Originally Posted by queerpunk
i have yet to invest in a clipless setup, but when i do, i'm going to get a stiff mtb shoe, not something sneaker-ish. those sneakers might have the advantage of being walkable and normal-looking, but maybe they're not so stiff and comfortable clipped in (100% speculation and conjecture). which sounds like a great idea for a second shoe for more casual use, but maybe not so great for your only allpurpose clipless shoe. i'd want my only clipless shoe to be mainly riding-oriented, not all-around oriented. maybe you feel the same, maybe not.
I more or less agree with this sentiment. For me though it has more to do with the top side of the shoe then the bottom. I've tried numerous sneaker styles shoes with the hope of finding something for shorter rides. While they have all been tolerably stiff for 5-15mile rides the fastening mechanism just isn't there. There is little advantage to being solidly attached to the pedal if your foot is practically slipping out of the shoe. And nothing I've used has a good enough heel cup and closure method to keep my foot secure. I would rather just wear my mid level diadoras and look a bit silly and have to be careful on wet tile then suffer through riding with sneakers.
At least one solid velcro(or ratchet) and a good heel are key.