True cycling shoe for flat pedals?
 

I own a number of vintage bikes with flat pedals that are a kick to ride. Most all of them came with toe clip/straps which I’ve removed as I simply do not care for that set up.
As such I tend to wear tennis shoes while riding them but find that I yearn for a slightly stiffer shoe. Can anyone suggest a more cycling-appropriate shoe that might work better than tennis shoes for flat pedals. And if it looked Eroica worthy even more thanks.

Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow Pop

Giro Rumble VR

Adidas Daily 2.0 sneakers -- I've worn a pair for about a year, very good for platform pedals and walking.
Five Ten Freeriders.
Some Merrell shoes.

Chrome makes cycling shoes in several styles. I have their chucks. They have a stiff sole, an elastic band on the tongue to tuck the laces, and a fairly microscopic reflective patch on the heel.

Five Ten which is an Adidas brand makes sneakers for pro MTB

The bigger the platform, the less stiff sole you need (as the platform provides the stiffness, obviously). Just putting it out there.

Yeah, I was gonna say my Keen sandals are fairly stiff but I mostly ride in running shoes. I’m using the Odyssey Grandstand which is a big double concave plastic pedal and the only issue I ever have is cold weather, when breathable shoes and wool socks aren’t enough. Last winter I rode some with black duct tape over the toes of black running shoes, which helps but really for anything below freezing I’ll be switching to a hiking shoe.

Otto

My Five Ten’s work great on flat peddles.

+1. Five-ten rubber soles stick like glue to flat pedals.

Anybody remember Avocet shoes. Or Bata's ? Probably dating myself but the Avocets were my go-to town shoes way back when...

I find that shoes styled for hiking tend to have stiffer soles.

I had Detto Pietros with cleats, but I also had the two-tone Avocet “touring” shoes and actually rode them a lot. They were very good.

Otto

I had a pair of wood soled Duegi's for my more "serious" riding. Now that was one stiff shoe! Surprisingly comfy too. I really miss those Avocets.

That comports with my setup. I use minimalist footwear - maximum flex - and rubber-block pedals.

Clipless pedals fit vintage bikes....... why compromise?

A lot of the bike patrol cops I know use the Five Ten Freeriders.

I would add to the mix the Bontrager Flatlines. Really good, particularly with pinned pedals.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...-shoe/p/21730/

Best regards

Another vote for 5-10's. The Pearl Izumi's work well too. (I own both brands.)

I use blackspire Sub Four pedals. They're big, and I'm really happy with them.
Earlier this year in an attempt to cope with heat better, I bought some Keen Clearwater CNX sandals in leather. The sole of the sandals is really thin, so I worried about the pins of the pedals creating sore spots, but they don't. It's plenty thick enough to protect my feet as well as for the pins to dig in and create grip.

Pedals (mine are black, but it's easier to see in this colour).
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f5d89b12b3.png
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...34a9dfb582.jpg


The reason for very flat insole in these (for me) is that I have a prosthetic lower left leg, and in order to have my foot adjusted so I can walk with it without shoes and with shoes without having to adjust the foot angle every time.
But anyway, I much prefer this on the actual, flesh and bone foot.

ya I like my keens too. I just bought some insulated waterproof slip-ons for winter riding where it will rain a lot.

I spend some real money on these bad boys. designed for people with size 13 or bigger feet. they really eliminate foot flex.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9bf7625adf.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ad5c254475.jpg

Ha! Ive been seriously considering those Pedaling Innovations just to try them out.I think they look gloriously comfortable (and fun)!

Only if those flip flops have a heel strap to keep your foot in the shoe. and even then they're not good (and not flip flops). Hell, just walking in flip flops means you use your toes to not have them fly off. And flip flops usually are flat on the inside too, causing your foot to slide around (no curved edges on the top). So, no, flip-flops are probably the worst possible footwear regardless of the stifness of the sole, and regardless of the pedal type.

Seriously, do not ride a bike with things like this - regardless of their stiffness:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e0201a3be9.jpg

Another option might be to add a stiffer insole to your shoes. I had a foot problem, and the doc recommended an insole with more arch support. The insole was stiffer than a regular insole, and I found a side benefit of a firmer feel when riding. Sporting goods stores may carry some, I ordered mine, and in case you were wondering, these: https://www.powersteps.com/protech-control-full.html