Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: TheRedEyeJedi on 30 September, 2015, 09:10:40 am
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Hi,
I am doing my second Lejog next year and the one part of my kit I really can not make my mind up on is footwear. I have size 12 feet and dislike flip flops and sandals with a passion. Last time I went with a Carradice camper long flap and with some careful packing I managed to fit in a pair of trainers for the evening to complement my spds in the day. While this was very welcome after some long days, I didn't actually walk far in them - at most a mile or so to get some food in the evening. They also added quite a bit of weight and more importantly cost me space in my bags.
This time I will use a rear rack and panniers but I am wondering if there is actually an spd shoe, that can be walked in with a bit of comfort and more importantly could be worn out to moderately nice restaurants or pubs in the evening without me looking like a young Forest Gump. Im not looking to win fashion awards - just something less orthopedic looking will do.
I currently use Shimano touring road shoes and while they have a recessed cleats, they are not comfortable to walk in and look a bit ridiculous off the bike.
The other issue is that it will be a May Lejog, so warmth is a factor(especially as I suffer from cold feet) Although I can and do use toe covers, with over shoes, with woolie Boilies - It would be nice if the shoe also offers some cold weather proofing. Im guessing mountain bike shoes are where its at but im struggling to wade through the options.
Any help appreciated
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You could go the whole way - there are some very nice SPD casual shoes. They definitely meet your criteria - they look like proper shoes for general eatery visiting and pubbage. Some are even really quite dapper.
Always Riding (http://www.alwaysriding.com/for-the-rider/cycling-shoes/city-cycling-shoes.html) have a good range for starters - I think there's something to suit everyone.
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SPD sandals.
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(Not *too* stupid an option for comfort, especially coupled with thick socks, though they probably fall down in the "nice restaurant" stakes and your passionate dislike would be a disadvantage.)
Obvious choices for almost-smart appearance are the leather SPD shoes from Exustar (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/exustar-sp705-stelvio-leather-spd-touring-commuter-shoes-black-prod20634/), Dromarti (http://www.dromarti.com/cycling-shoes/sportivo-classic) and Quoc Pham (http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/p/50020/Quoc-Pham-Tourer-SPD-Shoe?kw=&fl=1000&ci=54665543561&network=pla&gclid=CMu_r4WwnsgCFcFf2wod5eQAvw) (a "How Much!!??!!" factor may come into play), while I've got a pair of Pearl Izumi shoes that are probably the smartest pair of trainer-alikes I own. (The fact they're in brown suede and discontinued may mean this isn't a terribly helpful addition.) I've also acquired a pair of more casual shoes that one of the German retailers was knocking out for €17 or so, which look kind of like a pair of unbranded Converse and are reasonably appropriate with jeans.
Moving away from the single shoe conceit, there are some *very* lightweight folding trainers/pumps/plimsolls around which I've seen other riders carry - compact too - though I've not taken enough note of manufacturers. I think Decathlon may do a pair.
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If you're doing longish days on the bike then check that a 'casual' shoe is up to that job.
Personally I just hang a pair of sandals off the saddlebag, but you've ruled that option out.
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Longest days will be 100 miles or just over - Its a 12 day ride. Non flex base is preferable but not the be all and end all.
My initial plan was to buy some proper winter cycling boots and then look for some light weight trainers. They do not need to be 'smart', just a normal trainer type appearance would be fine, with some comfort for walking.
I just wondered if anyone had an amazing alternative - some of the stuff on 'Always riding' looks interesting ... will start truing to find some customer reviews. I am not against spending quite a bit of money on the right solution
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Those giro republic shoes look nice and being all leather should be more weather resistant.
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Giro Republic - I have a pair and they are comfortable but I do not think I would walk very far in them, no more than a mile or so. The reason is that whist the cleat does not touch the floor, at least while the pontoons on the side are unworn, the toe pontoon is hard and clacks on the floor just like walking in old shoeplates and Blakey's heels.
For quitter walking there are -
1 - Vittoria Classic 1976 http://www.capitalcycles.co.uk/product/vittoria-classic-black-lace-shoes (also available in yellow) which have a flat rubbery sole with the cleats well recessed. Warning - be very careful with the sizing. Yes they are perforated, but you might not think that too obvious in a restaurant.
2 - Exustar Stelvio http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s154p1656 which also have a flat rubbery sole with cleats well recessed. I admit they do look a bit clumpy.
I have at present the Giro and Exustar shoes and have had the Vittoria.
