Best shoes for flat pedals on a road bike
08-01-16, 06:43 AM
#26
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Basketball shoes? No surprise there. The old style canvas type were the first to come to mind. Chrome sneakers are another obvious choice. I think they are very popular with the SS/FG crowd, who are probably more sympathetic to your needs. 
Not everyone lives in sneakers. Work boots or Oxfords would make a poor choice for cycling.
Not everyone lives in sneakers. Work boots or Oxfords would make a poor choice for cycling.
08-01-16, 07:01 AM
#27
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If only there were some sort of system that offered a shoe that was firmer, that gripped the pedals a bit better, and were somewhat narrower in the back........
Part of me really thinks that you are trolling here. Everything you are describing would be remedied by going clipless with mountain bike type shoes and a cheap SPD pedal which is exactly what I posted above. I don't know if you don't want to admit it, but the solution has been posted to your problem.
Part of me really thinks that you are trolling here. Everything you are describing would be remedied by going clipless with mountain bike type shoes and a cheap SPD pedal which is exactly what I posted above. I don't know if you don't want to admit it, but the solution has been posted to your problem.
I have noticed this expectation of orthodoxy by certain cycling devotees around here for a while and it is a very strange phenomenon, to say the least. If this was a religion we were talking about, or some sort of doctrinaire, ideologically-inflexible political movement led by imposing, intolerant thugs, then I guess I could at least understand what I was seeing here. But we are talking about riding a bicycle, are we not?
It is not important for everybody to use the same type of pedals or shoes on their road bike as you do, whether you realize that or not. And if some people use different pedals and shoes, that does not make them trolls or any other sort of evil deviant either.
Seriously, get over yourself already.
Last edited by Spartacus713; 08-01-16 at 07:05 AM.
08-01-16, 07:08 AM
#28
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Sure, because anyone who rides a road bike and does not WANT to wear clipless pedals must be a troll. I mean how could such a person possibly exist anyway? [sarcasm]
I have noticed this expectation of orthodoxy by certain cycling devotees around here for a while and it is a very strange phenomenon, to say the least. If this was a religion we were talking about, or some sort of doctrinaire, ideologically-inflexible political movement led by imposing, intolerant thugs, then I guess I could at least understand what I was seeing here. But we are talking about riding a bicycle, are we not?
It is not important for everybody to use the same type of pedals or shoes on their road bike as you do, whether you realize that or not. And if some people use different pedals and shoes, that does not make them trolls or any other sort of evil deviant either.
Seriously, get over yourself already.
I have noticed this expectation of orthodoxy by certain cycling devotees around here for a while and it is a very strange phenomenon, to say the least. If this was a religion we were talking about, or some sort of doctrinaire, ideologically-inflexible political movement led by imposing, intolerant thugs, then I guess I could at least understand what I was seeing here. But we are talking about riding a bicycle, are we not?
It is not important for everybody to use the same type of pedals or shoes on their road bike as you do, whether you realize that or not. And if some people use different pedals and shoes, that does not make them trolls or any other sort of evil deviant either.
Seriously, get over yourself already.
Why are you fighting it so hard?
08-01-16, 07:11 AM
#29
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No. Someone that wants all the benefits of clipless, but refuses to use them, that is a troll. Someone that has the solution placed before them but thinks that what they are going to use will be better. That is a troll. It's been tried and tested and those of us with experience try to share our knowledge with you. Fight it all you want, but the truth is that clipless would solve every issue that you are currently experiencing.
Why are you fighting it so hard?
Why are you fighting it so hard?
08-01-16, 07:13 AM
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Why? I have been riding clipless for years now. Tried and tested on all 4 of my bikes, all different kinds in fact. Perfect for a city ride, commute, gravel road ride, fast road ride, bike delivery, mountain bike trail, cruise down to the ice cream shop, fitness ride, ride with friends, group ride that goes a bit faster than you were hoping it would, etc. It will solve your issues.
08-01-16, 07:14 AM
#31
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I have apparently violated the established cycling orthodoxy as it applies to road bike pedals and shoe choices and now the members of the local inquisition team are out to set the matter right.
