Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Touring
Reload this Page >

Touring Shoes

Search
Notices
Touring Have a dream to ride a bike across your state, across the country, or around the world? Self-contained or fully supported? Trade ideas, adventures, and more in our bicycle touring forum.

Touring Shoes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-03-14 | 11:07 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Wheat Ridge, CO

Bikes: 2021 Canyon Ultimate, 2016 Kona Precept 130, 2014 Novara Safari, 2004 Cannondale R600, 1991 Giant Sedona

Touring Shoes

I'm biking from Boston to Seattle this summer and looking for some shoes suitable for riding as well as hiking. I have Shimano M324 pedals. Also, I'd like to bring sandals along on the trip. I was thinking chacos, or something of the sort. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Cream23 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-03-14 | 11:36 PM
  #2  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

I wear Lake Mountain Bike shoes. Good for walking and cycling ... and I have the same pedals.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 12:09 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
Shimano and I think Lake make sandals that are designed for use on a bicycle with clipless pedals. I am not a fan of them -- I own a pair of Shimano ones and have worn them very little -- but there are other touring cyclists who love them, and can adapt with stuff like Seal Skinz and woollen sock to suit bad weather conditions.
Rowan is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 01:04 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 4
I love my lake sandals, most comfortable shoes for walking I have, and great on the bike. I can't use them with the bindings because of ortho reeasons, so I use them with the straps. That is not an easy deal, but it does mean that I have more than just the straps of sandals to crank on the pedals with, and that may be an advantage.
MassiveD is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 04:29 AM
  #5  
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I use Garneau Terra Vents. They're nice and airy, but they're also pretty comfy for walking.
beerbear is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 06:45 AM
  #6  
fairymuff's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Any old sneakers. Combined with platform pedals and toecups.
fairymuff is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 08:11 AM
  #7  
indyfabz's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 45,200
Likes: 23,368
I have been touring and commuting with these for years. They have held up extremely well.

Amazon.com: Shimano SH-MT33L Mountain Bike Shoes - Men's: Shoes
indyfabz is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 08:26 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Mid-Atlantic

Bikes: Too many

Sneakers

Freddie Hoffman is one of the most accomplished cyclists in the world. He could kick your ass.
The 43-year-old New Jersey native wiggles his no-name running shoes into toe clips. His lifetime odometer stands at an astonishing 1,202,625 miles. His top tube reads “To the Moon and Back, Twice.”
The Man Who Rode to the Moon (and back) (twice) | Miles 4 Melanoma
Weatherby is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 08:36 AM
  #9  
staehpj1's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,037
Likes: 827
From: Tallahassee, FL

Bikes: Several

Originally Posted by Cream23
I'm biking from Boston to Seattle this summer and looking for some shoes suitable for riding as well as hiking. I have Shimano M324 pedals. Also, I'd like to bring sandals along on the trip. I was thinking chacos, or something of the sort. Any suggestions are appreciated!
For me the answer depends on how much hiking and how tough the expected terrain is. I insist on "real" bike shoes which to me means bike specific shoes with cleats for clipless pedals. If the hiking is fairly short distances (a few miles at most) and the terrain not too difficult, just my SPD Sidis are fine. If I require better hiking footwear for long/difficult hikes I carry a second pair of footwear. In that case I might take any of a variety choices. Racing flats seem pretty ideal, but I have used a number of other shoe types successfully.
__________________
Pete in Tallahassee
Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1


staehpj1 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 09:31 AM
  #10  
AusTexMurf's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 15
From: South Austin, Texas

Bikes: 2010 Origin8 CX700, 2003 Cannondale Backroads Cross Country, 1997 Trek mtn steel frame converted commuter/tourer, 1983 Univega Sportour, 2010 Surly LHT, Others...

I use:
Shimano Cycling Sandles

Or
Pearl Izumi X-Alps


Multi platform pedals on all my bikes used for touring/commuting...