I prefer to take a pair of leather "deck" shoes, or that sort of style. They can be very compact and look ok. Hint - take the shoe bed out to make them more compact, and then use the bed from your cycling shoes when needed.
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I have Specialized Sport MTB. I have worn them to meetings on other sites. Mine have red flashings but the latest don’t have the red bits. Some reflective trim and would look OK with formal trousers.
Tesco do a very lightweight pair of trousers for about nine quid, which don’t crease up when folded properly in a pannier or backpack.
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Some of the more 'trainer' like ones seem to have mesh panels in the upper so probably aren't all that warm. The Giro Alpineduro look like they might be a nice option though... if you can stomach the superbright laces.
On a separate note... this is giving me shoe lust. Especially as my Shimano M087 are looking a touch worse for wear.
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Plenty of mountain bike shoes that look more like trainers. Often with decent tread, so OK for walking.
If you want more weather resistance/warmth, go for something with Goretex or similar.
eg Northwave Explorer GTX looks pretty good. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/northwave/explorer-gtx-shoe-ec119090
Or Vaude Kimon TR. http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/vaude-kimon-tr-mtbtrekking-shoes/aid:605389
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i wear Shimano MT-071 gore tex MTB shoes to work everyday. I walk around in them. They are water resistant, breatheable and comfortable. I have them a size or two bigger than normal for large socks in the winter. This is my second pair ( the previous ones were a different model number but the same thing )
The soles are Vibram, they aren't as rigid as I'd like for pedalling but they are super for walking about in
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Another vote for the Shimano MT71 from me. Hard to beat in the comfort / walkable stakes - I'm happy to go for a 10 or 15 mile hike in mine. They are basically Gore-tex walking shoes with vibram soles and recessed SPD cleats. They're not formal wear, but I get way with wearing mine to work on occasion.
If you want really posh looking for your restaurant outings then Quoc Pham might be the way to go - they are okay to walk with, but not as comfortable over distance as the MT71s.
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Another vote for the Shimano MT71 from me. Hard to beat in the comfort / walkable stakes - I'm happy to go for a 10 or 15 mile hike in mine. They are basically Gore-tex walking shoes with vibram soles and recessed SPD cleats. They're not formal wear, but I get way with wearing mine to work on occasion.
If you want really posh looking for your restaurant outings then Quoc Pham might be the way to go - they are okay to walk with, but not as comfortable over distance as the MT71s.
These shimanos are looking like a decent option .... more what I had in mind (although im now favouriting the Quoc Pham site!)
Can you comment on the performance of the shoe over a long day ride?
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Another vote for the Shimano MT71 from me. Hard to beat in the comfort / walkable stakes - I'm happy to go for a 10 or 15 mile hike in mine. They are basically Gore-tex walking shoes with vibram soles and recessed SPD cleats. They're not formal wear, but I get way with wearing mine to work on occasion.
If you want really posh looking for your restaurant outings then Quoc Pham might be the way to go - they are okay to walk with, but not as comfortable over distance as the MT71s.
These shimanos are looking like a decent option .... more what I had in mind (although im now favouriting the Quoc Pham site!)
Can you comment on the performance of the shoe over a long day ride?
I find them just fine. I prefer my other shoes (sidi diablo or specialized comp mtb) as the other shoes are more rigid but the mt-71 are basically ok
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I find Giro Terraduro good for walking, though I avoid doing so if unnecessary to make the sole last. They are also an unobtrusive plain black.
Half price here, if you are size 42 or 45 (http://www.velotive.com/3827/products/giro-terraduro-mtb-spd-shoe---black.aspx)
much better for walking than either Shimano M183 or Sidi Dominator, and also better than the (old) Exustar Stelvio.
When I tried no spare footwear, I found that a full day's riding followed by wearing all evening made them rather smelly.
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Giro Republic - I have a pair and they are comfortable but I do not think I would walk very far in them, no more than a mile or so. The reason is that whist the cleat does not touch the floor, at least while the pontoons on the side are unworn, the toe pontoon is hard and clacks on the floor just like walking in old shoeplates and Blakey's heels.
Those giro republic shoes look nice and being all leather should be more weather resistant.
I have a pair of the Giros and I can't recommend them as the soles wear very quickly. So quickly that I'm on the point of taking mine back and querying it. I've only really walked from bike to cafe and back and I always try to park my bike as near to the cafe as possible.
The light grey colour also makes them very susceptible to marking from the chain particularly if, like me, you use the inappropriately named "Muc Off" ceramic lubricant. I think it's made from the residue of what Stan uses to keep Hell toasty.
