best sandals for touring
 

I have some ~8 year old Shimano SPD sandals. I like them pretty well, but they have never been very comfortable because there is no arch support (I have high arches) and the sole is not stiff enough. Recently I saw some of the Keen SPD sandals at a bike shop and they looked pretty nice, however reading some reviews suggest that they are fairly narrow, and I have a very wide toe-box on my feet.

It looks like the Shimano/Lake sandals have been updated a couple times since I got my pair. Does anyone have an recommendations for what are the "state of the art" in bike sandals today? Something with stiff soles, wide toe box and good fit?

i have had several of those old-style, 2-strap shimano spd sandals, a pair of nashbars, and a pair of keens. i have flat arches, so i can't give you any useful information for your arch issue.

i wear sandals for commuting and touring, and of the 3 models above, i prefer the old 2-strap shimanos. they aren't light or stiff, but they are built tough and last. the nashbars are alright but the adjustable heel didn't agree with me. i am not keen (haha) on the keens because i have some chafing and irritation from their straps and i don't care for the closed toe. they do not drain pebbles, water, etc well and i feel like i might as well wear my sidis. the keens do seem a tad lighter and stiffer, and they give my feet some cool, striped tanlines, but i wouldn't buy them again. and they are sorta pricey.

i guess this probably doesn't help you much. i know rei carries the keens and has a fairly generous return policy. maybe try some from rei, return them, and buy them from someplace cheap if you like them.

I've owned the Keen SPD saddles and they're great. They're narrow only compared to standard Keens (which are pretty duck feet wide). In a strange reversal, I still ride with Keen sandals, but without the cleats!

I did a few trips which were in really steep rocky terrain and I couldn't clip out fast enough. I decided to try regular platforms and I haven't looked back since. If you can unclip yourself from clipless ( in a manner of speaking), I'd suggestr giving the plain regular Keens a try.

On rainy/muddy/cold days, I wear wool socks + SealSkinz socks + Keens and its a great combination. You always have comfortable warm dry feet.

I wear Keen Venice H2's on MKS GR9s with MTB-style plastic toe clips.

I would like to try the Keen Commuter, but think it may not work for me as the very similar Keen Newport H2's straps were not positioned well for my feet.

I have used each version of the Shimano bike sandal since they first offered them. I have large feet that barely fit the largest size [48] that they offer. I have a moderately high arch.

They have been durable, stiff but not as stiff as a good bike shoe and comfortable. I used them on the Divide Ride for riding and hiking with good results. I have have no experience with other bike sandals.

arctos, have you noticed any improvement in the fit, quality or features of these sandals over the years? Like I said, I think mine are at least three versions old.

I get a lot of foot pain in bike shoes unless the sole is stiff and the insole has arch and metatarsal support. Maybe I'll just shoegoo a new insole onto my old sandals and see how that goes.

fishman473: The fit has improved with each model change. The stiffness has improved and the three straps hold the foot in place better now. The footbed/insole feels more comfortable to me than the earlier models and the arch support appears to be better as well. The tread is better for walking too.