Cycling UK Forum

I think it depends very much on the type of hiking being undertaken. I would argue against the use of any type of cleat on the sole of the shoe if you are going to be walking on rocky terrain or in the 'built environment' (eg tramping round towns and cities). I know a lot of people find the very idea of cycling without some form of cleated pedal to be anathema, but frankly, as a cycle tourist, a pair of ordinary cycling trainers and toe clips works fine for me. Provided that you check first in case the toe is too bulky for a toe clip, you can obtain lots of suitable footware at very reasonable prices if you're unwilling to pay £100 or more for a pair of Shimanos or Merryls. Karrimor trainers - yes they're a bit grotty and cheap nowadays - work just fine. I think the need for a very stiff sole is over-egged. For years I rode tough Easter tours in a pair of very worn out Karrimor KSBs whose soles were uber-bendy. Mark

I have always favoured the 'mid' type of shoe for touring, ie higher ankle version of stiff soled approach or walking shoe. This gives a little extra protection to ankle bones when walking and stops water pouring into shoe when wearing waterproof trousers or fording streams but doesn't affect pedalling. Luckily I have never ridden with cleats so I don't know what I am missing but I remember conquering Rysy (Poland's highest mountain) when cleated shoe travelling buddy had to retreat.

MarkW wrote: I think the need for a very stiff sole is over-egged

Wouldn't any kind of sole that wasn't stiff absorb some of downwards force on pedal and reduce efficiency?

Wouldn't any kind of sole that wasn't stiff absorb some of downwards force on pedal and reduce efficiency?

True, as would a flat sole as against a cleated sole. The kind of cyling I do clearly isn't so full on as to require either cleats or stiff soled shoes. Stiff soled shoes I would argue are not so good for walking (unless crampons are required in which case they are pretty essential).

What about using Powergrips ( http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=28933 ) and walking boots? I'm thinking of buying some so I can use my gardening boots to cycle efficiently to work. Except I only (not that long ago) bought a pair of Shimano A530 pedals - I realise now that I really really don't like using flat pedals alone .

If these work, I would probably convert my touring bike, because extended periods of walking around off the bike can be tiresome if the cleats aren't well set in the shoes.

MarkW wrote:Stiff soled shoes I would argue are not so good for walking (unless crampons are required in which case they are pretty essential).

I thought that stiff soled shoes were better for hiking because they allowed you to step on sharp surfaces without pain and to protect uneven surfaces from damaging ankles, but would be happy to be reeducated. I believe some runners now favour minimal soles to the big cusioning previously preferred (called barefoot running-strange people those runners), so maybe this has filtered through to walking?

The memsahib uses Powergrips on our tandem and thinks they're excellent. Quick to get into and out of and no worries about getting stuck in them like you can with SPDs etc. Cheap too. Agree with you about flat pedals although you then have to give a thought to the chappie who rode the 100 cols route in Crocs. There's awesome! (See latest issue of Cycle or check this out http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2011/11/cent-cols-challenge/

MarkW wrote:you then have to give a thought to the chappie who rode the 100 cols route in Crocs. There's awesome!

Was a great article, but can't quite understand the logic. To me going as light as you can is all about efficient use of (leg) energy, whereas cycling in Crocs doesn't seem efficient.

I'd just like to say that I've owned for the last year the same Merrel boots as mentioned in the original post. I've had them a year, and I have to say I'm disappointed with them.

I was of the impression that Merrel footwear in general was pretty good. My partner and many friends have and do own pairs of Merrel boots/walking shoes etc. This pair have already split at the sides, and the seams have started to come away. They've not been mistreated, they've never been in a washing machine, they've only had the mud wiped of them.

IMO they're not actually tough enough for walking, and I don't think the fabric would last v long if using them for cycling. Apparently you pay for what you get, but I recall some years ago buying a cheap pair of walking boots for £20, they where comfortable, waterproof and lasted for 3 plus years.

My Shimano MT80 boots (now superseded by MT90 or 91) are a few years old now and used regularly for walking, cycling and gardening (where they're especially good for spade work). They take everything thrown at them with ease and really are as tough as...

Vince.