Fastfwd01

I'm looking at new shoes. I'm using Deore XT M780 pedals and currently my old Shimano mountain bike shoes that I had from way before I got my road bike. My main interest is in fitness, metrics, centuries, gran fondos, etc. I like the aspect of being able to walk in SPD shoes. Who knows what might happen and I might actually need to walk somewhere if I'm out riding a century, etc.

I'm noticing these Shimano SH-RT82 shoes SH-RT82 - ROAD - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO that lay claim to sort of bridging the gap between road shoes and mountain bike shoes having recessed cleats that you can actually walk on and a sole that is maybe not as heavy as mountain bike shoe soles. Are there others like this out there? I saw a Youtube video from Durianrider about some Specialized shoes like these that his girlfriend wears and loves.

Are there actually any mountain bike SPD shoes that could be superior to these that aren't astronomically expensive? I don't personally care if they have lugs on the soles or if they are slick if they might otherwise be superior in some way that makes sense.

Cyril 

Sidi Dracos here...but they are astronomically expensive.

Carbonfiberboy 

Sidi Dominators here. They're almost universal in the long distance community here. Yes they're expensive, but they'll last you at least 50,000 miles so the ROI is pretty good.

StanSeven

Try a search on on this forum using the bottom on the top right? There are numerous threads about SPD shoes for road use.

Seattle Forrest

I've had lots of great, comfortable SPD shoes.

etw

Maybe Specialized Bicycle Components

bbbean 

If you're happy with SPD, no reason to swap. Lots of folks never make the switch to road pedals.

That said, my knee problems went away when I went to Speedplay Zeros, and they're as easy to walk in as mountain shoes when I use the cafe covers. I understand the new cleats have a built in rubber cover, so they should be easy to walk in, too.

But the crux of the matter is that if you like your current pedals and you're not trying to shave grams off your bike's weight, then run what brung ya!

BB

tarwheel 

I use SPD pedals on all of my bikes -- road, touring and cyclocross. For shoes, I use Sidi Dominators and a Shimano model that has been discontinued but is similar to their current SH-MT44 model. Both of them work well for cycling, but the Shimanos are much better for walking.

bikebreak

I got Giro Code MTB shoes with carbon bottom for my commuter bike, and they are as easily stiff as my Shimano road shoes with carbon bottom.

BiciMan

I wouldn't claim superior, but I use the original (Black/neon) version of these, with Speedplays: Amazon.com: Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Road Fuel II Cycling Shoe: Shoes I had to have the opening trimmed to accommodate the Speedplay cleat. I prefer laces and now use these shoes for my road bikes as well. I can hear and feel the cleat slightly on hard surfaces, but generally they are very comfortable and quiet enough. Also, they are relatively rare in that they accommodate my wide foot.

JohnJ80

Speedplay is out with their new SYZR pedal that has a similar float adjustment on a pedal that will work with an SPD style shoe. I just got them and they look pretty nice. I too use Zeros on my road bike.

SPEEDPLAY : HIGH PERFORMANCE PEDALS

My shoes are Sidi Dominators Mega (wide version) and I think they are great. I like having a stiff soled SPD shoe that gives similar performance to my road shoes but is walkable for those times when I would like the ability to easily walk. The Sidi's have pretty equivalent performance between road and mtb shoe.

J.

Seattle Forrest

I'm pretty sure that's what I've been using for the last couple years. They're as stiff as the two pairs of road shoes I just bought. Much easier to walk in. Never got hot spots riding in them.

Shimagnolo

+1
I got lucky and found them on sale at Excel Sports a couple years ago.

bbbean 

I'm intrigued by those, but I want to see how they hold up over time.

JohnJ80

My thoughts too - but I needed the float given my crap knees from skiing injuries. After getting them, I'm not worried, they are quite sturdy and the cleats are substantial and well made. I don't anticipate any problems. I don't have a lot of miles on them, but they seem to engage/disengage flawlessly. They look pretty well done to me.

J.

Diablito

I have Shimano xc90 shoes and love them. Very stiff in the cleat area with 2 layers of carbon. Very comfortable and light. Vents in the toe box make for happy toes.

cwar

Personally, I would try as many shoes as you can and find what is comfortable. I tried almost every brand available locally and for my foot, the Shimano shoes work really well. I have a pair of SH-R260 for my bike with road pedals, but use SH-XC70 for my bike with SPD pedals. The SH-XC70 have stiff soles so they are great on the bike, but still a bit difficult to walk in, but much better than standard road shoes. I also use a pair of Pearl Izumi SPD (X-Alp Seek) shoes for commuting. They have softer soles and are almost like a regular sneaker for walking.

Fastfwd01

These are all way more expensive than what I was considering, but since it is being discussed - how do the Giro Code VR70 shoes compare to the Sidi Dominators? I sort of like the more understated looks of the Giro and they have a carbon fiber sole too, huh? This is supposedly a good thing? Maybe not so much for walking in them? Otherwise though, how do these two shoes compare if anyone has experience? I gather that Sidi is *the* shoe most people desire I guess? Are they really that much better than other brands?

StanSeven

Good post! Shoes are very personal and what works for one person may not even be close to another. Plus if someone walks a lot in shoes, that's even more important to personally try them off. While stiff soles are perfect for cycling, they can be a disaster walking for someone with high arches for example. Size is another thing. Feet swell with exercise and shoes that feel good on the bike may be way to snug walking in the middle of a ride. So it's importat to try them on and walk around as much as you can before buying.

obed7

I use giro road shoes with spd-sl pedals... but then again I do not do much walking when on the road bikes.
I have shimano shoes with spd pedals on my cross bike. I have never understood all the talk about walking in bicycle shoes, I did not get a bicycle to walk with.

cale

You mean shoe dollars / mile. The ROI is still 0 unless you count ancillary benefits such as promoting good health. Then I'm with you, a big ROI.

RocTurk

I have Shimano SH-R107 which is essentially a road shoe with partial carbon sole that allows both SPD and SPD-SL cleats. I couldn't find it cheaper than 150$ in the US but merlincycles in UK had it for 95$ with shipping included. It could be stressful ordering something from overseas (mine took 8 days to arrive) but if you know your size in a particular brand, there are cheaper options out there.

Btw, if you are picky about walking comfort this shoe is not good for that purpose, you are still a penguin but with SPD cleats. However, it is lightweight and has good ventilation for summer rides.

hueyhoolihan

number one in importance is a recessed cleat shoe. then stiff enough sole to not bruise my foot (not easily determined until ridden hard for consecutive days, for me). then closure type. i like two velcro closures. then weight and finally price.

i've had good luck with shimano shoes, but am alternating between a Bontager model and my Sidi Dominators.