivixen]

I have a pair of non cycling Keens that look almost identical! Keen's corporate office and retail store is in Portland, so it would be easy to go there and try on all their cycling shoes. I saw their Presidio at REI today and it was really UGLY! The rubber toe piece actually curved up! It may be that way for a reason, but was extremely clunky looking. I guess I'll add this to my list of "to do" places to go.
Thanks for the ideas.

[deskrider]

I have the Specialized Tahoe shoe and the Shimano platform/clipless pedal that you mentioned. The shoe is very comfortable but the sole is not particularly stiff, in fact I think my light walk/hike shoes have a stiffer sole. Also, be aware that once you install the cleat on the shoe it will make contact with sidewalks, tile floors, wood floors etc. so it's not always appropriate to wear even though easy to walk in. As for the pedals, I like them. Easy entry and exit with the clips and if you want to use the platform temporarily that works well too. IF you want them 100% for the platform be prepared that they are not as grippy as pedals made specifically to be platforms so your foot can slide off. I think the pedals are heavy, but there's nothing I can do about that.

[beccaB]

I liked the Tahoe for short fun rides but once we got into longer rides 40+ miles, I got hotfoot real bad. I switched up to a stiffer specialized shoe and paired them with smartwool phd running socks and don't get hotfoot even on 100 milers. I would not be able to do much hiking in those.

[AppleTree]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodKE_5291.html

These look great with street clothes.

I love the look of these shoes and want to order some for summer riding. I wonder if these have a stiff enough sole? It was recommended that I get a bike shoe with a very stiff sole for longer rides to avoid foot/ankle strain.

[Velocivixen]

Okay, after reading instructions I think this should work. Here are mylovely new riding shoes. They may not be my ultimate final pair,but they're a start.

[Trek420]

oooh, they come in red now. I use the Tahoe. I have a broken big toe and need a shoe with a boxier roomier toe. The Tahoe is comfortable, stiff enough for commute and errands. On a longer ride I want a stiffer sole.

My commuter has pedals like these so I can wear any shoe:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/Accesso...lipless-pedals

I think there's more support so an ultra-stiff sole is a non issue. On a longer ride with the road bike I'd miss it.

The cleats are recessed yet a little slippery. You'll learn to be comfortable walking in them and also aware of when you'd take the shoe off (floor you could slip on or scrape the floor).

[Velocivixen]

@Trek420,
Yes, my toes have plenty of room in these. I considered the Keen Presidio, but there was quite a price difference between the ones I bought ($79.99) vs Presidio ($120), and since I'm a newby I didn't want to "over buy" stuff for cycling. The Specialized were very comfortable, at least in the store, so that's what I got.
Yes, this color combo is called "charcoal/crimson". It just happens that the gloves I ended up liking were Specialized and no LBS had them in the charcoal/crimson, so I had them ordered. Now I'll have "matchy" stuff, although don't want to be too matchy.