And I take one or two pairs of Vibram FiveFingers along for hikes, town, camp, etc…...

Works well for me….FiveFingers don't take up much space when packed…..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
SH-SD66-BR-ANGLE.jpg (24.0 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg
PI-XAMS-KG-ANGLE.jpg (42.3 KB, 13 views)
AusTexMurf is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 10:29 AM
  #11  
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast

Bikes: 8

Shimanos sandals because they adjust with straps, so, are versatile with thick or thin sox ,

and for rain there are gore tex liner sox to wear over your own sox to keep the feet drier ( or plastic bread bags . )

Walking for a long time in a SPD cleat is not good for it .. Myself a sightseeing shoe was worth packing, as I was in Europe

and not staying to rolling up the trip milage, primarily ..
fietsbob is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 12:07 PM
  #12  
donalson's Avatar
just pedal
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 989
Likes: 5
From: Houston, TX

Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, trek 560

haven't been touring but I only ride in my shimano SPD sandals... they will be what I use on my week long katy trail ride in a few weeks... some waterproof kayaking socks and some hiking wool socks if it gets cool.
donalson is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 12:16 PM
  #13  
john.b's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 239
Likes: 2
From: Ragbraistan
Not a fan of laces on bike shoes, personally.
john.b is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 01:24 PM
  #14  
Banned
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast

Bikes: 8

Have 1 shoe with a lace cover Flap covering them , they are discontinued long ago , so which one does not matter in this discussion.


Loose fit and supportive insoles , and by using a toe clip-pedal and a curved slot on the sole bottom

the blood circulation in my feet and the nerves were not constricted as they would be with a snug fitting SPuD shoe.
and so the riding all day was comfortable..

Last edited by fietsbob; 05-07-14 at 11:11 AM.
fietsbob is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 02:33 PM
  #15  
Doug64's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,629
Likes: 1,055
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by staehpj1
For me the answer depends on how much hiking and how tough the expected terrain is. I insist on "real" bike shoes which to me means bike specific shoes with cleats for clipless pedals. If the hiking is fairly short distances (a few miles at most) and the terrain not too difficult, just my SPD Sidis are fine. If I require better hiking footwear for long/difficult hikes I carry a second pair of footwear. In that case I might take any of a variety choices. Racing flats seem pretty ideal, but I have used a number of other shoe types successfully.
+1

I use a bike shoe that is efficient and comfortable on the bike.

Mine are Lake shoes similar to Machka's, but I also carry a pair of lightweight running shoes. We do a lot of walking on our tours, and it is also nice to get out of the bike shoes at the end of the day.

On one of our tours we did 40 miles of trail hiking, plus a lot of around town walking. I would not want to subject good cycling shoes to that abuse; nor would I want to subject my feet to a stiff soled cycling shoe. I'm not sure you can have a shoe stiff enough to be a good cycling shoe,and still be flexible enough to be a good walking shoe; you end up with a shoe not good for either activity.

Last edited by Doug64; 05-04-14 at 03:34 PM.
Doug64 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 03:13 PM
  #16  
spinnaker's Avatar
Every day a winding road
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,538
Likes: 63
From: Pittsburgh, PA

Bikes: 2005 Cannondale SR500, 2008 Trek 7.3 FX, Jamis Aurora

Originally Posted by Machka
I wear Lake Mountain Bike shoes. Good for walking and cycling ... and I have the same pedals.
Another vote for the Lake's. Unless they do something stupid with the design of the shoe, I will never own another brand.

