Commuting - Commuting shoe recommendation

Hi everyone, I am not so new to cycling but very new to commuting. I've got a heavy old Gitane to commute around 4-5 miles on and need some shoes. I would be interested in a stiff soled shoe to use with toeclips OR an SPD compatible shoe. As far as SPD compatible, I don't really want a fancy-fancy race shoe, something that looks more like a regular sneaker would be good.

Also note that I'm a chick!

I think I went to nashbar and bought whatever was on sale for mine....and they work fine. Now I'm thinking about a pair of the Keen cycling sandals. They're awesome. Go to your lbs and try some one, see what's comfy.

Hi everyone, I am not so new to cycling but very new to commuting. I've got a heavy old Gitane to commute around 4-5 miles on and need some shoes. I would be interested in a stiff soled shoe to use with toeclips OR an SPD compatible shoe. As far as SPD compatible, I don't really want a fancy-fancy race shoe, something that looks more like a regular sneaker would be good.

Also note that I'm a chick!

Try this (http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=103&product_id=1239771).

I have the Men's X-Alp low which is similar and it's really comfortable. The whole X-alp series is pretty good. They are not the stiffest cycling shoe but that's why I like them. You can wear them off the bike with no problems. Don't get me wrong though, they are definitely stiffer than a regular sneaker. You're not going to want to run a marathon in them, but I could wear them all day.

I would not recommend them with toe clips though. There's a plastic cover that goes over the holes for the cleats. I tried riding with them on my platform pedals with power grips and that cover made the shoe slippery on the pedals.

Wow, very helpful! Thanks guys!

I have, and love, these: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=40338

Nice for biking in, look like sneakers, and comfortable enough to walk in to use to golf 18 holes.

Keen Springwater:

http://www.rei.com/product/783785

I just got a pair and love them! I always used to get some numbness in my feet after a certain amount of miles. Not anymore! They're a little spendy, but worth it IMO.

I love my Keen Commuters. I got mine on eBay for $65, brand new. Love them.

In a few months I will be coming back to this topic for some ideas. Right now I am using my old New Balance running shoes. I had those toe rubber shoe holder things with the straps...they got ripped off real quick when I went down due to not being able to get my foot out of the pedal quick enough. Anyway...just wanted to let you know I am subscribed!

Try this (http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=103&product_id=1239771).

I have the Men's X-Alp low which is similar and it's really comfortable. The whole X-alp series is pretty good. They are not the stiffest cycling shoe but that's why I like them. You can wear them off the bike with no problems. Don't get me wrong though, they are definitely stiffer than a regular sneaker. You're not going to want to run a marathon in them, but I could wear them all day.

I would not recommend them with toe clips though. There's a plastic cover that goes over the holes for the cleats. I tried riding with them on my platform pedals with power grips and that cover made the shoe slippery on the pedals.

+1. I DO wear these all day, and I'm supremely satisfied with them. I've got about 2500 miles in them, as well. Great shoe, I forget I'm wearing them sometimes.

I rode with toeclips for a while, and while they're not perfect, I found them better than my sneakers. That may be personal preference, though.

I have, and love, these: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=40338

Nice for biking in, look like sneakers, and comfortable enough to walk in to use to golf 18 holes.

+1. I had a pair of those for several years, until I finally wore them out (actually cracked the plate that supports the cleat) last year. I put thousands upon thousands of miles on them, rode centuries in them, commuted to work, and sometimes wore them all day at work if I forgot my regular shoes or was in a rush and didn't have time to change. My only criticism of them was that my feet would hurt a bit after 25 miles or so, probably because they weren't rigid enough for that sort of riding, at least for a rider of my size. But that's what carbon-soled shoes are for, now, innit? :) I replaced them with Shimano MT51 shoes, which are as comfortable (maybe even more so) on the bike, but don't look right for casual wear.

Oddly, it seems that there are far fewer commuter/casual shoes for women than for men. Or maybe that's not odd - I don't usually go shopping for women's shoes. :D

I commuted many a mile with the Cannondale Roam

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_138551_-1_201355_10000_201356

Coupled with the Crank Bros Mallet pedal, it was an awesomely comfortable setup.

I use something like this:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_223295_-1_10000__11501

I wear these:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_222669_-1_19000_10000_19002

I'm extremely happy with them.

I really like cycling (spd) sandals. Try several different brands as they all fit a bit different. I found that Sette Sandals work well for me. Where as Lake and Shimano just did not fit my feet comfortably. I have never tried Keen, but regular sandals seem to fit wide feet well and I have long skinny feet.