karungguni

Am starting to have foot problems. Recommendations for shoes for commuting. Open to cleats or no cleats. Have a steep climb back up to my house. I ride a Specialized Sirrus Elite.

PaulRivers

If you're having foot pain, I would not recommend adding cleats if you are not already using them.

First, make sure you have a decent pedal. Something that to small or weirdly shaped (my brothers bike came with oddly poor pedals for such and expensive bike, it was a Specialized Roubax) can hurt your foot.

Here's an easy suggestion for decent pedals ($36) -

WELLGO Alloy BMX Mountain Bike Pedals Sealed 9/16"
[h=1]https://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-Alloy-Sealed-Mountain-16-Inch/dp/B00E7UZ6I0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1405057353&sr=8-4&keywords=wellgo+bike+pedals[/h]
Shoes, biggest thing is to start fit - my feet used to hurt, then I realized my shoes were to narrow.

If they fit well, get something with a non-compressible sole. Chuck Taylor's work. If you want to spend more, some companies like Five-Ten make specific shoes for biking with flat pedals, here's one of them -

Five Ten Freerider
Five Ten - Freerider - Grey / Black

spivonious

Something with stiff soles. Definitely not running shoes.

You also might want to look at getting insoles. We have a store called The Walking Company that helped me pick out the right ones for my hiking boots. I can hike 20 miles a day now with no foot pain.

karungguni

OP, I should have clarified. Regular Roadie as well about 600 miles a month. Been having some foot problems off and on for a couple year. Mainly 5th metatarsal in my left foot (broken previously) and metatarsal arch (all of my life). I am addressing those. Yes, climbing uphill with regular shoes on small metal pedals is not a good idea. So choices are stiff sole street shoes on better pedals (BMX style). SPD/platform pedals with either MTB shoes or Chrome type shoes which I change when I get to work. Looking for the experience from others.

JamesRL

I'm a roadie who rides with MTB shoes. They have decent enough soles for walking and the tread is high enough that the cleat doesn't hit the ground too much. They would be fine for non cleating riding as well. The most important thing is finding the right fit for your feet.

huizar

I'm a fan of either a stiff soled shoe with clips, or clipless SPD shoes, depending on my mood. 99% of the time I ride though is with my SPDs. I have a pair of Giro Republics that I LOVE for faster rides and also typically wear these to commute to work. They're decent walking shoes, but you can tell they're made for biking. There's almost zero flex in the sole, which is killer on rides, but what makes them walkable is the way the bottoms are constructed. The elevations on the bottom of the shoe create a rolling-like movement that facilitates walking. Not good for a hike, but fine for coffee shop outings and for getting me to my desk, where I have pair of sneakers under my desk (I do a lot of walking/standing at work, so staying in the Republics isn't a good option).

Alternatively, I used to ride in a pair of DZRs (Jetlag | DZR) to commute to school. This was back when I didn't have a dedicated space to store stuff though. I never use these anymore, but have logged over 2K miles on them. I'm thinking about getting a pair of these when school starts up again so that I don't have to stop by the lab to change shoes every day: Jetlag Nero | DZR The fact that they're a slip on also adds to my personal "gimme gimme!" factor. I like the idea of just sliding 'em on and heading out the door.

Now, to speak to foot pain: On longer rides, the DZRs would create hotspots. They're meant to function well as a walking shoe, so there's a decent amount of flex in the sole, that I think disrupts the even spreading of pressure on your feet -- the way a plastic plate like those found on the Republics does -- creating "hotspots." I've taken the republics out on 27 milers with no such hotspots. Regarding your metatarsal pain, I would imagine keeping your foot movement restricted would provide a more comfortable ride. I think a good mountain/road shoe with a good fit would probably help. I would look for something with a stiff sole though. I would Chuck Taylors are going to flop about way too much to provide much comfort in your situation.

pdlamb

Bingo!

I've just about worn out another pair of Sidi Dominators walking, mostly between bike and house and bike and office. Very nice, stiff soles. I can't quite bring myself to spend the money for another pair yet.

PaulRivers

Chuck Taylors are often recommended in weightlifting because they have a flat, non-compressible sole. You don't want your shoe squirming around when you have 500lb's on a barbell on your back. If the OP wants a shoe that's not going to squirm around, Chuck Taylor's are excellent. If the OP needs the right kind of arch support, they are not, and are they flat on the inside with no arch support.

nkfrench 

I have MTB SPD pedals on my road bike. I wear Keen bike sandals year-round all rides. The sandals have a stiff forefoot plate but flex enough to be comfortable off the bike.
I've worn them on bike touring trips (50 miles/day), RAGBRAI (450 mile week), coffee/breakfast/social rides, commuting to work (17 miles ea way), fast 100k rides, some steep hills where I struggle getting the pedals to keep moving.
The sandals can be loosened up to accommodate thick wool socks and a toecover inside the sandal. They dry quickly. The rubber toe bumper keeps toes warm in winter. The open sides keep feet cool in summer.
They have very good traction but would advise not wearing them at work all day unless you're just sitting at a desk.
They seem to be 10,000 mile shoes - the forefoot sole plate eventually cracks. Still usable a while after that until the insole tears as well.
I have the commuter III's still new in box but haven't tried them. Fit seems different.

