Originally Posted by
Salamandrine
Just for sake of completeness, it's worth mentioning that once upon a time, touring cyclists used cleated cycling shoes with their toe clips and strap equipped pedals. Those that didn't use racing type shoes usually wore Bata bikers or Avocet touring shoes.
My point is that clips and straps were developed as part of a system that included cycling shoes. Nowadays, people think that toe clips and straps are so you can ride your bike with regular shoes, and that is true, but back before 'clipless' pedals, serious cyclists used cycling shoes for anything other the commuting and beer runs.
I guess the current Giro (rumble?) touring shoes would work with clips/straps even though they are spd compatible. Anyone using them with clips?
I used to use those Bata biker shoes + clips for 'round town biking & courier work. Bata shoes were very cheap & sole was grippy enough not to slip on metal pedals but smooth enough so that it didn't complicate pulling foot out of clip/strap.
@ Walter S--maybe something like Shimano XM7? It's not too heavy-looking, has Gore Tex etc. On the cold mornings one could add a 2nd pair of socks (wool etc) & remove as day warms up. Sometimes thick socks can complicate shoe fit though. BTW I'm surprised you were able to use (regular) hiking boots with toe clips. When I rode w/clips it was frustrating to use most street shoes let alone boots 'cause they wouldn't fit as far forward in the clip & thus foot-pedal position non-optimal.