Best trainers for cycling on a hybrid?

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J1888

Über Member
Hi all,

Currently, I use my old Adidas Samba trainers to cycle in, as they're light etc.

However, the sole is now nearly flat so they're becoming quite slippy.

Anyone got any suggestions of good trainers for wearing on normal pedals (i.e. not those fancy-dan clipless ones ;-) )

Cheers
 

Profpointy

Legendary Member
I take the view that the one advantage of flat pedals, with or without toe-clips is that you can wear any old shoes. If you're getting special shoes, or at least choosing shoes specifically, then you might as well go clipless.

When I wore toe clips I favoured a stout pair of Loake brogues with smooth soles (perfectly serious by the way), but the brogue style is optional.
 

andyfraser

Über Member
Location
Bristol
I agree with @Profpointy. I wear either Karrimore walking boots (warm, genuinely waterproof, good in winter) or Karrimore walking shoes (not waterproof, good in summer and warmer dry days in winter) not because they good for cycling (although they seem to be perfectly adequate) but because I like wearing them and they're very comfortable.
 
OP
OP
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J1888

Über Member
Thanks all - the only reason I want to get rid of my sambas (apart from their age and tattiness) is that I've found that since getting new pedals - metal ones to replace the standard plastic that the bike came with - the now completely flat sole has caused havoc sometimes, causing my foot slipping off the pedal, which can be quite dangerous...
 

buggi

Bird Saviour
Location
Solihull
I actually disagree. Anything but running trainers. Running trainers tend to have a one directional grip which can cause slipping on flat pedals. Cross trainers are better.
 

andyfraser

Über Member
Location
Bristol
I have metal pedals. My Karrimors have big grips and don't slip on the pedals. I've ridden in Hush Puppies on the same metal pedals without a problem though.
 

zizou

Veteran
five tens are probably the most popular brand amongst bmx and mtbers who use flat pedals - with good reason, the sole has a tacky sort of rubber that sticks well to pedals
 

theloafer

Legendary Member
Location
newton aycliffe
Hi all,

Currently, I use my old Adidas Samba trainers to cycle in, as they're light etc.

However, the sole is now nearly flat so they're becoming quite slippy.

Anyone got any suggestions of good trainers for wearing on normal pedals (i.e. not those fancy-dan clipless ones ;-) )

Cheers

try adding these my g/f loves them ..she cant do clipless
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/zefal-mini-clips
 

andabby

Über Member
Location
Angus
I use Lonsdale slip ons from sport direct, found laces got caught in the chain.
Fingers crossed and skin still on shins I've not slipped on pedals yet
 

shouldbeinbed

Rollin' along
Location
Manchester way
Dont have a problem with Sambas myself. They're my casual shoe of choice and I've had em for years in all states of age and distress, they don't work well on rubber topped pedals but never had a moments worry on metal ones. I have some Sports Direct Karrimor walking shoes as my winter footwear and would echo the other positive comments about them, warm, grippy, keep the wet out and nowadays dirt cheap to buy.
 

MacB

Lover of things that come in 3's
five tens are probably the most popular brand amongst bmx and mtbers who use flat pedals - with good reason, the sole has a tacky sort of rubber that sticks well to pedals

These are a good choice and they have a wide range but other makes offer tacky soles as well and you can also have the 5/10 style stealth rubber soles put on anything you want.

I don't know what pedals you changed to but I find no problems with grip, regardless of footwear, using BMX style pedals with pins. I've mainly used metal ones but you can get lighter plastic ones that I found ok as well.
 
Why trainers?

There are trainer like bike shoes that meet the best of both worlds

Most running or sports trainers have soft soles that make pedalling less efficient
 
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