ScottBGKY

I'm looking for a set of shoes that are SPD compatible. It seems the choices are either the extreme road style or the hiking boot style for MTB's. I'd like to find something in between that looks more like a running shoe or cross trainer. I want to be able to wear them comfortably off the bike for short periods. The closest thing I've found is the Bontrager Street. Could you guys steer me in the right direction? I'd like to keep the cost down as much as possible.

sstorkel

I have a pair of Shimano MT-31s that look just like a hiking shoe. That model has been discontinued, but there are new models in the MT series that look relatively normal. You might also look at the Specialized Tahoe.

Just be aware: almost all of these shoes will allow SPD cleats to scrape on the ground at some point and none of them have especially stiff soles. I wore my MT-31s when I rode from SF to LA. With an upgraded insole, they were good for 40-50 miles/day. More than that an my feet started to hurt at the end of the day. When I visited Hearst Castle, I removed the cleats because I was paranoid about damaging the floors.

FWIW, Crank Brothers cleats seem to have a shallow enough profile that they don't scrape...

Nola_Gal

I have a pair of Shimano RT-80's which are touring shoes. They have a road shoe look but with a smooth tread around the cleat to make it easier to walk. I have been very happy with them.

snowman40

I have these - https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1512506_400034

I like them so far, but I've only been using them for about a week. I gripe/complaint I have is the laces are a little long, but that is easily fixed by tucking them in once tied.

fietsbob

SiDi has a Mega range for their Mountain bike SPD shoes , they are built on a wider Last, for wider feet.

engstrom

I have Specialized Sonoma shoes and think they're very nice. As said above the cleats do just barely hit the floor if you're walking on a hard surface (tile, wood, linoleum) but they're comfortable enough for walking and on carpet you wouldn't even know it's a cycling shoe.

mthayer

I have a pair of the Specialized Tahoes, and I have been happy with them so far. The bike shop owner where I bought them from said that he had a pair and he loves his.

xraybiker

Hey Scott in BG

Might want to take a look at Pearl Izumi X-Alp Enduro II or the X-Alp Drift. I just got both pair from Zappo's. I have not made up my mind which I like better. The nice thing is that you can return them to Zappo's for a year and there is no cost to ship back.

Enduro's have a ratchet top strap with 2 Velcro and are nice and solid.
Drifts have 3 Velcro straps and are vented really well on the top.

BTW, I am brand new to the site and glad to see someone else from the Bluegrass. I am up outside of Louisville.

I did see the Specialized Sonoma at a shop in the Ville and they looked really comfortable but I did not have time to try them out.

ScottBGKY

Welcome to the site xraybiker. If you are ever in BG and want to ride hit me up. I really like the looks of the Specialized Taho but can't find them in stock anywhere in my size. Ugh.

bajasky

I have Pearl Izumi X-alp Drift. They are pretty comfortable and decently stiff. They are also really ventilated, which I like in the summer. They definitely run small, so keep that in mind. Theyalso have some other x-alps that have laces instead of velcro if you like that better, but I haven't tried any of those.

https://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.p...505103&outlet=

xraybiker

I get to BG all the time. One of my accounts is the Medical Center. After I get to where I can ride and keep up with you guys then I will definitely get out on a ride. Just now staring this process so I can talk a good game but I have very little ability.

wxduff

My brother has these: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...=9309&eid=4927

I have the road equivalent. I love them and he loves his. They better then some of other shoes I tried, much more expensive. And I prefer the straps to the click ones.

ScottBGKY

Anyone try Keen Commuters?

Greg_R

Where are you looking? It seems that most MTB shoe options do NOT have the high ankle support like hiking boots. I have Specialized BG MTB shoes and like them. BG = body geometry (different inserts are available). These are MTB shoes with a road shoe cut (no ankle support).

Keen's commuters work but do not provide a rigid sole. Some people love this and ride across the US with them. Other people can't go for more than a few miles without feeling discomfort. Bottom line: you will need to go into stores and try the shoes on.

ScottBGKY

I bought a pair of Keen Commuters today. Took a 20 mile ride in them and they felt great. First time out in clip less and no accidents. Yeah!

wxduff

Get some practice with emergency stopping and clipping out on the less natural side. Both skills will keep you from an accident.

ScottBGKY

Tested that out on accident today as well. Was goofing off showing how my buddy wrecked when he couldn't get his feet out of his toe straps and was balancing with one foot unclipped. When I lost balance the bike went the direction of the still clipped foot instead of the unclipped foot. Learned to unclip really fast, lol.