Touring shoe advice needed

[Sagerat]

I recently purchased my first touring bike (Cannondale T800). My other bike is an older mtn bike I've had nearly 20 years and uses clips, so just about any shoe would work. What are your educated opinions on clips vs clipless? If I go clipless, what should I look for in a touring shoe? I've been looking at clipless mtn bike shoes. They have good tread and look like a guy should be able to wear them around off the bike when needed.

As long as we're on the subject of pedals, this bike comes with Wellgo dual function cages. I've been told most people upgrade since these pedals tend to wear quickly under heavy use. Any advice on what I should look for in a touring pedal, either clip or clipless?

[Chris L]

Clipless shoes, SPD pedals. That's the way I'd go. I once had those toe-straps, but after I changed I never even thought of going back. And yes, you can walk around in them normally after you get off the bike. Just be careful if you go for a 20km walk in the rainforest though, because leeches can and do get into them sometimes!

Just a tip, My LBS showed me all the tricks with using them.

[catfish]

shoes are a matter of opinion. I really like strong heavy duty shoes for touring,. the ones that look loke hiking boots or shoes. They duble as a walking shoe when off the bike. as everything on a tour must have several functions or it gets left behind. I have used cannondale and specialized (rock hopper) and liked both some people use light weight road shoes and like them. I just take the bike shoes and a pair of sandels and thats all i needed.

catfish

[a2psyklnut]

I would suggest a mountain biking shoe vs. a road shoe. As catfish stated, while touring you will have to do some walking. Mountain shoes have "lugs" that provide traction off the bike, road shoes are like "ice" off the bike. Shimano makes a 3/4 rise shoe that provides some ankle protection, yet doesn't interfere with movement. Cannondale makes a shoe that looks like a Cross-Training shoe. Many other manufactures make "recreational mountain shoes" that should accomodate your needs.
L8R G8R

[MichaelW]

For sport-touring, clipless pedals with MTB shoes are great.

For expedition touring, you may have to walk some distance.

Ive hiked in Shimano leisure shoes and boots with no problems. MTB racing shoes often have a hard plastic studded sole which is grippy on the trail, but on slick pavement can be a problem. Leisure shoes tend to use more rubbery soles.

You can still use toe clips with a trail shoe. You wont win races, but they work.

[chewa]

I use clips and Vittoria Touring shoes, with smallish heel. Comfy for all day, but ok to walk in.