Touring Shoes

[pkeenan]

Am in the market for some new touring shoes. I tour with SPDs, and have gone through a pair of Specialized Tahoe and another pair of Specialized.

The Tahoe shoe was good fit, comfortable - but I wasn't keen on the lace up (I believe there is now velcro?). The BG Specialized I link above was similarly good, but I would have prefered some tread rather than a completely flat sole; they've worn out so quickly.

I generally have only looked as far as Specialized, as I know they are pretty good for apparel, footware and gloves. What are the Shimano shoes like? Are there any other brands producing ideal cycling shoes for touring?

I don't usually feel the need to consult the web before purchasing (!), but would be interested to hear what more experienced tourers like from their footware.

[And as a postlude: I've actually been considering putting standard pedals on my tourer, so I can wear whatever is convenient (sandals!) - what do people feel about touring without clipless pedals?]

 

[PK99]

Am in the market for some new touring shoes. I tour with SPDs, and have gone through a pair of Specialized Tahoe and another pair of Specialized.

The Tahoe shoe was good fit, comfortable - but I wasn't keen on the lace up (I believe there is now velcro?). The BG Specialized I link above was similarly good, but I would have prefered some tread rather than a completely flat sole; they've worn out so quickly.

I generally have only looked as far as Specialized, as I know they are pretty good for apparel, footware and gloves. What are the Shimano shoes like? Are there any other brands producing ideal cycling shoes for touring?

I don't usually feel the need to consult the web before purchasing (!), but would be interested to hear what more experienced tourers like from their footware.

[And as a postlude: I've actually been considering putting standard pedals on my tourer, so I can wear whatever is convenient (sandals!) - what do people feel about touring without clipless pedals?]

i've just bought a pair of tahoe sport (with vibram sole) they have lace with stow pocket and velcro strap to secure. very comfortable, good stiff sole plate for cycling and great sole for off the bike.

a friend rides with spd sandals!

 

[slowmotion]

Before I re-discovered cycling, I used to wear trainers all the time. A couple of years after getting back on two wheels, I put SPD pedals on my new road bike and found North Wave Mission shoes. They are incredibly comfortable on the bike, for walking, and for climbing ladders too. Shimano and Specialized shoes were just instruments of torture in comparison. If you have slightly wide feet, they really are the kipper's knickers.
Here they are...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-mission-all-terrain-mtb-shoes-2012/

Good luck.

 

[Keith Oates]

I rarely look further than Shimano but we all have different shaped feet so going to a shop and trying some different ones could give you an idea of which are best for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Banjo]

"[And as a postlude: I've actually been considering putting standard pedals on my tourer, so I can wear whatever is convenient (sandals!) - what do people feel about touring without clipless pedals?]"

I think flat pedals are fine provided they give a good grip on your shoe so theres no chance of foot slipping.(This can be as much to do with the shoe sole as the pedal)

I dont notice any difference in overall speed and the convenience is terrific.

 

[fossala]

I feel less safe when I'm on a bike without clipless pedals. I wasn't getting on with spd-sl because of walking. Went with a600 touring pedals and rt82 touring shoes. Both fantastic.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Spesh BG Sport Touring?

I prefer the Spesh BG Sport MTB myself in case I go off piste.

 

[rich p]

If you chose to go down the flat pedal route I would definitely at least put loose plastic toeclips on. SPDs are hard to beat though IMHO.
You don't necessarily want to be wearing the same shoe on and off the bike either. Rain, dirt, sweat, a change. I take a lightweight pair of sandals for off-bike time.
I believe that the Spesh Sonomas I use are discontinued which is a bugger.

 

[Martyn H]

I have a pair of Lake trail shoes, which I find very comfortable, and even find myself wandering about the house in them, rather than rush to change as soon as I get in. If you have a wide foot, then Lake are well worth considering. As for pedals, mine are SPD on side and flats on the other. Quite handy for when you just want to grab the bike and go.

 

[Norry1]

Shimano MT42 for me.

 

[Bodhbh]

I tour on flats and trainers. I use either the dmr v8s or v12s (can't remember) and the grip is great. Any of the the screw-in studded pedals would be fine I suppose (Wellgo do a cheaper version). Whatever you're used too, I'm don't like being clipped in and aren't gonna start on tours.

+1 to still taking alternative footware for off the bike tho. Trainers worn on and off the bike will get VERY VERY rank and easily stink out a dorm room by themselves...

 

[pkeenan]

Thanks for all posts!
Interesting to read of other touring shoes, and what people like/dislike.

As for me, I think I'll stick with clipless and go for a new pair of Spesh Tahoes. Hopefully they'll do me as proud as the last ones in terms of durability, and with the new velcro strap keeping the laces clear of the drivetrain!

I have heard of SPD sandals, but can't see how they would be durable/comfortable!!
Definitely agree with having a pair of shoes/sandals/flip flops to change into when off the bike - I didn't bring any change on my last tour, and after a rainy day I realised my mistake...!

 

[robjh]

Definitely agree with having a pair of shoes/sandals/flip flops to change into when off the bike

Each to their own, but when I'm touring I have enough luggage without taking an extra pair of shoes. I've always used trainers/walking shoes + toe clips on tours for that reason - I don't notice much difference from SPDs, and they're far better off the bike. Maybe it depends on how much time you plan to spend on and off the bike - I do a lot of exploring on foot too on most longer tours. A shorter weekend ride where I'm planning to spend most of the time riding is different - there I'd use my SPDs.

 

[Bodhbh]

Each to their own, but when I'm touring I have enough luggage without taking an extra pair of shoes. I've always used trainers/walking shoes + toe clips on tours for that reason - I don't notice much difference from SPDs, and they're far better off the bike. Maybe it depends on how much time you plan to spend on and off the bike - I do a lot of exploring on foot too on most longer tours. A shorter weekend ride where I'm planning to spend most of the time riding is different - there I'd use my SPDs.

I don't get on with sandals and also prefer trainers as you can just hop off and go rambling, or go exploring after camping up - but seriously about the smell when worn every day all day - a few days rain and they HONK. They will stink out a dorm room, the will stink in a resaurant from down under the table, if it rains enough they will start to stink of ammonia! You at least need a break from this! At least it is a luxury I am prepared to hump up the weight for.

 

[Blue Hills]

Yes Speciliazed stuff is very good but a pair of Spesh BG MTB style variant of a road shoes I have similar to yours have failed in the meshing they decided to put in the construction for reasons best known to themselves - following "racing style" probably, the plague of general purpose/touring cyclists.

For touring I'd recommend one of Shimanos fabric construction shoes - they seem to last for ever - very reasonably priced, sometimes very cheap from certain places.

I'd avoid anything with a ratchet closing mech, neat as they are. The ratchet closure on one of my Specs got bust once when someone bumped into me - was worried I wouldn't be able to get it off (!) let alone back on again.

Never used an only velcro systsem though I do have a Northwave pair that I need to start wearing.

Yes laces bust sometimes but even if they bust unexpectedly you can usually bodge and spare boot laces easy to come by.