Chziime

I am having more trouble than I should finding a new biking shoe.

Literally whenever I am not biking, I wear Merrell Gloves, which are amazing. They're extremely comfortable and like walking barefoot.

For biking, I wear my old Reebok Crossfit Nano 4 sneakers. However, I had to toss them because they fell apart over the years of exclusive use (they were my only shoes until I got the Glove).

I did some research and bought a Giro Rumble VR in both size 45 and 46 (I am US 11.5). The 46 was a bit too spacious and the 45 too small. A short bike ride in the size 46 was uncomfortable and painful to the bottom of my feet, and while testing out the 45 for a brisk walk, my feet were aching considerably after just a few minutes. So - I think I can ONLY wear minimalist shoes like the Gloves and CF Nanos at this point. My feet just don't like the hardness of the biking shoes.

I feel I may be limited to sneakers, especially given the fact that I don't bike "seriously" (no more than 1 hour a few times a week). I might even just hung out the same Reeboks! Still - do you have any suggestions as to what might work?

Thanks so much for any advice!

katsup

What type of pedals do you have on your bike? If they are the pedals that came with it, consider upgrading to some platform pedals.

I am currently using Merrell Moab hiking shoes with platform pedals and have no problems. I have also worn vans and tennis shoes with platform pedals and did not experience any discomfort.

hig4s

normally I wear a Sketcher Vigor 2.0 all the time, riding, walking, hiking, at work. They are comfortable to me, and not too expensive. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

When the weather gets a little colder, or when I feel I need over ankle protection I wear a Sequioia Walking/hiking shoe https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...TF8&th=1&psc=1

And for riding I change the shoe strings to Lock Laces https://www.amazon.com/LACES-Elastic...c+shoe+strings

Chziime

Yeah, my pedals are what came with the bike, Wellgo M-21 ATB Pedals.

What's a recommended platform pedal that's around ~50? There are so many options...

Kapusta

Welgo has decent platform pedals for the pricepoint under $50.

As for shoes, if you don’t run clipless and you don’t like a stiff sole, there is really not much point in looking at cycling specific shoes. A stiffer sole is usually one of the primary goals in a cycling shoe.

Even relatively “soft soled” cycling shoes are going to be more stiff than most sneakers.

UtahRider

Right now I'm wearing trail running shoes, working for me.

hig4s

I have Race Face Chesters on one bike https://www.amazon.com/Race-Face-Che...G49VH4BIB&th=1

And Shimano Saints MX-80 on the other. https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-MX...o+saint+pedals

Wellgo MG-1s are decent also and a little cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-MG-1-M...als&th=1&psc=1

Leebo

Generally for pedaling you will want a stiffer shoe than a sneaker. Better support. As said get a bigger flat pedal. I like sandals or a low hiking boot. Keen sandals work great for me for the summer, thick stiff sole, airy and plenty of support. Chrome, 661, vans and 510 all have something that would work.

grubetown

IMHO, look at some new pedals, Fyxation makes some great options across the price scale and tons of colors also.
The Rumble VR is more of a clipless shoe. I would like at a sneaker type that strikes a balance between stiffness (on the bike) and comfort (off the bike).

Sal Bandini

Casual biking at 1 hour or less? Wear whatever shoe you want, it won't matter much.

Mountain Mitch

5-10s are good shoes.

maaakaaa

I will also suggest FiveTen. I have their Dirtbag shoe and love it. It is definitely a softer, more flexible sole than I would prefer for most biking, but works on big flat pedals and is very comfortable for other use. My riding buddy uses the Freerider, which is very popular and he also wears his all over. It is more substantial than the Dirtbag, though.