Touring - [another] sandal thread - clips & straps

Hey all, I'm hoping to get some recommendations. I'm looking for the "perfect" footwear solution, which may well be impossible.

For touring, I want a sandal. This is how I've done it in the past, but my old pair of Rockport sandals (some model they haven't made in years) is long gone.

So, here's my wishlist of qualities:


brown
not all plastic-looking (leather is nice)
some minimal lip or toe cover
relatively lightweight
not flip-flops
fit snug in toe clips without too many things to get hitched up on the strap on the way in
is on the narrow side


I'm not looking for SPD sandals as I plan on riding with clips and straps.

Also, I want a pony. Anybody have a good sandal/clips setup?

Second problem solved first...

http://image.equinenow.com/equine/data/photos/69968_1.jpg

Excellent. Very helpful. Now if I could only get a unicorn pony...

http://www.rei.com/shoes/Men's+Sandals?cm_re=toc*toc*mns_sandals&vcat=REI_SSHP_FOOTWEAR_TOC
so many to choose from.

I use the Keen Newport and am waiting for them to die so I can buy the new ones that take SPD cleats, but they only come in black !!!!

george

Just thinking about clips, straps and sandals makes my foot hurt.

George--does that big rubber toe fit into a cage-and-strap setup alright?

sorry I do not ride cage and straps so I do not know the answer.

But I have heard that the new Keen Newport SPD is narrower and so may be more suited.

The big rubber toe stops ticks getting between my toes when I go hiking.

george

Hi,

I ride (size 12) Keen Newports on MKS platforms with clips on my fixed-gear. I've got to remember to loosen the straps waaay out, because the Keens are wide. But the combination is very, very comfortable.

Ah, very good to know, paxtonm. I'll put those on the short list of things to try.

If anybody else has tested suggestions, bring 'em on.

OK, so after much effort, I found something I like, in case anyone's interested.

They are Skechers Citywalk Irvine and are pretty great so far. No long rides in the yet, but comfortable so far on and off the bike.

I use the regular Lake cycling sandals with straps and cages. I found I really could only use the straps because the cages I had weren't comfortable. If I didn't have one wacked up ankle, I would just use SPDs. Current set up straps only on the left, which is a normal sandle and straps and cages on the right which is turned outward so much I don't hit the toeclip with it. I'm sure a toeclip could be found that would work with the Lake/Shimano type sandle, and they are such great sandals I wear them for everything.

I use the regular Lake cycling sandals with straps and cages. I found I really could only use the straps because the cages I had weren't comfortable. If I didn't have one wacked up ankle, I would just use SPDs. Current set up straps only on the left, which is a normal sandle and straps and cages on the right which is turned outward so much I don't hit the toeclip with it. I'm sure a toeclip could be found that would work with the Lake/Shimano type sandle, and they are such great sandals I wear them for everything.

Say, Peterpan1, I've heard good things about "Power Grips" (it's like one big strap, no need for a cage):
http://powergrips.mrpbike.com/pg_benefits.shtml

...may work easier for your situation?