Touring - shoes

I've only been on a few tours, but for all of them, I only had my cycling shoes (or just my sneakers before I went clipless). I plan on doing some longer tours in the near future, and wanted to know what other people bring when they're not riding (or if you dont' bring anything at all). The only option I am opposed to is flip-flops/sandals. Something with a little support but not too big and bulky would be perfect.

thanks!

They probably don't fit your not too big and bulky qualification, but I really like Crocs for in camp and even for some hiking. The bulk isn't a problem since I just clip them to a pannier with a 'biner. The are ultra easy to step into or out of when entering/exiting the tent, are light, comfy, double as shower shoes, and don't get wet.

They are ugly, but I really don't care much about that.

I think on real short tours I might just go with only my Sidis. if I was on a long tour and thought I might like to trail run some days, I might replace the Crocs with running shoes, but I would miss the ease of stepping into and out of the Crocs and the ability to use them as shower shoes.

Some new balance running shoes might fit the bill and you can generally get last season's model cheaper than the current's.

I've used running shoes before, and they can work, but crocs don't sound like a bad idea.

Thanks!

I use Croc clones -love 'em. Perfect for easy access getting them on in the middle of the night, incredibly comfy and waterproof (nice to use for showers). Saves on socks, lightweight, cheap, durable..... fashionable? Neh, who cares.

Shower sandals (worn in the shower) reduce the likelihood of athlete's foot and planar warts. Worn around camp, they give your feet a break from your bike shoes and are easy to slip off before you go into your tent.

I use these

http://www.gungfu.com/htm-apparel/shoes/apparel-shoes-kung-fu-basic-tai-chi.htm

They are lightweight and work well in showers and after a ride. It's important to get the ones made in Taiwan that cost a bit more than the mainland Chinese ones as they are not of the same quality and the soles smell strongly of hydrocarbons.

Not to hijack the thread, but I was having some shoe issues also. I'm most likely going to use Power Grips as I only want to bring one pair with, so my current pair of SPDs will be of no use. I'd like for the pair I bring to meet the following requirements:

1) Reasonably waterproof
2) Good support/stiff sole (obviously)
3) A nice hiking shoe as I'll probably be doing some exploring in the southwest, Grand Canyon, Rockies, and Appalachians
4) Not unbearably heavy/hot

Now, all signs seem to point to a good pair of hiking boots, but #4's a killer. My SPDs weigh about 10 ounces (maybe a little more, not really sure. In any event, they're not heavy), but hiking books always seem to weigh in the 2+lb range. I've never really ridden in anything other than SPDs or Asics (also featherweight), so I'm not really sure how that extra weight will affect me. Any thoughts? Also, if the general consensus is the boots won't kill me: I wear a size 10, and th regular Power Grips say they're good up to size 11, but the boots will obviously be a bit bigger than normal shoes. Should I go for the extra long, or will the regular length PGs be fine?

Edit: I'm also bringing a cheapo pair of shower sandals, so I will be able to take some breaks from the boots for a little bit.

Different strokes, but riding in hiking boots doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. I don't even wear them for hiking in most conditions. I'd take the spds and something additional if you don't want to wear them exclusively. I find my Crocs adequate for hiking a few miles. If you really want something more suited to the worse trail conditions and/or longer distances of hiking, I'd say maybe a pair of trail running shoes. Heck if you took the trail runners and spds they might still be lighter than hiking boots depending on which models of each you choose.

Not to hijack the thread, but I was having some shoe issues also. I'm most likely going to use Power Grips as I only want to bring one pair with, so my current pair of SPDs will be of no use. I'd like for the pair I bring to meet the following requirements:

1) Reasonably waterproof
2) Good support/stiff sole (obviously)
3) A nice hiking shoe as I'll probably be doing some exploring in the southwest, Grand Canyon, Rockies, and Appalachians
4) Not unbearably heavy/hot

Now, all signs seem to point to a good pair of hiking boots, but #4's a killer. My SPDs weigh about 10 ounces (maybe a little more, not really sure. In any event, they're not heavy), but hiking books always seem to weigh in the 2+lb range. I've never really ridden in anything other than SPDs or Asics (also featherweight), so I'm not really sure how that extra weight will affect me. Any thoughts? Also, if the general consensus is the boots won't kill me: I wear a size 10, and th regular Power Grips say they're good up to size 11, but the boots will obviously be a bit bigger than normal shoes. Should I go for the extra long, or will the regular length PGs be fine?

Edit: I'm also bringing a cheapo pair of shower sandals, so I will be able to take some breaks from the boots for a little bit.



http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gear.tcl?gear=Montrail-Mountain-Masochist&gear_id=8069&action=showgear

Well, my SPDs are at least a little walkable, so if I ever have to dismount I won't have to change right then. However, they're anything but waterproof (quick drying, though), and something with ankle support would be nice in case I just need to get to the top of that rock outcrop (I'm an engineer, so, book smart, but I have less common sense than my 8 year old nephew). New Balance has an 18oz hiking boot that seems to be worth looking at, which'll definitely help with the weight, but they're a little pricey. We'll see what I can come up with though.

+1 for the spds and trail running shoes

I wanted to comment on the power grips because I used them before I got clipless. I had them from about June to December (maybe Janurary) of last year. They worked well but in December one of them frayed and broke. There was no way to fix it because the cloth had just been worn through with use. I would say I put between 750-850 miles on them before they were useless.

I've only been on a few tours, but for all of them, I only had my cycling shoes (or just my sneakers before I went clipless). I plan on doing some longer tours in the near future, and wanted to know what other people bring when they're not riding (or if you dont' bring anything at all). The only option I am opposed to is flip-flops/sandals. Something with a little support but not too big and bulky would be perfect.

thanks!

I use a pair of specialized Taho bike shoes with recessed time cleats. Honestly you can't even tell they are bike shoes until you click in on them. of course those Tai Chi shoes are tempting, especially with my puffy white shirt and black linen pants.....I could wander into towns looking like Caine from the Kung Fu TV show.

Not to hijack the thread, but I was having some shoe issues also. I'm most likely going to use Power Grips as I only want to bring one pair with, so my current pair of SPDs will be of no use. I'd like for the pair I bring to meet the following requirements:

1) Reasonably waterproof
2) Good support/stiff sole (obviously)
3) A nice hiking shoe as I'll probably be doing some exploring in the southwest, Grand Canyon, Rockies, and Appalachians
4) Not unbearably heavy/hot



The VW Vagabonds like these:
http://www.rei.com/product/780680

They ride in them, run them, whatever.

I've only been on a few tours, but for all of them, I only had my cycling shoes (or just my sneakers before I went clipless). I plan on doing some longer tours in the near future, and wanted to know what other people bring when they're not riding (or if you dont' bring anything at all). The only option I am opposed to is flip-flops/sandals. Something with a little support but not too big and bulky would be perfect.

thanks!

By cycling shoes do you mean road shoes? If so, why not get some inexpensive mountain bike shoes. Great for on and off the bike. :) I bought some Pearl Izumi ($100+) mountain bike shoes a couple of years ago. They are very light and comfortable. I was using platform pedals and at one time owned Power Grips.

Now I finally got some clipless pedals (Crank Brothers Egg Beaters C). What a huge difference. I should of done this sooner. :D