Cycling Sandals

[oldgroundhog]

Well, it's time for a new pair of cycling shoes and I'm considering giving sandals a try.  My riding is cross-country touring, not racing.  For those of you who ride in sandals... what brand do you prefer?   I've looked at Lake, Exustar, Shimano, and the generic Nashbar brand.  Seems all of these accept standard SPD cleats.  But which brand feels and performs better?         THANKS!!    Groundhog

[RussSeaton]

I have the Lake sandals.  Ridden 150 miles in a day just fine with them.  700 in a week just fine with them.  SPD pedals.  Brother had a pair of the first Shimano sandals.  Loved them.  Wore them out wearing them all the time on and off the bike.  Got another pair.  Hated them.  Didn't fit the same.  New Shimano have three velcro straps.  Stupid for sandals.  If/when I go on another tour, sandals will be the only shoes I take on and off the bike.

[jcostanz]

I tried the older Shimano, way too narrow.
I used Lakes for years but they didn't seem to fit right.

I love the Keens.  They do have a SPD sandal.  they are very comfortable for both on bike and off bike.  I used them on RAGBRAII and two 4 day tours.

Jeff

[geegee]

I've tried three SPD sandals: Lake, Shimano, and Keens. I like the Keens best since they're waterproof. I usually take regular cycling shoes and SPD sandals when I tour. Sandals are great as they are easier to slip on and off, especially if you're camping. When it's cold and rainy, I put on some neoprene kayaking socks with my sandals, saving my regular shoes for dry conditions.

The downside to constantly cycling in sandals is the weird tanning pattern you get on your feet!

[biker_james]

I like my Shimano sandals -the older style. I never quite get the "waterproof" sandal idea. Am I missing something, cause I don't see any of them keeping your feet dry. I just rely on my skin being waterproof when I wear sandals.
Actually, I'd like to find something a bit narrower than the Shimano sandals-are any of the other makes narrower fitting??

[geegee]

Waterproof means that the sandal materials can actually take being wet. My first Lake sandals had quite a bit of leather on the straps which took longer to dry and deteriorated over time.

[RussSeaton]

My Lake sandals don't have any leather on the straps.  But the interior around the heel is a cloth type material and foam.  It soaks up water.  I can't imagins any sandlas have all plastic/foam construction, even where the heel is.  So all sandals will soak up water in the interior padding.  Unless its a warm summer, I would not go out of my way to get and keep them wet.

[pedalxxpower]

I have used the newer Shimano 3-strap sandals for the past three years.  I like the open toes and the stiff sole has a built in curve that makes them easy to walk in.  I have used them on two RAGBRAIs and also rode from L.A. to Boston last year.  I had only the sandals on the XC to minimize luggage and used them for both riding and casual.  Waterproofing is not an issue with the sandals.  They dry out quickly after a rain.  I wore no socks which when soaked can cause too much evaporative cooling on cooler days and they take longer to dry out.  On colder rainy days, I found that keeping my upper body warm kept my feet warm - warm head > warm feet.  I used a Windstopper balaclava and helmet cover in rain - plus a water repellent wind breaker.  I also used leg/arm warmers when needed but nothing but sandals on my feet.  I had Gore-Tex socks along but never did use them.  About all that I wear at home in Iowa are the sandals for six months of the year for both biking and casual - I'm always ready to jump on the bike and click in.

[johnsondasw]

Anyone know if you can use the Keens with egg-beater pedals?

[grandfatherbike]

I just came off an eight week 3000 mile ride.  I had a blood clot in my left leg several years ago and have a problem with that leg swelling and making my shoe too tight on that foot.  I went to a Shimano sandal about 600 miles into the trip and my problem was solved.  The Shimano was very comfortable.  I use toe clips.  The next trip I wont take any "shower shoes" for the campgrounds as the sandals served that purpose too.

[DaveB]

Anyone know if you can use the Keens with egg-beater pedals?

Any shoe or sandal that will accept Shimano's SPD cleats will also accept Egg Beater cleats or any other cleat that fits SPD-compatible soles. That includes almost any brand MTB-type pedal cleats.

[mu2flyer]

I have the Keens and they’re great. Feels like a regular sandal when walking. I tried the Shimano and Keens at REI and found the Shimano to be hard and clunky while walking. I suppose that’s good to have a stiff sole for riding but not so good for walking. Be careful with the Keens as you forget they’re biking sandals with a cleat at the bottom that can scratch hardwood floors. 

[waynemyer]

Who has the widest cycling sandal?  I have tried Shimano and Keen, but they were all way too narrow for my clodhoppers, even by going up two sizes.

[DwarvenChef]

I have wide feet as well and I'm having a heck of a time finding any thing that fits...

[sanuk]

I used Keens Commuter sandals this summer with the cleats at the begining and found I couldn't easily get them out of the cleat when I wanted.  They seem too soft and pliable, so you don't get a strong direct pull on the cleat.  At least that was my experience.  Without cleats they're fine.