What Shoes do you Use for Cycling?
08-29-21, 05:27 PM
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What Shoes do you Use for Cycling?
Particularly those of you who don't clip in. Do you just wear running shoes or whatever you have available?
I've been using running shoes for a while until someone brought up that its not ideal because the sole is thick and soft. I realized this is why i feel like i need to have my seat higher than baseline.
I found some worn lacoste shoes laying around with a thin, flat sole which seem to work great. I don't notice much of a difference in power transfer, but that extra cm or so of leg extension without needing to raise your seat higher is nice.
I've been using running shoes for a while until someone brought up that its not ideal because the sole is thick and soft. I realized this is why i feel like i need to have my seat higher than baseline.
I found some worn lacoste shoes laying around with a thin, flat sole which seem to work great. I don't notice much of a difference in power transfer, but that extra cm or so of leg extension without needing to raise your seat higher is nice.
08-29-21, 05:31 PM
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i used to use skate board shoes.
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08-29-21, 05:34 PM
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You might want a shoe with a very stiff sole... similar to cycling shoes.
08-29-21, 06:17 PM
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For flat pedals, I use flat soled skate or MTB style shoes. They've got really "sticky" soles that grip the pedals well. Good for any off-road or bumpy stuff.
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08-29-21, 06:18 PM
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I use non-cycling shoes or boots and never had any problems with foot slipping off the pedals and my pedalling technique is smoother then most of the clipped in cyclists out there.
08-29-21, 06:21 PM
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yeah, but you're missing out on those 'falling over at any random stops' moments.
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08-29-21, 06:32 PM
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Mostly I ride with old Nike Fly knit running shoes. When it’s colder I switch to Vasque Juxt (sp?) low cut boots to keep my feet warmer.
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08-29-21, 06:59 PM
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08-29-21, 08:50 PM
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Cycling shoes work pretty well for.... cycling! If those frighten you, these may be appropriate.
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08-30-21, 01:29 AM
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In summer I pretty much live in the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals (the cheap all-foam version of the Arizona) and I have no problems riding while wearing those. Converse All Stars are the only footwear I've found I don't like riding in because they're too flexible. But the Birk sandals, running shoes, skate shoes...no problems with any of them.
08-30-21, 06:17 AM
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I ride flat pedals with pins (oft called BMX pedals). Trail running shoes work for me. They have a sole which works well with the pins. Should mention that I wear insoles for arch support in all of my shoes, so they might add a little stiffness also.
08-30-21, 07:40 AM
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Cowboy boots.
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08-30-21, 08:25 AM
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These threads are always great. I love all the references to riding with “running” shoes, “hiking” shoes, “skateboarding” shoes, “walking” shoes… Shoes made for everything except pedaling a bike. This thread is exactly like the “Which shorts?” threads, the “Which gloves?” threads and the “Which lube?” threads. The best part about them, and I mean the VERY BEST part, is that the most common responses are always the ones downplaying cycling-specific things. On a cycling forum. And that’s why we can’t have nice things.
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08-30-21, 08:34 AM
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Road bike, Lake CX301. Obscenely light and super comfortable in their wide fit. All day super comfort shoe. If you have issues with cold feet, avoid outside of summer months, because it's super breathable.
Touring / commute bike, now defunct and parts used for gravel bike, cheap Decathlon skate shoes with a thin and grippy sole. Never gave me issues even on long rides, but sometimes I wish it was more firm. Ordered a pair of proper MTB flat pedal shoe and will see how I get on with that.
Touring / commute bike, now defunct and parts used for gravel bike, cheap Decathlon skate shoes with a thin and grippy sole. Never gave me issues even on long rides, but sometimes I wish it was more firm. Ordered a pair of proper MTB flat pedal shoe and will see how I get on with that.
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08-30-21, 10:20 AM
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These threads are always great. I love all the references to riding with “running” shoes, “hiking” shoes, “skateboarding” shoes, “walking” shoes… Shoes made for everything except pedaling a bike. This thread is exactly like the “Which shorts?” threads, the “Which gloves?” threads and the “Which lube?” threads. The best part about them, and I mean the VERY BEST part, is that the most common responses are always the ones downplaying cycling-specific things. On a cycling forum. And that’s why we can’t have nice things.
Anyway, there are literally hundreds of suitable "cycling" shoes for use with flat pedals. Mountain biking shoes (non-cleated flat style) are the blatantly obvious choice here e.g. FiveTen Freeriders. Nice stiff soles and loads of grip on the pedals.
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08-30-21, 03:46 PM
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These threads are always great. I love all the references to riding with “running” shoes, “hiking” shoes, “skateboarding” shoes, “walking” shoes… Shoes made for everything except pedaling a bike. This thread is exactly like the “Which shorts?” threads, the “Which gloves?” threads and the “Which lube?” threads. The best part about them, and I mean the VERY BEST part, is that the most common responses are always the ones downplaying cycling-specific things. On a cycling forum. And that’s why we can’t have nice things.
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08-30-21, 06:14 PM
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I suppose you are looking for comfort as well as efficiency. Lots of mountain bikers use flat pedals and they primarily buy mountain biking shoes because they have stiff grabby soles. You don’t have to use the built in cleat attachment in those shoes. If you are not looking for optimal power transfer try some trail running shoes - light with stiff soles.
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08-30-21, 06:30 PM
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Five Ten Freeriders (size 10 if you’re buying for me).
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08-30-21, 06:34 PM
#24
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Have you ever slipped on the pedal then caught the loop of the lace on the pedal? I have. My bike specific flat sole shoes have a way to tuck the laces in to prevent that. At $40 on sale why not go with a bike specific shoe.
https://www.rei.com/media/d04a84b6-0...5?size=784x588
https://www.rei.com/media/d04a84b6-0...5?size=784x588
Last edited by Airfehr; 08-30-21 at 06:40 PM.
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