Okay, I have a nice road bike (Felt F-35), but I don't race. I wouldn't mind being faster though, or climb hills better. As it happens, I have been using the Shimano sandals with SPD clips.

I really like them as they are comfortable - especially cool for riding in Hawaii - and they are easy to walk in. Heck, I use my first old pair for everyday use walking.

But it has been suggested that regular bike shoes would really help me. One person said it could gain me a full mile per hour and help my climbing. Hard to believe that much difference, but worth getting other opinions on. Another person said that because I did a lot of miles (6500-7500 a year, I should use something with better arch support and heel cup something or other?

After giving me your opinions about that claim, any suggestions on shoes would help. And, since we are talking about improvements, is there really going to be much difference between a decent $100 shoe and a pair that costs more than double that?

I've done a little research on users reviews. Noticed a lot of Specialized shoes get top user ratings and I was particularly interested that so many were very pleased with their comfort and arch support.

Bob

The sandals always seemed like a good idea to me, but if you're generating real power, then a stiffer dedicated bike shoe would probably be a better choice. There might be some aero benifit as well, depending on how hairy your toes are...hehe

You can get good road shoes that will use the SPD cleat system; no need to go to a dedicated road pedal.

I just bought these today - they were on sale for $85 at LBS.

https://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?...iProductID=238

They're clearancing out the 05 stuff, so now's a good time to buy. I love them. Even though they're men's, I think they look pretty unisex. I took out the insoles and replaced them with Superfeet insoles for extra arch support. But even without the Superfeet they were really comfy. The sizing in bike shoes is odd, though. I usually wear a 38 in street shoes, but all the bike shoes I've tried I'm a size 40. I tried the Specialized too, but they're weren't on sale anyplace that I looked. (I have a difficult time paying retail for anything.) They did have nice arch support, but not any better than the Superfeet insoles.

I haven't actually ridden my bike with them yet, it's too cold and windy in Chicago for that now. That's why they were on clearance!

Hadn't though about insoles to help a given shoe. Thanks.

I still need to get to a store and try some of these shoe options on.

Bob