Off the Bike Shoes

[Saburo]

Anyone out there have recommendations for off the bike shoes for touring?

I use SPD shoes to ride but like to change into different shoes for walking around camp or off days.  I don't really like the non-SPD shoes for riding so just wearing regular shoes for both riding and off the bike won't work.  Any thoughts on packable, comfortable off the bike shoes?

[John Nelson]

On long tours, I carry two pairs:

• Normal cycling shoes with recessed cleats, which is okay for the walking you do during the day.
• A pair of crocs for mornings and evenings. The main reason for crocs is they are lightweight and waterproof. But they are certainly less than ideal if you want to take a 10-mile hike, and they can be slippery in wet conditions.

On shorter tours, I have taken just one pair, which is a compromise. They are essentially running shoes with a recessed cleat: Pearl Izumi X-Road Fuel III.

[Pat Lamb]

I ride in MTB shoes, so I can get off the bike for short periods during the day while remaining sure-footed.

When the day's ride is done, I'll put on some lightweight Teva sandals.  Shower in them, walk around town or camp in them, even do some short walks (up to a few miles, maybe).  Put on some heavy wool socks and they're good down to frosty (if it's not raining).

[hikerjer]

I use Shimano double sided pedals and carry two pair of shoes. Bike shoes with cleats which clip into the pedals for the vast majority of the riding and a pair of Teva sandals for walking and for rides usually around campgrounds or towns. The Tevas work well walking around town and on short hikes and for short rides around town or the campground.  A bit of a hassle to change shoes sometimes but I do like the to be clipped in when I ride.  Seems to work OK.

[driftlessregion]

Crocs. Very light weight, good enough to walk, not hike, in. Ugly, but so what?

[hikerjer]

I understand the appeal of crocs and wear them around the house and yard a lot.  The problem with them though, is what you pointed out.  They are just not good for walking long distances especially on rough terrain.  I do usually take a pair when backkpacking as they make great camp shoes and work well for moderate stream crossings.

[canalligators]

Dissenting opinion.  In the interest of minimizing weight and bulk, I only take one pair of shoes, recessed cleat MTB shoes.  Good for cycling and walking.  Leaving them loose is comfy for use in camp.  Though I might take a pair of flexible boat shoes for swimming in rocky water.

[driftlessregion]

Well, that may be the difference: at 68 years old I don't do a lot of walking after getting into camp.

[canalligators]

Same age, same idea, but I occasionally need to walk somewhere for food, to see something interesting, or to wear on the train going to and fro.

[staehpj1]

For me it depends on the trip.

• If I don't plan huge amounts of hiking I may sometimes take only my on bike SPD shoes.
• If I want to do some light hiking or decide I want something to slip into in camp I might take crocs or flip flops
• If there will be a lot of serious hiking I may take trail runners.  I have done this for just a one week section of a long tour, like while visiting the Yosemite Valley.