TheDalaiLlama

Hey everyone, how's it going. I've always been linked to BikeForums but never joined, but I have now! So this is my very first post.
This might fall under general or WTB threads but,

I'm looking to replace my shoes since the back of the shoe (heel) ripped open a while back. They're a pair of Valenzuela High Blacks by The Hundreds. They're skating shoes but they were really comfy for cycling.
Now I ride with cages (Wellgos, plastic) so I'm not looking for any clipless shoes. I've already looked at Chrome and the Midway Bike Sneakers are basically what I'm looking for. However, they don't have my size in stock. I wear size 11.
Anyone know of any companies selling shoes specific to cycling, but are casual sneakers too - and adhere to the "fixed lyfe"?
I've already looked at DZR and Quoc, even Teva but I haven't seen anything I really like.
Also my price range is ~$40-60.

Edit: Some more info just for reference.
I skid a ton so I want something that won't wear down quickly.
I wouldn't mind buying clipless shoes (like Chrome's Kursk SPD) but as long as they don't interfere with me using normal pedals and aren't out of my price range.
Thanks guys!

AristoNYC

I'm curious as to what makes a shoe specific to cycling if its not a clipless style?

I always find riding in my Chucks to be quite comfortable as the gummy sole adds grip when pedaling.

Philasteve

I use Scott Spds, but on my bikes that I use straps I always just wear Vans or skateboarding shoes, Nikes Sbs, Emericas, Es, Fallen ect. They all seem to feel the same skidding.

Huffandstuff

When I rode cages, I really liked Supra wraps but it's all preference. Felt like I slipped out more when I had a thick tongue/shoe.

JohnDThompson 

This is what I use:



Except in winter, when I use these:

Bat56

^
bringin sexy back

Scrodzilla

The soles on Chrome's non-clipless shoes is typically a lot thicker/stiffer than a pair of Vans or Sambas, which is good for eliminating hot spots common with many track-style pedals.

Mr. Thompson

I would look into Five Tens. They grip the pedal better than Chromes.

Scrodzilla

When using clips and straps properly (key word), how much "grip" does one actually need?

Leukybear 

Check out sneakers with a gum rubber sole.
Adida's samba are a favorite, it takes ages for the sole to show any wear at all when put in comparison with other sneakers.

Enough to do a backflip on the saddle.

bmontgomery87

Plain chuck taylors work fine for me. Wal-Mart even sells the knockoff ones for like 12 dollars in a few colors.

solipsist716

Lol fixed lyfe

thermalattorney

Scrod is on point, Chrome's shoes have a noticeably stiffer sole than your average sneaker and it makes a difference. That said, the pair of Kursks I had a couple years ago fell apart inside of 6mo. I wasn't even wearing them every day.

TejanoTrackie 

Several years ago I picked up these Etonic Trans Am trainer shoes in an eBay auction for about $10, and they work great as cycling shoes with either platform or cage pedals with straps. The soles are quite stiff and I don't get hot spots with them.

Scrodzilla

They've improved greatly over the past couple of years and are much more durable now.

thermalattorney

That's good to hear!

AristoNYC

fair enough. Is it enough of an improvement to justify the cost over Chucks or Vans?

roka

I'm pretty frugal (OK, cheap) so I ride in a pair of Starter sneakers with velcro closure straps instead of laces. That way I don't have to tuck the laces away or worry about them getting caught in something. They cost me about $20 and last quite a while. When they wear out I get another pair.

JohnDThompson 

Depends how hard you ride, I suspect. I find jamming up a steep hill without slotted cleats to be quite limiting.

hairnet

Especially on SSFG, this is one senario where cleats shine.

Bat56

OMG he was being serious.

Rino

Wow John, I still have the same Vittoria winter shoes resting in a parts container, except mine are in rougher condition, and I have no idea what happened to the cleats.
I also still have that same shoe box, although it is full of old letters.

Your summer shoes look like my very first pair of cycling shoes from about 1982; I don't remember, I'm just going by a photo of me with my first "real" racing bike.

Sixty Fiver

Adidas Stan Smith tennis shoes (leather)... they have stiff sole with no lugs on the sole so they slide in easily.

They last forever.

Scrodzilla

My opinion is yes. Vans aren't what they used to be and every pair I buy starts to fall apart within a few weeks.

hmdns

My choice for cycling shoes, Sidi for weekends & DVS Keirin for weekdays.