Need walkable MTB shoe recommendations.
 

Ok, so I have been rocking a pair of Specialized Tahoes (2010 models?) for the past year or so. They have been ok, but I've been totally spoiled by my Giro road shoes and would like something stiffer for the commutes. Because I ride to school and end up walking (a lot), I'd like to keep some walkability, but definitely not have them feel like a pair of Chuck Taylors. They are pretty darn flexy after a good year plus of daily use. I just don't have a place to keep extra shoes once on campus. Any recommendations?

I just got a pair of DZR Minnas that I tried for the first time today. SPD compatible. Recessed enough for no cleat-grind when walking, and seem like they will be all-day comfortable for workdays. Gonna get another pair. Stiffer than Chuck Taylors, but of course not as stiff as carbon-soled roadie shoes.

http://www.dzrshoes.com/products/men/

I've personally been eying up the Giro Junctions. They fit me great and are easy to walk in. I'm just trying to decide which color I want.

I'm new to these things, so I'm hesitant to chime in with anything. And all I can really offer is what not to buy. I've got a pair of Pear Izumi Enduro II shoes. I get lots of cleat grind in them. They are great in the dirt. And they are comfortable to walk in on just about any surface. But when you hit concrete or tile floors, they make lots of noise. Lots.

I've been using Pearl Izumi All Road shoes. They have a fairly minimal tread, but the tread has a thin soft layer. This makes them noticeably better for walking on hard, smooth floors than my Pearl Izumi Selects, which have more of a traditional MTB tread.

I wear Keen Austin SPD shoes. I ride in these because I don't need an extra pair of shoes for the office. You won't win any races, but they are very comfortable for the office. Easy to walk in, not super stiff. The cleat tends to scrape on concrete, but all other surfaces they are quiet.

I have entry level Shimano whatever since a couple of years ago, they work fine for me both riding and walking.

SiDi has a lot of sizes and widths.. and several price level models.

Pearl Izumi has a whole array of sneaker style shoes... I use them to commute to class and dont change, they look like running sneakers and are made by pearl izumi. I own the x-alp seek iv, but they have a whole series of ride/run ride/walk shoes that are awesome! If you have a wider foot try a shiman, which is the same parent company as pearl izumi. Shimano makes a few pares of sneaker style spd compatible shoes too and run wider. Also both the above options are far cheaper than Sidi and you could get a really nice pare for around or under $100

Specialized Body Geometry are walkable and comfortable.

I have Specialized Mountain Shoes and they work awesome. Flexible enough to walk into the office or through the store (with the occasional cleat grind, however) but they are stiff enough for fast/long rides. I thought about the shoes that were closer to sneakers, but that's just too much flex for long rides for me.

I have been eyeing the Keen Springwater II. Bike Hugger has a pretty good review of them.

These are the shoes I use: http://bontrager.com/model/09605

They are quite comfortable for cycling shoes and breath very well. I recommend trying on a few different pairs in the store before deciding. Not everyone's feet are the same. I tried Sidi, Shimano and Bontrager; the latter being the most comfortable for me.

I've got some older Pearl Izumi Xroads I think, anyway on them and some Shimano touring shoes I build up the tread on either side of the cleat with multiple layers of Shoe-Goo, works fine for walking. I know what you mean about the noise.

+1 on dzr for good cleat clearance. For stiffer sole though.. Chrome Midway/Kursk Pro is better. I switch back and forth myself...

Like any shoe, fit is everything. I never buy shoes on the net. I gotta try them on. I use MTB shoes for commuting (Shimano M087), but keep a pair of flip flops in the saddle bags.

+1 on the Keen's. Love 'Em!

What's your experience with the sizing on the Chromes? I keep reading different opinions and that makes me hesitate to order them online. Do you use the same size Chrome as your DZRs?

I wear size 43 Shimano, 43 Specialized. I have slightly wide feet.
DZR size 43 was roomy... just a little too roomy. 42 would have done better. Wide toe box even for my feet. 42.5 would be perfect if they had it.
Chrome.. I have few different shoes. I am okay with either 9.5 or 9 on Chrome. However, the pro version with SPD, is half size larger than indicated. I am using size 8.5 which feels like size 9 to 9.5 of other chrome shoes.
Was a little tight at first but loosened up over time (canvas). - Hah, just looked at chrome site and says their US 8.5 for pro is EU 43... figures...

tennis shoes/sneakers

with MKS Sylvan Touring Pedals
and MKS toe clips

No.

Interesting. A buddy of mine works at a shop that sells Chrome shoes. I'll have to give them a look.

Shimano MT 22
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/pr...7SHIMANO_L.jpg
$50 at Nashbar, less elsewhere but limited sizes

I don't own them but have MT 21s (previous model), very comfy. I also have Specialized MTB shoes that are a lot stiffer.

661 has several styles from ones that look like skate shoes to some nice MTB shoes.

Make that +2!

The Austins work.