Sneakers/trainers for commuting and casual wear

Barney74

I'm looking to buy some sneakers/trainers for commuting and wearing around the office (dress code is relaxed) though I expect also some casual wear too.

The shoes need to be stiff-soled, durable, warm enough for winter and moderately smart. These would be perfect but (a) I don't think they're available in the UK yet, and (b) I'm pretty sure they will cost silly money when they are:

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/shoes/truk.html

Does anybody have good suggestions for alternatives? I don't want to spend more than £50 so am thinking perhaps a basic pair of Converse/Etnies/Superga/Vans instead. Anybody use these for commuting?

I have basket pedals and speed isn't a priority so I'm not interested in SPD compatible shoes

Ride hard

I had these for a few years before going clipless

http://www.shop.puma.co.uk/Mostro-Perfo ... tml?quid=1 (You can get them circa your budget from other retailers).

Like yourself, I wanted something with a stiff sole - and these are very stiff. It all comes down to whether they are your stylee.

daddy0

I've worn Vans for years, always have other trainers too, but make sure I have a good pair of Vans. Stay away from the cheap thin ones (like the trainers in the OPs link), get some skate shoes. Make sure you get the waffle sole - it has a pedal friendly hex shaped pattern where the soles touch the pedals. The sole isn't particularly rigid, but I'd say it was just right - I've ridden harder soles and softer, Vans are just right.

http://shop.vans.co.uk/uk-en/men/category/shoes/skate-shoes.html

I normally go for something like these and can normally find them for £40 if I look around:

http://shop.vans.co.uk/uk-en/men/category/shoes/skate-shoes/rowley-spv-shoes-2.html

DCs are OK too.

I've had Puma shoes before, the last ones I had did have hard soles, but I can't find a link to them. I took them back to the shop 3 times though as they fell apart. Also weren't very comfy, their sizing is quite narrow - Vans and DC are both quite wide.

BTW - Ride Hard - those Puma trainers look horrible and I can't imagine riding with them on would be such a great experience?!

Ride hard

Haaa. As I said it my other post, it depends on the OP's taste. I think they're pretty though!

Actually, they were very comfy for me. I might just be lucky but my size 10's had just the right amount of support (slightly close fitting without being too tight) so didn't let my feet slip around inside on the pedal stroke. I also liked the fact they had the velcro strap and were surprisingly well ventilated.

The only reason I put them to bed was that as much as I loved the convenience of having one pair of shoes all day, I didn't love the fact I kept wearing out the sole which reduced the stiffness and resulted in hotspots - I am a self confessed pedal mashing speed freak.

SPD's have been my babies ever since.

corshamjim

I just noticed a tweet from DZR about their new Jetlag Zero - Want... Need...

http://m.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=143 ... uE8zz&_rdr

Barney74

Thanks for the feedback. I'll take a look at the Vans, perhaps the Chukka Low. I had a pair of Vans a long time ago (when skateboarding was cool :oops:) and remember them being very comfortable. The DZRs look amazing--hopefully it won't be long until there's a UK company producing these kind of shoes and we don't have to wait for expensive imports from the US

Flubsterunited

I only recently started commuting on the bike but I've not had this problem as I always leave my work shoes under my desk anyway! Never saw the point in taking them home. Now I just ride in in my trainers and swop shoes, hoping to get some spd's from Santa though!

JamesB5446

I've only got a short commute so I wear my Vans slip ons. Put a spare pair in my pannier if its wet.
Don't get the skate ones, unless looking like you're 15 goes down well where you work.