I'm another Bontrager SSR user. I love how easy they are to walk in.

I've tried SPDs for commuting, really a lot, and ended up back on platforms (with studs, like off road ones). I find platforms a lot more convenient for commuting. I can put any walking shoes, or sneakers and ride the bike, not being limited.

SPDs are a great thing, but not for utility cycling, not for me at least.

BTW, that was even while my commute was over 10 km one way, a bit more back since I usually did some errands. Every day. Still preferred platforms.

My only quibble with the Bontrager SSR's is having to tie the shoelaces every time I put them on. Kind of a pain, but they are far easier/comfortable for walking than my regular SPD MTB shoes that I use in winter.

Gyro Grind:

http://www.giro.com/media/catalog/pr...quiggle_34.jpg

Resurrecting an old thread to ask about decent sneakers for commuting. My commute is urban, fairly short, and I'm using 1980's pedals with toe clips (no straps attached) only.

Reading this thread, I'd like to find something that would actually look out of place in a nursing home (no offense to those living in one), unlike most of the pics posted thus far. I found these that were being made a few years ago, but I guess they are gone now. Anything similar out there?

I have that one. They are comfy, even when off the bike. Doesn't look too much like bike shoes IMHO. Very well vented.

Pearl Izumi Men's X-Road Fuel IV Cycling Shoe

You might try DZR shoes. I have used the Mechanic for the last year or so and have found them to be comfortable and stylish. They are a bit wide on me (I am a woman with narrower feet) and I felt like I needed a stiffer sole after about 30 miles, but they are great for commuting and getting around town.

Thanks for the feedback. Their styles aren't bad, but still a little pricey and I'm not crazy about them.

This is the company that did that original collaboration with Cinelli. I like the look better, and they are more affordable, but they are "skate" shoes, not bike shoes, and they don't have a brick and mortar location in NYC.

www.dvsshoes.com

(BTW, i'm also riding a pink, er "pearl coral", bike around the city)

What about the Bontrager SSR's I posted on the last page? They have sort of a "hiking shoe" appearance to them.

I've been using Giro Rumble VR's for the last two years. I have two pairs that I switch between depending on the weather, with my older set used for foul weather days. I would also say to take a look at DZR shoes. I picked up a pair of Pigeon slip-on SPD shoes last fall at 50% off during a black friday sale and I'm pretty happy with them as well.

I wear each one all day when I commute. Some days that can be riding to work at 6:30am, then riding to classes in the middle of the day, and then back to work until 9:30pm.

I'm on an SPD kick right now. Some old model from the co-op on my commuter bike, and T400's on my MTB. Nashbar Giro shoes doing well enough.

Everyone has their own style, so don't want to insult in any way, but I'm not really looking for a hiking shoe look. Interested in more of a stylish sneaker. The Giro Rumble VR isn't bad, Texico, but still not quite there.

I like some of the DZR styles, but I like the DVS looks more. Just wish I could try them on before ordering online.

--Edited because I realized the thread dredge, the month and day threw me off since it's been exactly one year since this started--

everyone has their own preference on style, type, etc. for shoes, but for me... this past season my trusty old SIDI's finally bit the dirt when the tension ratchet mechanism gave out on one of them. And like the OP... used them for years and were no longer made or parts avail. So after searching and testing several brands/styles... I went with the Giro VR70. While not a recessed style like some have posted, the tread is tall enough that the pedal cleat doesn't touch the ground.

Does anyone have SPD shoes that are warm in winter? For the time being, I absolutely need SPD shoes for riding, and I'm apprehensive about winter.

There are Winter Boots with SPD soles.. like 45NRTH | Unparalleled Cold Weather Performance

NB: the heat sink transfer can be a side effect making your feet colder because the cold metal is right under your foot.

not used them, I haven't screwed on my SPuD pedals on in a long time. (not even sure I can find those shoes, since I moved)

I've tried various things to insulate my foot from the SPD cleat and plate, but nothing seems to help.

Thanks for that. There are no 45nrth retailers in NYC or convenient to me, and I only buy shoes in person. But it might be good to know for the future. Thanks again.

Sidi has a boot too , may not be stocked on spec , though.. ask @ your favorite LBS..

I found some Pearl Izumi shoe covers that fit my Specialized (mountain bike style) shoes. I'll see if I can get some images.
I've also got an old (15+ years) pair of Shimano mountain bike SPD shoes which are falling apart but are still comfortable and functional.
Steve

I have not tried 45NRTH boots, but they seem to represent a US-made standard for winter fat-biking/commuting, but I can't help notice that these boots include an aerogel foot-bed, which gets my attention. 45NRTH also sells this footbed separately, at a high price point.

I have been using an Aerotherm aerogel foot-bed for a couple years in my Fall/Early-winter commuting shoes (actually MTB shoes), and it does an excellent job isolating the cold SPD clip/mount from my feet.

New aerogel insulated insole | AeroTherm

The last two winters I have used Lake winter biking boots with SPD clips and they have kept my feet warm below 0F. The footbed is not made up with aerogel insulation, but is some form of honeycomb construction that seems satisfactory.

Seems like the SPD pedal and cleat is acting like a big old heatsink and air leak - and I can think of solutions for that. I wonder if T400 pedals like the ones I use would provide a sort of fairing for it. I'm not in a position to try it, the weather doesn't get cold enough here.

I have these and they are very good for anything other than winter riding. Unfortunately, shoe makers seem to change their styles as often as I change bike shorts and I've always failed to replace like-with-like when bike shoes wear out.

Re the OP, do as you like but would it not be easier just to leave a nice pair of shoes at work and change? It would save your bike shoes and let them and your feet dry if needed.

I wear the Shimano MW7/MW700 which keeps me very warm and also very dry. They're also walkable.

I bought a pair of MW7s late last fall for winter riding, but it rained sooooooo much here in NorCal, I didn't bike at all. My feet get very cold easily :-/ I bought a size larger than the summer shoes so there is room for multiple layers of socks. I also have a thermal sole insert to provide some isolation from the metal of the pedal.