lightweight touring - shoes, cleats!

r0msey

I'm just getting into touring, and trying to pack less to keep the weight down. One thing I'm finding a pain is always having to pack an extra pair of shoes.

At present I'm using some MTB shoes with reasonably resessed cleats, but I still sound like a tap dancer walking down the street.

Has anyone found a sensible solution to this - I'm thinking if I could design some kind of rubber cleat cover for my cycling shoes that would be one option - does such a thing exist? Are there such things as touring shoes with fully resessed cleats? I've thought about using a bit of old inner tube wrapped round the toes with elastic bands, but thats a) not very attractive b) not likely to stay on...

Or the other option - ditch cycling shoes with cleats for touring and forget clipping in. Your views?

andymiller

Maybe it's the particular type of shoe you're using?I never have any problem with MTB shoes (currently using Pearl Izumi with Shimano SPD cleats, before that I had Specialized MTB Comps).

andymiller

Maybe it's the particular type of shoe you're using?I never have any problem with MTB shoes (currently using Pearl Izumi with Shimano SPD cleats, before that I had Specialized MTB Comps).

pneumatic

My specialized touring shoes (spd) are the most comfortable pair of footwear I own and they only ever click on cobbles. They've got a good sole on them for walking on rough ground, too.

I tour with them as my only pair of shoes, though a pair of flipflops weigh nothing and pack flat if you want a change off the bike.

blorg

It does depend on the shoe. I only have experience of Specialized Sonoma shoes (commuter type) and Shimano sandals. The sandals are certainly a lot easier to walk in than the shoes, albeit still not as good as a decent pair of walking sandals. I too would be interested something that was good at both (although in summer I will always tour in sandals, honestly the things are great.) Would not give up SPD, I'd carry the extra.

COVEC

Hi,
Try THESE the cleat is kept in a neat hole and does not click on the ground when walking.

COVEC

Ashley_R

I have a pair of these for touring, look fine off the bike, no problem with SPD cleats either

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ro%20Shoes

ut_och_cykla

HAve used shimano basic model (laces no velcro) for long tour - no SPDs just cages & straps. were my only shoes for 7 weeks inc. whole days doing touristy things. Worked fine. For shorter tours I use Shimano touring shoe & SPD & road pedal for MTB - no click and reassuring rubber sole.
HAve also tried Sidi MTB shoes - which don't click either but aren't nice for walking in at all.

culverwood

I still wear straps for long tours as the shoe is going to be worn all the time, almost. For shorter tours Specialized Sonoma SPDs seem to be OK with only a little clicking.