I got plantar fasciitis, the result of a lifetime of running, and then tried to commute on BMX-style pedals and soft-soled shoes; this only worsened the PF. The podiatrist I saw strongly suggested I lose the soft-soled shoes, and stick to shoes with lots of arch support and stiffer soles, especially for cycling. Since then, my cycling has gone very well, I've mostly recovered, and I can even run occasionally again (although, if you ride 80-100 very hilly miles a week, running seems kind of unnecessary....)

Yep. Once you're wet, you're wet. As long as your sandals don't have 'slippery when wet' footbeds, you're fine.

I actually read about these sandals here on BF. Would like to credit the person, but can't remember. I do remember he's in New York, and rides a steel MTB with Serfas Drifters.

Efficiency is about working smarter, not harder.

I don't do group rides and I don't race. I commute and I ride by myself. The only person I compete against is myself.

I don't wear cycling shoes because I think I'm Contador. I don't wear them to look cool or pro or to fit in.

I don't even have a computer on my bike anymore, because I realized that the numbers are more of a distraction than anything.

I wear cycling shoes because firm soles are more comfortable and confidence inspiring than squishy street shoes. Even with some sort of retention street shoes do not feel as steady in the wet.

You think because I wear cycling shoes, and advocate their use, that I don't experience the pure joy of cycling? If you think that wearing street clothes and Chucks while riding a bike makes you more in tune with cycling or more zen then you're just as much of a poser as some of those amateur weekend warriors.

I ride for fun and I ride for utility. I use what works best for me and lets me enjoy cycling to the fullest.

Like bragi I had more problems riding with street shoes than anything. I enjoy cycling much more, and do it much more comfortably, with the special shoes and clothing.

I'll throw in another vote for sandals. I use hiking sandals with my platform pedals. They're fairly stiff, and still let my feet air out.