djlarroc

Ok, so I'm going to take the plung into biking shoes.

Went to PB on my lunch to take a look. Tried on a pair of Shimano R063. Found out I'm a size 44. Reviews on the 63 weren't too great so what shoes should I look for? Also, I came accross "touring shoes", "MTB shoes". Now I'm more confused.

I do MTB often, but use the power straps. Would be nice to be able to use some shoes for both road & MTB, but if it's not a good idea, then I won't. Also, I don't really like the look of the road shoes, but again oh well, if that's what it is, then that's what it is.

Oh, forgot to mention. Want to spend around $60 TIA

JoelS

Try 'em on. Get a pair that fits.

Phil85207

I think you answered your own question. You do mostly mtb so go with them. You can use them on a road bike... but road bike shoes on a mtb? no so much.

urbanknight

+1 The only drawbacks to mtb shoes on a road bike are a tiny bit more weight, slightly reduced clearance (for if you pedal around hard corners) and a slightly smaller contact area. If those things don't bother you, you will be quite happy using your mtb shoes on both.

If for some reason you decide you want road shoes, I have a pair of Shimano R131s (carbon sole, $150 retail) that were worn for only 9 rides before I decided they were just a tad too big on me. $40 + shipping.

longbeachgary

What pedals do you have or are you going to get?

djlarroc

Thanks for the replies guys..

I'm not sure what model the pedals are, but they are basically these, but Shimano:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400048

I went back to PB today to grab a tool. I took another look at the shoes. I kinda like these as well.
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1512506_400034

.... would prefer to buy some shoes that look a little more like normal shoes..

urbanknight

How about these?
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...b+Shoe+09.aspx

jayp410

I've used those Forte Campus pedals...they were large, heavy, scraped my shins numerous times (mostly while just carrying the bike around), and always seemed to be the wrong side up when I wanted to clip in. Not sure if your Shimano ones have the same drawbacks.

Not sure what model I got, but they're the same shape as the PD-M520L pedals and they're WAY better on all of the above points. Only thing you can't do with them is ride in tennis shoes, but then swapping them out for a light plastic pedal is better than having those shin scrapers on.

djlarroc

Yes sir.... Those are what I'm looking for.

ZippyThePinhead

I bought a pair of Sixsixone MTB shoes off eBay ($25 plus shipping), and I've used them for about a thousand miles. You can see a picture below:



I'm now looking for some road shoes. I'm getting hot spots on the balls of my feet after 30-40 miles, to the point where I just can't wait to get out of the shoes.

I bought these because they seemed to be a good deal. They're fine for short rides, but that's about it.

I'm thinking to go to an LBS and get fitted for shoes, and pay full retail. More experienced riders have told me that shoe size varies between manufacturers and even within a product line, as popular shoes may be sourced from various subcontractors/manufacturers.

djlarroc

Thanks for the info. I too have thought about that. Don't want to get a bulky shoe that will be cooking my feet in a long ride. I saw some nice road shoes w/vents at the toes. Really nice feature to have.

Ugh. So hard to decide....

urbanknight

fwiw I would never wear the shoes I posted above on a long ride. They feel clunky and don't breathe all that well. The only reason i have to own a pair is so I don't have to keep a pair at work to change into.

MDfive21

don't do it. you'll soon realize that you bought some really heavy shoes that you can't walk around in anyway. so take it from someone who did that and ended up paying for shoes twice. just get some cycling shoes that are lightweight and fit the purpose you need them for.

my .02.. buy one pair of mtb shoes and 2 sets of spd pedals, one for the mtb and one for your roadie. you don't want to be switching your pedals back and forth, it's a pain.

djlarroc

I see.. I leave my work shoes at work now, and am using regular running shoes. I like both the MT22, and 32. Would use for minimum walking. Just would prefer to look more like regular shoes, but still want to use for long rides. At least 20+.

djlarroc

Thanks for the tip! I already have the same set of pedals on the MTB. I just chose to use straps since I've never used clip ins and MTB is prob not the best bike to learn on lol.

What do you think of the MT22? Those look more like MTB shoes, but are listed as "touring". They felt really light and comfy at the store, but what do I know.

djlarroc

These are the others I was looking at: https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Not as nice looking, but Includes cleats.

Syscrush

My Lake SPD shoes have a mesh upper and my feet are never uncomfortably hot. They do get awfully cold in freezing temps, though.

urbanknight

I tried to use a pair like that for recreational mountain biking. They also didn't feel too clunky when trying them on, but they didn't have cleats, and I wasn't trying to swing them around in circles at 90 revolutions per minute. Once on the bike, the shoes felt heavy and awkward, I noticed the flex of the softer soles, and my feet got excessively sweaty on hot days.

Your experience may vary, though. I came from a road and velodrome racing background. You might not have a problem coming from running shoes.

Also, +1 to having 2 sets of pedals. When I first started racing velodrome, I swapped pedals back and forth from the road bike to the track bike, and it was a pain, not to mention the risk of stripping the threads if I was in a hurry.

djlarroc

Well PB emailed me today about an extra 10% off for the lunch special so I went and bought the MT22. I had a 10% off coupon from my bike purchase they let me stack so I got them for $48. I'll post up how I like them.