Shoes and Pedals

[4xsama]

Hi,

I am looking to replace my Nike MTB Shoes with a pair for my new roadie.

Couple of queries;
- What are good shoes for commuting and training rides, Will need to get at the LBS
- What is a reasonable cost
- I have always had SPD's and had no issues. Having said that I have (until recently) only MTB ridden. Is there an advantage in getting the other type (Look I think), or Speedplays. I will be getting a new set of pedals regardless so re-using my SPD's isn't too big a factor. Will buy online

Cheers

[simonr23]

are your current shoes the type where you can walk around fairly freely, without the cleat sticking out under your foot? if so, then the other type(spd-sl) are meant to give improved efficiency and stability on the pedal, due to improved rigidity/lower weight, with the downside being they are more cumbersome if you need to walk around abit.

i bought bontrager road race for 130 with the yellow cleats from one of my local lbs. i have never used any other form of riding shoe before, so cant compare, but they feel comfy, secure and i dont get too hot or sweaty inside them. the cleat is getting cosmetically tatty, after 3mths use, but i do walk in them more than most people probably would. usually through gravelly bits or dismounting to ensure i dont courier up in some sort of tight/busy area.

i believe the 120 region is a starting point for locally sourced, new shoes.

the advantages, to my knowledge are as i mentioned in the first paragraph. efficiency, stability and weight.

i hope i've been helpful and correct!

[4xsama]

Simon,

I need to replace the shoes I have because they have cracked on the sole and not allowing even pressure on the pedal. Sorry - should have mentioned that.

Otherwise thanks for the reply.

Cheers

[open roader]

If you can't fault the performance of the SPD pedals then I'd stick with this system and shout yourself a nice new pair of stiff soled, recessed cleat SPD shoes. I've never commuted as a clip in proposition - always rode platforms to/from school and in my teens to a part time job etc - from that experience I'd be wanting the extra stability and grip the recessed cleat SPD shoes offer every time I unclipped and put a foot down.

[AndrewBurns]

Recessed SPD for commuting for sure. I tried commuting with my expensive SPD-SL shoes for a while but have gone back to SPD because the SPD-SL were harder to clip in often and I found putting my foot down all the time was wearing out the shoes and cleats way faster than I would have liked. SPD-SL are nice for racing because they're more stable when you stand and sprint and it's harder to pull your foot out but save them for the races, SPD are fine for commuting and leisure rides. I use Shimano M077 shoes and although they're not too stiff they are comfortable enough for me to wear all day and walk around with at work.

[rpmspinman]

+1 for SPD pedals and cleats in recessed shoes.

I have had my LG ergo MTB shoes for well over a year now and now that I have my new bike I cannot bear to try the proper SL cleats and pedals as I am so used to the SPD's. Sure they aren't proper etiquette but I don't care. They suit my riding well enough and I like being able to walk around without knowing I am wearing out the cleats on my shoes.