Touring - Sandals?

Anyone tour w/ sandals? I notice that nashbar has several varieties, from shimano to lake to nashbar.

Also, what kind of cleats can you put on these? I have speedplay x5 on the road bike and crank bros candy's on the mtb.

Thanks,
pete

Yeah, I use the shimano sandals on tour exclusively - don't even bring any other shoes. I use speedplay frogs. My friend has the eggbeater cleats on his. I think you can use any spd compatible 2-bolt cleat.

for wet weather, use waterproof or neoprene socks, buy them big enough to put wool socks under them.

They are OK for hiking, as long as you don't have to do any really rocky surfaces.

i tour with my birkenstock clogs, ive recieved very strange looks......

I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?

I'm worried the soles will be too flimsy for biking.

Sandals are fine, but puleeease don't wear socks with 'em…

- Wil

I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?


I noticed that the Lake sandals have a "toe guard", basically a raised lip on the front. Probably of some use.

I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?
I'm worried the soles will be too flimsy for biking.
I hear they stink. literally.

Any non-biking shoes that walk good are gonna reduce your pedaling-energy-to-forward-momentum due to shoe flex.

I've got ~7K miles on some older 2 strap style shimano sandals. They're very comfortable on and off bike. However, they are relatively heavy and flexy. I lose about 1 mph speed on average when riding in them vs. rigid soled biking shoes. 1 mph is a a lot when you average only ~10mph!

I've enjoyed touring with Lake sandals. It feels pretty good to have some wind in your toes. Moisture evaporates faster than any fancy sock keeping your whole body a little more cool. Plus you get some wicked awesome tan lines.

I use lake sandals, they are very good assuming they fit properly. I regret to say they don't fit consistantly becasue where they bond in the straps, which seems to vary, will determine whether and 11 fits like a 10 or a 12. They use the shimano soles so there is probably some similarity there.

"Sandals are fine, but puleeease don't wear socks with 'em…"

Idiot allert! Many cultures are sandals and sock places, like say Japan, or England. This is one of those weird prejuduces that took root for no good reason. Sandals aren't just for the beach any more. For UV for wearing in a wide range of temperatures, for rain, socks are a good thing. Don't let the style police run your world. Sure a beautiful foot in a sparse sandal is an elegant thing, but like climbing boots, sandals are tools for some, wear them with socks or without depending on what works.

I have a buddy who did a tour in flip-flops. He had to tie them around his heel to keep them from falling off when was pedaling.

I'm not a user of bike sandals, although my wife is difficult to fit, and trying to find a pair of Shimano sandals as the answer to her prayers. On rides of up to 50 miles, we both use Keens from time to time. The robust sole does not create hot spots. They're great to hike or walk in. Smell? It was a big issue with Tevas, but Keens have an antibacterial property in the soles that is activated by UV radiation. Pop them off, leave them in the sun and no worries.

That said, I'd still opt for dedicated cycling sandals or shoes and a very lightweight pair of backups. Our last trip two weeks ago was done using restaurants and rooms. All we packed were personal items, tools and a change of clothes. I used flip-flops and I'm glad I did. Light and comfortable. Lots of ultralight backpackers are using Crocs, which are supposed to be extremely comfortable for lounging and weigh next to nothing. Of course, you have to have the self-confidence to walk around looking like a Smurf (they're undeniably hideous looking) but you're a grown-up, so who cares?

I used to live right off the Appalachian Trail, and I still remember the year all the through-hikers started wearing crocs (at the end of their day). It was great!

Two nights ago I saw Crocs on a 60-odd year old man dining at an upper-scale restaurant/winery in South Texas. I guess it's safe for me to go get a pair now.

Two nights ago I saw Crocs on a 60-odd year old man dining at an upper-scale restaurant/winery in South Texas. I guess it's safe for me to go get a pair now.

I guess they're from Davis CA so it's not quite the same as south TX but...


Each family member will have one pannier for clothing and personal gear. A solar charger will supply power to cell phone, digital camera and iPod. They'll wear cycling shoes while pedaling, changing into sandals - or, in Djina's case, bright purple Crocs - when they stop for the night.

