Commuting - Shoe for platform pedal

Please excuse what may be a dumb question...

I need to replace my worn out tennis shoes and I'm wondering if there is a type of shoe that would be better suited for use with platform pedals. A shoe with a stiff sole and without much padding. I've looked at clipless shoes but they seem horribly heavy. The high-end clipless shoes are not so heavy but horribly expensive.

I use skateboard shoes and they work very well for me.

I did a little research and came up with Dunham (New Balance) Waffle Stomper (http://www.moabsports.com/web-pid-MOW623BR-DunhamNew-Balance-Mens-Waffle-Stomper-Terrastryder-Low-Light-Hiking-Shoe-item.htm).

They are basically "hiking shoes". They have Vibram soles, and sneaker tops. They are quite stiff. I like them.

Please excuse what may be a dumb question...

I need to replace my worn out tennis shoes and I'm wondering if there is a type of shoe that would be better suited for use with platform pedals. A shoe with a stiff sole and without much padding. I've looked at clipless shoes but they seem horribly heavy. The high-end clipless shoes are not so heavy but horribly expensive.

I use Teva Hurricane sandals and have for about a year. I love them and use them down to about 30 degrees with two pairs of wool socks. I never get numb toes and my feet don't hurt from pedal pressure ever. I use Crank Brothers 50/50 pin pedals and MKS touring pedals. With a large surface area pedal, I find this combo very practical. I also used Adidas skater shoes until my cat urinated in them and I tossed them out. I can walk for hours in both shoes and with the right grippy, large surface area, pedals I get great traction and fine performance. No need to click in or use any retention with the combo of a softer sole and a pedal with grip. My Tevas were on sale for $26.88 so I've gotten my mileage out of them.:D

If these are MTB style platform pedals with the grip pins then look for something like a court shoe sole but try to find it with a stiffer sole.

You want the smooth and non open pattern to ensure that all the pins find sole to grip into while you want the stiff insole to distribute the pressure.

For casual riding it's a lot less important to have all this. For MTB riding or where you want more grip for speedy commuting it's more important. For off road riding it's hella important and if you can in that case also look for high tops that have at least some protection for the ankle knob bones.

When you find this miraculous high top, stiff insole equipped shoe with the smooth court or skate like sole let me know please. I'd like to buy two pairs since I can't find the darn things anywhere.

I have a pair of these...

New Balance 991 (http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:New%20Balance%20991%20Men%27s%20Running%20Shoe:2000027929;_ylt=ApSu8unKidSqBESYrazKS3ERr8EF;_ylu=X 3oDMTA4ZXVyOWdvBHNlYwNyZWNv)

The pair I have are exactly the same apart from reflective detail in the 'N' on the sides and the heal.. and various other places on the shoe.. The sole is very stiff, which I find helps to stop painful feet after a while on the bike. The tread is also good with the pins on the pedal.

Thanks for all the suggestions, they all sound like good ideas.

The Adidas Samba Classic is a GREAT shoe for cycling--I have always had a pair of Sambas and have found that they are a wonderful shoe for almost any casual/sporting activity.

I ride with toe clip and I have found that skateboarding shoes work well also.Smooth toe for grtting in/out of clip and a stiff sole so your feet don't get sore.