YMMV, they aren't for everyone.

bhchdh 

For warm weather: Shimano SPD Sandals
For cool weather: Shimano SPD Sandals and wool socks
For cold weather: Keen Austin Commuters

egranlund

I have these:
Amazon.com: Shimano 2014 Men's Recreational Cycling Shoes - SH-CT70G (Grey/Orange - 46): Shoes

SPD, but they come with covers on the bottom of the soles that cover the cleat area so you can use them without cleats.

The purpose of the cover is to use them with SPD pedals for "placement" but without clipping.

They are designed for commuter types and have a pretty flexible sole. Mostly got them so I could ride my bike to BART with clipless shoes and then not slip off the stairs while carrying my fully loaded bike

They are part of the Click'r line of pedals/shoes which are supposed to be targeted towards commuters. Pedals are platforms with a SPD clip on each side and super low tension (lower than reg SPD pedals so you can bail easier if some idiot stops in front of you) and reflectors if it matters.

Haven't tried other options out there as these are my first and only pair of cycling shoes. If you're thinking about walking a little bit in them though, you will probably for sure want to go SPD because it has a recessed cleat. This allows you to walk on the shoe and not on the cleat itself which can be dangerous (slippery) if your not careful.

TourDeHood

I have these and love them


Pearl Izumi X Project
...tho, they are only my second pair of clipless. My first were a craigslist purchase of super roadie stiff shoes that sucked

ninox

So, 20 years of commuting experience - my 2cents worth. I think Chrome and slightly softer soled shoes are not so great if you are mainly riding and not walking so much. I (perhaps you) get hot spots with a softer soled shoe and this makes foot pain worse. I find its more relaxing to use a clipped in shoe. Currently I use some Specialised MTB shoes with an MTB SPD pedal - the Comp, although the Rime are probably a better shoe. Comp and Rime have a different last and the comp was comfy for me. I have custom insoles and this basically cured my chronic foot pain. I keep regular shoes at work. Occasionally I will also use some shoes by Same Same but Different Same Same But Different - Vintage SPD in Black

pavemen

I found it easier to just buy a dedicated set of riding shoes (SPD) and leave a set of works shoes at the office. Then when I am not commuting and just riding to ride, I can have a quality riding shoe that is not a compromise.

gregjones

I find it strange that the cleats make a "crunch" sound walking on the sidewalk to the store but don't leave marks on the floor once inside, that I have noticed.

I sure there's a perfectly logical, scientific and supported by physics reason. I just haven't cared enough to really think about it.

I'm only at the "finding it strange" level of caring.

bikemig 

A lot depends on how far your commute is. Mine is 6 miles round trip and so hiking shoes and platform pedals are just fine. I have flat feet and a pair of hiking shoes with an insert gives me a lot of support. Plus when using hiking shoes, you're good to go when you walk into work, the grocery store, etc. There are ways to get some sort of strap on pretty much any pedal so I'd focus on the right shoes first and the pedal second.

Mr. Hairy Legs

Micro-pebbles.

Snowflake6

Ditto. I've had the same pair of Shimano MTB shoes for about 12 years... 8-O Despite my commute only being 15 minutes each way, I still wear them and full cycling gear and change at the office.

Lately i'm starting to notice that they aren't as stiff as they used to be, nor do they fit as snug as they used to, even when laced tight. Might be time for a new pair.

RidingMatthew

couldnt have said it better. I am commuter though who wears MTB shoes. my pedals can clip on one side and are flat on the other side. Works great.

Saving Hawaii

I really like my DZRs for commuting. They don't look like bike shoes and they're comfortable to walk in. But they are murder after about 30 miles straight on the bike. Worst shoe ever for a century ride.

TransitBiker

I have chucks. They were my default everything shoe for years till i discovered crocs in 2004. I may go back to wearing chucks for riding. The lack of arch support may be offset by an arch support insert. I have pretty tall arches, so the crocs do help in that respect, but even their least cushion-y model (bistro) that i wear is too spongy. Time to dig my old pair out of the closet haha.

- Andy

noglider 

Wow, that's almost exactly what I do!

@karungguni, what does your doctor say about your foot problems? My problems are very weird. My feet sometimes hurt like hell, and the pain tells me my position is wrong. But that advice is actually incorrect. My problem is a pinched nerve in my back, manifested as pain in my feet. It's a shame, because my favorite activity in life (OK, my second-favorite) causes so much pain. My solution will be to put more effort into adding strength and flexibility to my back.

noglider 

It is strange, isn't it? My SPD cleats crunch only on concrete. They don't crunch on asphalt, brick, or stone. Huh? And they don't dent wood floors. Is there an explanation for this?

f1xedgear

I'm wearing Giro's Republic Touring shoes this summer. Light. Durable. No crunching/clicking on concrete.
I wear Shimano's MT22 shoes in the cold (one size larger, for a thicker sock). Heavy. Durable. Lots o' crunching/clicking on concrete.

nkfrench 

Same here. I wear my Keen SPD sandals on the nice new hardwood floors and ceramic tile at my house with no issues whatsoever. They don't snag on carpet. But on the driveway/sidewalk, it's crunch time.
The only thing I can offer is that the concrete texture matters. The really smooth concrete factory floors at my workplace don't crunch, but the sidewalks/driveway look like a floor broom was used to smooth it out. Micro pebbles, indeed.