Clipless Shoes

[anakiwa]

I started with Shimano SPD (MTB pedals on my road bike) and Specialized road shoes. I found the pedals were pretty easy to learn on. The shoes caused horrible numbness after pedaling for any significant distance. Eventually I switched to Specialized MTB shoes and bought them a little more roomy- they were much better (and as an added bonus are much easier to walk around in). Then I upgraded to Sidi shoes and Shimano Ultegra pedals (I kept the MTB set-up and still use it on my older touring bike). The Sidi shoes fit really well. I like the ultegra pedals (and the wide platform on the bottom of the shoe makes it a little easier to walk on than most road cleats).

If you're just starting out, SPD (MTB) pedals and MTB shoes may be a good place to start. They're less expensive and offer most of what you get from a clipless pedal. The shoes are also easier to walk around in.

[KayTee]

Road - Speedplay X on Carnac & Northwave road shoes
Mtb - Speedplay Frogs on Northwave mtb shoes

A comment on shoes: I found, too late, that my feet did not fit the tapered-down toebox of the Sidis I first used, even though I bought them slightly large. After several thousand miles in them I ended up several times with bruised nailbeds on my big toes - ow! I switched to Carnac and Northwave (only at clearance sale prices) because the toe area on those brands is more bumped-up and boxy than on the Sidis. So from one who learned the hard way, it's a good idea to take into account any quirks your own feet might have

[anakiwa]

One more comment on Sidis- the sizing is way off. I'm typically a 38. My Sidis are 40.5 and fit perfectly.

[indysteel]

I have Keo Sprint pedals on my road bike. Slight learning curve with the pedals, but they're pretty easy to use once you get used to clipless. I like the larger "platform" of the Keos and the grey cleats have enough float for me (Keo red cleats have more; Keo black cleats have none).

I have Sidi Zeta Mesh road shoes. They're a well-made shoe, but as another poster mentioned, they have a relatively narrow toe box. Sometimes my right toes feel a little "twisted" because of it. Also, I agree that their sizing runs a bit small.

[Brandi]

Candy's on my mtb and my shoes which are wonderful are specialized!

[Offthegrid]

I have had problems with plantar fasciitis, so for this reason I use Look pedals on my road bike because they should help keep my feet more stable. I think they are easy to get in and out of.

I also am learning the hard way that bike shoes are way narrower than regular shoes. I'm going to have to replace my expensive bike shoes because they're just too small.

[KayTee]

I forgot to mention that another reason to upsize since bike shoes tend to be snug is to accommodate heavier socks in winter. I wear Woolie-Boolies with adhesive chemical toe heaters in winter and find that a lot of room in the toebox helps for those, too. If my toes are crammed tightly, my circulation isn't as good and my feet get cold quicker. Also the chem toe-heaters need some oxygen to work. In summer w/thin socks my toes appreciate the extra wiggle-room and ventilation.

I believe the recommended Euro size (per LBS and Colorado Cyclist's chart) for my size 6 1/2-7 feet was 37.5-38. Although I wear 39 now in Carnac and NW, my Sidis were 40 and, as noted previously, still too tight and wrong shape for my feet.

[aicabsolut]

I have Keo Sprint pedals on my road bike. Slight learning curve with the pedals, but they're pretty easy to use once you get used to clipless. I like the larger "platform" of the Keos and the grey cleats have enough float for me (Keo red cleats have more; Keo black cleats have none).

I have Sidi Zeta Mesh road shoes. They're a well-made shoe, but as another poster mentioned, they have a relatively narrow toe box. Sometimes my right toes feel a little "twisted" because of it. Also, I agree that their sizing runs a bit small.

I have Keo Sprints. I use the red cleats though. I agree with the 'learning curve' but I really like them. Only downside is that with road shoes those cleats are slippery when you stop at a red light!

I have had a couple pairs of Specialized road shoes (one cheap pair for spinning and a nice mid-price carbon pair for the road bike), and they're great. I've got narrow ankles, and these fit the best in the heel. Especially the carbon shoes which have a neoprene sockliner. The women's shoes get a little narrow in the toebox. The men's shoes aren't too big, but roomy enough for orthotics if that's an issue for you. (that's what I use for spinning).

I really like the different arch support inserts you can get for Specialized shoes too.

[tygab]

I have specialized road shoes (inexpensive ones) with SPDs, as that's what the bike came with and it was my first clipless adventure. This combination is working just fine for me right now. If I were to change, it'd probably be to speedplays. That's what my husband has and he really likes them, but he's used clipless for a long time.