I use a cheap, light-weight pair of black trainers when I'm off the bike. It's nice to put on other shoes after a long cycling day, especially if it's been raining. I tolerate the extra volume and the weight is negligible
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These shimanos are looking like a decent option .... more what I had in mind (although im now favouriting the Quoc Pham site!)
Can you comment on the performance of the shoe over a long day ride?
The MT71s are what I normally use for long rides - I've done 200km Audaxes in then, and I used them as my only footwear on a 4 day "B&B touring" excursion around the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway with some friends this summer (which is probably a good match for the kind of use that you're contemplating). They work fine for me.
It's likely, as Vorsprung says, that a dedicated no-compromises cycling shoe with ridged sole might make a better cycling shoe (I don't actually own any difficult to walk in cycling shoes to compare), but the Shimanos seem really good all-rounders to me.
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If you're not walking very far and only want some respite from your cycling shoes, then might I suggest these 'Newfeel' from Decathlon (other colours available):
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/many-mesh-blue-red-black-id_8241457.html (http://www.decathlon.co.uk/many-mesh-blue-red-black-id_8241457.html)
Very light and very compact when packed together with soles outside.
Alternatively, their £8.99 trainers are extremely lightweight and comfortable, but only in white:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ekiden-one-id_8311900.html (http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ekiden-one-id_8311900.html)
Used both for 'fast' touring and solved my problem when using Look style cleats.
For slower touring I now use SPD Sandals, but still take the 'Newfeel' with me as they are so versatile.
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Personally I like a second pair of shoes just to give my feet a rest. Crocs are great as they will dry out in seconds and can be hung by the heel straps.
awaits derision from the forum fashionistas
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I too would take a second pair of shoes. I went shopping for shoes for a tour I did in the summer and thought I would end up with sandals. But I was after lightness (for carrying) and comfort, and I ended up with very light trainers. They are so light they are hardly there, and they flatten for packing. They are also really comfy and only cost about £30. On the bike I had my usual SPD mountain bike shoes.
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I wouldnt compromise, and if it rains during the day you'll be grateful for a 2nd pair to put on while your bike shoes dry out a bit..
I've got some inov8 minimal(ish) trainers that weigh almost nothing and pack very flat, there must be other makes too
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Personally I like a second pair of shoes just to give my feet a rest. Crocs are great as they will dry out in seconds and can be hung by the heel straps.
awaits derision from the forum fashionistas
Crocs are about as stylish as a German backpacker's sandals with thousand-wash grey socks.
I got mine too large so I can wear thick socks with them and still be warm in the evenings on a campsite
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I have a pair that look like Converse baseball boots.. I where them all day at work if I commute in on the folder
Google DZR spd shoes
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Sphesh BG MTB shoes---very comfortable and have good soles / support. I have an old pair that just have Velcro straps and in silver look like a training shoe; whether you can get one of the range in similar finish don`t know now as my newer set BG Pro are a glistening white ::-) but possibly Sport range are black ?
eg these http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/mtb-shoes/sport-mtb
FWIW I used similar for 15 day LEJOG, OK had trainers at campsite but only because support van carrying them :thumbsup:
From my experience they really are all day wearable / walkable MTB shoes good on and off bike
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On my LeJoG this year I wore my trusted Specalized Pro road shoes while riding and a pair of http://www.blitzsport.com/Kids-Plastic-Sole-Kung-Fu-Shoes?gclid=CjwKEAjws7OwBRCn2Ome5tPP8gESJAAfopWsqaxBbv5FyQ05Q5h4NaHB-nVyslXLRWQYqDf1PDIu9xoC3mfw_wcB (http://www.blitzsport.com/Kids-Plastic-Sole-Kung-Fu-Shoes?gclid=CjwKEAjws7OwBRCn2Ome5tPP8gESJAAfopWsqaxBbv5FyQ05Q5h4NaHB-nVyslXLRWQYqDf1PDIu9xoC3mfw_wcB) in the evening. Take up next to no space and dry out quickly if they get wet.
BB
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I also tend to wear seal skinz and sandals and I don't even have computer science degree. I also usually carry a pair of flip flops or birkenstocks in summer and walking boots or shoes the rest of the year. It depends how much time I'm going to be hanging around not cycling.
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I am actually still making my mind up on which shoes to wear and take on Lejog. I am now definitely using bike packing apidura bags for the trip so space is at a premium.
I am pretty sure I am going to get a pair of these....
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/giro/rumble-vr-mtb-shoe-ec100726
Look like they would be fine for cycling and short walks/pubs ect in the evening. Anyone got some?
