Touring Shoes Question
 

Hey all,

Looking at getting some cycling shoes for touring. I have some shimano pedals that are clipless one side, and flats on the other. I am really looking for a shoe that I can clip in when I want, but can also walk around in comfortably off the bike. I know it is tough, but avoiding the clip scrapes and shoes where the clips massively stick out is probably my #1 priority. I have narrowed it down to 2 shoes at the moment and was wondering if anybody had feedback on these:

#1 Shimano MT33
http://www.wiggle.com/shimano-mt33-spd-leisure-shoes/

#2 Pearl Izumi X-Alp
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-iZUMi-X-...pr_product_top

I think they are both pretty good looking shoes, and both have good reviews. The Pearl Izumi seem to be a little bit better shoes for off the bike walking and even hiking, which is a plus. However, the Shimano are $30 cheaper. Any feedback or opinions on these?

Have a pair of Shimano TO 92*, a 'SPuD' sole , but not Knobby, but on tour I used something else .

Good luck with shoe fit over the Internet.

*no longer Made,

most think MTB shoes are fine. they offer the walkabout

with just a bit of metal Click of the recessed cleat on the pavement.

So I've heard.

I could probably just stick with my existing road clipless shoes and bring an extra pair. Not sure if spending around $75-$100 is worth another pair.

I have these Shimano Shoes and my husband has the men's version. We like them because you can walk around in them with no problems. Feels like you are just wearing tennis shoes.
http://www.rei.com/product/849711/sh...e-shoes-womens

I found years ago that Sidi did a pretty good job of making shoes that fit me. As a former road racer I found I liked Sidi road shoes. In the old days they had nail on cleats, than bolt on cleats, but they were still difficult to walk in. Now with SPD mountain bike shoes I can still use the Sidi shoes I like and am able to walk off the bike.

I've ridden in Shimono M076 MTB shoes for a few years and they are great for touring. No clicking when walking and easy to clip in on the bike

http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/cat...shoe-09-34115/

I have a pair of MT 33s. They are stiff and supportive, and the soles are very durable. I have used them for touring and regular commuting/transportation for a couple of years and they show little wear. Because they are not supple, they are not as comfortable to walk in as, say, sneakers, but they are not uncomfortable. You will have to decide if you will be comfortable walking around in your road shoes while touring. I tend to do a lot more walking when I tour vs. road riding. Walking takes it toll on shoes. You might find that, in the end, it's more cost effective to have a shoe that was designed to be walked in more extensively than a road shoe is.

I use the MT33's for touring and mtb trail riding. They serve those purposes well. They are quite robustly made and consequently pretty heavy, which may or may not matter to you. MUCH easier to walk in than a road shoe due to recessed cleat. They are all synthetic with partially mesh uppers so, while not at all waterproof, dry fairly quickly as the materials don't actually absorb water like leather would.

I have the Alp-X and love them for errands and touring. I sometimes forget they're clipless after a short while walking in them. I've had mine all season (nine months, I believe?) with no durability issues. I've gotten them wet, muddy, dusty, etc. and they still look great.

Are mtb shoes a better choice for touring, than say, road biking shoes? I want to take 1 pr of shoes other than my biking shoes. Maybe flip-flops or my keens sandals.

I have Keen sandals and they are very nice, but for harder riding I prefer a stiffer sole. In the past I have used road shoes. They can be a pain to walk in and I always carried a second pair of shoes. These days I ride with Sidi MTB shoes. I can walk in them and I could use them as my only shoes. I don't. I also carry a light pair of sandals for evenings. There are probably better MTB shoes for all around use, but the Sidis fit me nicely and are nice and stiff. This is one of those personal preference things.

i have the X-Alp and like them very much, light and comfortable. I'm not sure I'd like to walk in them after a long ride but they aren't uncomfortable, size is the issue, they run small. I wear a 11.5 Newbalance running shoe but ordered the 12.5 US / 47 EU and am glad I did.

I have a pair of the Shimano MT33 that I wear primarily for winter commuting. They are very sturdy and well built but as another has said they are on the heavy side but that's not a deal breaker for me. I would wear them touring but I have a pair of lighter spd shoes that I wear. I carry a pair of slides to wear when off the bike. I cannot speak for the Pearl Izumi shoes but they look fine. You might also consider the shimano mt43. They have a velcro strap which you can cinch down and which holds your laces down so they don't get in your chain.

IMO, yes. The are tougher and generally more comfortable to walk in depending on the pair. If you don't plan on doing extensive walking or walking on rougher surfaces off the bike, you can probably get away with flip-flops. I did just that during my September tour across PA. A few years ago, while riding in MT, I took a pair of cheap sandals from PayLess because I anticipated more walking and walking on rougher surfaces. They were lighter than my Keens but tough enough for the job.

That.

Hardly ever does anything designed for one specific use do two things well. I've found Teva Churn water shoes great for off bike walk abouts, especially with an added insole. Tough, light, packable. Heck, in summer, they're my everyday shoes.