Family of 4 coast-to-coast (http://www.theolympian.com/living/story/154140.html)

Sandals are fine, but puleeease don't wear socks with 'em…

- Wil

Yeah, that would be comfortable.

I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?

I'm worried the soles will be too flimsy for biking.

Get an SPD sandal. The soles will be designed for bicycling, stiff. Use cycling sock to prevent chaffing and sunburn. DeFeet socks leave a cool polka dot tan pattern.

Two nights ago I saw Crocs on a 60-odd year old man dining at an upper-scale restaurant/winery in South Texas. I guess it's safe for me to go get a pair now.

Hey man! Being 60ish and odd wearing Crocs at this very moment, I'm not sure how to take that!

I took them on my last trip and they sure felt great to get into after the bike shoes all day.

Keens rock! That's how I toured in Europe the past 3 months. They are comfy and the toe guard makes it an excellent hiking/walking shoe. As far as I am concerned, the stink level was low but you should ask my husband, hehe. Your feet do get funny sun tan lines, though.


I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?

I'm worried the soles will be too flimsy for biking.

Keens rock! That's how I toured in Europe the past 3 months. They are comfy and the toe guard makes it an excellent hiking/walking shoe. As far as I am concerned, the stink level was low but you should ask my husband, hehe. Your feet do get funny sun tan lines, though.

I love my Keen Newports but as said your feet do get tanned in a tiger stripe pattern.

and the toe guard stops ticks getting in between your toes.

In the rain I use Sealskinz socks

george

Just to throw this out there. Anyone ever cycled a distance of any note in Crocs?

I used to bike the 4 blocks w/ my son to his kindergarten in crocs, just to show him he can bike it even though he's wearing his crocks.

That's on teeny-tiny essentially clip-only pedals, in a ~22" gear!

Just to throw this out there. Anyone ever cycled a distance of any note in Crocs?
Just a note along this line. I was out in the boondocks of eastern Oregon last month by the Snake river (N of Adrian) and coming up on a possible turn-off to shorten my route over to Lake Owyhee state park. Not sure if the road went through or paved, whatever.

Anyway, just at that time here comes a scruffy looking dude from the opposite direction on a Wal-Mart looking bike wearing Croc's. He gave me exact info on the road including the grade I'd run into at the crest (12%) and we chatted for a while. Come to find out he had done the Alcan hwy on a 'bent and the old bike he was on is his main transportation from home to town, several miles.

Your question just reminded me of meeting that guy at the appropriate time on my ride to find that road.

I was thinking about getting Keen sandals because they have rubber toe-covering parts. Has anyone tried them?

I'm worried the soles will be too flimsy for biking.
I met a German cyclist touring with them and that's all he wore, on and off the bike. I got a pair and love them. I just finished a tour with them and was very pleased. I use them for riding around town all the time during warmer months. I haven't noticed any odor problem at all. It seems to me that they would be less likely to have an odor problem than non-sandal footwear.

Thanks for all the Keen success stories. I'll probably buy a pair of dedicated shoes (though picking out a pair is a pain and a half) and Keens and test them out for the next month before my tour. I've yearned for sandals my past couple day hikes, so the Keens will get good use off the bike if nothing else :)

I don't mind the funky tan lines, I'm sure I'll have nice lines from my knickers too.

I don't mind the funky tan lines, I'm sure I'll have nice lines from my knickers too.


You're going touring wearing just knickers? Wow, you really are a weight weenie!

I think knickers might have different meanings in different countries :o

I am planning on wearing my bikini on the bike though! road rash here I come!

I ended up getting some lake sandals for my candys. I've ridden 35 miles, and so far they are quite comfortable, and certainly breath much more than the shimanos, which are very closed. The soles are not extremely stiff, however, and they are a bit on the small side, despite following the sizing chart at performance for lakes. This isn't really a problem, as it just means my toes can touch the (flexible) lip on the fronts.

Sandals are fine, but puleeease don't wear socks with 'em…

- Wil

How else am I supposed to show off my handknit wool socks???

