Digital Gee

Today I decided to ride with a Very Old Pair of shoes, which aren't exactly white, but that would have messed up the title of the thread. They are about 20 years old, and remind me of bowling shoes, and have a sort of pre-Nike swoosh to them.

Interestingly, they were more comfortable than the black pair of Shimano MTB shoes I normally wear, which are starting to feel too heavy and even a bit too snug. Either these shoes have shrunk, or my feet have expanded, or both.

I'm not sure if you can see enough detail in the shoes, but if I ever go clipless, would I have to choose one shoe over the other (or get entirely new ones)?

BengeBoy 

Thank you, that's enough detail.

Very happy right now that smell-o-vision was never commercialized.

Digital Gee

TruF 

DG, you sound like Dr. Suess! I have absolutely nothing to offer you. I'm looking into getting my first clipless pedals and shoes this weekend. BTW: Are the "white" ones clipless? They look like old tennis shoes in the photo. Or are you saying that old comfie shoes can be converted to clipless?

jppe

I would think the black ones would be faster.

Digital Gee

They are both clipless, but the shape of the insert piece appears to be different.

maddmaxx 

Wats da matta...............can't find any soft grey shoes?

Digital Gee

Can't anyone answer my original question about whether the shoes would be interchangeable if I go clipless?

Old School

If I understand your question (and that is questionable), the answer is it depends whether both pair of shoes can accommodate the same type cleat. I cannot really tell from the two photos...

Edit: OK, the black shoes (can't make out the brand) have the typical 2-bolt pattern for SPD cleats. The Shimano shoes may have a removable rubber cover that protects the bolt holes for the cleat on the sole of that shoe (most likely SPD as well). If you go clipless, I would recommend investing in some newer shoes (REI has some nice Shimanos on sale right now!).

SaiKaiTai

Let's see what's under those plates first (though I'm inclined to agree they're both SPD and interchangeable)

maddmaxx 

Both will take Shimano SPD cleats. The "white pair will require you to cut the sole around the cleat mounting area to remove the portion where they attach. They are interchangeable but its a pain to move cleats from one shoe to another.

WillisB

IF they are both SPD compatible you can buy an extra pair of cleats pretty cheap. Set up both pairs and test them.

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=3045

Artkansas 

In the immortal words of Frank Zappa, "Brown Shoes Don't Make it." At least you don't have that problem.

deraltekluge

Have you actually tried to buy some? You mostly get a message saying they're out of that style, or there are only a few sizes available (not your size, of course).

PS: That seems to be the case in general with other stores, too.

HopedaleHills

One word. Hush Puppies. Oops, that's two words.

stapfam

Come on- DG has only got the shoes and it looks like both pairs of shoes will take the SPD cleat. And where do you get Cleats- At the LBS of course- but last time DG went there he bought a White bike so lets not pursue this further.


And if you do ever decide to buy a set of SPD pedals- You will find they come with cleats in any case. In the mean time- Wear the shoes that are comfortable and E-Bay the others. (With a warning of course that you live in San Diego and these shoes Have a Chick Magnet Attached)

bobbycorno

Well duh. It's obvious, innit? Just like red bikes are faster...

Scott P
Bend, OR

Camilo

Others have posted whether either of your current shoes would take spd cleats.

Some advantages (IMHO of course) to buying new shoes:

You could go with velcro closures instead of laces. To me this is one of the original reasons I went from using running shoes to cycling shoes, to get rid of the laces (which need to be tucked in or kept short).

You could get a stiffer sole without sacrificing walkability. Moderately priced ($50-100 on sale) MTB shoes are very walkable, especially if you select for that. Or you could select for the stiffest sole you could find. Still would be walkable.

Just one guy's opinion.

BluesDawg

Just to make an obvious point which might get lost, the shoes are not only compatable with Shimano SPD pedals and cleats. There are the other recessed pedal systems like Crank Bros. eggbeaters, Time ATAC, Speedplay Frog etc.

JanMM

Yes, another vote for those are both Shimano spd shoes, and would be interchangeable, assuming that you put identical (Spd or otherwise) cleats on them. The reason your shoes feel snug is that bicycling has made your feet muscular and large. Has the same effect on brains.

Digital Gee

Pamestique 

DG hon... those shoes are pathetic (there I said it when no one else will). If you ever decide to go clipless break down and buy new shoes. Do yourself that little favor.

Another issue are you sure the pedals you want are SPDs? Why little your choices? Personally I like and use TIME ATAC, much more user friendly than SPDs but that can be a whole other thread (and no doubt has!).