Favorite shoes for commuting?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 96
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From: Cincinnati
Bikes: 1988 Centurion Le Mans RS (stolen!), 2009 Bianchi Pista (48-16), 2014 Gunnar Sport (Arrived! Pictures soon!)
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?
#3
always rides with luggage
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 20
From: KIGX
Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets
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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--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
--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
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 3
From: Brodhead, WI - south of Madison
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.2
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.
#5
Last edited by JoeyBike; 02-23-25 at 08:18 PM.
#6
Senior Member




Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21,785
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From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
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.
#7
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.
#8
Tractorlegs
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 60
From: El Paso, TX
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
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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Trikeman
Trikeman
#9
Cat 5 field stuffer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 7
From: Hammond, La
Bikes: Wabi Lightning RE, Wabi Classic
PI casual cycling shoes with SPD cleats. Comfortable enough to walk in all day.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 12
From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
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.
#14
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
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.
#15
(retired from forum)
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
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.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 25
From: The First State.
Bikes: Schwinn Continental, Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn High Plains, Schwinn World Sport, Trek 420, Trek 930,Trek 660, Novara X-R, Giant Iguana. Fuji Sagres mixte.
Crocs. They're grippy and comfy.
#17
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
#18
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 2
From: Novi, MI
Bikes: Franken-mountain bike, mid-90s Performance TR1000, 1990 Cannondale ST400
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
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 20
From: Idaho
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Cannondale Topstone 105
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 24
From: Southern CaliFORNIA.
Bikes: KHS Alite 500, Trek 7.2 FX , Masi Partenza, Masi Fixed Special, Masi Cran Criterium
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
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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..
#25
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.






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