What kind of shoes are good to use when riding a bike?
 

What kind of shoes are good to use when riding a bike? I got boot shoes , are those good or bad for when riding a bike?

I use RockPort walking shoes.

bike shoes?

I wear Redwing workboots.

Boots are good for the rain and snow rides. A little constrictive and hot for summer, though. I like running shoes best in clips and straps. Skate shoes on plain ol' pedals.

A long, long time ago I rode in Cons. Lousy.

Cycling shoes aren't lousy, generally.

Other then cycling shoes, cross training shoes or skateboard shoes. Both have stiff soles and breath well.

I know many riders that use cages, and most of them wear Adidas Sambas.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0070921x00003a

They offer a firm-ish sole and good venting. It is a soccer shoe, after all.

It depends on the pedals. If you're riding clipless, you need shoes that have the proper cleats to work with your pedals. A trip to your LBS is likely needed to fit you properly. Bicycle shoes have a stiffened sole to make your energy-transfer more efficient. I ride with toe-clips and wear sneakers. That works for me. Bicycle shoes invariably end up hurting my feet.

The best type of shoe for cycling has a very firm sole that will not bend or take the shape of a pedal. Cycling specific shoes have this type of sole and "Some" mountain bike SPD shoes can be had very cheaply. You don't have to have them fitted for Clipless pedals- but if you are cycling enough- then a cheap pair of SPD shoes could be the answer. Far better than a cheap pair of sneakers- and probably better looking for occasional use.

I'll say this - Crocs and SPD-SLs dont go together too well. Heel-strike.

I use regular sneakers with platform pedals for commuting and casual riding for safety, simplicity and flexibility. When I was riding a road bike on organized rides I used SPD. I tried Look road pedals and shoes and hated every second of that. Since my rides included lots of stopping and walking SPDs were a better choice.

Adam

Well, on this subject I have worn mini wellies, walking boots, trainers...it depends where I am going at the time...last year on a tour I wore leather sandals, but alas they didnt last so had to ditch them and buy trainers which did....individual choice as usual I guess

Newbie what does SPD stand for

shimano pedaling dynamics

it is shimano's original, in house clipless pedal system:
http://www.speedplay.com/pedalmuseum...no_spdroad.jpg

here is a very fun/informative link:
http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?f...useum.clipless

I don't know what it stands for, but I believe it's the kind of cleat setup that's used with Shimano pedals.

maybe i should have been more clear in post #15

spd= Shimano Pedaling Dynamics

thanks everyone. Not sure if I m ready for those yet. BUT I need a pair that can take 300 miles

My new balance tennis shoes will take it - paired with some Shimano XC flat pedals with the huge pins.

For clipless, I always used a shimano mountain shoe with crank bros. candy-c pedals.

Stacey, you will get as many opinions on pedals as there are posters on BF, but SPDs are very versatile. There are "single-sided" road SPD pedals, double-sided SPDs favored by mountain bikers and a version of SPD that has a platform on one side. Every shoe manufacture makes a variety of shoes that will take SPD cleats, some very easy to walk in and some more akin to road shoes with extremely stiff soles. All the the shoes that accept an SPD cleat will permit some amount of walking. There are other varieties of clipless systems that also provide a recessed cleat, but SPDs seem to be most common.

My wife and I use double-side SPDs on our tandem. I can clip in every time without looking and my wife prefers the particular feel of our pedals.

Most we've ridden in one shot is 109 miles so I can't speak to the issues of what sounds like a 300 mile ride (multi-day maybe), but you will absolutely need to avoid a soft-soled shoe 'cause the pressure points of even a platform pedal could get to be a real problem.

What you're getting with a cycling shoe is the stiff sole, especially at the ball of the foot. Most good walking shoes will be stiff at the instep but flexible at the toe box. That transmits the pressure points right through to the ball of your foot, giving you sore feet if you're riding hard or far.

Don't forget, having SPD shoes doesn't mean you have to use SPD pedals. If you don't install the cleats, they work just fine for cage-type pedals. I'd recommend an inexpensive pair of touring-type SPD shoes, that have a less aggressive tread than the typical mountain bike shoe.

Thanks . yes this ride is over 5 days. I think we have to average close to 6o miles a day to keep on track..... I am just useing a normal bike pedal no clips no nothing special. In time if I am enjoying my bike I may invest in a better shoe clip combo thing.

what ride is this?

That sounds like a good plan. I can always get the clip pedals later on if I like I will have to talk to a shop. I just wanted to ask. So when I do talk one on one with some one. I am not over buying for what I am needing them for. I have enough to invest in already. I have to rasie money yet for this thing. if I don't get my 300.00 I will be paying that on top of everyting else I need. Any where on here to post a post about supporting a rider. Don't hurt to ask.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=133606

I have to raise 300 to even ride. That is the hard part for me I am not use to raisng money. Any place in here to post about supporting a rider ????