Shoes Shoes Shoes - Entry level!

[Dan_1981]

I'm looking for some recommendations for shoes there are so many out there and for a relative newbie it's impossible to choose!

I'm riding a gravel bike, but to be honest it spends most of it's time on the road or on not particularly wet or muddy trails so standard road shoes should be fine.

Currently i'm wearing a gifted pair of Lake CX210 - they're a size too big and triathlon focused and well past their best.

Pedals - I have Decathalon Btwin flip side things so SPD. The lakes are fitted with two bolt cleats but they're well beyond their best too.


Is there a go-to recommended entry level shoe?

Ideally at or around £100

[Al U]

I'm actually using these MTB shoes with the 2 bolt cleats on my road bike. I like them because I can walk in them with no issue when off the bike and they are really quite comfortable and do the job.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/...

I wear a size 9 in Adidas/Nike trainers but needed a size 10 in these so would recommending going a size up.

[z4RRSchris]

fizik x5 terra are decent enough, can find them close to £100 in the sales / with codes

[jimmy156]

If you are buying road shoes but have spd pedals, make sure they will accept the two bolt clear, many won’t!

[emicen]

I use Shimano ME1 mtb shoes on my road and gravel bikes.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/cycling-clothing/...

Comfortable, cheap and I can walk in them.

[Dan_1981]

jimmy156 said:

If you are buying road shoes but have spd pedals, make sure they will accept the two bolt clear, many won’t!

Yes good point, am finding this on lots of pairs I like the look of.

Maybe I should buy some new pedals too

[Dan_1981]

Hmm not many seem to accept sod clears do they.

The fabric, specialized, Shimano none of them seem to which is a shame.

[z4RRSchris]

SPD cleats you are 2 bolt so look for cx or mtb shoes,

or change to some look keo pedals and buy some road shoes, which you will have a bigger choice.

[Dan_1981]

I think it might be time to bite the bullet and change the pedals.

All of the CX / MTB shoes look super clumpy and are pretty heavy compared to their road going alternatives.

As mentioned I don't do any horrible / wet / muddy riding really - just the odd canal path and old trainline paths etc.

[emicen]

Dan_1981 said:

All of the CX / MTB shoes look super clumpy

Have you ever seen someone trying to walk in road shoes?

[19Dogger87]

You should look for a pair of Shimano RT82, or RT5. They're touring shoes and have rubber soles, 2 bolt mtb cleats but look exactly like road shoes. Both available in budget.

Link below to RT5

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274336417885

[MC Bodge]

2 bolt SPD MTB race shoes for me on all bikes. I can walk in them (and could defend myself/run away more easily in the event that a road rage incident took place) and don't find them a problem compared with road cleats.

I've always found Specialized a good fit.

[SomersetWestie]

MC Bodge said:

2 bolt SPD MTB race shoes for me on all bikes. I can walk in them (and could defend myself/run away more easily in the event that a road rage incident took place) and don't find them a problem compared with road cleats.

I've always found Specialized a good fit.

Exactly this !!

[Sway]

I'd agree that the key area is how walkable they are.

If you're getting off the bike for a café stop, etc., then having a sole that isn't incredibly slippery and enforced duck walks means a commuter or mtb shoe.

That's what I've got - a summer pair of specialized commuter shoes, and an autumn /winter pair of fizik mtb shoes with double sided shimano mtb pedals.

[z4RRSchris]

i have never had an issue walking in road cleats, both keos and speedplays.

[okgo]

z4RRSchris said:

i have never had an issue walking in road cleats, both keos and speedplays.

This.

Cleat covers/cleats with rubber grips on etc, it isn't difficult. You may recall Chris Froome being able to run up Mount Ventoux in road shoes...

[alock]

Dan_1981 said:

I think it might be time to bite the bullet and change the pedals.

All of the CX / MTB shoes look super clumpy and are pretty heavy compared to their road going alternatives.

As mentioned I don't do any horrible / wet / muddy riding really - just the odd canal path and old trainline paths etc.

I had a vaguely similar requirement for my road bike. More the road shoe look, but for SPDs, Under £100, and I wanted a boa dial as well.

Went for these https://www.wiggle.co.uk/giro-cylinder-off-road-sh...

I've been very happy with them, but I don't have enough experience of other brands to give an fair opinion.

[J886ATV]

Shimano RO78s for me

2 bolt fitting with SPDs - about 6 years in so far - still going strong. c£65 will get you a pair

[loskie]

okgo said:

z4RRSchris said:

i have never had an issue walking in road cleats, both keos and speedplays.

This.

Cleat covers/cleats with rubber grips on etc, it isn't difficult. You may recall Chris Froome being able to run up Mount Ventoux in road shoes...

Being able to and wanting to are two different things.

[subsea99]

Ive had a few pairs of wiggles dhb shoes over the years,very comfy and stand the test of time.