Shoe Choice

[BioDiesel_Bob]

I'm Planning on doing the Northern Tier.  Do people really see any MAJOR benifit from wearing the SPD clip shoes vs regular good sneakers and toe clips or even no toe clips.

I know about the energy xfer to the pedal with SPD type, I just cant find ant SPD shoes that fit my feet well (I've tried them all, even sandles), I have wide feet and most shoes fit to tight and by the end of the day my right foot ends up going to sleep ... I also wear a slight orthodic in my insoles which dont fit that great in SPD shoes?

What do ya think.  I'm planning 50-75 miles a day.  Looking to smell the roses not win the race :-)

BioDiesel Bob

[RussellSeaton]

Long ago I rode a bike with sneakers and toeclips.  And then cycling shoes and toeclips.  And now cycling shoes and clipless pedals.  I won't go back to the methods I tried before.  Based on the fact you are planning on riding across the country, you are apparently riding right now.  Presumably 50-70 miles per day for several consecutive days or a week is something you are doing now or have done.  If your feet did fine with whatever shoes you used for those rides, then they will likely do OK on a cross country trip.  A week long cross state ride will give you the experience to know if some of your equipment works OK.

[whittierider]

Maybe it wouldn't be too bad if your sneakers have thick soles.  When I was really getting into cycling in the 1970's, I started with sneakers in toeclips, but as the rides got longer, it became very painful, and felt like I was barefoot on the edge of the pedal.  One time when I was 40 miles into a 75-mile ride and in a lot of pain, I said to myself, "That's it!  I'm getting cycling shoes!"  I would never go back.

[staehpj1]

If you want a shoe that fits wide feet and decide that you want SPD, try a Sidi shoe in the "Mega" size for wider feet.  The Bullet 2 Mega is relatively inexpensive (at least compared the the higher end Sidis).  I wore them and was pretty happy with them for a TransAmerica tour.

[driftlessregion]

Lake also makes some shoes in wide sizes.

[BioDiesel_Bob]

Thanks for all the replies.

Sidi mega felt GREAT BUT ... The winner is ...The Lake Sandal ... LOVE IT !!!!!!.  I can wear my smart wool socks (also to sleep in and hike in, 2 pairs) I'd been wearing the ultra thin socks :-( yuck!!

My foot FEELS GREAT, its like having an infinitely adjustable width shoe :-)

I'm more of a sandal type of guy too, I like some of the light wt and keep ya warm when wet high tech clothing BUT for the most part I like to keep it simple and Inexpensive.

BioDiesel Bob