Road Cycling - These shoes were made for walking...

I need new shoes for my road bike, and I'd love to be able to walk in them. It seems that road shoes=no walking tread and mountain shoes=yes tread.

Do I just buy mtn shoes? What's the downside for riding on the road w/mtn shoes?

Thanks!

and that justa what they'll do! and one of these days these BOOTs are gonna walk all over you do do do do...

haha. thats an old song there...

anyway, to answer your question, you can use mountian shoes, but it will limit your pedal options. if you use mountain shoes, you must use mountain pedals, like the original SPDs, speedplay frogs, eggbeaters, or ATACs.

look cleats won't work, and all the other three-bolt clones won't work either.

what kind of pedals do you have on your bike?

I dont think any bike shoes are really easy to walk in i went from SPD pedals and MTB shoes on my cannondale to SPD-SL Ultegra shoes with SIDI Genius road shoes and walking is not that much different. Although i do have to watch what i am walking through like mud and other junk more than with the ATB shoes.

Well cycling shoes need pretty rigid soles to transmit the power of your pedal stroke to the pedal without killing your feet. I suppose that some people just will not like rigid soles for walking on. I find road bike shoes to be pretty marginal for walking especially in look cleats. Mountain bike shoes with SPD cleats are not too bad for walking in. I have even done short hikes in mine which is something I wouldn't even think of doing in road shoes.

The mountain bike shoes have a smaller cleat area which probably isn't as efficient for power transmission. I think the major downside is a style sort of thing. In certain groups, I would imagine that if Lance Armstrong showed up at a ride with SPD pedals, the people there would decide that he wasn't a "serious" cyclist. If that is the case in your local area, ride the SPD system.

Originally posted by Pat
I would imagine that if Lance Armstrong showed up at a ride with SPD pedals, the people there would decide that he wasn't a "serious" cyclist. If that is the case in your local area, ride the SPD system.

Haha... Actually if HE did that there would be a million articles in bike rags about the new secret weapon and how it helps him climb and rodies all over the world would either switch over to the new shoes to 'upgrade' or they would hold on to their dear old soles and defend them to the death.

cAPS

Specialized in 2003 introduced the Sonoma shoe. It has a recessed cleat pod that fits both SPD and LOOK.... ooops, I mean TIME.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?section=12959&browselevel=shoes&JServSessionIdroot=xyguymyvbx.j27005

Hope it helps... I currently use it but am wondering if I should sacrifice the walkability for a true road shoe with stiffer sole and better pedal options. :)

[EDITED to correct Look to be Time ]

I have road style shoes with SPD cleats and pedals. They're wonderful. The cleats are recessed so once I'm off the bike I can wander around easily. Somedays I ride to work and stay in my gear for a couple of hours before heading off again. The shoes are no problem.

I used to ride LOOK but am much happier with SPD on both my road and mountain bikes.

I just checked the link AdrianB, and it states that it just works with SPD/Time. Does you're's support look also? I run campy pedals primarily, so if supported look would be a worthwhile investment for me as a secondary shoe.

Media Creations --

What kind of SPD pedals do you have? I am looking to get SPD but not sure which to dive into.

Kev, sorry I made a mistake. It does not support Look. Only SPD and Time. I've edited my message to fix this.

I think I was dreaming of the ocean again :)

I use these: specialized mtn shoes..

I even crossed a bridge with overflowing water(as posted on another thread), my roadbike on my shoulder, with these shoes.. Good grip and durable..

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2003/equip/03shoecompmountain_d.jpg

Originally posted by dexmax
I use these: specialized mtn shoes..

I even crossed a bridge with overflowing water(as posted on another thread), my roadbike on my shoulder, with these shoes.. Good grip and durable..

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2003/equip/03shoecompmountain_d.jpg

I have the same shoes and can agree they are very comfortable but also very stiff. I wouldn't walk too far in them butthey are good.

After my recent 110 mile ride, my feet were still in good shape.

I'm a roadie, but I have not been able to make the jump to road shoes. Mountain shoes look so much more comfortable and easier to walk in. I just picked up a pair of Shimano M037 shoes last week. There's a pic on the shimano website, but I don't know how to paste it in. I love them - very comfortable - sometimes after a ride I forget I'm still wearing them. Of course, I would not want to take a hike in them, but they get me around easy enough before/after a ride.

I don't see a down side to wearing mountain shoes on the road. I suppose that some hardcore roadies might look down on it - that's their problem. Personally, I want the mobility and I'm not going to benefit from a marginally lighter or more aerodynamic road shoe.

Originally posted by chewa
I have the same shoes and can agree they are very comfortable but also very stiff. I wouldn't walk too far in them butthey are good.

After my recent 110 mile ride, my feet were still in good shape.

I have the same pair. Very comfortable when riding and not too bad to walk in when just running into a convenience store for a power-up.

However, if you ever get a chance to try a pair of SIDI Dominator MTBs... They feel like gloves. They're pricey but I just won a pair on eBay for under $100 including shipping. That's almost half off.

Alot of people use MTB pedals and shoes on road bikes, I don't see a problem with it. The main drawback is they are not as stiff and seem to be a bit bulkier. I love my road shoes, I figure when I ride with them why do I need to walk any real distances? I am on my bike :) So I don't see a real drawback to them.

Originally posted by Kev
Alot of people use MTB pedals and shoes on road bikes, I don't see a problem with it. The main drawback is they are not as stiff and seem to be a bit bulkier. I love my road shoes, I figure when I ride with them why do I need to walk any real distances? I am on my bike :) So I don't see a real drawback to them.

you have a point there..

But there are just times you need to walk.. especially in recreational rides -- w/c are the rides I, and some of us, take...

And in City rides, I like using MTN shoes since they are easier to get out in... Well, at least for me..

Originally posted by dexmax
you have a point there..

But there are just times you need to walk.. especially in recreational rides -- w/c are the rides I, and some of us, take...

And in City rides, I like using MTN shoes since they are easier to get out in... Well, at least for me..

I agree that MTB shoes are great in the city. I was on a ride yesterday and we had to walk across a set of railroad tracks. My girlfriend had on her road shoes w/LOOKs and was having a hard time. I grabbed her bike with mine and hopped across, no problem :D

Plus, you don't have to walk like you have a stick up your butt trying to keep your balance when you walk into the local convinience store for refueling.

Oh yeah, my soles are pretty stiff, I haven't noticed any problems with power distribution. I suggest walking around in a pair at your LBS for 15 or 20 minutes to get a feel for them. SIDIs are great and so are Diadora and some Specialized models. I haven't tried the new styles by Nike, they're next on my list.

I love my Sidi's they are great shoes! You do walk funny in them, I find as long as not walking on slick tiles they are not bad for short distances. When I first started using road shoes it was a challenge I admit but after a while it becomes second nature.