Do I need 'cycling shoes'?

[chesterpete]

Ive had a pair of Scott MTB style shoes for about 10 years and they are now falling to bits. I dont use cleats (although the shoes have the necessary fitments) - I use wide flat pedals and strapless toe clips. My question is - do I need to replace the cycle specific shoes (with similar, with rigid soles) or do I just use regular trainers? If I'm not using cleats, is there any real benefit to a 'rigid' sole?
Thanks

[horizon]

is there any real benefit to a 'rigid' sole?

Not for a trip to the shops but for longer trips they are transformative. Cleats then take you to the next level. But not for a trip to the shops (double sided are a good idea).

[mjr]

is there any real benefit to a 'rigid' sole?

It depends on the size of your pedals compared to your shoe, but I use regular trainers without problems (albeit fairly stiff-soled ones for longer distances). It's much less important than on clipless pedals where the contact area is small and the shoe sole has to support the foot to avoid "hot foot".

Not for a trip to the shops but for longer trips they are transformative. Cleats then take you to the next level.

Next level of A&E when you fail to unclip and fall over?

[rotavator]

If you are doing long distances or riding for several hours at a time then stiff soled shoes will help you avoid plantar fasciitis or aching feet. I used to get this problem but cured it instantly when I started to use stiff soled cycling shoes.

[PRL]

Decathlon do reasonably priced cycling shoes with a loop to keep your laces out of the chainwheel.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/100-mountai ... 86858.html

Could you get better trainers ?

[rmurphy195]

When I'm not using the cleats (eg on the Brompton), I wear some comfy casual shoes from Clarkes with a fairly stiff sole that doesn't compress like the soles of trainers. I pick them up whenever Clarke's has a sale. Just spray them with lots of the waterproofer.

Or find somewhere that sells last year's Skechers.

[bogmyrtle]

If you are doing long distances or riding for several hours at a time then stiff soled shoes will help you avoid plantar fasciitis or aching feet. I used to get this problem but cured it instantly when I started to use stiff soled cycling shoes.

I had this problem and it was resolved by wearing shoes that had more flexible soles.

[mjr]

Decathlon do reasonably priced cycling shoes with a loop to keep your laces out of the chainwheel.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/100-mountai ... 86858.html

Could you get better trainers ?

Note that they are rated 1 out of 4 for rigidity. It's also not clear to me whether they are supplied with the cleat holes covered or even blanking plates.

I'd suggest that flat pedal riders would be better using a lightly-cushioned trainer with a fairly flat but textured sole (such as the venerable Lonsdale Leyton if you don't mind leather and Sports Dreck hasn't yet ridden that brand totally into the ground) would be better in that price range. Skechers (mentioned above) are good if they fit you but prices seem to vary wildly.

[david7591]

Define need

[chesterpete]

need
niːd/
verb
1.
require (something) because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.

[The utility cyclist]

Get some with a vibram sole and you'll be able to walk in them in great comfort, personally my everyday shoes are Northwave, I use them with cleats but would be brilliant without and they are excellent to walk miles in, drive car (I've done this even with the cleats) or just any everyday activity.

[bohrsatom]

I ride solely ('scuse the pun) in stiff-soled waterproof walking boots. Generally they are the Karrimor brand from Sports Direct and cost about £30 a pair. This is perfect when I am touring as I don't need to bring an extra pair of off-the-bikes shoes: just as well as my size 12 feet mean I'd fill up a pannier with just one pair

[chesterpete]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.