jas193b

I just got a pair of the new balance minimus running shoes, they are supposed to mimick being barefoot. I was wondering is it ok to ride in these shoes?

JonathanGennick 

Sure. The bike will not esplode. It's really up to you. If you're comfortable, then you can ride in them.

Personally, I think the whole, mimicking barefoot thing is a gimmick, but if it sells shoes...

DEK

Don't see why not but aren't they very flexible? Would seem to me that's the opposite of what you want as riding shoes are very stiff.

ahsposo 

What, on a beach cruiser or Pinarello Dogma?

jas193b

I ride a cannondale quick 4 with 700 X 32 tires and I usually go on 30 miles rides. I agree that the things people think these shoes do may be a gimick, but they are really light weight and that is why I like them. I just didnt want to go out for a long ride and regret it.

triumph.1

why do you need to ask if you can wear a certain pair of shoes to ride a bike? try it and if it works continue, if it doesn't you'll know why.

goagain

I'm thinking the OP means is it either 1) efficient, or 2) safe to do so. I'm an older newbie and wear my LLBean explorer sandals (so toes are covered, no strings, and they stay firmly on my feet) because I don't want to stub my toe, or my shoe come off, or anything if my foot slips off the pedal. I have a friend who somehow got one her toes cut off in the chain so I'm alert to such issues. Her bike didn't explode, though. LOL

Edit: Or maybe 3) comfortable. I'm certainly no expert but I'd think something with a firmer sole between your foot and the pedal might be more comfortable, esp. for a 30 mi ride?

triggerracing

Jonathan, I'm with you, but don't post something like that on a runner's forum, you'll get run out of town on a rail. lol

chad_c_mulligan

They go against everything a cycling shoe is meant to be (stiff sole) but your bike will probably not catch fire.

jas193b

thanks for all the replys...I guess I wont be wearing them to ride, I was more concerned about if I would hurt my feet then anything else, but it just sounds like these shoes are the complete opposite of what a bike shoe is supposed to be.

MilitantPotato

I prefer a flexible but dense shoe for riding (density cuts down on pressure points for me, flexibility keeps my feet happy.) Stiff shoes are a gimmick. Ride what feels good, you won't lose any performance from your shoe choice.

JonathanGennick 

Don't get too hung up on what things are "supposed" to be. I bought two pair of Five-ten brand shows a couple years back. The Impacts (model name) are the ones that were always talked about at the time and heralded like the second-coming. They are stiff and clunky and look like arse, and I rarely wear them. The other model I bought is more flexible and normal looking, and they are the ones that I like. I'm not saying I want super-flexy shoes, but stiff-as-a-board isn't really my thing either.

And then a lot depends upon what sort of riding you do. Are you doing 100-mile road rides? Or are you doing ten-mile loops around town for the fun and exercise? IMHO, lot comfort be your guide. If your feet hurt, then change something. If your feet feel comfortable, then you're good.

Top Gunner

I have those shoes, they are wonderful for running/walking, but terrible for cycling, I've tried. The sole is too thin and flexible.

fietsbob

Have Big platform pedals?, I just got a pair of Ergon pedals, they seem very nice. ,
will go ride on them tomorrow.

But the OP shoe choice in the heading, Not mine.

Ikarios

Whatever floats your boat, but do you really think stiff-soled shoes don't increase your power transfer? Performance will be lost compared to a cycling-specific stiff-soled shoe, but the real question is - how much is lost, and does he care about it?

fietsbob

Spongy sole running shoes will be using pedal energy compressing the foam,
on the power, downstroke..

Just a consideration..