Best Clipless Cycling Sandals?
 

Hi all,

Based on some recommendations, I now think I'm going to go with clipless cycling sandals for footwear, instead of clipless shoes.

There seem to be several advantages with clipless sandals, and one of them should be that they'll fit my wide feet. A rep at a local bike shop told me that width isn't really a concern with clipless sandals, although it seems several users of the Keen Commuter IVs say they're narrow.

I did some research. Anybody have input on what I've found so far?

If there are other makes and models of clipless sandals to consider, let me know.

This article has some user comments on cycling sandals: bikeradar DOT com/gear/article/shimano-spd-sandals-52190/

And most of the sandals below are on the list here: cyclingabout DOT com/cycling-spd-sandals-the-most-versatile-touring-shoe/


1. Shimano SD5: Not the best reviews overall.

2. Shimano SD66: No longer made.

3. Keen Commuter IV: Supposed to be narrow, and I have wide feet.

4. Lake I/O: Apparently Lake is not making cycling sandals anymore.

5. Exustar E-SS503: Seem to have the best reviews overall via Amazon.

6. Exustar E-SS505: Didn't see any reviews on this model, so I emailed Exustar to ask them the practical differences between the models.

7. Exustar E-SS515: Didn't really see any reviews on this model either, so I asked Exustar, and Bike One, about the practical differences between the models: facebook DOT com/bikeonecyclemart/posts/exustar-e-ss515-sandalsthis-mtb-sandal-features-a-comfortable-upper-with-four-ad/1817056021676260/

8. Rose RMTS 03: Very similar in design to the Exustar E-SS503s. Perhaps they're rebranded? They're also sold in Europe, and I don't know if they're sold in the US: rosebikes DOT com/rose-rmts-03-trekking-sandals-823366

9. Sette MK Sandals: A user of the Exustar E-SS503s likes the Exustars better. And are these not made anymore? mtbr DOT com/product/mtb-apparel-and-protection/shoes/sette/mk-spd-sandals.html

10. Nashbar Ragster II: Somebody says they're not good for walking, and I want cycling sandals that are also good for walking. amazon DOT com/Nashbar-Ragster-II-Cycling-Sandals/product-reviews/B004UMF2IY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_hist_4?filterByStar=four_star&pageNumber=1


Also, does anybody have experience with waterproof socks, by Bridgedale or another brand?

These Bridgedale Stormsock waterproof socks were mentioned in the first article, and I'm curious about them: bridgedale DOT com

Thanks

The 'best' ones are the ones you can try on. With your own feet, preferably on the pedals of your own bike.
Just like shoes and saddles, there's no one 'best' What fit and features (and price) might be right for me, might not work for you.

If you want 'the right one, the first time,' go to a shop and try them out until you find the one you like best (or know that a particular one doesn't work)
OR, you can order them online, sight unseen, and hope you get it right. (or be prepared to explore the return policy)

'best' is an Opinion...
 

try several make up your own mind ..

I like cycling in my Keen Sandals but they are not cleated
when experimenting with cleated pedals & shoes last year I found that the shoes experience a bit of stress, so I'd be surprised if a less structured cleated sandal would hold up as well. I'm leaning toward it being worse. but lot's of ppl do use cleated sandals

I'm on my second pair of Shimano's, currently SD66's. I don't remember what their predecessors were. I find them comfortable to walk in and the soles stiff enough to pedal in with full pedal cage SPD's. My toes especially love the open toe. The SD5's don't seem that different, but you can't tell much from a picture. But damn, they've gotten expensive - the next pair will probably be sourced from EBay. They're still not cheap but at least closer to reasonable.

That is not always an option as it is hard (at least here) to find stores that carry them and ordering online is the only choice.

I use the Nashbar Ragster as my primary bike shoe year round. Even on week tours as my only shoe. I have about 8k on them. Road, gravel, and MTB. Moot point, Nashbar and that shoe are gone.
Following the thread because of that.

Nashbar didn't make anything really. Can't say if Exustar was related somehow but the SS503 is the closest in overall design.

I have the Nashbar ones. I like them but they are no longer available. I love that I don't have to wear socks. I hate socks in the summer.

If you ask this over in the Recumbents forum you might get a few more bites. Sandals seem to be more popular among trike riders than among the general cycling populace.