lostforawhile

I'm Going to try some ocean pacific skateboard shoes, they have hard tread witha very small waffle pattern, which is nearly flat, I have feet like bozo anyway, when I get some straps for my clips I will let you know. These are also flat shoes, no heel, and I like the funky big lace look, I ride a 41 year old bright yellow Schwinn that looks like a rolling banana, they work

Giacomo 1 

When I went shopping on e-bay for some classic, vintage riding shoes, I could never find any shoes that were larger than size 40 (Euro). I finally went for modern Adida driving shoes, which work well, although some ventilation holes would be nice.

Are European feet all that small?

mikemowbz

I have always assumed that pairs of vintage cycle shoes made in 'regular people' sizes were for the most part purchased, worn, and either kept or worn out. Hence the robust availability (and comparatively low prices) of nice vintage shoes appropriate for children or the congenitally small.

Pars 

Saw this site linked to on another forum. Not exactly for toe clip use, but pretty cool nonetheless.

https://www.retrofitz.com/

Also, noted one of their favorite shoes to convert was an Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, which looks like it might work pretty well for toe clips/straps. The name sounds familiar as well, might have been brought up in one of these threads before.

https://www.zappos.com/onitsuka-tiger-by-asics-mexico-66~1

Hoss Cartright

Found at a garage sale in July 2012 (FOR ONLY $2.00) this almost new pair of LACOSTE men's Protect LT shoes in exactly my size. Turns out they are actually styled after men's bicycling shoes before the clipless era and they have Velcro closures! They are perfect! I've put hundreds of miles on them and the soles are stiff as well.

I attach a link to the shoes and where to buy them. (Or you can Google "lacoste protect shoes")

https://www.shoes.com/en-US/Product/E...rotect+LT.aspx

Before finding the Lacostes, I was using JOMA Indoor Soccer shoes, model LOZANO-101. They were a little too tight in the toes but otherwise perfect for toeclips. Unfortunately, I was fighting a problem with blistering of my right foot big toe. I had the shoe stretched at a shoe shop but still after 30 or 40 miles the intense pain in the toe would return.

mikemowbz

^ Sweet Lacostes. Look like they would certainly do the trick.

And the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 is indeed a fine, and affordable, shoe with clips/straps (widely recommended here and elsewhere for this application). I find the fit to be exemplary, not necessarily the case with 'dedicated' cycle shoes (those Arturo's I mentioned earlier in this thread being a bit long for my wide but relatively stubby feet, for example).

shoota 

Has anyone said bowling shoes yet? They seem pretty similar to what we want at a fraction of the cost. Maybe put a thin insert in if you need some arch support or a little padding?

northbend 

I rode a Century last Sunday in 5.10 Guide Tennies. They worked pretty well with the Berthet pedals. The sticky rubber sole is fairly thin and had enough support for a day in the saddle.

rootboy 

Well, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.

Digging those toe clips. I think I'm going to have to spring for a set of those.

rootboy 

I rode with some bowling shoes I had, back in the 70's. Worked OK. Fairly stiff, flat sole. Not much padding but that can be adjusted.

Noah Scape

There's a company in Taiwan making some nice looking classic shoes. I contacted them a couple of months ago with thoughts of selling them through the Ironweed website. They look pretty nice, but I've not gotten around to having them send me a sample. The company sent me these photos.

shoota 

Good to know it works. I kinda thought it would.

jrickards

Can you clarify something for me please?

I've been considering these (or something similar) and I am confused by the "V" on the pedal, below about the balls of the toes. What is this for? Does it not push the foot/shoe up?

RFC

I take that V cleat out of mine.

RFC

These Shimano are a good alternative and cheap.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400034__400034

I have two pairs -- one with SPD cleats and one without. The tread is not a problem and actually provides a little more grab when in toe clips. The are also much narrower than dedicated MTB shoes.

jrickards

Didn't realize that it was removeable, thanks!

ThermionicScott 

Yep, they're removeable -- I think they're meant to grab part of some shoes. I've been leaving them on my pedals, possibly to my detriment.

RFC

Yes, these came stock on my then new 1989 Trek 660. The Shimano shoes I then used had both a cleat slot and a separate slot for the V.

old's'cool

The pair in the centre appears to have a nice looking casual style. I could do that if the price point is competitive with the alternatives. Keep us posted!

old's'cool

Not bad. If my current MTB shoes ever wear out, I'll look for those or something similar. I wear MTB shoes for cold weather or when I'm riding to a destination where I expect to do significant amount of walking.

roadtopines

Dude! "There's a company..." doesn't give us any helpful information. I mean, that's nice for you that you found out about where to get some classic shoes. How about throwing us a bone here and passing on the company name? (The Ironweed site has no shoes listed for sale.)

1987

Could: "There's a company in Taiwan" = Hasus ?
https://www.hasus.com.tw/product_Vintage_01_en.html

Noah Scape

1987 is correct.... https://www.hasus.com.tw/

rootboy 

Those are very nice looking.

look171

now you can wear your yellow carbon cycling shoe along with your old fashion Campy pedals. Have a look https://www.yellowjersey.org/tocleat.html