chrisx

If you want to ride in running shoes all day, what pedals are the most comfortable?
I did not ask why you like clipless pedals, or toe cages.
I asked what brand of flat pedals are the most comfortable after weeks of pedaling all day.

FBinNY 

They're flat pedals, & your foot sits on top. So all mechanical or brand considerations are meaningless.

All that matters is the support and width. So you can make your own call simply by eyeballing the surface the shoe sits on. The typical edge of the plate surface offers very little surface and may eventually feel like it's cutting into your shoes, and may eventually actually do so. Likewise narrow pedals can be a problem because if your foot overhangs the end, you'll feel the lack of support, plus there'll be a tendency to slide off the end.

So, knowing what to look for, shop pedals on that basis, and you'll find many that qualify for your short list. Then pick among those based on price and features.

imi

MKS GR-9
https://www.wiggle.com/mks-gr-9-platform-pedals/

Check out other MKS pedals as well, but I find these perfect. I ride with toe clips and running shoes.

Bicycle365

To compare the platform side of my Shimano 324's to Crank Bros 5050's, the bigger wider (102mm x 96mm) Crank Bros wins by a mile. That being said, shoe choice is a HUGE factor. I can ride either set in Keen commuter shoes (very stiff midsole) no problem at all. If I wear Walmart sneakers the 324's are uncomfortable after a couple hours. My next set of platform pedals will be the VeloOrange Grand Cru Sabot (100mm x 100mm) both for looks and the little bit extra real estate. Crank Bros model Stamp Large is 111mm x 114mm and is one of the largest I've found, but it has a very large cutout profile and I think we are back to sole stiffness playing a big factor with those despite its size. Comparing the 5050 to the Stamp its clear that overall size and total surface area are two different things.

JaccoW

Ergon pc-2

dim

Shimano PD-MX80 Saint Flat Pedals

VT_Speed_TR

I have VP Components Vice pedals on my two mountain bikes and switch them to my road bikes to tour. Nice big surface area and lots of cross structure to support your foot and the pins grip the sole of your shoe, so no slipping.

Amazon has them on sale for $45

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o08_s00

jonc123

Mikashima Industrial Company Sylvan Touring Pedal.

MIKASHIMA INDUSTRIAL COMPANY

mm718

Odyssey Twisted. $15

elcruxio

I'd go for the Ergon as well. Even weight distribution and probably best possible grip charasteristics for touring use

bradtx

chrisx, I only have one bike presently with platforms and basically the only two items I consider important are the ability to fully support my shoe and small nibs to help retain the shoe on the pedal, mostly in the wet.

Brad

sculbertson

I like the Wellgo B143....big platform, sticky but not too sticky, relatively light and a grease service port.

GerryinHouston

Whatever you buy, buy metal alloy. The plastic ones die young...

I'd recommend ones that you can grease the bearings/spindle, replace the bearings when needed (haven't tested this on mine).

Big ones are more comfortable than small ones. BMX pedals fit the bill nicely.

I have the Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Sealed Platform Pedal around $40

jonc123

If you are wanting reflectors on your pedals, that may influence your decision.

BigAura

+1 You want BMX-style-pedals for for support & grip. The old-school MKS-style don't provide a real platform, can cut into your shoes, and create hot-spots when riding all day.

I too like like the Saints: Shimano quality & rebuildable.

McBTC

Biketouringhobo

I use the Sun Ringle zuzu Pedals

mantelclock

I use sneakers and platforms with open or half clips. The Velo Orange touring pedals are my favorites, but Welgo are pretty good as well. The MKS Silvans are copies of the old style pedals popular in the 70s. They are not particularly comfortable, and they can be difficult to get out of when using clips. If you are plan to use clips or half clips, just be aware that most BMX platforms have no provision for them.

In the winter, when I ride with boots and no clips, I use a pair of Odyssey platforms, but the Shimano Saints look pretty good, too.

niknak

The MKS Lambdas have been my flat pedal of choice for years. They are longer than most pedals on the market, so you get great foot support in all kinds of shoes. Some people add spikes to them for extra grip, but I don't have an issue with feet slipping, even in the rain.

MKS Grip King Pedals

Aceldama

The most comfortable flat pedals would generally be the largest pedals you can tolerate on your bike. The bigger the foot and the floppier the shoe, the larger you'll want the pedal to be in order to be comfortable.

Example: My touring bike has MKS Sylvan Stream pedals which are relatively small. If I wear a floppy shoe and mash a lot my feet will hurt. I should replace those pedals but they look great on the bike and I'm an idiot.

Recommended:
-VP-001 VP Pedals. I like the vp-001 model a lot and they can be had for $45 on Ebay.
-FireEye Hot Candy pedals. These are nylon with metal screws for grip. I use these on my mountain bikes... may look a bit out of place on a touring bike.
-MKS Sylvan Prime Touring. Cheap and the best looking of the bunch (if that matters to you). These are larger and more comfortable than the Sylvan Stream pedals.

erig007

I agree with FBinNY post #2 , from basic physics courses go with pedals that offer the biggest and flattest surface area in contact with the shoe (P = F/A). Which means that most pedals that I see above won't do because of the edge in the middle.

Booger1

Vp-530

chrisx

not asking for the most uncomfortable pedal no
\looking for a yes comfortable pedal

chrisx

Are those flat on top? they do not show a side view.
maybe this one

quote'
• 406 grams per pair
• 105 x 105 x 17mm platform
• Extruded and CNC aluminum body
• Full length Forged and Heat Treated Cromoly Axle
• LSL and Sealed Cartridge Bearings
• 4 Anodized colors: Black, Grey, Red, Blue
• Replaceable Back-Out Pins
• Rebuild and Pin Kits available
• Forged Titanium Axle Upgrade available (shaving 70g per pair)

chrisx

I had some of these. I donated them to the bike coop after 1 day. The center where it says wellgo is sunken in. Not comfortable.