hospadar

I'm looking for some good shoes to ride on platform pedals.

I've tried both clipped and clipless pedals, and I'm just not that into them.

I'm looking for something good to ride on plain old platform pedals (a nice pair of rat traps to be specific). I'd like something with the rigid sole of a regular bike shoe (I'm big, and regular athletic shoes tend to squash under my mighty bulk), I just don't need the attachment. I know there are some low-top hiking shoes that would probably fit the bill, but aside from looking dorky, they tend to be rather heavy if they're strong enough to not bend around my pedals.

So:
- Any shoes designed specifically to be used on platforms?
- Shoes designed for clipless pedals would probably be fine if they had the right kind of texture on the bottom (enough lumpyness to grip my pedals, not so much as to be awkward). I'd just leave the cleats off.

Any suggestions? Bonus if they come in wide sizes

I've found some older threads on the topic, but they mostly refer to shoes not currently available.

MKahrl

I find that a lot of shoes get a crease right where the back cage plate contacts the sole. Eventually you'll start feeling it cut into your foot. Leather dress shoes work pretty well with toe clip cages but are too slippery for plain rat traps.

A better idea is to get a bigger platform pedal that will distribute your weight more evenly avoiding hotspots. An MKS Gripking comes to mind. A of shoe with any sort of knobby bottom will grip the indentations of the Gripking well. If you like even more grip, add setscrews to the pedals. I started out with 4 on each side and then reduced to two as being enough.

ftwelder

Vans New Skool or any proper BMX shoe. If you need more grip try a fiveten.

Myosmith

If you are looking for something that will be used primarily for cycling, then look at some of the mountain bike shoes. Shimano, Bontrager, Specialized and several other companies make some MTB shoes that look very much like a regular athletic shoe with the exception of increased rigidity of the arch area of the midsole. The outer soles are just like regular athletic shoes with the exception of a removable cover where the cleats would go. With the cover left in place you get some of the advantages of a cycling shoe without clipping in. These MTB shoes are very walkable and work great with any flat pedal style. If you ever do decide to go clipless, you are all set, but there is no reason you have to. The entry level MTB shoes go for about the same price as a mediocre sports shoe $45 - $75. I do some riding in state parks where I like to get off the bike and walk trails and beaches. I also like a less conspicuous shoe when I'm riding in rural areas and stop at local restaurants and convenience stores. MTB shoes fit the bill.

If you are looking for comfortable all around shoes that can be used for riding flat pedals, then court or cross training shoes, skateboarding, or BMX shoes work fine. Just look for a modestly textured fairly grippy sole without big lugs and a firm enough midsole to give the rest of your foot some support when only the ball of the foot is supported by the pedal. I've looked at some "trail runner" shoes recently that are a cross between a running shoe and a light hiker for people who like to run off the beaten path. They have more grip, lateral support and rigidity than a traditional running shoe but are still quite light and would probably work well for recreational cycling. For casual riding you can get away with just about any shoe that stays on your foot well (lift your foot off the ground and give it a good shake in several directions), has at least some grip to the sole, and offers adequate protection if you need to put your foot down in a hurry.

Avoid deeply lugged soles as they can make it hard to reposition your foot easily on some pedals. The flip side is to avoid smooth soles that offer no grip when you need to put some power to the pedals or stand up as it is easy to have a foot slip off the pedal. The results range from embarrassing to downright painful.

Carloswithac

FiveTens. I rock them on my MTB with platforms. Very sticky sole and quite good looking.

rebel1916

Try frye boots, they work great and look better!

Six jours

There is a British company making stiff rubber-soled touring shoes in wider sizes. https://www.williamlennon.co.uk/footw...ycle-shoe.html

Exustar makes a similar pair; easier to get in the U.S. and with a stiffer sole. https://www.amazon.com/Exustar-Mens-S.../dp/B005EVTD8U

Keen makes an interesting shoe as well, which looks less like a dress shoe than do traditional leather models. https://www.amazon.com/Keen-Mens-Aust...m_cr_pr_sims_t

idc

Anything with decent tread! I have a pair of slip on Merrells I use sometimes that work well.



Chrome also make bike specific flat shoes.

RaceVW14

I use the Specialized Tahoe-sport shoe.
Stiff sole but still able to walk in them.

FrenchFit 

Two of my favorites have been discontinued...drat. I have high hopes for the Merrill Trail Glove, since I often ride to the gym I want a shoe I can treadmill on, (or trail run, scramble), double duty so to speak. They have very little cush, but far more structured and hard soled than Tigers. And, currently on sale at REI. I did an hour run in them, thumbs up. But, not on the bike yet. They are tight everywhere but the toe box, which is wide - much different feel than most athletic shoes.

tagaproject6

MTB shoes. You don't have to attach the cleats if you don't want them.

BoomMcNasty

+1 for Vans, their like pillows on your feet and built to last. They can be had for around $30 + tax so It's not like you're going to out much if you don't like them.

cpach

I love Merrel gloves as minimal running and general hangout shoes, but in my opinion they're particularly bad for cycling (though I havent done this much, as I run clipless). They're thin and flexible, and you can feel the edges of the pedals. They're probaly fine riding to the gym, bit I'd never expressly recommend them for cycling. They are however excellent shoes to carry while wearing bike shoes as they are light and compact.

For the OP I would recommend looking at the mountain bike market, like 5.10s.

bowser29

this is what i have for my mtb platform