Bicycle shoes are only necessary if your pedals require them. I have rubber-block pedals on all of my bicycles because I prefer minimalist footwear that have mostly smooth tread pattern.
I do 50-mile rides with extremely flexible shoes/sandals without experiencing any fatigue in my feet.
It's all about what you're accustomed to.
Last edited by Nyah; 04-25-22 at 09:48 PM.