kickstart

Looking for non clipless casual riding shoes that would work well with rubber block and quill pedals with clips. My Converse all stars work great for my commute and short rides but the soles are a bit too thin for comfort and support on longer rides. Modern road shoes are a no go for multi use and MTB shoes are overkill, Chrome Truk shoes look like a possibility but not sure. looking to keep it under $100.

holden west

This probably isn't what you're looking for and I don't even know if they're available but I think they are very interesting.

Pair Number 25 | ExIT Shoes

kickstart

I'm looking for something more "normal" for everyday use but with cycling in mind.

JamesRL

Exustar E-SM122 Cycling Shoes (Men's) - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

This is what I use, with cleats, but it is comfortable to walk in as well. It is an MTB shoe, but it makes for a decent walking shoe too.

The Golden Boy 

Have you tried some stiffer insoles in your Chucks?

I have a set of North Face Scend shoes that are my favorites for bicycling with platforms and toe clips.

Whit51 

I use Adidas Sambas (indoor soccer shoes). I would like them better if the soles were stiffer.

Fahrenheit531 

I got a pair of DVS/Cinelli "Luster" shoes a while back. Stiff enough to ride for extended periods, but I can still walk around in them when I get where I'm going. I'd buy 'em again.

rootboy 

You might look in to bowling shoes.

I'm serious.

The Golden Boy 

How about leather soled dress shoes?

My Allen Edmonds wingtips have a nice stiff sole- but they are my "dress" shoes, and judging from what I've seen about the wear and tear on my biking shoes- it seems not so good to go with $250 shoes getting pummeled.

eschlwc

i can do about 70 miles in my onitsuka tiger mexico 66s. probably far flimsier than chucks. but on that kind of ride, i'm on my vo touring pedal.

if i'm doing more than 70 miles, something's wrong. zombie apocalypse wrong.

rootboy 

That's a nice looking shoe. Those ExIT shoes sure look nice too. At $500+, not for the casual.

The Golden Boy 

I was really looking to find a shoe that looked kind of like the old 1980s Addidas shoe, or even that Cannondale shoe. I really like them, they're well ventilated and comfortable.


Now those ExIT shoes... Man... I love some quality leather on my feet. Those look so QUALITY. I have two pair of Allen Edmonds 6" boots- I really dig cap toe boots- something like the old WWII service shoe- but with a more modern insole and outsole and super supple leather. I've been thinking of getting a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers and then getting a more "aggressive" sole on them. My AE boots have the nicest leather I've had. I wish I could describle how soft they are. And I've had one pair since 1999 or so and the other pair for about 3 years. My old pair is on their 3rd or 4th resole, the 3 year ones are on their 2nd sole- just because I liked the other sole.

A custom made pair of boots with a "service shoe" style, made out of that super supple leather with a supportive and comfortable insole and a durable, yet shock absorbent and aggressive outsole... That would be the cat's pyjamas.... But $500... I've spent money on shoes and been very happy.

The Golden Boy 

kickstart

Some good suggestions here, the bowling and dress shoes may be good for riding but like cycling shoes don't really fit the other half of the equation.

sunnyone

How about tennis shoes - not canvas "tennies", but leather shoes made for actually playing tennis?

New Balance MC696 Blue/Grey - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways
K-Swiss Clean Classic? Navy/Cordovan/Goldenrod Nubuck Leather - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways
K-Swiss Lozan III? Black/Driftwood/White Leather - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways

gaucho777 

Some good recommendations on The Retrogrouch blog (from forum member @Bicycle1966): The Retrogrouch: Classic Cycling Shoes

Darth Lefty 

So far, commuting with toe clips, I've found that dress shoes are too long in the toe and the ball of my foot winds up behind the spindle. Also, the clip tends to scuff them up.

The Golden Boy 

What's the other half of the equation?

noglider 

Your local bike shop most likely has a pair of shoes that fit your need, and they'll fit you, too. Try some pairs on, and buy a pair there. This question is better answered in bricks and mortar than in cyberspace (except for this answer).

kickstart

the K-Swiss Classic looks like a contender.

Walking, shopping......basically anything off the bike.

I have a dozen plus bike shops in my route area, but none carry what I'm looking for, all being more upscale road and MTB than urban transportation orientated. Kinda frustrating as I much rather shop local than on line. Chrome has a flagship store in Seattle I plan on checking out this weekend.

The Thin Man 

Bingo. That's a great place to start.


I absolutely love my Chrome gumwall Truk's in olive although I believe that color was only sold for one year. They are stiff enough and supportive to ride but comfortable and durable to kick around the city with no problems. I have put these shoes through the proverbial ringer with serious treks around cities and bike share pedals of all kinds and they still look great. In fact, I'm considering getting a pair of SPD enabled Truk's so I can use them with my commuters.

They don't sell the olive Truk's any longer but they do sell them in black and gumwall, which aren't so bad.


Chrome really does make some nice products. On a related side note, I find their merino socks exceptional as well. I've tried others by Giro and Nike and aren't as impressed as I am by Chrome's.

Sorry to sound like a Chrome representative but when a company makes a good product, I'm going to talk it up.

Velocivixen

Check out Quoc Pham cycling shoes. GORGEOUS! I want.

Quoc Pham | Cycling Shoes - PRODUCTS

Velocivixen

Or any DZR Urban shoes.

Shoes | DZR

seypat

Any type of basketball shoe with the exception of Chuck Taylors will have a stiff sole/arch support and ankle roll protection. Find a pair with your style in mind and have at it.

Pompiere

I have a pair of Bontrager Street shoes that I used with clips and straps before I switched to SPDs. I don't see them on Bontrager's site, but it looks like they were replaced by the Solstice: Bontrager: Solstice (Model #11664)