Walkable Cycling Shoe Recommendations

[rfryer]

I use the Specialised Tahoe shoes and really rate them, I often leave them on all day after commuting!

I also use Speedplay Frog pedals in preference to SPDs (which I also own). The cleats are equally recessed, but the action is different; a free float, and release without twisting against a spring.

I'm a trendy consumer. Just look at my XT1039 using hovercraft full of eels.

[Mick F]

Thanks muchly guys!
Been out for a few hours cycling up on Dartmoor and came down the old railway track bed. Very rough in places.
Last did it on Mercian in Nov '08, but today did it on the Moulton. Much better even with the small wheels.
Both times, I was in road shoes.

So far, looking at the suggestions, the Exustar gets it, and at a reasonable price.

these Exustar shoes
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b79s154p3382/EXUSTAR-Stelvio-SP705-%2ANew-Version%2A

I don't want something that looks like a training shoe or a football boot.
I've not owned a pair of trainers since the mid 80's

The Exustar seems ideal.
Now I have to think about pedals ....................
I like these.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-a600 ... ng-pedals/
......... but then I think I might like SPD one side, and flat the other ................. but that's another subject.

[deliquium]

As mentioned up thread, it's difficult to fault Shimano M520. Double sided so you don't have to look down - just stamp your foot in the direction of the pedal and bingo! Yer in + serviceable + inexpensive

[Mick F]

I also use Speedplay Frog pedals in preference to SPDs (which I also own). The cleats are equally recessed, but the action is different; a free float, and release without twisting against a spring.

These sound interesting.
I'll check them out.

As mentioned up thread, it's difficult to fault Shimano M520. Double sided so you don't have to look down - just stamp your foot in the direction of the pedal and bingo! Yer in + serviceable + inexpensive

Yep.
They have merit.
The Crank Bros Eggbeaters are four sided.
Having used single sided road pedals forever - clips and straps, then clipless - having them double/multi-sided doesn't really light my candle.

My present status quo is having both my bikes with identical pedals. One pair of shoes, one system.
If I change the Moulton over to something walkable, it'll fit in better to what I want the bike for. Not that I want to go for a walk, but having the ability to get off and not ruin the road cleats is a Good Thing. Also, having the ability to wear normal footware would be good too.

I seem to think that having SPD one side, and flat the other tends to produce a big chunky pedal. I'd like something sleek and minimal.
Can you have SPD and flat on the same side?

[GeoffL]

If you want one-sided, you might consider Shimano M324. Although they're heavier than the PD A-600, they work well as either SPDs or platforms and accept standard reflectors (so you can be fully legal at night with SPDs!)

[reohn2]

As mentioned up thread, it's difficult to fault Shimano M520. Double sided so you don't have to look down - just stamp your foot in the direction of the pedal and bingo! Yer in + serviceable + inexpensive

+1
I/we've ridden them for donkeys,great pedals,cheap last a very long time.

[Smiles]

In response to a similar query the guy in my local bike shop recommended the Bontager ssr multisport shoe.
Unfortunately the pictures I can find do not show the sole, but they have a deeply recessed cleat so that you don't notice you are walking on cleats on level pavement. They are SO good I have bought a second pair in case the first wear out. They are also about half the price of anything comparable.

Smiles

[david7591]

Now I have to think about pedals ....................
I like these.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-a600 ... ng-pedals/
......... but then I think I might like SPD one side, and flat the other ................. but that's another subject.

I have some of those pedals on my audux/tourer. I like them a lot, except the left one has developed an annoying squeak.

I also have these on another bike. Single sided. I use on a lighter weight carbon bike that I use for summer day rides out of town

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-a520-touring-pedals/

[Heltor Chasca]

Too chunky? Spiuk Compass. I have them and they are easy to walk in without clattering cleats. Buy 2 sizes bigger than true.

[david7591]

What's the fit like on the EXUSTAR Stelvio SP705 *New Version*?

[davkt8]

I have a pair of Exustar 705s and the fit is true to regular shoe size, I've found them very comfortable (I use them without cleats on my old Ralaigh Gran Course)

[PH]

I seem to think that having SPD one side, and flat the other tends to produce a big chunky pedal. I'd like something sleek and minimal.
Can you have SPD and flat on the same side?

Good choice of shoes, I like them. Having had the two previous versions, I'm about ready for this one. If they're anything like the others, they're not the stiffest of soles, though I find how important that is also depends on the pedals. .
I like to have at least one bike that I can ride comfortably in normal shoes, I like the Shimano A530 for this, not a sleek as single sided, but not agricultural looking as some.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-a530-sp ... ng-pedals/

[mercalia]

What's the fit like on the EXUSTAR Stelvio SP705 *New Version*?

I suspect the same as the old version as all they have changed is the "hole" for the spds? the filler plug dont need to be cut out now just unbolted. Mine are a close fit like a glove and it took some time to settle them down, in particular first of all the sole is very stiff and walking is a bit "inflexible" for a time, having to place the sole on the ground all at once rather than just the heel or toe, but over time they act like normal shoes. I remember feeling a bit strange in Sainsburys walking around. There is a stitched seam at the front running across, over the big toe ball region and this area of reinforcement/inflexibility can lead to excess pressure there & discomfort. I have had my shoes now 2.5 years and are the only ones I use for cycling and adventuring, crunching thru really rough ground with ease. Also remember these arent fabric that can easily mould to the foot but leather, and pu leather at that which takes longer to adjust to your foot than pure leather I think

[RickH]

My "shoes that look fairly normal when I get off the bike" SPDs needed replacing earlier in the year. I settled on a pair of black Giro Rumbles as replacements. They may be a bit too trainery for some but I've found them to be very comfortable, both on and off the bike. The main part of the sole is stiff enough for extended time pedalling but the toe end has enough flex to make walking around comfortable & feel normal. Despite the mesh sections being fairly open, they have been fairly water resistant the times I've been wearing them in less than ideal conditions. The vibram soles give good grip on all surfaces that I've walked on with them, including some too-steep-to-ride-up off-road stuff. The red laces are less vibrant now after a bit of use, but it would be no big deal to swap them for black ones if I wanted them to be a little more discrete.



Rick.

[TrevA]

How about these:

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized ... Gwodrl0FTQ

They have a road shoe top and a smooth sole. They are very much like road shoes but take a recessed cleat. My son in law has a pair and gets on well with them.