:D

I have used the Lakes for a couple years. I recently bought a pair of Shimanos. The three top straps cover more of the top of the foot, but I find them much more comfortable than the Lakes, which often pinch and chafe at the straps. Both the Lakes and Shimanos are fairly forgiving in fit. Keen shoes tend to run wide and a bit short, but I haven't specifically tried Keen SPD sandals. As far as the front bumper thing, I think it’s a marketing ploy. I have yet to stub my toes in SPD sandals. I eventually trimmed the bumper part off of my Lakes because I disliked the sensation of my big toe making occasional contact with the rubber. The Shimanos don't have the bumper and I don't miss it. Now I’ll have to give socks a try.

but I haven't specifically tried Keen SPD sandals.

Hi,
I just asked (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=322026) in the forum if there are Keen SPD sandals and the answer was no!
Can you please send a link to this sandals?
Tnx

I have had the bumper on the Lakes help, but it makes fit much more sensitive so whether it would be really worth it... Maybe i should try the Shimano. Actually due to a broken ankle, I can't used SPD, at least not until I frame out a special pedal for it. I probably wouldn't have any problems at all if i wasn't using a custom selection of clips and powergrips. I wish I could wear sandals on SPD that would be wonderful.

Even when I was over on the West Coast last May, I can imagine the "wind chill" from wearing sandals wouldn't be too comfortable. I lost count of the times I put on windproofs in the shade during the day. Nowhere near frostbite but I think you know what I mean. :)

I have used the Lakes for a couple years. I recently bought a pair of Shimanos. The three top straps cover more of the top of the foot, but I find them much more comfortable than the Lakes, which often pinch and chafe at the straps. Both the Lakes and Shimanos are fairly forgiving in fit. Keen shoes tend to run wide and a bit short, but I haven't specifically tried Keen SPD sandals. As far as the front bumper thing, I think it’s a marketing ploy. I have yet to stub my toes in SPD sandals. I eventually trimmed the bumper part off of my Lakes because I disliked the sensation of my big toe making occasional contact with the rubber. The Shimanos don't have the bumper and I don't miss it. Now I’ll have to give socks a try.

I might try cutting the bumper off as well, and I've also found the straps to chafe a bit. I was hoping they'd be more comfortable after a while. Don't get me wrong, I think I'm going to use them a lot, but they could be better.

Try them with socks. That will cure the chafing. Get some nice cycling socks.

I often wear socks with my Shimano Sandals. Sure it looks funny, but who cares? If you chose cycling so you could wear stylish clothing - well, I have bad news for you.

Nothing beats sandals with a pair of wool socks for those cool rainy days. Your feet stay warm and your sandals dry really fast.

I haven't taken them on tour yet, but so far my Keens are great. I also bought some SPD mtb shoes, to try out this whole clipless business. I really like riding with the clipless shoes, especially on hills. But yesterday I had to cross a creek unexpectedly, and I couldn't help thinking "I wish I wore my Keens!!"

I'm most likely going to take them both on tour, because I have picky feet that can't handle the same shoe day after day.

I
Nothing beats sandals with a pair of wool socks for those cool rainy days. Your feet stay warm and your sandals dry really fast.
I don't understand. In the rain with just a wool socks? Doesn't your feet getting wet?

I use the old style Shimano SPD sandals [2 straps] for touring. They work great and are comfy to walk in when off the bike. Mine don't smell at all and I can wear warm sock & gore-tex socks if it is cold/wet.

I've tried the new Shimano SPD sandal and didn't love it. I also have the Lake SPD sandal and don't love those. I'm hoping somebody makes a good SPD sandal before my current ones wear out.

I haven't taken them on tour yet, but so far my Keens are great. I also bought some SPD mtb shoes, to try out this whole clipless business. I really like riding with the clipless shoes, especially on hills. But yesterday I had to cross a creek unexpectedly, and I couldn't help thinking "I wish I wore my Keens!!"

I love wearing my Keens while bicycling, but they do stink. I can only wear them for 3-4 consecutive days before the foul smell comes back. I put them in the washer machine once a week. I never have (or had) this problem with my Tevas, Birkenstocks, or Crocs. Do a GOOGLE search for "Keens stink" and you will find plenty of hits.

