Originally Posted by koala logs

I wear flip flops on centuries on flat pedals! However, I do have a reason for doing so and that is expecting strong downpours. Getting your shoes and socks soaking wet in a very long ride can be very unpleasant! Some will choose to avoid riding in such weather forecast but I'm an all-weather rider and with this summer heat, rain can be a very good thing.

I use flip flops on 6 hr nonstop solo rides on the mountains. I do have MTB flat pedal shoes to wear if going with group to avoid drawing attention. But when I'm alone, I go back to my super comfy flip flops!

Originally Posted by phughes

Why? Bicycle tourists have been doing that for decades, putting in serious miles without issue. Use a good platform pedal, and it is a nonissue. I use a nice pair of DMR V12s, they give plenty of support for your foot, and they grip extremely well. With a large platform the sole of the shoe is rather irrelevant. I did two tours using Crocs, including 70 mile days.





If you don't want to go without clipless, thats great, it's your choice, but it is really not an issue to not use clipless, in fact there are many advantages. I can go to the garage, and simply hop on my bike, without putting on a special pair of shoes. I can use one pair of shoes for a tour and still easily walk once I'm off the bike. I can choose to wear a paid of Crocs on a tour, and be oblivious to rain, knowing that in just 15 minutes or so after the rain stops, my feet, and shoes will be completely dry. I met up with another rider on the GAP trail heading to DC during Hurricane Irene, he was using clipless, I was wearing Crocs. After one deluge lasting hours, we stopped to eat and sleep. As we were eating, he said his shoes were still wet, and his feet were soaked. This was a good two hours after the rain. My feet were completely dry and comfortable, in my Crocs.

With platform pedals I have choices, and what I choose from day to day, or even withing the same day can change. You with your clipless pedals, have fewer choices in what to wear, or only one choice if you haven't sprung for more than one pair of shoes.

I can also change the position of my foot on the pedal if I feel like it. You have to get tools out, and adjust the cleat. Yes, once you have it dialed in, you won't make changes, but sometimes on a long tour you just want to move around a bit, at least for a few moments from time to time.

If all you know are tiny clipless pedals, then of course you cannot imagine wearing shoes with less than stiff soles, but if course there are tons of good pedals out that that eliminate the perceived need to wear stiff soled shoes. In fact, when I began riding, clipless pedals didn't even exist, somehow we managed.

Originally Posted by Flipper_

I've been riding mtb with flats and street running shoes and my ladies comfort bike with the same or Sandals. Of all my problems, foot control doesn't seem to be in the top 5 or even 10. What will be the revelation- besides clipless which is a different deal that I am totally neutral about- that makes me go to the shoe catalog and be like "hmmmm, better shoes for flat pedals..."

I ask this because most gear additions seem to arise from obvious necessity that reveals itself over multiple rides, which is why I've added water bottles, prescription sport sunglasses with a strap, gloves, bicycling shorts a helmet, etc.

Originally Posted by VegasJen

What is this "rain" of which you speak?

Originally Posted by Flipper_

I've been riding mtb with flats and street running shoes and my ladies comfort bike with the same or Sandals. Of all my problems, foot control doesn't seem to be in the top 5 or even 10. What will be the revelation- besides clipless which is a different deal that I am totally neutral about- that makes me go to the shoe catalog and be like "hmmmm, better shoes for flat pedals..."

I ask this because most gear additions seem to arise from obvious necessity that reveals itself over multiple rides, which is why I've added water bottles, prescription sport sunglasses with a strap, gloves, bicycling shorts a helmet, etc.

Originally Posted by cb400bill

While I have never worn cycling sandals, a member of our ride group swears by them. She averages about 10,000 miles per year in them.

Originally Posted by koala logs

On 6 hr long nonstop rides, my feet is not the least bit sore nor in pain using medium-hard soled flip flops on quill pedals without any foot retention. No pain nor soreness in the calves and knees either so definitely not changing anything down there.

The only times I wish I had foot retention or using clipless is climbing on a very bumpy road. The bumps knock my feet off position so I have to reposition which is a waste of energy. Fortunately bumpy climbs are relatively rare.

Originally Posted by VegasJen

What is this "rain" of which you speak?