I'm looking for a decent pair of shoes for riding with clips. I currently own a pair of canvas vans and a pair of chucks and find that the they're easily chewed up by the pressure of my foot against the cage, and that the soles are a little too flexy as well.

Ideally, I'd like something that's not bike-specific, but quite functional in that application. They don't have to be fancy, but nothing that makes me look like I'm club-footed either. Under $100 would be nice, too.

Also, I've got slightly wide, flat feet. It's not that important, but if mentioning it yields a good suggestion, I'm all ears.

Any ideas?

I like to ride in penny loafers. The soles are stiff, they aren't bad for walking around in, and they look nice.

Well, the sole of a loafer is quite hard, making it difficult for the pedal to imprint itself on it and maintain any sort of grip. Also, it doesn't seem practical from an athletic point of view.

Omit this response in the event you were being facetious.

I've got an old pair of Shimano mt. bike shoes that are a little pointed, that seem to be perfect for clips. My news one aren't nearly as good for clips, but probably better for spd.

I found my old thick-soled tennis shoes work well. They aren't noticeably flexy, but the fit depends on what type of clips. Some metal clips don't have enough room for a big shoe. The black plastic mt.bike clips work much better - lots of height in the toe area, compared to metal. But, they can look really out of place on a road bike.

dude, the best shoes imo are halfcab vans, they are bomb as F*CK to ride in, there 60 bucks, but u can get them for 40, well i did. there thicker, and not as flexy as reg. vans give them a shot.

Yeah, I'm using a pair of metal mks clips, so I guess my options are limited there.

I vaguely recall reading someone mention soccer shoes as a good clip shoe. But upon recalling that tidbit, It occurred to me that soccer shoes have cleats.... (don't they?)

Missed your post before my last one. I was actually looking at those today. They were sitting right next to the vans I already own. I don't know why I didn't bother comparing the flex in them. I'll check those out tomorrow.

Adidas Sambas.

I'm riding in these at the moment. Pretty comfortable.

Every model of soccer shoe is made in several applications. You have FG or firm ground (normal sized cleats), SG or soft ground (extra long cleats) and you have TF or turf (no cleats). There are also soccer shoes made for indoor soccer which have no cleats either.

The adidas sambas are a good example of a indoor soccer shoe.

I can see how indoor/turf soccer shoes would work well. Pretty stiff sole and usually are not too bulky, to be able to fit into cages.

I don't know what kind of pedal you've got, but something else to consider is getting some MKS GR-9 pedals. A bit easier on the shoes versus other pedals like the MKS touring, which can really chew them up. They seem to be pretty popular on here.