kiltedcelt

I need some new shoes and I absolutely HATE velcro fastening cycling shoes! My instep can be sensitive so I generally can't wear the three velcro closure shoes because the middle strap goes right over the instep. On two closure shoes (I have a pair of two closure shoes now), I can't get a decent secure feel to the fit of the shoe. I just want some decent lace-ups. Ideally, I'd also like a shoe that while spd-compatible does not have such a stiff sole that there is no flexing of the sole. I know having a flexible sole runs counter to the general principles behind cycling shoes in general, but back in the day (as the kids these days say), I had a pair of Avocet cycling shoes that were stiff but still walkable as well as a pair of Diamant shoes that were also stiff but walkable. I prefer a mountain bike or touring type of shoe where there is some tread so if I'm off the bike and walking around I don't feel like I'm clomping around in clown shoes or something. Does anyone have any suggestions along these lines? I've looked at Nashbar, Performance, REI, Co. Cyclist, Excel Sports, you name it, I've probably checked 'em out and no love so far. Lake used to make a cool looking shoe, and they still have some but they're old stock and woefully small. I wear about a size 11 these days. Used to wear about 10 to 10 1/2 but I think as I've gotten older my arches have fallen and made my feet longer or I've started growing again. I should also add that aftern cycling infrequently over the last few years I'm training to ride a century ride in September so I should also be getting shoes that will be comfortable for LONG distance rides as well. Maybe I can't have it all - walking comfort and long distance riding performance. I'm kind of at a loss here. Help me! I can't go on wearing my uncomfortable Performance Forte MTB shoes anymore!

Flying Merkel

I'm using Shimano MTB shoes. Lace up, easy to walk in, & comfortable. A bit heavy, but they work well.

kiltedcelt

Which ones? I had a pair of Shimano shoes a few years back, they were lace-ups as well. I ended up having to sell them off after only wearing them about 6 times because they were simply too narrow. I've read a lot of reviews about the narrow-ness of Shimano shoes, and while I don't have wide feet I clearly have issues with some cycling shoes. I had to send back a pair of Specialized shoes I bought back in the 90s because they were too narrow for their length. I ended up buying my Avocets instead. They were probably one of the best pairs I've ever owned even and even though they had a stiff-ish sole, they were not SPD compatible. That was back when you could still get cycling shoes with that weird little plastic centering tab thingie on the sole which was supposed to line up with the edge of the pedal. Of course you were wearing toe clips and straps back then too. I dunno. I've just had terrible luck finding Shimano shoes that fit me worth a damn at the shops when I've tried on multiple styles and sizes.

Flying Merkel

They're MT21 shoes. My feet seem to be a bit narrower than usual. Performance Bike has a few lace-up shoes.

I picked up a pair of Adidas cycling shoes at a garage sale about 20 years ago. Loved them. Strictly for toe clip use. They finally disintegrated.

MIH-Dave

I use Nashbar Multi-purpose Mountain shoes. They've been pretty comfy so far, but I'm still new to the whole clipless thing. They're easy to walk in as well.

JWalton215

Check out Mavic 'Alpine' or Mavic 'Cruize'

rogerstg

Here you go - Sportivo

kiltedcelt

Classy! But ouch! That price - WAY outta my price range.

eofelis 

I have some Shimano MT30 spd shoes that lace up. They are black and oh-so-stylish (not) but they have been great for commuting. I don't know what retail is I got mine second hand.

kiltedcelt

I think I saw those during a previous search. I like the look of them and a bit of research and reviews turned up a place selling the Alpine in my size (11) for a paltry fifty bucks. Granted that was the only size they had, it was on sale, and it's the 2010 version. I like the Alpine a little better than the Cruize because of the one velcro strap at the top which will help keep the laces out of trouble. Since these are pretty much for road riding exclusively I think they'll do fine. Now, hopefully they'll fit okay. I seem to have terrible luck ordering shoes or boots online. Seems like I'm always sending something back for the next size up or down.

JWalton215

FYI (for anyone else reading) the Cruize has an elastic loop for retaining laces.

kiltedcelt

I wondered about that. I used to always just tuck the trailing ends (loops) of laces in amongst the laces as they crossed over the tongue of the shoe and that always worked pretty well. I saw that a Pearl Izumi pair I was looking at had some sort of elastic lace-keeper-pouch-thingie. I couldn't find any of the Cruize shoes for any less than the current 2011 Alpine prices. I got lucky and found the '10 Alpines for half off the current prices for the '11s.

jakevance

I wear Chrome Kursk Pros. They're great. They have an elastic strap that holds the laces down. I normally wear an 11 in street shoes, and at 11.5, these fit perfectly. https://www.zappos.com/chrome-kursk-pro-black

kiltedcelt

CRAP! Back to square one. I got the Mavic Alpines. They were last years model and only in size 11 which should've fit. However, they're too narrow through the toe area and too short. Actually they felt too narrow through the ball of the foot region forward. I seem to have abysmal luck getting shoes online that fit. With cycling shoes I think the fit is really critical. So critical in fact that I'd rather try them on versus ordering sight unseen online. However, everyone locally carries the same damn ugly-ass Shimano shoes and no other brands. I'm still looking for a walkable mtb/touring type clipless compatible shoe. Any other suggestions? I'm reluctant to waste any more time or effort on the Mavics since it seems like were I to get the next size up it might still be too tight through the toe area. Why the hell are cycling shoes so damn narrow?! I don't have wide feet by any stretch but obviously they're wider than the average scrawny mutant foot used to make most cycling shoes apparently.

aRoudy1

Check out Specialized.