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I am actually still making my mind up on which shoes to wear and take on Lejog. I am now definitely using bike packing apidura bags for the trip so space is at a premium.
I am pretty sure I am going to get a pair of these....
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/giro/rumble-vr-mtb-shoe-ec100726
Look like they would be fine for cycling and short walks/pubs ect in the evening. Anyone got some?
They're quite neat. Esp for that price. ;D
Could stand at the bar quite relaxed in them. :thumbsup:
Wouldn't look too bad in the office either. Just bought Spesh BG Comp MTB. 2015 model for £90. :( Found a size 44 so grabbed them.
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I am actually still making my mind up on which shoes to wear and take on Lejog. I am now definitely using bike packing apidura bags for the trip so space is at a premium.
I am pretty sure I am going to get a pair of these....
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/giro/rumble-vr-mtb-shoe-ec100726
Look like they would be fine for cycling and short walks/pubs ect in the evening. Anyone got some?
Just an update on this ... I went for the Giro Rumble VR shoes and they were my only footwear on tour.
What a superb shoe!
We completed a 12 day Lejog at the end of April and had the worst possible weather including blizzards over Shap, constant hail, persistent, heavy rain and sub zero, icy, gail force winds. I paired the shoe up with a thin over sock and a "water proof" overshoe. This obviously does not make them water tight but the wind chill was reduced massively. These shoes do have lots of meshy vents so you need protection in the cold.
I took 2 pairs of seal skin water proof socks - one pair for the day, then a dry pair in my luggage that was kept for evenings. Even when the shoes were soaked (most days) I could just put them straight on in the evenings with my dry, waterproof socks. I couldn't feel the water from the shoe at all and the real beauty of this was that wearing them out in the evening actually dried the shoe off ready for the next days cycling.
They are so comfy to walk in I really didn't miss a second set of shoes and the weight and room saving was huge.
I have been doing all my training in them since January time and have had no discomfort. They are still perfect condition and they are firm enough for fast group rides and back to back centuries without any adverse pain in the foot.
Really impressed!
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I carry these on cycling tour and backpacking.
http://www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/vapor-glove-2/17572M.html?dwvar_17572M_color=J03911#cgid=mens-footwear-shoes&start=1
330g the pair and very pack able.
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I know the OP found a good solution, but thought I'd chip in anyway.
For all-round shoes, I've been using Shimano XC50N mountain bike shoes. The N stands for "Nordic". There's no mesh. Instead the panels are filled in and the soles are sealed at the bottom - take the insole out and the inside of the shoes is completely sealed). As a result the shoes don't really have anywhere for water to get in except through the ankle.
They're pretty good at keeping water out. Roomy enough for thick soles in winter, but because they're not insulated, I can put a thicker insole in and move the ankle strap clamp position and still get a pretty firm grip in thin socks and my feet haven't had any overheating problems even in 40C hard days around Bordeaux, France.
They've been updated to the XC51N now which solves the only problem I've had with them and that is that the panels on the XC50 were smart fake carbon fibre effect and they started to get pretty tatty over time. The new shoes are styled differently and don't have that.
For touring, I buy a cheap pair of fake converse trainers (Tesco, Sports Direct or Primark usually have something) for about £8. They can be squashed flat and strapped to the rack or rolled up and come out looking reasonably OK. They also look fine with jeans, trousers or shorts.
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I can recommend Nike Mayfly disposable, recyclable marathon shoes. Between £15 and £50. 135 grams each and you can roll them up so they fit into a fist-sized space. They were designed to be the lightest possible shoes which it's safe to do a marathon in. The uppers are parachute fabric I think. If you really do a marathon in them you could expect them to fall apart soon afterwards. They were advertised as being durable enough for 100 km of road racing, but I can't imagine them lasting for 2 marathons. Maybe OK if you are very light and don't trip on an anything. I've used them for a 1 year tour. Didn't do much walking obviously. They came in masses of colour schemes, some vomworthy, but some discrete enough to allow you to dress up for a smart restaurant without looking too out of place. Here are some: http://blog.size.co.uk/2016/02/28/a-brief-history-nike-mayfly/
Although discontinued they come up on ebay and I've bought six pairs because I'm an out of control ebayaholic. These are my faves:
http://highsnobiety.blogspot.co.uk/2005/09/nike-bearbrick-mayfly.html
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/157907530658632749/
Edit: just realised I wrote a long post about them 6 six years ago. Oops. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=50845.0
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Do you reckon I need new shoes as well?
