Performance bike has these for $44 in all the sizes. Not only are they deeply discounted, but also designed for pedaling, less money than most other shoes, styled like casual shoes, and perhaps even appropriate for certain jobs. Personally, I change into dress shoes at work, but I bought two pair of these to wear on the bike and around town. I haven't gotten mine in yet.

https://www.performancebike.com/spec...1293?v=1482782

So I got the shoes. Correction - $40. Runs short/tight. Beige canvas will get dirty, but probably washable. You could put different laces in to style these. I like the lack of any obvious logo as well.

+1

Specialized have them in Birch for the same price and also in selected sizes Forest Green for $49.99.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/2f...d+Only+EQ+High

Thanks. I ordered a forest green pair.

Specialized had a couple of other similarly priced pairs of mountain bike shoes that would probably also work, but I didn't like the styling as much.

Good deal.

In what sense are these specifically flat pedal shoes and not merely shoes?

I found a pair of budget flat pedal shoes from a no-name brand. Honestly, I didn't expect much. But the grip on the pedals surprised me. It was better than my old Vans.

I detect a hint of goofing around here, and you are right. They would be fine shoes for somebody that doesn't even own a bike.

I suppose if you really wanted to know, you could start with Specialized's marketing wank.

The more interested point is that in my state (NJ), this is a real question that professional people get paid to figure out. We have no sales tax on clothing, but sports equipment is taxed. I paid an extra dollar or two for the shoes because somebody, somewhere, deemed that these were specialized for bicycling.

I've found that my go-to every day shoe, the venerable Adidas Samba indoor soccer shoe, works extremely well as a flat pedal cycling shoe. However, they're not exactly the cheapest out there. Last time I bought a pair a few years ago, it was 60 bucks, probably more now. I'm about to find out since mine are finally falling apart.
$44 bucks is a great deal for any shoe that works well on a (flat) bicycle pedal.

I forget what comedian had this in their bit but this reminds of it:
"Escalator temporarily stairs, sorry for the convenience."

Update on the shoes after wearing them every day for a few months:

They work well for biking, but so do lots of other shoes. Also comfortable off the bike.
You can dress them up or down pretty well.
I have two pairs. One pair is beat up and I wear them to work and change into nicer shoes there. The other pair looks more presentable and I wear them to places where I won't change my shoes.

Many sizes still available at the same link - now down to $29.99.

Funny how the men's is on sale for $40, and the women's is on sale for $50 to $100. EDIT: Never mind, it's the white ones that are on sale. Still not my favorite shoe color.

For a whole $10 more, $39, you can have these.

Oddly, my size, 40, is $49.99. That's too rich for my these days, especially when you factor in shipping. I'll keep using the shoes I have (Teva High Siders).

Okay, no one is forcing you to buy shoes. I can pretty much guarantee the Tevas cost more than $50 though. If you got them cheaper than that, good job.

I got them back when I could afford them. It's all good, I hope you can get out and

I understand that completely. I'm pretty much in the same boat. The good thing is, they do last a long time as long as you take care of them. I haven't ridden for a while, the bike is on a trainer in the garage for now. I have been out walking in the snow and cold though. Hope you can get out.

Thanks, but it's rain for the rest of the week.

ScottCommutes How wide are the soles? I'm looking for something in the range of 3-1/2 inches to work with my SR pedals.

For those scoffing at the idea that the shoes In question are cycling-specific in any meaningful sense: every pair of non-cleated cycling shoes I've bought has had some kind of reinforcement in the soles that made them comfortable for long-distance riding. Very much like cleated cycling shoes, though in some cases with a somewhat more flexible sole.

Most non-cycling-specific flat-soled shoes I've used were OK for cycling maybe 10 miles or so but became increasingly uncomfortable over longer distances.

At least that was the case with traditional toe-clip-style pedals. Shoes with reinforced soles are probably less crucial if you ride with modern flat pedals.

Mine (EU46) are 4.25" across where my shoe contacts the center of the pedal.

Flat pedal shoes will often have a slightly stiffer midsole than, say, a running shoe. They may also have reflective patches (piping, laces, etc...) for conspicuity vs non flat pedal shoes.

That said, I wore Converse for years. They were custom - yellow and had reflective laces. They were fine for riding around town.

In the end, it all really comes down to miles/day. The more miles per day you run, the more you'll appreciate running shoes. The more miles per day you walk, the more you'll appreciate walking shoes. The more miles per day you bike, the more you'll appreciate biking specific shoes. Of course, if you are willing to change shoes, the equation changes.

Yes, but shoe comfort is also dependent upon the pedals. I use DMR V12 pedals, and can use any shoe I like. The platofrm is big enough support from the shoe is irrelevant. On multi-week tours I have used Crocs with them with no issues.

For smaller pedals, a shoe like this can definitely be of use.