08-01-16, 07:16 AM
#32
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Why? I have been riding clipless for years now. Tried and tested on all 4 of my bikes, all different kinds in fact. Perfect for a city ride, commute, gravel road ride, fast road ride, bike delivery, mountain bike trail, cruise down to the ice cream shop, fitness ride, ride with friends, group ride that goes a bit faster than you were hoping it would, etc. It will solve your issues.
08-01-16, 07:17 AM
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Do what you want, but when you don't find a solution, think about why you haven't found the solution. There is no cycling orthodoxy, just some people that have been doing this long enough to know how to find a solution to a problem and who are willing to share that knowledge with those that inquire.
08-01-16, 07:20 AM
#34
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Do what you want, but when you don't find a solution, think about why you haven't found the solution. There is no cycling orthodoxy, just some people that have been doing this long enough to know how to find a solution to a problem and who are willing to share that knowledge with those that inquire.
08-01-16, 09:34 AM
#35
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I use indoor soccer shoes for riding my flat pedals, and they work very very well:
Adidas Samba. The ridges help stay on the pedals nice and grippy, especially if your pedals have 'nubs'
Adidas Samba. The ridges help stay on the pedals nice and grippy, especially if your pedals have 'nubs'
08-01-16, 09:41 AM
#36
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In any case, those look like they would work great. Thanks for sharing this option with us.
08-01-16, 10:12 AM
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I like Vans on BMX pedals.
08-01-16, 10:40 AM
#38
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Someone that wants all the benefits of clipless, but refuses to use them....
I'm happy to read things like, 'I used _____ and I like it because of these features, despite wishing it were better in this respect. I used ____ competitive product, and IMO it had these failings.' I have great trouble with dogmatic statements that try to turn opinion into fact.
For crying out loud, pedal choice - like virtually everything else in bicycling - is a matter of compromise and personal preference.
Oh, BTW, for those who say clipless is the only way, have you tried pinned flats and stiff-soled shoes?
08-01-16, 11:16 AM
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TenSpeedV2 drank the Kool-Aid.
Clipless is "perfect for a cruise down to the ice cream shop" ??
I am sure he also dons full kit and brings two water bottles and gels for that same trip to the ice cream shop.
I personally like to buy ice cream locally but if you feel the need to maybe ride over to an adjoining state to get it who am I to judge...
Clipless is "perfect for a cruise down to the ice cream shop" ??
I am sure he also dons full kit and brings two water bottles and gels for that same trip to the ice cream shop.
I personally like to buy ice cream locally but if you feel the need to maybe ride over to an adjoining state to get it who am I to judge...
08-01-16, 11:24 AM
#40
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I guess they are very similar to some generic all-purpose sneakers. However I have tried many sneaker styles on flat pedals, and I find these indoor soccer shoes work the best.
They do provide a thicker sole and more cushioning than Converse "All Stars" type shoes would, so they provide a good pedaling platform.
At the same time the cushion isn't so big as to lose the feel and connection with the pedal, as would happen with runners or basketball sneakers (Type Air Jordans).
They don't cover the ankles, which is perfect for cycling too.
Overall very flexible and comfortable shoes, and many colors and types to choose from.
08-01-16, 12:12 PM
#41
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While most of my bikes are SPD-SL or SPD, I also enjoy modern flat pedals. I have a set of VP Vice pedals on one of my bikes and they're fantastic. You get tremendous grip from the pins and the wide, flat surface is very comfortable.
You don't really "need" special shoes for riding flat pedals but certain types work better in my experience. I have had success with lots of different shoes with the exception of thin-soled / very flexible shoes like Vans or Converse. I've found that very flexy shoes typically get uncomfortable after about 90 minutes.
I recommend:
Shimano MT44s which are a bit pricey but are very comfortable (for me), great for walking around and allow you to go SPD if you ever so desire.
Trail running shoes. I have an old pair of Patagonia shoes that work very well: grippy soles, just stiff enough and great padding against the pedal. I've found I prefer a slightly less roomy fit for riding than I like for running. One caveat: some running shoes have very wide soles at the heel that can interfere with chainstays, that gets annoying.
Skateboarding shoes. Cheap and there are tons of options with reinforced toes and adequate padding. I have some Etnies I use sometimes, they work great.
