RoaringMad Mac

I have been continplating on getting a pair of Mountain bike shoes. Do they really matter. or does any type of cycling shoe really matter. Now, take into consideration I am not on clip in pedals just yet. I thought I might wait for awhile before I go down that route.

Do some of these specialized shoes make any difference at all.

Tom Stormcrowe

Yes, they do! If you want a walkable shoe that you can use with Clipps and straps, but can use with clipless later, get the Specialized Tahoe. It's a comfortable touring/Mountain Bike show and it looks like a normal shoe.

RoaringMad Mac

Okay but, and forgive my ignorance in all of this. If I don't plan on getting straps #1 does it warrant getting a MTB shoe for any reason. Or should I just stick with my Cross Training shoes. and spend the money elsewhere on other things that may come up with my bike.

Tom Stormcrowe

Well, the Tahoes will run about the same price as a good set of Crosstrainers, and offer a much stiffer sole. In addition, if you decide to go to the cleatlocked "Clipless" style pedal for greater efficiency in power transfer,you'll be ahead of the game and they'll offer a wide range of compatibility to the cleat systems.

markhr

Absolutely, especially if, like the sidi srs shoes, you don't have to throw good shoes away just because the sole has worn down. They also provide a stable platform to push against, a good heel fit to pull back up with and the stiffer te sole the less trouble you'll have with hotspots, numbness, sore feet and power loss.

Time, every time!
https://www.timesport.fr/us/home.htm
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3421/



Sidi SRS only!
https://www.sidisport.com/
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/manufacturers/3490/

v1k1ng1001

shoes and clipless pedals are one of the best upgrades for your bike

I second the recommendation for Sidi shoes. They are a bit on the expensive side but very well constructed. My Sidi Dominators have lasted 12 yrs.

Specialized has some less expensive offerings that are nice too.

BikEthan

Ditto on the Sidis. I have a pair that I've been using for all my riding for about 3 years now they're holding up great.

jimbobborg

Not to hijack this thread, but, for those of us who have wide feet (10EEE), is there a shoe out there that will fit? I've had bike shoes before for clips, but they are really too narrow, even in a size 12. At this point in my life, I refuse to pay more than $10 for a pair of shoes that don't fit. Anyone?

Jim

Mr. Beanz

I'm reading something else in the original post. I'm taking it that he poster is asking if he should go with a mtb shoe eventhough he isn't riding clipless pedals. Maybe I'm a dufus, am I wrong?

If you aren't using clipless pedals, don't go with a mtn bike shoe if you are using to straps (toe clips). The sole is aggressive which means you will not be able to slide your foot out of the straps in an emergency.

If you use plain platform pedals, then yes a mtb shoe will make a difference. It is stiff at the sole and makes for a better cycling. A tennis shoe will flex all over the pedal. MTB shoes are a bit stuffer and less flexible.

If you use clipess pedals ( clip in cleat type) then yes it is a good idea to go with a mtn shoe. Or a road shoe system depending on which you prefer.

I ride road bikes but use a mountain shoe as I find it more comfortable. When you get ready to go clipless, chose what works for you. Some roadies insist road shoes work better. I find mountain shoes work for me. I like the better traction, especially when riding a tandem supporting the weight of two riders on my feet. Just had a friend do the splits on Saturday when he unclipped in a near emergency situation. He did get his foot down but the slick sole sent him sailing.

Tom Stormcrowe

As I was able to parse, he wants to ride platforms and no straps. That was my reason for suggesting the Tahoe




That way, if he DOES convert to locking cleat pedals, he's ahead of the game He could look at Schimano's campus pedals, for example

Nashbar version here

Blindrage

+1 on the Tahoe shoes. I got them and a set of commuter pedals with SPD clip on one side and flats on the other. I use the clip for almost all my rides, but when I want to run to the end of the block for a coffee I keep my work shoes on.

I am using the Shimano 324 pedals.

markhr

Try before you buy (always ) sidi mega.

They're extra wide and even fit my aboriginal feet (the shoes are available up to an ~EU52 EE-EEE) - by aboriginal feet, think of short, widely spaced, inflexible toes on a wedge shaped foot.

ericthered

I was using regular "sneakers" before going clipless with the taho shoes mentioned above. One problem the sneakers had was that they were being cut into by the pedal. i was using very loose toe straps at the time and the shoes would rest in the same place causing the same place to get worn. I would figure from my experience unless you had a fairly smooth pedal, you will rip up a soft sneaker sole. That is one of the reason why I went clipless.
Eric

RoaringMad Mac

Thanks for the response guys I think I will eventually go clipless. I just have to now save up a little bit of money for that endevor. LOL.

Mr. Beanz

I see sales every once in awhile on some of the sites like Nashbar. Wellgo SPD's for $29. Yeah everybody will say they are cheap but I bought a pair about 8 years ago, slapped them on my tandem. They are still there and going strong. I keep thinking I will have to replace them soon. They have outlasted several others I've had, more expensive models.

You can find really inexpensive shoes on Performance or equal. Any clipless system is an upgrade in my opinion.

jaxgtr

I was using regular shoes for about 3 months and I noticed an immediate improvement when I moved to clipless, but I think a lot had to do with the firm sole on the shoe and the lack of flex on the foot.

Neil_B

I did a tour with Neil F. while wearing crosstrainers. Never again. The flexible sole ate a lot of my pedal stroke.

cohophysh

Also look at pricepoint...sette shoes fit a wide foot and you can use them with or without clipless. I found them comfy

Neil_B

Thanks for the tip. At the risk of becoming the Imelda Marcos of cycling, I'm probably going to order a pair of the Sette Rivals. I like my MTB shoes, both pairs, but they aren't ideal for walking, and I tend to do a fair amount of walking on tour.

Neil_B

I've discovered the truth of this statement. Whenever I've had to cycle for long distances wearing ordinary athletic shoes, I've felt it in my legs and knees. The stiffness of MTB shoes gives me more power in my pedal stroke and lessens the strain on my legs.

coasting 

I totally agree clipless is a huge benefit. I rode with straps and toe clip for about a year when i started cycling and it felt fine so I was dubious about going clipless last summer. I took the plunge and it was the single purchase that made the biggest improvement so far, even more than buying my first cycling shorts. It allowed me to pedal in a circle.

jimbobborg

Thanks for the info, folks. I have avoided riding with bike shoes for about 20 years due to the bad experiences I had with fit and all.

Jim

RoaringMad Mac

Well, I am certainly glad I have gotten this info because I will try my best to go clipless now.

Neil_B

Only if you feel comfortable doing so. Unfortunately hanging around on Bike Forums draws you bike consumerism at full throttle. Don't get sucked into the feeling you NEED to ride clipless, or that you need to ride clipless right away.

goldfishin

i never could get any shoes to fit my heel properly except the cheapest specialized for some reason... i never did buy them.