Neil_B

Sette Rival II shoes on and off the bike:

https://www.setteusa.com/show.php/Clo...es|rival_shoes

Along with a pair of Crocs for campsite and shower/poolside.

That said, I've used hiking boots before with success, and I may do so again.

staehpj1

Volume is an issue if you pack them in a pannier, but that isn't necessary for shoes that do not soak up water. Shoes like Orcas, Mions, and Crocs are not compromised by getting wet so why worry about volume? It is easy enough to hang them on the outside with a 'biner or with the loose ends of the straps that hold the tent and sleeping pad on the top of the rack. They are instantly accessible there and if they are muddy the mud doesn't wind up in your panniers.

I am guessing that it is the appearance of them on the outside that folks object to maybe? Not criticizing just curious of what the reason is.

FWIW: For me volume never seems to be a major factor in my touring gear. I use smallish panniers (rear about 2400 cubic inches for the pair, and front 1056 cubic inches per pair) and they are never completely full, even on a 10+ week tour. I guess that is due in part to the fact that I don't mind strapping items like tent and sleeping pad on the rack.

Losligato

+1 I especially like the fold down heel that allows you to step out of a tent and get them on with no hands. They last a long time, are made to be in and out of water so they are treated to resist stink, they are great for running and hiking when off the bike and they have lace locks rather than laces.

I discovered them from two guys I work out with who are Navy Seals. They seem to be the generally accepted all-around shoe for those demanding characters.... and they are characters!

Amanda actually won two running races (while on tour) while wearing them, including the one below where she won $225 in Langkawi, Malaysia. So, they pay for themselves.

nun

I tour with a saddle bag and handlebar bag so volume is always an issue for me

staehpj1

Oh yeah. I actually knew that but forgot.

BigBlueToe

Many (most?) experts seem to think clipless pedals are the only way to go, causing one to decide on whether to go with Look-type pedals which involve shoes unsuitable for walking, which necessitates a second pair of shoes; or SPD type pedals, which can involve more-comfortable shoes, but still probably necessitate a second pair.

Maybe so, but I've made a different choice and it works for me. I tour with platform pedals and running shoes. I'm happy with how it works for riding, but I'm especially happy with having comfortable running shoes to wear off the bike, and I'm also pleased with the fact that I only have to bring one pair of shoes on tour, saving a worthwhile amount of weight. My running shoes are very light, and since I wear size 14s, my second pair of shoes might be heavier than yours.

Before each tour I buy a brand new pair of runners. I love how a new pair of quality running shoes feels on my feet - comfortable, cushiony, and light. I don't skimp; I buy expensive ones. It makes me happy! If I ever have enough energy for a walk or a hike after a day's ride, I'm going to have comfortable feet!

Of course, when you only bring one pair of shoes it behooves you to keep them dry if possible. There are no dry shoes to put on. I have waterproof shoe covers from MEC that work great, and I try not to step in puddles around camp.

That's one way to do it and it works for me. I'm not saying people who advocate clipless pedals and that whole system are wrong, I'm just saying that my way might be a good choice for some.

Neil_B

Aren't you bothered by the lack of a stiff sole while pedaling? I toured once in cross-trainers and had a troublesome time.

vik 

I've been touring Salomon Tech Amphibians this summer and they had a very flexible sole. I wondered if I'd miss the stiffer sole of my SPD sandals, but thought it was worth a shot. I didn't have any issues at all and they were very comfy on and off the bike.

I use BMX platform pedals which are quite large and very grippy.

Obviously everyone is different so you'd have to try it for yourself, but it's really nice being able to jump off the bike and walk around normally. I don't miss SPD shoes at all.

paul2

I tour with running shoes and toe clips. They're fine for cycling, and also for getting off the bike and doing a little hiking. However, at the end of the day it's nice to get out of sweaty shoes, so I bring the Tevas.

BigBlueToe

Nope. My feet never bother me when pedaling. On my first long tour, 4 weeks in 1992, I bought some cycling shoes that were just stiff soled - not clipless. They were fine on the bike, but had no cushioning for walking around the campsite. After awhile my feet were sore. By the end of the tour I was walking around my campsites barefoot when I could, and avoiding walking anywhere that I didn't have to in those shoes. I vowed to bring shoes that were as comfortable and cushiony as possible in the future. My running shoe system has worked great for me ever since.

Booger1

The same on bike shoes I'm wearing.I like skateboarding shoes,sort of stiff sole,smooth toe for getting in/out of toe clips,can walk like a human off the bike.

seaworthy

I exaggerated (misremembered): the Skechers weigh 6 oz each, 12 oz total. Probably comparable to Crocs.

I chose Skechers (after much deliberation) over Crocs for 3 reasons: (1) they feel tighter and more secure on my feet than the Crocs did (so I felt they'd be better for serious walking/hiking), (2) they're less attention-getting than Crocs, and (3) they're a little less bulky than Crocs.

The Skechers were *perfect* for my 65-day cross-country trip, and now I wear them to work when I bike in. Highly recommended.

/mcr