Clipless Shoe Preferences
 

I went in to REI today to find out my size. I'm looking for a comfortable Sport-style shoe that I can walk around in without damaging the cleats to go with my Shimano A530 clipless pedals. I know comfortable is subjective but I'm sure there are some makes that have evolved over time and improved along the way.

I use Cannondale Roams, they're a mountain/hiking style shoe with a nicely recessed cleat area. They are lace-ups, but I don't really have an issue with tying laces.

I like the Specialized comp mountain. They are easy to walk in and quite comfortable.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...untain%20Shoes

I went with the mountain version of the Shimano R085s that I tried on today. Thanks for the suggestions the both of you.

I have SIDI Dom 5s. I like them because they are largely rebuild-able and will last many years. High investment cost but I expect them to last for a few bikes.

Replaceable cleat studs is the only route to go and I've learned that the hard way. The Dom. is my next shoe.

Pearl Izumi Vagabonds. I once had to work all day wearing these shoes as somebody stole my work shoes. Wasn't bad at all.

Yeah once you wear a cleat down beyond the allen bolts you're going to be drilling them out (or dremeling, or reverse bits). Getting a shoe that can come completely apart is worth the $240 price of the Doms, and the ratchet system is way better than velcro alone. You get such a tight fit with the SIDI ratchet.

edit: on the topic of long wearing, I wear my SIDIs all day at school (commuting for the next semester) and I don't get sore or pains. They clack a bit on granite and brick with eggbeater cleats but not on normal concrete. SIDI also makes "in between" sizes, I am a 44.5 (I think) and getting a good size is key to being able to wear them all day.

i second, err... third the dom 5 recommendation; they're pricey, but so worth it. i can wear them all day long if i have to...