ToUrIng SHoEs

[popeyespal]

I have decided to use platform pedals with toe cages. What would be the best shoe to wear? A regular hiking shoe? Still get a stiff soled riding shoe? What brand?

I want to take only two pairs of shoes on an extended tour. I am open to sandals....lol. What would you take?

[Pat Lamb]

I started using yuppie sneakers (aka running shoes) with toe clips and platform pedals.  I couldn't really snug down the straps well, since I wanted to retain the ability to get the shoe out quickly at stop signs and red lights.  And it was difficult getting shoes with deep lugs all the way into or out of the pedals.  But if that's what you want to do, I'd look for shoes with soles as nearly flat as possible.

Since I got clipless pedals, and shoes with nice, stiff soles, I haven't looked back.

[DaveB]

Since I got clipless pedals, and shoes with nice, stiff soles, I haven't looked back.

+100.  I started riding in the mid-80's before clipless pedals of any kind were available to the public so clips and straps were the only option. 

For a while Avocet and a few others made "Touring Shoes", styled a bit like cleated road shoes but with flat, moderately stiff soles that had a couple of crosswise ridges to help grip the edge of the pedal.  They worked reasonably well, griping the pedal better than flat soled shoes but not as locked in as true cleated racing shoes. You could get your foot out when needed but still pull up and back a bit.

That all changed when SPD pedals and their various competators came on the scene.  The recessed cleats allowed reasonably easy walking but you were firmly secured to the pedal when needed and they  released instantly when you wanted out.   They were vastly better than any clip-and-strap touring combination and I would never willingly go back. 

[tomg]

i tour with clipless SPD mountain shoes, have not gone back since +/-1995! I like how you can still walk around some while wearing them and the benefits of clipless peddles (float and energy transfer) outway standard shoe for me on the "longer hauls".

at camp/days end/rest days, switching to light weight running shoes is also uplifting change-event for me as well. It's good to get out of the shoes you were in all day. If need be, you can peddle the bike in these sneakers as well, like to dinner, movies, etc.

find what works best for you!

[Tandem4Rider]

I cannot add much, but only reiterate that clipless is THE WAY to go.  Be mindful, though, if you decide to follow counsel on this topic - the selection is important.  Spare no expense (though, not necessary) and exhaust no test fit (be reasonable).  Keep in mind 40% of your contact points with your bike are through your shoes.  I'm not willing to trade that much comfort for bad advice or failing to seek all options.

[roadrunner]

A differing viewpoint from the "clipless is the only way."  The best pedal/shoe combination I've found for touring and all-around riding is platform pedals with PowerGrip straps and stiff-soled running/tennis shoes.  The straps hold shoes securely to the pedals and are easy to get out of; the shoes are comfortable both on and off the bike, and there are no problems walking in dirt or mud.  I've tried many cycling shoes and haven't found any comfortable for all-day wear or walking significant distances.  With my size 12 shoes, it's nice not to need to carry another pair for off-bike wear.  It's a low-cost combination that's worked well for many multi-week tours.  The combination works with about any shoes (even Teva-type sandles for up to about 30 miles), avoiding the need to put on "riding shoes" for quick jaunts around town.  I made "platform" pedals by adding thin metal plates to cage pedals.

[Grumpybear]

I completed a tour of the Pacific Coast this summer using platform pedals. I noticed that about 30% of the other touring cyclist I met along the way were also using platform pedals. However most of those people were wearing MTB shoes w/o the cletes attached. They sited a stiff sole but can still walk around as the main reason. I used Lake I/O Sandals and was very happy with them.

[Clem]

As a former racer I started touring on toe clips and straps with cleated racing shoes. When I got off the bike, I had to slip on walking shoes. Now I use SPD compatible mountain bike shoes. They lock in my feet on the pedals, allow more “float” than my old racing shoes, and allow me to walk around without changing shoes.

[Westinghouse]

I would not specify what brand, but if You are going a long way on a loaded touring bicycle, definitely use a good quality cycling shoe, clip-in, non clip-in with toe clips, whatever, but use the shoe made for the job. You will feel the advantage over a running shoe especially when you get into mountains and hills.

[Lowly Swale]

I've had Shimano Goretex spd boots for about 5 years now.
When I first saw them I thought at last here is a cycling shoe/boot that can be good for riding, good for hiking and reasonably looking with non-cycling clothes for wearing out for an evening at the pub. The only footwear needed for a cycle tour.
So I immediately got a pair and although they are a vast improvement on previous footwear they are not perfect.
I found them amazingly comfortable as a shoe to wear, quick and easy to get on and off and plenty stiff enough for the cycling. I haven't tried them out in a really hot climate, they are breathable but I think they would get a bit steamy on long hot days.
They are waterproof up to the ankle (as far as they go) but in anything more than light rain they fill up with water run off from legs. I have tried gators which help but are a bit tricky to keep clear of chain line and are bulky to pack (I'm looking for some light & compact gators for cycling).
In cold dry weather they are also plenty warm enough but if it is cold and wet, even when I keep water out with gators, I do get cold feet. They are nubuck type leather which gets wet but the goretex stops it ingressing. I have thought about waxing them but thought that might negate the breathability in hot weather. As I try to be in good weather more than bad I've decided to risk the cold foot days and jog a bit if it gets really bad. The main disappointment was the hiking, they are good for grip and fine on easy ground but if anything is steep I find I develop blisters on the heel. I think it is the stiffness(needed for cycling) which causes the heel to rub when hiking up steep ground.
I note there is a newer design and I'm now considering a new pair. Does anyone out there have experience of the newer type or another manufacturer?
Is there a mountain biking/hiking shoe that is great in all conditions?