I have a LHT and I am looking for pedals. No current upcoming tours, so just talking a charity ride or something similar. I am NOT using clipless pedals at this time, just a normal bicycle pedal.

Currently, I have just been riding with normal tennis shoes. However, my feet are really sore the next day. Is there any type/style of pedal that is better with softer soled shoes?

Also, I want to find a shoe with a more firm sole. I have wide feet and sometimes have trouble finding shoes. I tried some Lake "wide" shoes and they are not wide enough. Anybody know of hiking type shoes that come in wide sizes? Or can anyone suggest a tennis shoe or all-terrain shoe that has firmer soles? I find many times that a size that just says "WIDE" versus 3E or 4E, etc it usually is not wide enough.

I'll also take advice on finding some wide pedals since my feet are wide.

Take a look at the MKS pedals. The Touring pedals are about as wide as pedals get. The Grip King pedals are huge, real long from front to back but probably not what you want for touring. Velo-Orange also has their own pedals, similar to MKS but made by Wellgo. More expensive but kind of cool with sealed bearings. Check the websites for Velo-Orange, Rivendell and the big online retailers like AEBike and JensonUSA.

BMX platform pedals + large toe clips

Wrong problem. It's the shoes that are unsuitable.

Hiking style trail shoes are much stiffer than tennis shoes and plenty good enough for Just Riding Along. I have problems finding them in narrow fittings.
There are two MKS pedals to consider, the Sylvian Touring and the GR9 platform.

I use superfeet green insoles in my regulars shoes when I'm not using clipless. Seems to help.

"The Grip King pedals are huge, real long from front to back but probably not what you want for touring."

Why is this? I have two sets of Grip Kings and love them. I wanted to use them for touring this summer. Should I reconsider?

Thanks.

Willy Gee, if you like Grip Kings then go for it. I mentioned them because they are big, comfy pedals. Most people would probably not use such a heavy platform pedal that can't take toe-clips or Power Grips for touring, but I am not surprised to find an exception. Enjoy your trip.

Even if you are not going to use clipless pedals, go with a shoe with a firm sole. It will be better for your feet.

I've heard good things about 5.10 shoes.

I liked a pair of slip-on sneaker type shoes I had a while back. The sole was relatively flat; not particularly firm but still comfortable.

Avoid shoes with aggressive tread, especially bits that stick out the sides of the sole, if you are using toeclips. A smoother sole is better.

Yes.

I ride all the time in Keen sandals. I've never been so comfortable riding. I have Crank Brothers 5050x pedals on my Surly LHT. Nice wide and flat surface. Picked them up on sale. On my recumbents I do use clipless pedals (Crank Brothers Eggbeaters) and use them with cycling sandals. I find sandals are much more comfortable for my feet then any shoe, give them a try. Your feet will be cool and comfortable no matter how hot it is. When its cold (and it still is here in Vermont), I just slip on a pair of wool socks with the sandals and I'm good to go.

Brian

I second the notion tha the pedals aren't the problem. You need a shoe with a stiffer sole. Ideally, get an inexpensive mountain-biking shoe, and just don't mount cleats on it. Many come with a full sole with a section that is removed when you install cleats. Just don't remove that section and you've got a reasonable looking shoe with a stiff enough sole for cycling many miles, but you'll still be able to walk in them.

Agreed. Sure a stiff sole is "optimal" but just do what's comfortable, and make sure you test out the setup on some long rides before setting out.

In my experience, the MKS touring pedals aren't too great for sneakers. They might wear a hole in your soles with the spiky grippy bits.

I too like wide pedals. I've tried a number (12+) of platform-type pedals and one of the best I have found are the Nashbar Land Cruiser pedal ($35) -- it's a BMX style with sealed bearings and is very smooth. I now have them on three of my bikes, including my tourer.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...3_10000_201354

I also tried the Grip King pedal and can tell you it is not wide--my feet roll to the side and I found it less comfortable and usable compared with the Nashbar pedal. Here is a photo that compares the width of the Grip King to a standard BMX style pedal:

https://www.rivbike.com/images/produc...00/1620/SN.jpg

For non-bike specific shoes, I have a pair of Salomon waterproof trail running shoes I bought from REI-outlet for $60 (regularly $125) and was very surprised at the stiffness of the sole. I now use those for cool-wet weather riding and my Shimano sandals for warm weather riding. My shoes are similar to these:

https://www.rei.com/product/772097

I think the combination of trail running shoes (assuming they come in a width that fits you) with a BMX style pedal like the Nashbar version would make a good combination given your preferences.