Favorite shoes for commuting?
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Favorite shoes for commuting?
Just wondering what you guys like to ride in? When I've got my toe clips setup, I usually like my Adidas Sambas - good, somewhat stiff sole that lets me walk around comfortably once I get to work/school. For my SPDs, I used to love riding in DZRs (DZR | Urban Cycling Shoes), mainly because for the most part they looked like normal shoes. I had a buddy who used to ride in Chromes for the same reason, but I could always hear his cleats click-clacking when he'd walk down the halls.
My DZRs now have over 4,000 miles on them and are starting to fall apart. They also have an irremovable stink to them. I can't even untie them without almost fainting. Anyhow, I recently bought a pair of Giro Republics (Republic) to replace them. I LOVE the feel they give me on my ride. I've never had a "real" cycling shoe before this and having that hard plastic sole has dramatically improved the quality of my commutes, and when I want to transition into a fitness ride on the way home, I feel like I can crank out more power with these. The only downside is that I have to keep a pair of tennis shoes at work to change into to stay comfy on my feet all day, although they do fine when I'm only off the bike for a couple hours at a time.
I feel like I've completed my crawl (flat pedals) - walk (toe clips) - run (clipless) transition through pedals and have finally found a pair of shoes that really work for me! What are your thoughts on shoes for cycling? Fans of cycling specific shoes or prefer standard tennis shoes?
My DZRs now have over 4,000 miles on them and are starting to fall apart. They also have an irremovable stink to them. I can't even untie them without almost fainting. Anyhow, I recently bought a pair of Giro Republics (Republic) to replace them. I LOVE the feel they give me on my ride. I've never had a "real" cycling shoe before this and having that hard plastic sole has dramatically improved the quality of my commutes, and when I want to transition into a fitness ride on the way home, I feel like I can crank out more power with these. The only downside is that I have to keep a pair of tennis shoes at work to change into to stay comfy on my feet all day, although they do fine when I'm only off the bike for a couple hours at a time.
I feel like I've completed my crawl (flat pedals) - walk (toe clips) - run (clipless) transition through pedals and have finally found a pair of shoes that really work for me! What are your thoughts on shoes for cycling? Fans of cycling specific shoes or prefer standard tennis shoes?
#2
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Depends on the weather. One pair of regular winter boots and four pairs of SPD shoes: Shimano winter, two Shimano regular and Keen sandals.
#3
always rides with luggage
No rain: Nashbar cycling sandals.
Rain/cold: Exustar E-SM602s with socks as appropriate.
Rain/cold: Exustar E-SM602s with socks as appropriate.
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Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
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--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
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Cycling Specific ... On my roadie, road shoes, yes, not fun to walk in. On my commuter/CX bike, MTB shoes with eggbeater cleats. Easy to walk in, still perform well as a cycling shoe when I need it. On my MTB with platform pedals ... whatever shoes I happen to be wearing at the time.
I keep actually two pairs of shoes at work, a pair of tennis shoes (wear to the gym downstairs when I work out) and a pair of casual dress shoes. Doesn't bother me at all.
I keep actually two pairs of shoes at work, a pair of tennis shoes (wear to the gym downstairs when I work out) and a pair of casual dress shoes. Doesn't bother me at all.
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This pedal, MKS lambda (seriously kicka#$ platform pedal):
With a hiking shoe in the summer or sandals,
and an insulated boot in the winter.
With a hiking shoe in the summer or sandals,
and an insulated boot in the winter.
Last edited by bikemig; 06-13-14 at 03:00 PM.
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Just tennis shoes, with toe clips that I've taken the straps out.
For rain, if I think about it in time, I have a pair of old tennis shoes that I sealed with PlastiDip rubber spray. Hot, but keeps my feet dry.
For rain, if I think about it in time, I have a pair of old tennis shoes that I sealed with PlastiDip rubber spray. Hot, but keeps my feet dry.
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On just rides (neighborhooding, groceries, restaurant, Walgreens, etc.) I wear my running shoes or sandals. On my commute I wear my work shoes (Shoes for Crews). I rode platforms from 1971 to about 1984, then clips/straps til about 1996, then SPDs up to the summer of 2011, and now back to platforms for the past 3 years. Since I'm a hipster, platforms are required.
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PI casual cycling shoes with SPD cleats. Comfortable enough to walk in all day.
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Converse all stars for fair weather, LL Bean Maine hunting shoes for cold and wet. I don't use cycling specific gear other than rain gear and gloves.
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I use these for their functionality & price point. When the weather is colder I wear MTB shoes instead.
After I arrive at work, I always change into a pair of comfortable walking shoes that I keep in the office.
After I arrive at work, I always change into a pair of comfortable walking shoes that I keep in the office.
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I use these for their functionality & price point. When the weather is colder I wear MTB shoes instead.
After I arrive at work, I always change into a pair of comfortable walking shoes that I keep in the office.
After I arrive at work, I always change into a pair of comfortable walking shoes that I keep in the office.
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Crocs. They're grippy and comfy.
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Hmmn, I got them in 2011, maybe they're no longer available. That would be a shame. The wire laces work great with toeclips, which is more than I can say for the typical road shoes with velcro straps.
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I second this. Been using them for a year now, comfy as can be. One drawback I've noticed: as they wear, the cleat recess becomes not quite sufficient to prevent clicking when walking on concrete surfaces and such. Not a huge deal for me.
#20
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These Pearl Izumis are now my daily wear commuter shoes:
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek V Bike Shoes - Men's - Free Shipping at REI.com
Unless it is warm, then I stick with my Keen Commuter sandals.
Either way, I can wear whichever pair throughout the day at work as well.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek V Bike Shoes - Men's - Free Shipping at REI.com
Unless it is warm, then I stick with my Keen Commuter sandals.
Either way, I can wear whichever pair throughout the day at work as well.
#21
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Speedplay frog pedals. The shoes are Garneau that I picked after trying on every single pair in my size they had at Performance bikes. The important part is bolded. When it comes to shoes, brand is nothing to me. Fit is everything.
#22
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Wet? LL Bean Rubber Ones , not raining? Keens Clones ( though I have SPuD stuff Too ) ,
I moved in close so rarely need the whole Kit anymore .
mostly wear what I can stand wearing all day, on concrete floors..
I moved in close so rarely need the whole Kit anymore .
mostly wear what I can stand wearing all day, on concrete floors..
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For the time being I wear the reebok club classic. I switch to boots at work.
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I have owned many good SPD cycling/light-hiking shoes over the years. The Keens are the best followed by Shimano shoes. My SIXSIXONE shoes were a close second - a bit more clunky for walking but still quite good.