Bike, Hike Cycling Shoes - Thoughts?

[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.

[Velocivixen]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to google "hotfoot" as that's a term I don't know. I ended up buying the Tahoe in charcoal/crimson. They may not be my final "ultimate" cycling shoe, but I think it's a reasonable start for where I'm at now.

Thanks so much!

[blackhillsbiker]

I love my Specialized Tahoe shoes. I've worn them on long rides with no issues. I'm also a Keen fan. I don't have their cycling shoes, but I have sandals, leather shoes and sneakers from Keen. I wear them all for commuting (I don't clip in to commute). I think you'll be happy with the Specialized shoes.

Deb

[Velocivixen]

Well, I purchased the Tahoe's in Charcoal/Crimson. I took the socks that I plan to wear with me to the LBS and glad I did because I ended up going up one size. They feel great and can't wait to ride in them. I'll take a picture and then attempt to upload them so you can all say, "OOOOHHH, aaaaah"