Being able to bend your toes isn't necessarily a good thing, if you're planning on riding distances. ;)

It is when my feet fall asleep on the petals

Almost all the time... when I ride a bike... I ride my regular daily rider with the SPD pedals and my moderately priced Velcro strapped SPD shoes.

I have other bikes and even other SPD shoes. But only my daily rider is fitted with the SPD pedals. The other bikes I fit with platform pedals and clips... pretty much like I used in the 60's. I always think I will use my other bikes more than I do. I ride often... most days when the weather is decent. And mostly I ride in a modest kit on a road bike (with the mountain bike shoes). When I do ride on of my other bikes I wear whatever shoes I have on... as the rides are short (neighborhood).

These are not good for riding. When walking or running, you want a flexible sole. When riding you need a shoe with a stiff sole to support your foot. You do not want your foot to wrap around the pedal. If you need to be able to walk around, get a cheap pair of MTB shoes.

40F and above (no rain)

http://www.healthcareglobal.com/glob...tals/crocs.jpg

30F and above and/or rainy days

http://i3.footwearetc.com/00239/ihwx...6a.500.500.jpg

+1

Snerk. Well, I do enjoy fine coffees and tiny tables. But I've never read Bob Marley's book and quit smoking anything, herbal or not, years ago.
My clothes are mostly thrifted cottons and things. Thirfted because I do love the three R's. I do like to put nice bright patches on them and make sure they have lots of embroidery though! Hehehehe.

Birks are great bike shoes. Nice and stiff and un-bendy. And, they are comfy to walk in too.

I have been very pleased using Five Ten Freerider shoes in combination with my Answer Rove pedals- stick like crazy. I also, every 3 rides or so, wear New Balance 510 trail running shoes as the tread fits in, and grabs, the pins on the pedals.
Best regards

??

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...jCg9uN-seUceaQ

+1 on the Birks .. I got some of their Cork composite insoles that went in my Longest distance Touring shoes ..

.. It"s the supportive shape in their design that works well for Me. in loose fitting shoes.

For Wet weather , and shorter distances, in town .. the LL Bean Rubber Mocs are a nice step in and go shoe ..

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/...9f7c0905_m.jpg

It depends.
On flat surfaces with clipless pedals maybe not on flat pedals with actual roads that have lots of bumps, hills and with cyclists that have different shapes, riding positions that also change dynamically during the ride...

Are stiff soled riding shoes not only unnecessary but potentially harmful?
http://www.bikejames.com/strength/wh...g-flat-pedals/

And with clipless pedals there is no lateral motion allowed.
http://www.bikefit.com/Images/images.../imgH2FaB8.jpg

By the way. On the clip vs no clip story. It isn't just the foot that helps riding but the whole body so taking into account only the foot when looking at energy transfer miss a few crucial elements that may work well for well trained cyclists that worked on their riding position for years but less on mister and misses smith that can barely stand on his/her bike.

Doc Marten 1460s

I've rode my bikes with dress, casual, and sneaker at some point or another. However I prefer wearing them with my one pair of sneakers (keds), since I don't mind beating them up and covering them with stains. I also find the pedal teeth can permanently dig into the the soles of certain shoes. :(