I am looking for a stiffer-sole bike shoe. I've been wearing Keen bike sandals which are very comfortable, versatile, and walkable with 2-bolt SPD cleat. I've worn them on 80-mile touring rides with no foot pain but with prolonged rest breaks. The sandals have a forefoot sole plate to provide stiffness that seems to be cracking prematurely. I have about 5,000 miles on this pair.

I have plans to do a first-ever century ride soon and I have been advised a stiffer shoe will help me ride more efficiently. I would like to get settled into a lightweight stiff shoe with 2-bolt SPD cleats.

So far I have not found a shoe that accommodates my thick ankles. They impinge the tendon at the front of the ankle as well as rubbing the outside ankle where the fibula knob is. Even with the top strap unfastened, there is too much pressure. The Keen bike sandals have softer fabric and are cut just a little lower -- enough to provide clearance from my problem areas.

The touring shoes, commuter shoes, and some multi-sport shoes I tried were not any stiffer than my sandals and some were pretty heavy. Road shoes scare me to walk on with a tiny metal 2-bolt SPD clip. I really believe a MTB shoe is my best option.

I have some Specialized Taho's but they are heavy, the rubber sole isn't any stiffer than my sandals, they were not a good fit (too narrow/hotfoot), and the shoelaces/velcro closures were annoying.

I have been looking at men's shoes. The women's shoes are generally too narrow and too short. I am wearing size 9.5 mens/about 43 euro sizing.

I have the thick ankles/calves issue with tights and socks too. 11" ankles, 19" calves. (thanks to my mom for giving me this part of my dna.) History has shown that losing weight won't make a discernable difference.

Anyhow, if somebody else has found lower-cut lighter-weight MTB shoes with a stiff sole and breathable uppers, suggestions are welcome.