Sandals for Cycling Reccomendations

[united4ever]

Flat pedals so could also be regular sandals that happen to suit cycling. Any recommendations?

Ideally not super expensive but would pay more if really worth it.

Commuting into an office and wearing shoes and socks all day in this weather is no good for my feet so want to feel the wind between my toes on the commute.

I guess you want a tight fit to minimise movement and a bit more protection/straps than most sandals offer. With a very firm sole also to transfer energy to the pedals.

 

[Sharky]

You can get them with spd cleats!

 

[vickster]

You can get them with spd cleats!

Indeed, Spa have a couple of options. Should have a stiff sole, likely don’t have to attach cleats tho
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m6b0s154p0/Shoes-|-Clothing-|-Helmets/Shoes

Or if not looking to add cleats, something like this
https://www.johnlewis.com/cotswold-sandhurst-drawstring-walking-sandals-grey/p110484963

 

[ExBrit]

You can get them with spd cleats!

I bought some SPD sandals from Nashbar many years ago. They have proved to be very useful. You don't have to install the cleats which means they can be compatible with flat pedals. They have a stiff sole which you will like.

https://www.nashbar.com/transit-ragster-spd-cycling-sandals-black-3738-ti-rcs-37-38/p979928

 

[Sharky]

A few years ago a much older rider and an ex pro (will just call him Mr Smith), forgot his racing shoes and rode the evening 10 riding in sandals. Anyway, Reg caught me easily and went onto record a respectable (24 or 25 minutes) time for the 10 miles.

 

[andrew_s]

With flat pedals, any sandal that attaches securely to your foot will do.

I've come across reports of people doing quite major tours - for example Lachlan Morton did a sizable part of his solo Tour de France ride in EVA Birkenstocks with the front strap cut off, or the ultralightcycling blogspot chap did a 100 cols/3500 km tour round the more mountainous parts of France in Crocs.
Personally, I'd go for something with a strap arrangement like these https://www.johnlewis.com/geox-u-terreno-grip-sandals-black/p109927169

For SPD sandals in the UK, there's only the Shimano SD5 (bolt-on plastic cleat slot cover), or the Exustar SS503/515 from Spa, which I don't like because of the neoprene panel covering the whole top of the foot under/between the straps.
I'd probably go for the Ragsters from the USA though (which used to be available in the UK as the Exustar SS501).

Besides foot ventilation in warm weather, the other advantage of sandals is that skin is waterproof, and they don't soak up the water like shoes do, so in wet weather you just wear bare feet, and the feet and sandals dry off quickly.
Contrary to what you might expect, bare feet is no colder than normal cycling shoes & socks. I'm generally OK down to zero before I get the sealskinz out.
Don't forget the sun lotion on your feet.

 

[Lee_M]

I'm sure there's no danger of it actually happening, but I couldn't ride in sandals as I've got visions of losing my toes in an accident.

Probably too many years motorcycling allowing my imagination to run riot

 

[vickster]

I'm sure there's no danger of it actually happening, but I couldn't ride in sandals as I've got visions of losing my toes in an accident.

Probably too many years motorcycling allowing my imagination to run riot

The ones I linked have covered toes

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I'm sure there's no danger of it actually happening, but I couldn't ride in sandals as I've got visions of losing my toes in an accident.

Probably too many years motorcycling allowing my imagination to run riot

Sandals with a toe box prevent bashing the toes if your feet slip.

To the OP, have a look at walking / sports sandals. Karrimor do a range, around £50, depending on how much you are hoping to pay.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Flat pedals so could also be regular sandals that happen to suit cycling. Any recommendations?

Depending on the length of your commute and your relative comfort this applies......

With flat pedals, any sandal that attaches securely to your foot will do.

I do most of my bike riding in sandals - whatever happens to be cheapest along the way.

I have, however, added toe-straps to my flat pedals to be used in the wet to prevent slippage.

There are wonderful feelings to be experienced riding through water and you can develop interesting tan lines on your feet

Paired with wool socks (sandals and socks??!!!) I'm comfortable to pretty low temperatures.

Alternatively, you could consider a light pair of trainers - the ones that are more mesh than anything. They allow feet to breathe as well.

 

[Vantage]

I bought these things from Asda a couple years ago. Brill for riding in. I tend to throw a bit of talcum powder in the soles to keep my feet from sticking. About £20 I think.

 

[T4tomo]

My friend hopped on the back of my old tandem in a pair of "toe peg" flip flops for a pub ride. We had to emergency stop going down a hill when I got a call from the back "whooaah I lost my flip flop"

Definitely not recommended.

 

[fossyant]

Rather you than me. I'd rather not have exposed feet near a bike chain ring. If you are just pootling about, I see no reason not to wear some.

 

[Lee_M]

I bought these things from Asda a couple years ago. Brill for riding in. I tend to throw a bit of talcum powder in the soles to keep my feet from sticking. About £20 I think.
View attachment 694875

Ate you sure you don't mean you bought them back in 1972

 

[united4ever]

Indeed, Spa have a couple of options. Should have a stiff sole, likely don’t have to attach cleats tho
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m6b0s154p0/Shoes-|-Clothing-|-Helmets/Shoes

Or if not looking to add cleats, something like this
https://www.johnlewis.com/cotswold-sandhurst-drawstring-walking-sandals-grey/p110484963

Thanks. Ordered those in the second link. Half price on Cotswold shoes too.