And I would go with a pair of light weight shoes for off the bike. I have a pair of Tevas that weigh next to nothing.
spinnaker is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 03:20 PM
  #17  
spinnaker's Avatar
Every day a winding road
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,538
Likes: 63
From: Pittsburgh, PA

Bikes: 2005 Cannondale SR500, 2008 Trek 7.3 FX, Jamis Aurora

Originally Posted by fairymuff
Any old sneakers. Combined with platform pedals and toecups.
Extremely poor advice. Very unhealthy for you feet. You need a stiff sole to help prevent flexing of your foot. A stiffer sole aid in power transfer too. Mountain bike shoes are even probably stretching it a bit on sole stiffness but they are a satisfactory compromise.
spinnaker is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 03:36 PM
  #18  
fairymuff's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by spinnaker
Extremely poor advice. Very unhealthy for you feet. You need a stiff sole to help prevent flexing of your foot. A stiffer sole aid in power transfer too. Mountain bike shoes are even probably stretching it a bit on sole stiffness but they are a satisfactory compromise.
What's bad about flexing your foot? In particular: what's unhealthy about it? I've had a few aches and pains from riding a bicycle, but I can't say that I've ever finished a day with aching feet.
fairymuff is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 08:13 PM
  #19  
mobile_simon's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
cold + rainy: bogs bridgeport
everything else: keen sandals with a toebox.
mobile_simon is offline  
Reply
Old 05-04-14 | 09:16 PM
  #20  
donalson's Avatar
just pedal
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 989
Likes: 5
From: Houston, TX

Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, trek 560

Attached Images
donalson is offline  
Reply
Old 05-05-14 | 02:34 AM
  #21  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

Originally Posted by john.b
Not a fan of laces on bike shoes, personally.
I don't find other methods tighten the shoes enough.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Old 05-05-14 | 07:54 AM
  #22  
MAK
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 107
From: Delaware

Bikes: Yes, I have bikes.

Specialized makes some very good "touring" shoes. Recessed SPD cleats and a flat bottom (no studs) so they work very well both on and off the bike. When I go with bike sandals I use Keen's. I just like to protect my toes.
MAK is offline  
Reply
Old 05-05-14 | 10:02 AM
  #23  
shipwreck's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by fairymuff
What's bad about flexing your foot? In particular: what's unhealthy about it? I've had a few aches and pains from riding a bicycle, but I can't say that I've ever finished a day with aching feet.
The longest day I ever pulled fully loaded was on platforms with toe clips, and a cheap pair of shoes from payless. 164 miles over a(admittedly low)mountain range and a river valley. And about four days riding on each side of that. Its appalling that I was not crippled, but really the only people who would be appalled are marketing execs who want you to believe that you need the latest riding teck, and the riders who blindly believe the marketing execs.
Don't get me wrong, I own plenty of spds and "appropriate" shoes, and feel that if your feet do get sore then you should use a stiffer sole, a larger pedal, whatever helps you personally. But if you can wear thongs and use rattraps for your touring, then no one should tell you that you cant, unless you ask if they know of something different.
shipwreck is offline  
Reply
Old 05-05-14 | 10:54 AM
  #24  
Caddy909's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by shipwreck
The longest day I ever pulled fully loaded was on platforms with toe clips, and a cheap pair of shoes from payless. 164 miles over a(admittedly low)mountain range and a river valley. And about four days riding on each side of that. Its appalling that I was not crippled, but really the only people who would be appalled are marketing execs who want you to believe that you need the latest riding teck, and the riders who blindly believe the marketing execs.
Don't get me wrong, I own plenty of spds and "appropriate" shoes, and feel that if your feet do get sore then you should use a stiffer sole, a larger pedal, whatever helps you personally. But if you can wear thongs and use rattraps for your touring, then no one should tell you that you cant, unless you ask if they know of something different.
That sounds like you were unused to cycling on platforms and/or the cheap pair of shoes were uncomfortable to start with. I've cycled plenty clipped (KEO and Eggbeaters) and on platforms (with comfortable sandals or sneakers) and find platforms more comfortable over the long haul. Then again, I'm the type of person who likes to run with minimalist shoes without socks, so ymmv.
Caddy909 is offline  
Reply
Old 05-05-14 | 11:14 AM
  #25  
fairymuff's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
I think Shipwreck was saying that his longest day ever was with platforms and sneakers, and he suffered no ill effects.
fairymuff is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.