True cycling shoe for flat pedals?
10-23-20, 11:05 PM
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True cycling shoe for flat pedals?
I own a number of vintage bikes with flat pedals that are a kick to ride. Most all of them came with toe clip/straps which I’ve removed as I simply do not care for that set up.
As such I tend to wear tennis shoes while riding them but find that I yearn for a slightly stiffer shoe. Can anyone suggest a more cycling-appropriate shoe that might work better than tennis shoes for flat pedals. And if it looked Eroica worthy even more thanks.
As such I tend to wear tennis shoes while riding them but find that I yearn for a slightly stiffer shoe. Can anyone suggest a more cycling-appropriate shoe that might work better than tennis shoes for flat pedals. And if it looked Eroica worthy even more thanks.
10-23-20, 11:34 PM
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10-23-20, 11:43 PM
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Adidas Daily 2.0 sneakers -- I've worn a pair for about a year, very good for platform pedals and walking.
Five Ten Freeriders.
Some Merrell shoes.
Five Ten Freeriders.
Some Merrell shoes.
10-23-20, 11:57 PM
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Chrome makes cycling shoes in several styles. I have their chucks. They have a stiff sole, an elastic band on the tongue to tuck the laces, and a fairly microscopic reflective patch on the heel.
Five Ten which is an Adidas brand makes sneakers for pro MTB
Five Ten which is an Adidas brand makes sneakers for pro MTB
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 10-24-20 at 12:17 AM.
10-24-20, 06:44 AM
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The bigger the platform, the less stiff sole you need (as the platform provides the stiffness, obviously). Just putting it out there.
10-24-20, 09:56 AM
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10-24-20, 02:02 PM
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Anybody remember Avocet shoes. Or Bata's ? Probably dating myself but the Avocets were my go-to town shoes way back when...
10-24-20, 02:42 PM
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I had a pair of wood soled Duegi's for my more "serious" riding. Now that was one stiff shoe! Surprisingly comfy too. I really miss those Avocets.
10-24-20, 03:19 PM
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10-24-20, 11:23 PM
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Clipless pedals fit vintage bikes....... why compromise?
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
10-25-20, 07:26 AM
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I would add to the mix the Bontrager Flatlines. Really good, particularly with pinned pedals.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...-shoe/p/21730/
Best regards
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...-shoe/p/21730/
Best regards
10-25-20, 08:23 PM
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I use blackspire Sub Four pedals. They're big, and I'm really happy with them.
Earlier this year in an attempt to cope with heat better, I bought some Keen Clearwater CNX sandals in leather. The sole of the sandals is really thin, so I worried about the pins of the pedals creating sore spots, but they don't. It's plenty thick enough to protect my feet as well as for the pins to dig in and create grip.
Pedals (mine are black, but it's easier to see in this colour).
The reason for very flat insole in these (for me) is that I have a prosthetic lower left leg, and in order to have my foot adjusted so I can walk with it without shoes and with shoes without having to adjust the foot angle every time.
But anyway, I much prefer this on the actual, flesh and bone foot.
Earlier this year in an attempt to cope with heat better, I bought some Keen Clearwater CNX sandals in leather. The sole of the sandals is really thin, so I worried about the pins of the pedals creating sore spots, but they don't. It's plenty thick enough to protect my feet as well as for the pins to dig in and create grip.
Pedals (mine are black, but it's easier to see in this colour).
The reason for very flat insole in these (for me) is that I have a prosthetic lower left leg, and in order to have my foot adjusted so I can walk with it without shoes and with shoes without having to adjust the foot angle every time.
But anyway, I much prefer this on the actual, flesh and bone foot.
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10-25-20, 08:54 PM
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Yeah, I was gonna say my Keen sandals are fairly stiff but I mostly ride in running shoes. I’m using the Odyssey Grandstand which is a big double concave plastic pedal and the only issue I ever have is cold weather, when breathable shoes and wool socks aren’t enough. Last winter I rode some with black duct tape over the toes of black running shoes, which helps but really for anything below freezing I’ll be switching to a hiking shoe.
