dgreer6887

I'm looking for shoe recommendations (brands, specific type of a particular brand, etc). I ride a cyclocross bike like a road bike. My rides can range from 20 miles on the low end to 50-ish on the high end, average speed 16-18mph. I have platform pedals (I do not want to go clipless). All I have are Merrell shoes (that are comfortable, but too flexible and there is rubber on the bottom that is coming off from too much friction with the pedal) and some running shoes that are bit too bulky but have nice grip. I'm also not looking to spend too much...definitely less than $100.

stoplight

dunno where you live but if close to enough the five ten outlet store then you have access to some great deals on fantastic shoes. If not search around...usually can find a pair for about 100. Got a pair of these for all mountain riding..imagine they have something to fit your needs.


Five Ten | Freerider Mountain Bike Shoe | Grey/Blue

canklecat

Like you, I enjoy the comfort of Merrell shoes and the uppers seem to be very well made. But the soles seem unusually fragile and wear quickly. I ride mostly with Stolen Bike Thermalite pedals, which aren't too abrasive, so hopefully the Merrell soles will last awhile. They aren't falling apart, shredding or cracking, just wearing down quickly from normal riding and walking.

Too bad because they're very comfortable and the reflective panels really light up at night.

By far the most comfortable shoes I've tried so far for platform pedals and walking are Five Ten Freeriders. They fit me perfectly, which is unusual. I have very narrow feet, an A or AA width, and usually wear size 11. So I'm basically shopping for ice skates. With most shoes I have to settle for a B or medium and get creative with the lacing to ensure they fit right. But the Five Tens felt perfect.

I was skeptical so I tried some Pearl Izumi shoes too, their line of trail running shoes which were described as having stiff enough soles to be good for platform pedals as well as trail running/hiking. They were comfy, but the Five Tens felt better.

Anyway, I did all that footwear testing just before the holidays and need to get back to the store and buy a pair of the Five Tens.

dgreer6887

Thank you both. I've seen great reviews for the Five Tens, so I think that's the way I'll go!

bmthom.gis

I have a pair of Chrome Industry shoes that are still kickin around over a year later. They clean up well, and are stiff around the ball of the foot.

indyfabz

I commute and tour in these:


https://www.rei.com/product/892627/p...ike-shoes-mens


Like them a lot. You can leave the sole plate in if you don't want to go clipless.

jfowler85

Why no clipless?

jefnvk

I use these: Giro Rumble VR Casual Shoes. If you wait til a Nashbar sale, you can get them around $55.

They also come in a navy/tan color scheme. Nice stiff sole, lightweight and comfy, and like you I ride in platform pedals, although they can take SPD cleats (I just left the panel in place). Easy to walk around in too, I took only them to Europe with me on my last trip, never once felt out of place walking around town off the bike, even on the days we didn't do any biking.

Lt Stonez

Have you tried clipless? When you get used to them, there is no way back. 2-3 days and If feels normal :-)

fietsbob

<brand neutral> *

Adding an arch support that is stiff plastic you can make most shoes more like bike shoes.

traditional bike shoes in addition to the stiff arch were leather soles , no compressible foam absorbing force from the leg and foot pressing on the pedal .

*but I own a pair of SiDi touring shoes - hard soled - molded in pedal slot cleats.. (they have not been made in 15 years, at least)

not something I like wearing all day on concrete floors at work , standing.




...

TenSpeedV2

Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals > Components > Pedals > Mountain Pedals | Jenson USA
Exustar SM321 Mountain Shoes

Clipless for a lot less than you think it will be. Once I made the switch, I haven't looked back. M520's on all of my bikes.

dgreer6887

I'm just not interested in going clipless right now. Maybe someday.

I bought a pair of Five Tens and I love them! They stick to the pedals great and are firm, so my feet are doing less work. Thanks again.