I'm going get some SPD pedals and stiff MTB shoes for road cycling. I'm not looking to get talked into or out of MTB+SPD (already did that in another thread). Just looking for advice on MTB shoes that would be stiff, lightweight, minimize hot-spots and almost as effective as road shoes while not breaking the bank (around $100 or less on sale). Also need decent SPD pedals that are cheap ($50 or less), relatively light and easy to get in and out of.

Here is what I have so far:

Shoes:

Specialized Sport MTB: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=64228
Specialized Comp MTB Shoe: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=64227
Pearl iZUMi Men's All-Road Cycling Shoe: https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-iZUMi-Me...e_sg_ai_ps_t_1

SIDI dominators are out of the question as they are $200+.


Pedals:

Shimano M540: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202530
Shimano M520L: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202530
Time ATAC Alium: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_202530
Nashbar Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202530
Crank Brothers Eggbeater 1 SE: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...9_10000_202530

Your links suck.

Of those shoes, the Specialized shoes are probably better, assuming they fit your feet properly.

Most important thing in bike shoes is that they fit. The next thing is that the soles are stiff. I'm pretty convinced that hot spots mostly come from flexy soles. Especially around the pedal. If you have an REI nearby, consider buying the shoes there, because (1) you'll get 10 % of the cost back next spring if you're a member, and (2) they'll let you return them if you get the wrong shoes.

No SPD pedals are light. Shimano just doesn't do that. I like A-520s, which come to 310 grams for the pair. If I had it to do over again, though, I'd go with a different recessed cleat type and different pedals - but partly because I have a very light frame that these are weighing down. I didn't care at all until I got the new frame.

I was in a similar situation to yourself cheap_skate and ended up getting the Specialized Sport MTB Shoes with a pair of Shimano M520 pedals. Be sure to get down to a store and see if they fit you well though, I wouldn't have known to buy a pair one size bigger if I hadn't tried them on at the store. Very comfy (have not encountered any hot spots with their use so far) and super easy to clip in and out of the M520 pedals, after a bit of practice of course

I also prefer the MTB shoe for all cycling activities. Coincidentally, I just today picked up two pair of Shimano M063's from Nashbar. They never have my size in closeouts, but had two pair for $38 each. I like my Shimano shoes, but my other pair has the buckle, and I am not a pilgrim.

Evidently I got the last two pair in 46.

EDIT: Also a die hard fan of the Crank Bros. Candies all the way around.

I also use the M-520 pedals, and they seem fine to me. Really easy to clip in and out of, etc.

I'm a fan of my SPD M086L's I got from Jenson for $55, but they were on clearance. Still, they run ~$100 or less usually.

Mind if I ask why? I do, too, but I'm curious why anyone else would.

^^^^Good advise

Eggbeaters are light if you add in the weight of the cleats for comparison.

Speedplay Zero SS: 320g
Eggbeater 3 SS: 308g

Glad you asked.

I like to walk around comfortably, my first clipless system was the Candy-C and it has never failed me, I ride cross and MTB too, but mostly road, and the marginal benefits that a road shoe offers (me) does not warrant having a different pedal on my road bike.

Most importantly though, I suffered for years from plantar faciitis caused by flat feet as well as foot problems brought on by excessive drinking and poor diet (gout and/or arthritis - both are gone now, along with the high BP and cholesterol issues).

After the PF subsided somewhat (and in addition to orthotics), it took me over a year to figure out that wearing my MTB shoes all the time made my feet feel even better - I attributed this to the stiffer soles, which went against all previous deduction. I work in a job where I could wear my pajamas and no one would care, and 9 months out of the year I wear sweatshirts, ringer tees and cargo shorts (when not in kit). I haven't purchased sneakers in years, but I do own many pairs of cycling shoes, which is why I buy two of them when I find them in my size. Foot issues were further alleviated by modifying my pedal stroke. It's like I had a foot transplant, they feel so good.

I figure the babes aren't beating my door down, and if they do, they had better be into cycling, 'cause Daddy ain't got no dress shoes.

Ok, one pair of pristine Doc Martens, because black goes well with jeans (Levis 501 - there are no better). My suit/tie days are over.

Sorry to drone on, but bad feet in a sport like this is asking for a life of perpetual suffer in addition to what the sport already provides.

I currently ride with Specialized Sport mountain shoes, and I have the Shimano m520 on one bike and m540 on the other.

Between the Specialized Sport and Comp, get the Comp. It's worth it to have the ratcheting buckle instead of all-velcro. Being able to reach down and tighten the ratchet while riding is worth it. I'm sick of only having Velcro straps, and I am currently shopping for new shoes to remedy this situation.

That said, neither shoe is very stiff at all. That's another reason I'm currently shoe-shopping, I feel like the flex is bothering me and causing some hotspot/toe numbness. Compare them to the more expensive mountain shoes or to the Specialized road shoes, the Sport shoe isn't as stiff.

Between the m520 and m540 pedals, the 540 looks a lot cooler and isn't much more expensive. Functionally, I can't really tell them apart on my 2 bikes while riding. I've read the 540 will be more durable, and I'd believe that from looking at it and the "feel" of it, but I think either one will serve you well.

I have some Keen MTB shoes- the shoe, not sandal. They are very easy to walk in, but weigh a ton.

My next purchase is road shoes. However I intend to stick with the SPD cleat and keep riding my Eggbeaters. I haven't had any problems with hotspots yet but my longest rides are less than 40 miles. (Still increasing!)

I had somewhat expected different reasoning, but thanks for the warning! ( Especially in light of my thread. )

I do a lot of riding in the mountains. When the sun is beating down, it's impossible to bring enough water for a ride, at least in my bottles. So I carry a water purifier (UV), and streams are pretty common here. I find myself laying the bike down, then walking or scrambling to the water to fill my bottles. Thought that might be the case since you're in Colorado.

It's good to be able to walk in general, too, even for around town rides.

Just ordered the silver M-540 pedals. Hope they don't look to loud on a black bike. Going to try out the Specialized Comp shoes. Can find them in stores for a little over $100. I've looked at the Shimano ones, I have a feeling the Specialized might be stiffer. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I have the M540 on my trail/mountain bike and they work great. Like mentioned, it just seemed like the reviews say they are a bit more durable than the M520, so I figured it was worth the small price difference.

For the MTB and my commuter, I also use the Lake 235C mountain shoe that they have on sale at Nashbar, usually around $80-90 I think. It's got a carbon fiber sole and feels stiff, don't get hotspots personally. However, it is fairly heavy, but not noticeable for the uses I wear it for tho.

Specialized touring shoes are an amazing option for this. I am really liking mine so far. They are built on their road shoe sole, but with a walking tread instead of the big cleats. These are not the corny lace up type touring shoes, these are the closest thing to walkable road shoes that I have found. They are also easier to put covers than mtb shoes.

Eggbeaters are also a pretty good deal, get them cheap on sale and replace as needed.

Thanks will check those touring shoes out. How do they compare to the Sport MTB and Comp MTB? Any other suggestions similar to those shoes is welcome.

I didn't really get to compare, but they are quite similar in feel, if not the same, to the road shoes of the same tier. Compare the specialized road vs mtb, and if you like the road better but want to walk and dont mind mtb cleats, order the touring. I hear most stores dont stock them.

I love my spec mtn comps, BUT they fit MY feet very well, might not be the case for you. Go with what fits the best, right off the bat.
I too like walking in them, hence my choice, plus I do have a mtn/commuter bike that I can and do ride on whatever surface.