Touring - Shimano SPD Cycling Sandal

Does anyone use the Shimano SPD Cycling Sandal for touring? I have seriously thought about buying a pair, but do not know if it would be comfortable for hours of riding?

Here is a link to what I am talking about:
http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/footwear/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=SH-SD60

Thanks

Does anyone use the Shimano SPD Cycling Sandal for touring? I have seriously thought about buying a pair, but do not know if it would be comfortable for hours of riding?

I haven't tried any of the SPD sandals myself but I have heard that the Lake ones (http://www.lakecycling.com/lxsdl.html) are better than the Shimano ones. I used to have a pair of Lake recreational road shoes (CX125) and they were very nice.

My cousin has a pair and just raves about them everytime we ride together. Says they are super comfortable and did a 1000km ride last summer with them as his only footwear.

Does anyone use the Shimano SPD Cycling Sandal for touring? I have seriously thought about buying a pair, but do not know if it would be comfortable for hours of riding?

I'm quite happy with that specific model, although I must say I haven't toured with them. (Plan to do so this summer.) However, I've used them on long day rides, and it's really nice to have a breeze on your feet on a hot summer day.

Cheers,
TT

Do they have sandals for Look too?

Koffee

Do they have sandals for Look too?

I have yet to see them. I don't think there'd be much demand for them as most people who want sandals also want more walkability.

I have some friends that use sandals year round. In rainy Oregon, no less. I'm thinking about getting a pair for summer, if they're not too expensive. Keep us posted.

I have the Lake sandals and I just purchased a set of Shimano's for the wife. I used these all of last summer and even wore them during my Olympic Triathlon. I hate to admit it but once I had the sandals I never wore my road shoes. Even on a chilly morning I would wear them just sliding on a pair of socks until the temperature rose. Buy a pair you'll love them.
There also great when it rains, they dry quickly. Also great if your tour takes you by a lake. In my neck of the woods we often stop on our century rides for a quick swim. Sandals and Tri shorts. Two great investments.
Hockey


I have some friends that use sandals year round. In rainy Oregon, no less. I'm thinking about getting a pair for summer, if they're not too expensive. Keep us posted.

I have a pair of Lake sandals. My only complaint with them is that the footbed is too soft. When riding hard my foot goes numb from pressing into the soft rubber footbed. A harder leather like surface would be better. That said, they are my main riding foot wear in the summer. They are especially good for riding in the rain. They dry out quick plus they don't blister my feet like shoes do when wet.

Thx for the info. I am ordering a pair right now for $75.

I love my Shimano SPD sandals. They're the first cycling shoes I reach for when the temperature is suitable. I've worn mine on 100+ mile rides without discomfort. Get a pair-- you won't regret it.

I haven't tried the Lakes. For what it's worth, two friends who tried both Lake and Shimanos both preferred the Shimanos.

Thx for the info. I am ordering a pair right now for $75.

:eek: kinda spendy don't u think ... ?

kinda spendy don't u think ... ?
That's what I paid and yes it's a bit pricey but, they're good sandals and I actually hiked the hell out of mine while on tour. Finally a strap broke after the tour was finished. I'm waiting for a sale! And this time I won't hike with the sandals.

[QUOTE=pletcgm]Does anyone use the Shimano SPD Cycling Sandal for touring? I have seriously thought about buying a pair, but do not know if it would be comfortable for hours of riding?


I was wondering if the straps irritate the top of the foot at all on longer rides? It would seem that the straps (or edges of the straps) would chafe or create problems with pressure on those smaller areas (as opposed to a regular shoe).

I had a blister on the outer edge of my pinky toe but that went away quickly. No problems after that. Any discomfort is going to depend on how your foot fits in the sandal and having the spd set up proper. And most importantly using the sandal before you take a tour or long ride.

I got a pair on sal last June from Nashbar, I believe. I wore them almost exclusively the rest of the summer. Well worth getting, but you might watch for a sale.

I have a pair of Lakes that I live in during the summer. I do often use a thin liner sock early in the season to cut down on rubbing.

I never got any blisters. I use them on club rides and on tours where mileage averages 50-70 miles per day for 7 days. My husband has a pair and loves them. He has flat feet and uses them as everyday sandals. A fellow I ride with often, rides in road shoes and takes the sandals with him on bike tours. That way, after showers and tents set up, he can ride into town for dinner and walk into any building without worrying about damaging their floor.

I'm curious about sizing. I have size 39 Shimano mtn bike shoes (I hate them!) and want to try these sandals but they are sized 37-38, 39-40, etc...

My street shoe size is 7.5 or Euro 38.

Thanks,

Amy

I love the Shimano SPD sandals. Great for touring, randonneuring and ultra marathon cycling. Great for riding in the rain. No need to take "off the bike" shoes. Great for those hot days when your feet swell. Really cool conversation starting foot tan pattern.

Dave

veggiegrrrl, I wear a size 7.5 street shoe. I can wear a 6.5 wide or a 7 depending upon the style of the shoe. I have the size 37-38. My feet are short and wide. If you have narrow feet, that fit into the toe of a 7.5 street shoe, I'd go with the next size up. If you have short, wide feet I'd go with the 37-38.

I wear a size 41 sandal and I'm an 8.5 women's. Just throwing it in so you've got a little comparison...

Koffee

I have the Lake sandals, and for sizing I'd say go smaller rather than larger. Much better to be a little on the snug side than having your foot slidin about.