Coldhands

Hi all,

Just wondering - I cycle platform pedals and I'm looking for some new footwear. Normally I cycle in Keen sandals which are great but this year heading into the Rockies early-mid fall so need something warmer and waterproof. All the boots I've found have been designed for clip in pedals so my question is have people here cycled in lightweight-ish backpacking boots and if so was it comfortable/recommendable? Thanks!

europa

I personally use skate shoes and use toe clips. Shimano do the same model as SPD but mine don't have the cleat fittings but do have a slightly stiffer sole than a normal shoe. I suspect they aren't waterproof but, being ankle height, are warmer.

All I can say is try your boots and see how they work. You do not need clipless and maybe your solution lies with your favourite boots and those pedals with all the studs on them.

manapua_man

I've done it on month+ long tours before. I prefer a fairly high cadence these days so I'd rather have some kind of foot retention, but wide-ish mtb platforms with pins in em do alright.

unterhausen

I have used 45nrth Wulvhammer boots on platform pedals for winter mtb. They are probably too warm for your application, but they are very much like a hiking boot.

wipekitty

I use boots either without foot retention or with nylon foot straps for cold weather riding, and comfort is fine. I'm careful to tuck the laces, as they can get wild and interfere with the chain. I've also had to play with the lacing around the ankle, as I seem to get stiff ankles the next day if it's laced too tightly.

thumpism 

Long ago I began a summer tour in Vasque mid-hikers and mailed them home mid-tour after switching to Adidas sneakers. I was using toe clips on what were then called platform (un-quill) pedals, not like modern platforms. Did not like the feel, but different weather might have made me think differently.

North Coast Joe

I have MTB platforms with leather straps adjusted to hold my hiking boots across the top on my Winter/camping bike.

I routinely do 25-50 mile rides with no discomfort. They're lightweight boots of nylon and rubber, but still have the higher tops that support the ankle when walking.

My hiking boots also fit into the toe clips that reside on the "store run" bike. No problems there, either.

europa

Oooo yes, it's a lot of fun putting a foot down and finding it doesn't reach the ground because a lace is caught on the chain ring (guess how I know this )

steve0257

I've gotten the laces wrapped around the pedal spindle between the crank arm and the pedal.

I sometimes wear boots when riding, and other than the laces haven't had any problems.

BobbyG

For what it's worth, I commute year-round (down to 10F) here in Colorado Springs at the base of Pike's Peak. I use platform pedals with toe clips. For the last few years I have been wearing skateboard shoes; nothing fancy, but with a firm-ish flat sole. In the winter I wear wool socks, and under 20F I put a cotton sock over that. My feet stay warm. If it rains or there is snow I put a plastic grocery bag over my sock(s) tie it loosely using the handles and and tuck the excess in my shoe. It works for me.

My normal commute is ~45 minutes, and up to 90 minutes if the uphill ride home is in deep snow. I couldn't say how I'd fare over a longer ride, but as it gets down to 10F, the biggest factor in keeping my feet and toes warm is making sure the shoes and toe straps are loose enough to allow good blood circulation. Loosening the shoes to allow for the extra socks is crucial. If the shoes feel tight, my feel will be cold on the ride.

General Geoff

I've done rides up to a metric century (~62 miles) in combat boots and simple platform pedals. Never bothered me, but similar to AlexanderLS, I've worn almost nothing but boots since high school and I'm very used to them (I'm 32 now).

RockiesDad

I use only MTB flat pedals on my CX bike and have been wearing low top hiking shoes made by Solomon. They are sort of running trail shoes but have these funky lacing system where you pull on a buckle and then tuck it in a pocket so they don't flop around. The ones I have also are made with Gore-Tex. Soles are pretty thick and threaded so they don't slip when I pedal. It also helps to have pegs on the pedals. Good enough for me...

DaveQ24

Exactly what I've worn many, many rides - I got sick of getting a lace sucked into the chain ring. Unfortunately, I haven't found any Salomon boots with that lacing system for a couple of years now, they seem to not make them any more, maybe not a good seller for them, but my older ones are well-made, the couple of pairs I have will last a long time.

RockiesDad

Haven't seen these in high tops but I think they still make them. Here is a newer version of what I have...

https://www.amazon.com/Salomon-XA-3D...omon+xa+comp+7

good4u

I have been wearing my Patagonia low-cut hiking boots/shoes for biking for a few months. They are breathable rather than waterproof. As to warmth I started wearing them in March when I bought my bike and it was in the 40's F with no warmth problems. Still wearing them in summer.

I once had to ride through heavy rain and the shoes were the least of my problems. Hikers should clean up well no matter what.

I originally bought them for hiking as they have a nice sturdy sole for handling rocks and roots unlike my running shoes. Re-purposed shoes made the price right. Stylistically, I would feel self-conscious wearing them on a road bike.

No signs of wear on the soles from my metal pedals. The tread on the bottom with the metal-grip pedals keeps my feet well anchored.

Odontites

Same here (except my shoes are Salewa). The hard soles and grippy tread feel good on platform pedals. I ride all day with no discomfort.

jbw57

I ride flats on both my hybrid and road bike, I know I'm breaking the rules to some with flats on the roadie but cycling shoes are not comfortable to me plus most are ugly LOL....anyway I got me a pair of Keen Targhee III hiking shoes and there awesome, grip big time, super comfortable, well made and waterproof. Since you know the Keen's you may want to check out the hikers.

fietsbob

I had some pretty light weight mid top hiking boots (REI) but for real wet weather consider rubber boots ..

Viich

I use full on winter boots in the winter, almost knee high. Works fine, my commute is 17 - 21 km each way depending on the route that day (mostly influenced by snow depth on trails and roads)

Nooner

For non competition rides I use Merrell hiking shoes. Stiff and grippy bottoms with plenty of ankle movement.



For competition rides I go to my favorite Giro high top mountain bike boot. A serious no nonsense boot that can take it all. Super firm and yet very light and comfy inside.
I'd wear these off the bike if I could.
It's a pricy boot but well worth every penny IMO.

Elessar

Alex, I too wear boots almost exclusively. I recently bought some nice walking shoes but tried them yesterday and was extremely disappointed. I'll be switching back to my Merrell mid height boots for any distance riding. Now, it is important to note that I'm a big baby about walking around bare footed and even have trouble on some extreme textured carpet, but that's just me. I love my boots for the protection they afford and will not be messing around with my feet, again. Hiking boots all the way for me!

rumrunn6

got my money's worth out of a pair of low hiking shoes, not waterproof. they held up really well, right thru last winter. what killed them is my 2nd job walking on a concrete floor. got a new pair, this time waterproof, test hike & 8 hr shift on the concrete shows they are comfortable enough to keep using

for cycling tho, I'm happy I bought a dedicated pair of Lake brand MTB shoes

last winter I did resort to big wicked thermal winter boots for one ride

Myosmith

I do a lot of gravel grinding and recreational riding, on the flat side of my pedals, while wearing Merrel Capras. They are waterproof and moderately warm while being lightweight. The sole is moderately stiff and they come in low-top and ankle-height versions.

Leebo

All my boots are gortex, works well and water proof. I use both low and higher hiking boots that are comfortable for long rides.