Best foot wear for touring?

[cycleslave]

I'm about to go on my first touring trip and I am wondering if I should wear my cycling shoes with cleats and bring a second pair of shoes for when I'm walking, or put toe clips on normal petals and save myself the weight of a second pair of shoes. The toe clips make my calves cramp a bit more but I can still ride 60 or 70 miles before this becomes a problem. Any thoughts?

[DaveB]

Once I tried clipless pedals and shoes I determined I would never go back to clips and straps.  You can use MTB-style pedals and shoes with recessed cleats that make walking quite tolerable so you don't have to change shoes at every stop.  I would want a pair of light shoes for overnight stops anyway as I wouldn't want to spend every waking hour of every day in the same shoes no matter what the type.

[LongTallEandM]

I agree.  Ride in touring or MTB-style shoes with cleats and take a second pair of supportive, comfortable-for-walking flip flops or tennies.  Your feet will welcome the freedom and fresh air.

[Pat Lamb]

One more vote for the MTB shoes.  They're also adequate for stops (grocery stores, diners, gas station / convenience stores, and libraries).  I find a pair of Teva sandals a good compromise between weight and support for off-the-bike-for-longer footwear.  Wool socks and I'm a professor on holiday; bare feet in sandals and I have shower shoes, wading shoes for creeks, and general bum-around-camp shoes.

[RussSeaton]

From 8AM until about 4PM, use bicycle sandals.  Not mountain bike shoes, sandals.  Shimano and Lake make bike sandals.  You may want to carry along a pair of sneakers for off the bike time in the evening or days you do not ride.  It may not be necessary since bike sandals are fine for wearing off the bike too.

[DaveB]

Sandals, even SPD compatible ones, are an acquired taste.  Not everyone is happy with them as either riding or casual shoes.  Full coverage riding shoes offer better coverage and impact protection but sandals as off-the-bike shoes may be attractive.

[RandomGuyOnABike]

I am a clipper myself, however, I wanted a solution for off the bike as well. For that, I went with Shimano MT33 shoes. They're made for touring and are quite comfortable off the bike.

When I am at the campsite or layover spot, I have a pair of cheapish flipflops/sandals.

[cycleslave]

I appreciate all the advice. I am leaving in two days so I'm not going to start with new shoes I haven't broken in yet but I do have a pair of Specialized road shoes I think I will take and some sandals for the nights. I think when I get back I will look into the cycling sandals though. Once again thanks for the advice.

[Bclayden]

Flip flops.  Very light, pack easily….stylish too!

[misterflask]

Missed the OP's trip departure, but for the record:
I echo the idea that you are going to want something else on your feet at the end of the day.  Merrill Trail Gloves are light, and comfortable enough for a mid-length hike, albeit a bit pricey.  I've seen some lightweight crocs that would be second on my list.  I used to have a pair of Zinetic camp slippers that did nothing well enough to merit carrying them.

[BikeFreak]

When using dedicated cycling shoes (SPD for instance) my toes start sleeping - even though I hava tried different shoe models. This is why I am using regular leather boat shoes to my great satisfaction. I have pedaled 4x across USA with 125 mi/day using those normal everyday boat shoes. That way I only carry one set of shoes and nothing more.

[Greg in MO]

Wife and I prefer sandals.  Currently using Shimano's, but would really prefer Keens if they would just make them as wide as their regular sandals.

I typically use them as my only footwear on tour.  I've never had any issues, although I did wear socks with them when it was below freezing.

[nthabiseng]

For 3 long tours of over 2000 miles each, plus shorter ones, I have only worn and taken my Chaco sandals. I replaced my pedals so I could attach power grips. In cool weather I wear socks.  It's been fantastic.

[mbattisti]

I swore to myself I would never wear a pair of crocs, but they're so freakin' light, ventilated, and easy on/off, that they make the ideal off-the-bike/shower shoe

[dombrosk]

Definitely not for most folks, but because I regularly spend up to a week at a time 'off the bike' during tours exploring cities along the way, I travel with these two items:

1)  Keen Austin leather bike shoes with SPD clips.  Keen has a giant toe box which is comfortable with my (aging) feet.  Off the bike they could pass as casual-dress shoes and are comfortable for all day walking.  I've never had problems with my feet feeling hot in them, although if you are prone to that issue you might want to look into sandals as others suggest.

2)  Ecco sandals.  Here again, probably heavier than most folks will want, but excellent support for all day walking.  As another poster mentioned, with/wiithout socks gives you two different personas.   

Also, I ride with reversible pedals which give more flexibility in footwear and foot position.  (tip: If you have any history of plantar fasciitis it may be useful to not always have to be clipped in.)