I have never bought a cycling specific shoe before but now with off season prices, I would like to get a pair.

My cycling:

100% road cycling on a mtb with slicks on it
Flat simple cheapo pedals (no locking mechanism)

I would like to get a shoe that has ability to lock onto pedals (I will have a road bike with clip pedals from next season), but can also be used on regular pedals like I currently have. Nashbar has several shoes under $40 in my size, but I cant tell which ones will work with both kinds of pedals and which ones would not. May be you guys could help me out here.

The one I like most is a Vittoria: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...ype=&estoreid=

and the Northwave Mirage shoe: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...ype=&estoreid=

Thanks everyone.

OK, both of the models you linked to are road specific shoes that must have cleats fitted and in NO way would be suitable for flat pedals. They would slip right off.

There are broadly 2 classes of clipless pedals. SPD/Mountain and Road/SPD-SL/Look but there is NO reason why SPD/Mountain pedals can't be used on the road and in fact many do.

The BIG, BIG advantage of Mtn/SPD pedal/shoe combinations is that they have a recessed cleat and are easily walkable in. Road pedal/cleat systems sacrifice walkability for some performance advantages required for racing and high performance but that's not to say that mtn/SPD pedals perform badly.

So to cut this story down a little you won't get a road shoe that will work with cleats AND flat pedals. Now the good thing is that you CAN get MTN/SPD shoes that WILL fit your requirements and I've done precisely this myself.

Regards, Anthony

I agree, mountain shoes are what you need.

I've been using the Specialized Sonomas for a 1.5 years, they are great shoes. ALso, give you a lot of walkability.

Get a pair with velcro closures, or at least a velcro'd cover over the laces. I've got a pair that simply laces and they are a PITA, plus potentially a bit dangerous if you forget to tuck the laces into the keeper strap.

Good luck,
Dagna

I agree that what you want are mountain shoes that 2-bolt cleats, and pedals to match. That way you can get shoes that are good for walking as well as riding.

I got these Adidas Minrett shoes for only $30 a few weeks ago: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=
They're great I also recommend these Nashbar Rodeo clipless pedals: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=
They will work with BOTH cleated biking shoes AND regular flat shoes, really handy if you sometimes want to wear normal shoes. Plus the platform provides extra support to your foot. Sometimes they go on sale as low as $15.

for my cheapo bike that I ride 80-100 miles a week, I got the Performance (now Forte) Campus pedal, which has an SPD receiver on one side and a flat pedal on the other. I then got the Shimano MO21.

The combo is just great for my application.

+1

The Performance Campus pedal is thinner and has better bearings than the Nashbar Rodeo, but never goes on sale for as low a price...

I'm in the same position as the OP: I ride a hardtail MTB with semi-slicks & cheapo stock flat pedals. I've been in the market for a harder-sole cycling shoe, and last night ordered the Diadora Toluca from Nashbar. Killer sale price, looks like enough tread to work on flat pedals, available in my size (13 US,47 EU). Looking forward to trying them out.