Crocs. Offbeat and extremely unfashionable selection but I tried them after Grant Peterson from Rivendell swore by them. Seriously, Crocs make terrific riding shoes: dirt cheap, very grippy with pinned pedals, tough, waterproof and offering comfy pedaling for hours. The lined winter versions with wool socks are great for cool morning jaunts. Fashion holocaust, I know... I just don't care.
I have friends who swear by Shimano's cycling sandals for very long distance rides, if you can find a pair.
You don't really "need" special shoes for riding flat pedals but certain types work better in my experience. I have had success with lots of different shoes with the exception of thin-soled / very flexible shoes like Vans or Converse. I've found that very flexy shoes typically get uncomfortable after about 90 minutes.
I recommend:
Shimano MT44s which are a bit pricey but are very comfortable (for me), great for walking around and allow you to go SPD if you ever so desire.
Trail running shoes. I have an old pair of Patagonia shoes that work very well: grippy soles, just stiff enough and great padding against the pedal. I've found I prefer a slightly less roomy fit for riding than I like for running. One caveat: some running shoes have very wide soles at the heel that can interfere with chainstays, that gets annoying.
Skateboarding shoes. Cheap and there are tons of options with reinforced toes and adequate padding. I have some Etnies I use sometimes, they work great.
Crocs. Offbeat and extremely unfashionable selection but I tried them after Grant Peterson from Rivendell swore by them. Seriously, Crocs make terrific riding shoes: dirt cheap, very grippy with pinned pedals, tough, waterproof and offering comfy pedaling for hours. The lined winter versions with wool socks are great for cool morning jaunts. Fashion holocaust, I know... I just don't care.
I have friends who swear by Shimano's cycling sandals for very long distance rides, if you can find a pair.
Last edited by Hiro11; 08-01-16 at 12:15 PM.
08-01-16, 04:25 PM
#42
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08-01-16, 04:50 PM
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Vans work great on pinned platforms and it's not hard to find them for $40 or less.
If you do decide to ride clipped in, the Sidi Genius you mentioned are a great choice, but consider the Sidi Dominator instead. They are the same shoe but with a mountain bike sole so you can actually walk in them!
If you do decide to ride clipped in, the Sidi Genius you mentioned are a great choice, but consider the Sidi Dominator instead. They are the same shoe but with a mountain bike sole so you can actually walk in them!
08-01-16, 05:18 PM
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Spartacus71....
Sad to see you being called out as a troll for asking a simple, sane question and eloquently discarding answers that keep focusing on promoting the cult of clipless.
Sad to see you being called out as a troll for asking a simple, sane question and eloquently discarding answers that keep focusing on promoting the cult of clipless.
Last edited by ltxi; 08-01-16 at 05:25 PM.
08-01-16, 07:44 PM
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I've tried clipless and found them uncomfortable. Also a pain for stop and go city traffic. I now have MKS touring pedals and wear New Balance trainer style sneakers. I like them because they are lite weight, breath well and don't have the wide tread like some running shoes.
08-01-16, 07:58 PM
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If I'm riding my townie bike or using my MTB with platforms, I use DC skateboarding shoes. Probably not as sticky of a sole as the five ten shoes but they are cheap (usually $30 on sale). Just make sure to get something a little stiff so you don't beat up your feet.
These are the ones I use all the time: DC Stag 2 Black/Gum - 6pm.com
These are the ones I use all the time: DC Stag 2 Black/Gum - 6pm.com
08-01-16, 08:08 PM
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08-01-16, 11:57 PM
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These are the two pairs of shoes that I am currently riding. They don't have to look like cycling shoes, and yes, if I ride downtown to get some ice cream with friends, I clip in. Why not? A casual pair of shorts and these shoes and I blend right in. And I still get all of the benefits that I have found of riding clipless. I tried pinned flats and regular shoes. They worked alright but I found myself wanting more from my cycling experience. Clipless offers that to ME which apparently I have to add as a disclaimer because some people just get their panties all in a bunch over someone possibly recommending clipless.
08-02-16, 01:41 AM
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Shimano A530 Clipless Road Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles
I use this one. Clipless for fitness and plattform for ice cream :-)
I use this one. Clipless for fitness and plattform for ice cream :-)