Touring Shoes

[TheDoctor]

The Aldi SPD shoes that are in on 2nd May are pretty comfy IME.
I've regularly gone away for a weekend with them and no other footwear. Did a 6 mile hike in the Alps in them a few years ago (I'd got fed up with cycling that day, so went for a walk instead.).

 

[andrew_s]

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 use SPD sandals, and like them.
I don't generally wear socks, though I'll carry a pair in case I get problems with the straps chafing, which can happen if you get grit under the straps and don't stop to clear it out. I don't find it necessary to take a second set of footwear for evening use, and there's no problems with sweat or the sandals getting soaked on a rainy day or if there's a river to ford as the sandals dry out quickly. They are OK for walking - I did 5 miles across the moorland before reaching the ford.

I don't have a problem with cold feet during the touring season. My rule is that if I don't need gloves, I don't need socks. When it does get cold, toes seem to do better than fingers do. I did go sockless one day at the end November of last year, despite there being ice on puddles and frost still on the grass at 4pm (I was to visit a flooded pub, which involved paddling).

 

[Blue Hills]

Sometimes wondered - I know that, contrary to what novice cyclists might think it's very very rare to come off a bike but any concerns about ankle/general foot protection if you should take a fall when wearing sandals?

 

[bikepacker]

I have used SPD sandal exclusively since 2002 so haven't yet used them long enough to worry about H&S issues.

 

[pkeenan]

It does sound fun, having an SPD sandal! But I think I shall keep to a shoe for now (costs etc...)

Interesting what Blue Hills says about his Spesh shoes failing. I've not yet had this issue and I should point out now that I have actually worn my touring shoes as my everyday footware since 2010, so they really do get used quite a lot.
It's good to read your thoughts on the Shimanos, though - I shall investigate!

Will also look into Northwaves too, they look comfy!

 

[Sara_H]

+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...

Can't remember the site, but read a blog by an ultralite tourer who wears crocs (with sealskinz socks if its wet).
Crocs are ideal camping shoes. And thinking about it, if I were to only take one shoe for cycle ouring it would be Crocs. Light, comfortable easy to wash and dry.
As I'm a lady, I bought a pair of black ballerina style crocs for camping - ok to wear in publc places without looking a tit!

 

[jjb]

Can't remember the site

http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[Sara_H]

http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.co.uk/

Thats the one

 

[Blue Hills]

I

Interesting what Blue Hills says about his Spesh shoes failing.

Am still uisng them as a secondary shoe but there is a largish gap in the mesh on both left and right - which can't do wonders for power transmission. Also have to use with decent socks or my feet will hurt. The Shimano fabric shoes are years older, have been used as my regular shoe, and still going strong.

 

[Bromptonaut]

The Aldi SPD shoes that are in on 2nd May are pretty comfy IME.
I've regularly gone away for a weekend with them and no other footwear. Did a 6 mile hike in the Alps in them a few years ago (I'd got fed up with cycling that day, so went for a walk instead.).

I'd second that. Yet to try them with clipless pedals but they're comfortable on and off bikes with flat pedals or toe straps.

 

[TheDoctor]

I'm off to France in early May - I'll be taking the Aldi SPD shoes and that's it (in terms of footwear).
I've replaced the laces with elasticated ones, so they're just slip on, do up the velcro strap and away you go.

 

[asterix]

I'm off to France in early May - I'll be taking the Aldi SPD shoes and that's it (in terms of footwear).
I've replaced the laces with elasticated ones, so they're just slip on, do up the velcro strap and away you go.

Am still using Lidls cheapos. Have done two raid Pyreneans in them! I like the elasticated laces idea, wish I'd thought of that, where d'you get 'em?

 

[Blue Hills]

Am still using Lidls cheapos. Have done two raid Pyreneans in them!

I had a look at the Lidl shoes once.

I'm no weight weenie (far from it) but they seemed rather heavy - any problem for you?

I'm off to France in early May - I'll be taking the Aldi SPD shoes and that's it (in terms of footwear).

I can't actually see them in the upcoming Aldi offer - unless they are keeping them secret.

 

[jay clock]

For touring I go for SPD sandals like these and then a pair of cheap fake crocs for off bike. I carry gore-tex style overshoes to use with the sandals in case it is very cold

 

[TheDoctor]

Am still using Lidls cheapos. Have done two raid Pyreneans in them! I like the elasticated laces idea, wish I'd thought of that, where d'you get 'em?

IIRC I got them off Ebay. This seller does them - not a specific recommendation, they're just the first ones I found.
For bike use I didn't even use the lace lock they give you - I tied them in a reef knot and left them.