Comments on: The search for summer shoes

By: Lyndy

Lyndy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:50:35 +0000

I have some of the ORIGINAL Shimano cycling sandals, the ones with TWO top straps vs the three on the newer ones. I don’t understand the need for the third strap – hello, they are SANDALS and not shoes! I’ve worn my $180 road shoes twice since I got my sandals (except for spinning classes where they won’t let me wear the sandals). I’ve done about 15 week long touring rides wearing the sandals and done five centuries with the sandals. Never had any issues with them. When it’s cold, I start the day with socks, when it’s REAL cold I can adjust the straps and wear two pair of socks. When Shimano stopped making the two strap variety, many of us that swear by them went on line and bought all we could find anywhere. I have a reserve pair for when the soles finally wear down on these. I also have Sandals made by Sette, and a friend replaced his Shimanos (worn out) with ones from Lake – they have a protective curled up area at the end of the toes. Many other varieties too: http://www.bicycleapparel.com/sandals.html Your local bike shop can order sandals if they don’t have them in stock.

By: Keri

Keri — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:08:16 +0000

I don’t think I can pull off the cycle chic thing. I’m way too butch for that. But if one of our lovely readers wants to volunteer, I’ll wear the camera

By: fred_dot_u

fred_dot_u — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:49:55 +0000

Keri wrote, “The comfort bike was an attempt to show that riding on the roads of downtown doesn’t require speed, athleticism or an aggressive-looking bike.”

Fred suggests that Keri could have gone one better and dressed for Copenhagen Cycle Chic, but that would have meant no helmet and a flowing skirt or dress (big grin).

By: Mighk

Mighk — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:46:28 +0000

My Lakes were only uncomfortable off the bike. Even out of the box they were fairly comfortable on-bike. Also, I have very narrow feet, which makes for awkward fitting, especially at the heel.

By: Keri

Keri — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:27:03 +0000

Caroline, thanks for the tip! That foot cream sounds like something that should go in the panniers for our upcoming tour!

By: Caroline

Caroline — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:51:36 +0000

Oh yeah, comfort is everything! I have heard good things about Keen but have not personally tried them. I can say though that I get achey, tired and sore feet too and swear by Topricin foot cream. It gives great relief and is natural. So there ya have it…if you want to keep the shoes, you could just get a hold of some of the cream and Voila! Good Luck! Caroline

By: Keri

Keri — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:36:29 +0000

Eric asked “Why were you riding a comfort bike?”

Yes, for effect. Because even if I ride 12mph on a bike with drop handlebars, people think I’m going fast and doing something athletic. The comfort bike was an attempt to show that riding on the roads of downtown doesn’t require speed, athleticism or an aggressive-looking bike.

By: Steve A

Steve A — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:19:44 +0000

My fear (and it’s happened) is that I’ll have the inside pedal down just a hair too much in a curve and that the leading edge of the open toe sandal will suddenly be ripped backwards by the unforgiving pavement.

The Keens are probably just as unforgiving in this regard, but they SEEM safer for my lively big toe. Maybe it’s a bike shoe equivalent to excessive fear of motorists. You could call it OTBSRAP, which stands for “Open Toe Bike Shoe Ripped Away Phobia.” Rantwick appears to be a fellow sufferer. In an odd twist, I suspect neither of us wants to wear high heels on a bike either.

For andrewp, there are pedals that have clips on one side where you could put toe clips on the other, platform side. You’ll be bewildered at the choices. Myself, all my bikes either have spd pedals OR toe clips. For short rides (and some longer ones), I mostly use the latter – with my “Costco Court Classic” shoes which have a surprisingly stiff sole. Toe clips & sandals do NOT go together well, however.

FWIW, I never rode clipless until 2005, after 40 years of platforms and then toe clips. It took me about a day to get used to them. You can get spd-compatible stuff (shoes and pedals) for under $100 if you’re frugal. You can always get fancier later when you really know what you want.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:10:57 +0000

“When I was riding the comfort bike for the video of cycling-friendly downtown, I was using open pedals. Coming out of one traffic light, my foot slipped off them and I clocked my shin on the pedal.”

I wondered about that when I saw the video and then later I saw a Surley with drop handlebars. Why were you riding a comfort bike? For effect?

By: Keri

Keri — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:34:36 +0000

nah, you have to have a plate inside the sole to screw the cleats into.