(http://www.pbase.com/image/165147916.jpg)
Bought 2011, Shoo-Goo'd 2014
My previous Carnacs lasted 12 years, and when the missus binned them the soles were still good. I bought another pair in 2012 or thereabouts but they have a stupid ratchet mech instead of plain simple straps and I don't like them. Carnac went bust soon after. Bought a pair of Mavics since but they're sloppy on my feet & the shop wouldn't take them back after I had ridden in them (sheesh).
I'm deploying the Shoo Goo yet again but without much hope.
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I can recommend Nike Mayfly disposable, recyclable marathon shoes. Between £15 and £50. 135 grams each and you can roll them up so they fit into a fist-sized space. They were designed to be the lightest possible shoes which it's safe to do a marathon in. The uppers are parachute fabric I think. If you really do a marathon in them you could expect them to fall apart soon afterwards. They were advertised as being durable enough for 100 km of road racing, but I can't imagine them lasting for 2 marathons. Maybe OK if you are very light and don't trip on an anything. I've used them for a 1 year tour. Didn't do much walking obviously. They came in masses of colour schemes, some vomworthy, but some discrete enough to allow you to dress up for a smart restaurant without looking too out of place. Here are some: http://blog.size.co.uk/2016/02/28/a-brief-history-nike-mayfly/
Although discontinued they come up on ebay and I've bought six pairs because I'm an out of control ebayaholic. These are my faves:
http://highsnobiety.blogspot.co.uk/2005/09/nike-bearbrick-mayfly.html
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/157907530658632749/
Edit: just realised I wrote a long post about them 6 six years ago. Oops. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=50845.0
They're really cool!
Sadly they seemed to have acquired retro-cult status - seem to be £40-upwards in my size on eBay. But I may keep looking ...
[Don't think I'll be buying a used pair :P ]
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Glad you like them! At least £40 is cheaper than new - so they haven't become stupidly expensive 'collectables'. I think they were £70 back in the day.
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Porkins: are you the gentleman who, a very long time ago, went off touring on Lightweight carbon wheels? And now you’ve abandoned even clipless pedals? (I vaguely recall the Eurostar handle but it might have been anyone.)
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TBH if you're doing 100 mile days I'd stick with the cycling shoes you already like and find a smaller, lighter pair of evening shoes. At the end of a long day I usually can't wait to take off my bike shoes and give my feet a break. For my last tour I bought a pair of these (http://www.schuh.co.uk/mens/etnies-scout-burgundy-trainers/3400373260/), they must weigh about 100 grams, certainly less than the difference between my road and MTB shoes, and pack down really small. I then went on to wear them as my main casual shoes for the rest of the summer.
(I'm talking about shoes. Don't mind me while I go and castrate myself.)
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Porkins: are you the gentleman who, a very long time ago, went off touring on Lightweight carbon wheels? And now you’ve abandoned even clipless pedals? (I vaguely recall the Eurostar handle but it might have been anyone.)
Ah. I don't cycle in them. Should have read the thread title. For the actual pedalling, only all-carbon shoes moulded to the foot will do.
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Do you reckon I need new shoes as well?
How in the name of <insert deity here> do you get cycling shoes so worn on the soles? And the cleats look like you've been bmx-ing and had to use your feet as brakes. Much respect!
Getting back to the topic, I have taken a pair of Primark flip-flops on tours to have something to wear that isn't a smelly damp cycling shoe. Useful in campsite showers, waterproof (i.e. plastic), and cheap enough to not care about.
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Hi Tec Zuuks are great as spare shoes to wear off the bike, they are extremely packable and weigh around 170g a pair, though size 12s may be hard to find.
There seems to be a trend at the moment in similarly lightweight casual shoes/trainers with a mesh upper and eva sole. Mrs Bolt recently bought me a pair of these as my Zuuks were beginning to look a bit trampy after 2 years of continuous wear http://amzn.eu/4fRoqGo (http://amzn.eu/4fRoqGo) they're good but the sole isn't as pliable as the Zuuks for packing.
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Do you reckon I need new shoes as well?
How in the name of <insert deity here> do you get cycling shoes so worn on the soles? And the cleats look like you've been bmx-ing and had to use your feet as brakes. Much respect!
I dunno, it just sorta happened. When I stop at lights etc. I usually stay in the saddle and put my left toe down. My previous Carnacs were as tough as old boots nails - when they died after 12 years' use it was because the stitching in the uppers burst - so I didn't look at these ones until my partner on a 2014 600k remarked that I should maybe check my shoes. He was right:
(http://www.pbase.com/image/165170107.jpg)
Small wonder Carnac went bust.