Originally Posted by
chucky
I think boat shoes have very rigid soles. They're not the most rigid out there, but they're far more rigid than any other low ankle shoe made for outdoor use. Dress shoes are more rigid, but aren't as grippy, as breathable, or as light.
IMO boat shoes are a perfect compromise.
Cycling shoes are terrible with platform pedals and they make you look like a schlub. Clipless is ok for racing, but between the extra maintenance and the hassle in traffic they will only slow you down for the vast majority of practical cycling (I know the vast majority of cycling done isn't practical, but that's why I made this thread here in the commuter forum).
Boat shoes are the best all around shoes for cycling IMO. Dress shoes are the only other type that comes close, but they aren't as light or breathable or as grippy.
Also ski thermals are best for cycling. Running shorts and cycling shorts both suck.
Actually the cycling shoes I was speaking of looked just like running shoes... so not much of a schlub. For commuting I still prefer cycling shoes and clipless pedals. For commuting, try something like these...
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1085669_-1
Or these:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400009_400034
Not bad looking, work with various pedals, and work fine for just walking about. I don't have this specific shoe, but something similar, and I use SPD pedals, so the cleat is recessed into the shoe. The original Avocets I discussed also looked similar, but on the bottom had a series of ridges that ran the width of the foot, which worked great with the old cage and strap bike pedals... and were still quite "walkable."
Use them with pedals like this and you have the best of all worlds...
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400009_400009
On my road bikes I use Look pedals... but that is a totally different discussion.
These shoes and pedal combinations will perform far better than "boat shoes."