One pair of shoes ...to rule them all

[TheRedEyeJedi]

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

[lahoski]

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 have a good range for starters - I think there's something to suit everyone.

[jsabine]

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, Dromarti and Quoc Pham (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.

[Ian H]

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.

[TheRedEyeJedi]

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

[velosam]

Those giro republic shoes look nice and being all leather should be more weather resistant.

[tatanab]

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.

[Ningishzidda]

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.

[lahoski]

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.

[fuaran]

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

[vorsprung]

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

[NeilH]

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.

[TheRedEyeJedi]

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?

[vorsprung]

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

[andrew_s]

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

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.

[Andrew Br]

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

[NeilH]

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.

[Veloman]

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

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

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.

[Vince]

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

[P Walsh]

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.

[mike]

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

[Cudzoziemiec]

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

[Otto]

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

[jamesld8]

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 

From my experience they really are all day wearable / walkable MTB shoes good on and off bike

[Bianchi Boy]

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 in the evening. Take up next to no space and dry out quickly if they get wet.

BB