Javier

I don't understand. In the rain with just a wool socks? Doesn't your feet getting wet?

Well, they would, but wool insulates whether it is wet or dry so your feet stay warm even though they would be wet. You'd probably get wet feet even with a closed shoe, but since the sandals dry out faster, you end up with dry (and still warm) feet sooner.

I refuse to wear anything but wool socks now for hiking or long rides (short rides I don't really care).

i knew a person who almost lost 2 toes riding with sandles (chain caught during fall)...
i tour with 2 sets of shoes, 1 pair to ride with, one for out of the saddle, post ride time. i think sandles would work well at that post-ride time (unless it's been raining/wet/etc) but personally would not ride with them!

I'm wearing Keens right now, and I take them on tour, but I can't imagine pedaling with them. I really like a stiff sole when pedaling and these are nowhere near stiff. Oh, and yes, they do start to stink fast as several others have noted. I won't wear them out when I think there's a chance I may have to take them off where others may notice. They can be that bad, even a few days after washing.

I'm wearing Keens right now, and I take them on tour, but I can't imagine pedaling with them. I really like a stiff sole when pedaling and these are nowhere near stiff. Oh, and yes, they do start to stink fast as several others have noted. I won't wear them out when I think there's a chance I may have to take them off where others may notice. They can be that bad, even a few days after washing.

Huh...interesting...I have a pair of Keens that are a few years old and they don't smell at all. I've never washed them and don't wear socks with them. I guess I'm lucky....:D

Huh...interesting...I have a pair of Keens that are a few years old and they don't smell at all. I've never washed them and don't wear socks with them. I guess I'm lucky....:D

You have magic feet. :)

Ok after reading the Keen reviews, decided to give them a test drive. I have platform type pedals without toe clips on most of my bikes, and often ride with flat bottom skateboard type sneakers (kind of like converse all stars) with no problem. For sandals, I've tried Tevas, they were so-so. Birkies slip around too much.
Went to REI yesterday and shelled out $60 for Keen Venice sandals. Like the Newport H2, all syntheticd material and you can get them wet and they will dry quick. They are a bit lighter than the Newport, and have more open space around the foot for venting and cooling. The footbed looks similar to the newport, but no lump under the toes.
Left home this morning around 7 am under cool overcast, mid 60s for a 45 mile loop out to Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach, and then back to my place. This is a fairly easy ride with a few good uphills that run through the gears. Keens worked pretty good for the first ride! My size 12 feet fit on the pedals pretty good with the Keens. Didn't slip around, good pedal grip. No arch pain during the ride, uphills no problem. The footbed is plenty beefy for me. I'll use these for the next couple of weeks for my daily commute to work (30 mile RT) and if they pass that test, they will be used for my next bike tour as the one and only footwear that goes along.

Well, they would, but wool insulates whether it is wet or dry so your feet stay warm even though they would be wet. You'd probably get wet feet even with a closed shoe, but since the sandals dry out faster, you end up with dry (and still warm) feet sooner.

I refuse to wear anything but wool socks now for hiking or long rides (short rides I don't really care).

Wow, this is something I'll need to try. What type of wool socks you are using? If you can post a link, it will be great.
Tnx

Don't know which wool socks buglady likes, but I use Smartwool light hiker most of the year here in southern cal for bike riding and everyday use also. When temps are below 50F, I wear Smartwool regular hiker socks for bike riding. The Smartwool are about 70 percent wool and 30 percent synthetic. You can machine wash them, then just air dry. I buy them through a NJ outdoor store called Campmor. Google Campmor and they will be on the search page. Smartwool aren't cheap, at least they last several years.

I love wearing my Keens while bicycling, but they do stink.
Javier

I've heard mixed reviews on Keens stinking, and Tevas stinking, and pretty much everything else stinking. But I rarely have problems with shoes stinking, so I'm going to take my chances. I've been wearing the Keens in the Texas heat for a couple weeks now with no ill effects, but that might not translate to biking with them days in a row. In any case, I'll have other shoes with me on my long tour.

(also i've heard Keens have sun-activated antimicrobial odor fighters, have you tried leaving yours in the sun when they stink? Would be interested to see if that really works...)