"Standard" Cycling Shoes

laurentian

About 12 months ago, a friend got into cycling and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The second hand bike she bought had the revesible pedals (flat one side and SPD the other) and I had a new, unused pair of SPD shoes that fitted her so I leant them to her and she promptly had the classic "clipless moment" with the unfortunate consequence of breaking her ankle quite badly.

She is now back on the bike using flat pedals and trainers but would like to get some "proper" cycling shoes.

So, does anyone have any advice as to a pair of cycling shoes that they would recommend? Also, is there such a thing as "flat" pedals designed specifically for such shoes? Budget will be a factor - (looking at the DHB/Endura end of the market rather than Rapha etc.)

Thanks

MattFalle

i hope i understand "proper cycling shoes" properly

I got some Planet X jobbies for the turbo and can't fault them.

What size is she? could be an option...

https://defietsenmaker.nl/product/shimano-shoes-sh-rc300-women/

photonic69

Proper cycling shoes are going to be SPD; SPD-SL; Look etc so will be the same as the ones she had the broken ankle incident with. She could get some MTB type shoes like the Five Ten and some MTB type pedals with the 'pins of pain' for added grip.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shoes-cycle/shoes-mtb

Or she could try the SPD shoes with the multi release cleat and put the tension on the minimum setting.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-spd-cleats-sh56-/rp-prod10969

Nothing wrong with flat shoes and pedals. I've ridden with some riders who do just this and they are not slow by any means.

seanoconn

My understanding of the OP’s post was that they were looking for flat pedals and shoes. In which case you’re looking at flat MTB pedals and shoes. Adidas 510’s with their grippy soles have long been the go to for flat pedal users, lots of different style options to choose from £60-£100+ although other brands seem to be catching up in terms of quality. For a decent pair of flat pedals I’d look at composite, cheaper and lighter.

MattFalle

If she's not getting on with clippy mcclips, how about retro flats 'n' toe clips?

DeVlaeminck

laurentian said:

About 12 months ago, a friend got into cycling and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The second hand bike she bought had the revesible pedals (flat one side and SPD the other) and I had a new, unused pair of SPD shoes that fitted her so I leant them to her and she promptly had the classic "clipless moment" with the unfortunate consequence of breaking her ankle quite badly.

She is now back on the bike using flat pedals and trainers but would like to get some "proper" cycling shoes.

So, does anyone have any advice as to a pair of cycling shoes that they would recommend? Also, is there such a thing as "flat" pedals designed specifically for such shoes? Budget will be a factor - (looking at the DHB/Endura end of the market rather than Rapha etc.)

Thanks

I just use trainers, they are fine I can't see how a cycling specific shoe would be better. I've done some quite long MTB rides 70 miles plus like that with no issues. I know this isn't answering the question but she's wasting her time and money getting special cycling shoes.

Re her ankle it's a shame - I always advise novices to stick with flats.

laurentian

seanoconn said:

My understanding of the OP’s post was that they were looking for flat pedals and shoes. In which case you’re looking at flat MTB pedals and shoes. Adidas 510’s with their grippy soles have long been the go to for flat pedal users, lots of different style options to choose from £60-£100+ although other brands seem to be catching up in terms of quality. For a decent pair of flat pedals I’d look at composite, cheaper and lighter.

This is what I meant - apologies! Flat shoes with pedals to match.

I'll certainly have a look at the Adidas

seanoconn

DeVlaeminck said:

laurentian said:

About 12 months ago, a friend got into cycling and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The second hand bike she bought had the revesible pedals (flat one side and SPD the other) and I had a new, unused pair of SPD shoes that fitted her so I leant them to her and she promptly had the classic "clipless moment" with the unfortunate consequence of breaking her ankle quite badly.

She is now back on the bike using flat pedals and trainers but would like to get some "proper" cycling shoes.

So, does anyone have any advice as to a pair of cycling shoes that they would recommend? Also, is there such a thing as "flat" pedals designed specifically for such shoes? Budget will be a factor - (looking at the DHB/Endura end of the market rather than Rapha etc.)

Thanks

I just use trainers, they are fine I can't see how a cycling specific shoe would be better. I've done some quite long MTB rides 70 miles plus like that with no issues. I know this isn't answering the question but she's wasting her time and money getting special cycling shoes.

Re her ankle it's a shame - I always advise novices to stick with flats.

Disagree. Cycling specific shoes for flat pedals have firmer grippy soles built for purpose. You can get away with running shoes/trainers but look and feel a bit naff when you start taking cycling more seriously.

veronese68

If she's sticking to flats something like this would be good:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Bontrager/Flatline-MTB-Shoes/R5CJ
If there's a chance of going back to SPDs in future these might be a good bet:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Bontrager/Flatline-MTB-Shoes/R5CJ
They have a removable section that can be replaced with MTB style cleats. I bought some for riding to work and did use them on an old bike with flats before attaching cleats and they were fine. They were about £20 cheaper when I bought them, you may find them cheaper elsewhere.

laurentian

veronese68 said:

If she's sticking to flats something like this would be good:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Bontrager/Flatline-MTB-Shoes/R5CJ
If there's a chance of going back to SPDs in future these might be a good bet:
https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Bontrager/Flatline-MTB-Shoes/R5CJ
They have a removable section that can be replaced with MTB style cleats. I bought some for riding to work and did use them on an old bike with flats before attaching cleats and they were fine. They were about £20 cheaper when I bought them, you may find them cheaper elsewhere.

These look like they fit the bill at the right price point for her - thank you

albertjohnnsonKIKxPS02

As I understand she is looking for cycling shoes for her flat pedal bike. But as you mentioned she wants affordable shoes. So I searched and get some affordable shoes. These are the shoes that she can check out:
SHIMANO RC-1
FLR F35-III
DHB DORICA ROAD
NORTHWAVE CORE 2
SHIMANO XC-1

singleton

I use flat pedals and 'proper' MTB shoes for off-roading and they do help to keep your foot attached to the pedal in the rough stuff.
Before I had clipless pedals for road use, I used flat road pedals with toe clips (with or without straps) and had some Lonsdale shoes which worked really well. They were cheap but had quite stiff soles and were great with the toe clips.
Something like this:
https://www.lonsdale.com/lonsdale-camden-mens-trainers-110054

raihanulsiyam

I use Gavin elite road cycling shoes. You can check the following cycling shoe reviews and buyer's guide.

https://gearbikesreview.com/best-road-cycling-shoes-review/