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10-26-20, 06:05 AM
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Seriously, do not ride a bike with things like this - regardless of their stiffness:
Last edited by CargoDane; 10-26-20 at 06:08 AM.
10-26-20, 06:41 AM
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Another option might be to add a stiffer insole to your shoes. I had a foot problem, and the doc recommended an insole with more arch support. The insole was stiffer than a regular insole, and I found a side benefit of a firmer feel when riding. Sporting goods stores may carry some, I ordered mine, and in case you were wondering, these: https://www.powersteps.com/protech-control-full.html
10-26-20, 07:21 AM
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Yes, that's the same type of flip flops I use. Only mine's got firmer sole than the Havaianas (I probably will not recommend Havaianas because the sole is too soft for flat pedals). It's a local brand, probably only available here in the Philippines.
I have about 2000 miles on my flip flops since I started cycling almost 5 months ago in all kinds of weather
I sprint a lot in my rides and yep, with flip flops, even in the rain with the flip flops and my feet dripping wet. I also climb hills out of the saddle continuously for several minutes, dry or wet.
Today, I went out with a hurricane nearby throwing me >60 kph headwinds, crosswinds, and some rain. Did my stuff as usual, sprinting a lot and climbing hills completely out of the saddle with a wet footwear. Never had issues with flipflops nor that feeling that my feet might slip off. I even pull the pedals on the back and upstroke.
Probably the craziest thing about all that is I'm a "heel dropper" too. I drop my heel even if when I'm pedaling out of the saddle. Some might imagine the foot might slide back without a heel strap but that never happens. In fact, it never feels that way at all.
I have about 2000 miles on my flip flops since I started cycling almost 5 months ago in all kinds of weather
I sprint a lot in my rides and yep, with flip flops, even in the rain with the flip flops and my feet dripping wet. I also climb hills out of the saddle continuously for several minutes, dry or wet.
Today, I went out with a hurricane nearby throwing me >60 kph headwinds, crosswinds, and some rain. Did my stuff as usual, sprinting a lot and climbing hills completely out of the saddle with a wet footwear. Never had issues with flipflops nor that feeling that my feet might slip off. I even pull the pedals on the back and upstroke.
Probably the craziest thing about all that is I'm a "heel dropper" too. I drop my heel even if when I'm pedaling out of the saddle. Some might imagine the foot might slide back without a heel strap but that never happens. In fact, it never feels that way at all.
The fact is if I feel uneasy with using flipflops, I won't be able to climb out of the saddle for several minutes continuously without burning out too soon. If you're struggling to stay balanced or keep repositioning your feet while doing something very intense, you'll reach your anaerobic threshold much sooner.
I do have shoes I use for cycling. It's got soles that are firm, flat, just the right thickness, and shallow tread design. However, I still prefer to use flipflops. The shoes doesn't feel any more secure than the flipflops but the flipflops offer incredibly good ventilation - great in the hot and humid climates we have.
10-26-20, 08:42 AM
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There are several features I look for in the shoes I buy for cycling.
Light weight. Heavy shoes will feel heavy during long rides.
Not heavily treaded or lugged. I prefer the feel of the engagement between the pedal and a shoe with low profile tread.
Stiff sole. There's a reason racers use shoes with limited flex.
Hard tread compound. I like tread that is more to the firm side, again to eliminated flex.
Limited sole height. Some tennis shoes dang near have heels on them. Nearly an inch of material in some cases.
Breathability. Most all athletic shoes breath well. I like a shoe with a lot of mesh.
Light weight. Heavy shoes will feel heavy during long rides.
Not heavily treaded or lugged. I prefer the feel of the engagement between the pedal and a shoe with low profile tread.
Stiff sole. There's a reason racers use shoes with limited flex.
Hard tread compound. I like tread that is more to the firm side, again to eliminated flex.
Limited sole height. Some tennis shoes dang near have heels on them. Nearly an inch of material in some cases.
Breathability. Most all athletic shoes breath well. I like a shoe with a lot of mesh.