Newbie: Cycle Shoes help needed
 

Three weeks ago I purchase a Schwinn Mesa mountain bike and promptly had the tires changed out to smooth tred tires. My plan is to use to for some rare commuting but more to get some exercise. At the time of purchase I didn't think the speed of the bike was much of a concern since I was mainly out to get some exercise... boy was I wrong. I find myself wanting to go a little further or get to a known location a little faster!!! I'll normally do about 22 miles round trip (with a 30-50 minute break halfway) and maybe a 30 mile round trip one day on the weekend.
Anyway, I have noticed some foot cramps and now (I can't believe I'm considering this) I'm looking into some real bike shoes. I've been checking on eBay because I really need to keep my spending down to a minimum, I've already exceeded the initial cost of the bike in accessories and clothing!!
There appears to be two general categories of shoes Road and Mountain... from what I can tell they both have some sort of clip or locking mechanism that mates up with the peddle.
I think all I need is some shoes with hard soles to minimize my foot flexing, tiring and eventually cramping. I don't need and I don't think I want any of those interlocking shoes-peddles.
Are there just some hard-sole biking shoes that don't lock into a system? What are these called?

The other thing I was hoping to find (besides a hard sole) was a shoe without laces... just some velcro staps or other fast connecting system.
Thanks in advance and sorry for not knowing much... it's been about 32 years since I last owned a bike.

Ken:D

Hah! Wouldn't we all like to have known what we really wanted before we bought our first bikes.

I have such a pair of shoes stashed at the LBS pending arrival of the pedals, but I don't recall the brand. The pedals are shimano, though. The double sided model that lets you use a conventional shoe on one side. Sure wish you had asked a week or two later.

I recently bought Lake MX-101 shoes, that are mountain shoes with a modest tread (their web site lists them as a trekking shoe). I also got Crank Brother's Candy C pedals, so I went all the way with clipless...

However, back to your question, the shoes came with covers over the recessed cleat area so that they could be used without the cleats. I am sure that other shoes must have a similar configuration, but this is the only one I am experienced with.

My favorite cycling shoes are skateboard shoes. They have thick, cushy soles, and stick well to a BMX-style pedal. You can get extra comfort by buying a half-size larger than your walking shoes, and wearing two socks on each foot. Extra cushion, and zero blisters, even after many hours of riding.

A bonus with skateboard shoes is they are comfortable for walking, and they don't look as bizarre as the typical cycling shoe.

Two-sided Pedals
 

I have the Shimano two-sided pedals with one side for clips and one side for regular shoes. I have been very unhappy with them. I swear that I am going to crash while I am trying to get the pedal turned the right way for my bike shoe or looking down at the pedal instead out at the road. I am going to change them for pedals that are easier to use on either side.

If its $ youre trying to save, but improving efficency, have you thought about toe clips? I picked up a pair of metal clips(Highly recommend them over the plastic ones), and got me my old favorite shoes, Adiddas Sambas. Stiff sole, old school efficency without the major cost of clipless pedals and shoes. Many people may disagree with me about clips, but I am going to stick to them for quite some time. Many other upgrades that I am contemplating before going clipless. They work great for me.

I use a pair of Shimano SP-M324 pedals; clipless on one side (using the Shimano SPD cleat), platform on the other.

I plan on getting some mountain bike shoes for the slight flex when walking with the bike, like you, I just need the money. ;)

I second that.
 

I was in a similar situation and the kid at the LBS suggested that I try a pair of skateboard shoes. They are great and around now you can get them really cheap on clearance. I bougth a pair made by NSB. Only paid around 15$ for them. Highly recommended.

I had this experiance (not the crashing part) I got rid of them and am glad I did. You shouldn't have to look down or flip the pedal over to clip in. It should be easy or forget it. MKS makes a quick release pedal in platform or clipless. You can buy a set of each and quickly (and without tools) change your pedals from one to the other depending on your ride. And if you park your bike (and lock it of course) you can take the pedals off and bring them with you making your bike less atractive to thieves.

Save some money and get some stiff soled skateboard or cross training shoes. Toe clips and straps are cheaper then clipless pedals (NOT peddles) and let you wear regular shoes when you ride.