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Touring Shoes - cleats or flats?

kangarougekangarouge Posts: 210
in Tour & expedition
I'm just about to start doing some touring after a very long absence, though I have been doing quite a lot of road riding over the last ten years. For this have been using Shimano SPD-SL cleats.

What do most people use for touring? Do they tend to use SPD cleats or just flat pedals? I'm very undecided and so would welcome any comments or suggestions on the subject.
thanks.

Posts

  • joe_totale-2joe_totale-2 Posts: 1,333
    edited March 2021
    SPD cleats for me and then carry a pair of light sliders or running shoes to wear off the bike if you don't want to wear cycling shoes for a while.

    Something like this:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tesla-Trail-Running-Minimalist-Barefoot/dp/B07HY2QT26/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_309_bs_lp_tr_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=YZ0E2E14WXW8JTH2W4NN&th=1
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    SPDs with a pair of funky light trainers for groovin' - think more Italian style than jeff bag Brit on holibobs or clubbie cyclist.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 24,599
    I went with Spd pedals & shoes during the day and packed lightweight trainers for night. Personal choice.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • elbowlohelbowloh Posts: 7,078
    In the summer, i had SPDs and a pair of flip flops.
    Felt F1 2014
    Felt Z6 2012
    Red Arthur Caygill steel frame
    Tall....
    www.seewildlife.co.uk
  • vincesummerskRoxcBTrvincesummerskRoxcBTr Posts: 366
    I think you would find riding all the time on flats quite strange if you have been using cleats!
  • super_davosuper_davo Posts: 1,094
    If I were cycletouring today, I would definitely get a pair of Adidas Velosambas.
    https://www.adidas.co.uk/the-velosamba-cycling-shoes/FW4459.html
    Just about the only cycling shoe that looks as good off the bike as it does on.
    This can still be used with all the other flip flops / light sliders / light shoes etc.
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    elbowloh said:

    In the summer, i had SPDs and a pair of flip flops.

    the only problem I can see in that is what I call the British BBQ situation - people turn up for a barbie in t shirts, shorts and flip flops because its hot then at 6 when the sun goes down, it turns a billion degrees below zero and everyone freezes theirtitsoff and can't warm up.
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • elbowlohelbowloh Posts: 7,078
    super_davo said:

    If I were cycletouring today, I would definitely get a pair of Adidas Velosambas.
    https://www.adidas.co.uk/the-velosamba-cycling-shoes/FW4459.html
    Just about the only cycling shoe that looks as good off the bike as it does on.
    This can still be used with all the other flip flops / light sliders / light shoes etc.

    Wow. They are awesome. Why didn't I know about those?!?!?
    Felt F1 2014
    Felt Z6 2012
    Red Arthur Caygill steel frame
    Tall....
    www.seewildlife.co.uk
  • andyrrandyrr Posts: 1,814
    I saw a recommendation by Chris Hall for water shoes, dead light, foldable and cost £10+ on Amazon etc
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    water shoes?
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    Chris Hall?
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • Mad_MalxMad_Malx Posts: 4,957
    Has anyone actually tried the Adidas, or seen them in real life?
  • elbowlohelbowloh Posts: 7,078
    Mad_Malx said:

    Has anyone actually tried the Adidas, or seen them in real life?

    looking at it, i think they were only released this month.
    Felt F1 2014
    Felt Z6 2012
    Red Arthur Caygill steel frame
    Tall....
    www.seewildlife.co.uk
  • MattFalleMattFalle Posts: 11,644
    Mad_Malx said:

    Has anyone actually tried the Adidas, or seen them in real life?

    doesn't matter

    something that cool has to be purchased irrespective
    .
    The camera down the willy isn't anything like as bad as it sounds.
  • kangarougekangarouge Posts: 210
    Thanks to everyone for their help. The comments are really helpful. It looks like it is definitely a case of SPD cleats and pedals, plus a pair of lightweight shoes for off the bike or I could be tempted by the Adidas. However, they do very much remind me of late 1960's men's fashion.
    Once again - thanks.
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