jross

what kinda of shoes do ya'll suggest? we've just got added straps, but maybe clip-ins(?) later. And I ain't paying 80 bucks for just cycling shoes at this time. So what have you felt is the best shoe?

CliftonGK1

If you've got clips and straps, take a look at the wide variety of SPD touring shoes out there. Just leave the cleat plugs in, and they're essentially a stiff-soled, walking tread shoe. You don't want a true MTB shoe which would have a lugged sole and be difficult to manouvre in/out of the straps.
Then, if you decide to go with a cleated pedal system in the future, you've already got a pair of SPD-ready shoes.

ZmanKC

Adidas Samba indoor soccer shoes. Light weight and cost $50.

sci_femme

80 bux or no 80 bux ain't no point no more when your transverse arches collapse on the pedals (this is the arch formed by the balls of your feet). Repetitive collapse leads to foot numbness which progresses into the feeling of thin narrow blades stuck between your toes. Hence many a casual rider pedaling with the middle of the feet.
Cycling shoes have very rigid soles for efficient power transfer and to prevent arch collapse. Some even have molded footbeds. If you would rather not invest in special shoes as of this moment and you rides are not particularly long or strenuous, pick a shoe with the stiffest sole possible and smooth silhouette, like skating shoe. Think Doc Martens stiff, only light and smooth.

SF

flip18436572

I would suggest going to SPD shoes and cleats. It really makes a difference for someone who wants to walk in the shoes they are riding. I wear differnt shoes and cleats on my road bike and different shoes and cleats on the mountain bike. Just my opinion, because I found the parts and shoes on craigslist for under $50 total.

old and new

Given your price range .. nothing ... no shoes with have a stiff enough sole to make them better than a fifty dollar pair of sneakers or old wing tips (stiffer).

NOW .. if you could possibly reconcile $70 plus frt. .. I reccomend Lake brand

old and new

Just saw close-outs for alot less .. They've a good help-desk should you call.

ajwray

I've got to agree with most of the posts. Unless you find something lightly used on ebay/craigslist your price point is unreasonable. That being said I'm partial to the Specialized carbons.

jross

thanks to all. I looked at skate shoes at wally mart the other day. but the soles weren't very stiff. The indoor soccer shoe sounds about what I was thinking about. And yes, I (and my wife) are very cheap..er..I mean frugal!

Neil_B

You can get decent cycling shoes for 35 and 40 dollars at places like Price Point, Bike Nashbar, Performance, etc. I don't understand why people are writing you can't.

ajwray

Just went on Nashbar...can't find one shoe under 89.99 that is wide enough or larger than a size 7 mens and you have to click on every single shoe just to find if your size is available. If you have a foot size under 7 you are truly in luck on Nashbar. I am sure that you can find values on these sites but it's hit and miss.

late

I forget what the name is, the road version of the Sidi Dominator. I put a pair on layaway and threw a few bucks at the shop each week until we were even. Did the same thing for my first pair of Dominators.

markdavid570

I have a pair of Nike road cycling shoes that I bought from my LBS. I think they were 50% off when I bought them, so I only paid about $25 or $30 for them. They're pretty stiff, but not much to walk in...which is fine, because I don't use my bike for regular transportation. Anyway, you definitely shouldn't have to pay $80 for a decent pair of riding shoes. Check your LBS and ask if they have any specials going on...you should be able to find something!

Wanderer

Keep an eye on Performance and Nashbar sales. Eventually, you will find Shimano 324 pedals for less than $50, and Shimano MTB (SPD) shoes for the same price (actually around 40).

You can make the whole switch for less than $100..... just be patient.