I have been riding for over 15 years, and have always ridden flats. I recently switched from MTB to cyclocross and was considering going clipless. After reading forums, checking out cleats, and talking to my chiropractor and physiotherapist family/friends, I have decided to stay on flats. Check out this site if you are interested in the flat pedal outlook (the guy has some poor spelling/grammar, but his reasons check out): http://www.bikejames.com/wp-content/...-July-2014.pdf

On a somewhat related topic (sorry, new to this forum and cannot find a 'start forum' button), I am looking for some good shoes for flats. When riding on trails I always had to settle for a skate style shoe, but want something a bit more streamlined for cyclo. 5-10s look fine with armour and MTB clothes, but look a bit weird when riding drop bars in the city. For pedals I have settled on Xpedo Traverse 7, JEK or Faceoff 18, but shoes are another matter. I want the grip of the 5-10 style rubber but something that looks a bit less juvenile. Some people suggest plain old hikers, but this does not work as the soles are rough and do not give proper traction on the pedal (to many ridges in the sole).
Does anyone else have advice on balancing flat pedal riding with not looking like a 13 year old skater boy? Should I just write to 5-10 and beg them to make a shoe that appeals to 30-something women? http://fiveten.com/products/bike/all-mountain

Thanks!