Shoes for platform pedals

[TwoWheelsDC]

I think if you get a large platform pedal, that compensates for less rigid shoes. For me, the biggest issue with platforms is having to constantly readjust my foot position, not so much comfort/power transfer (although that is an issue, it’s not something I’m worried about when riding the bike with platforms).

What about clips and straps?

[mstone]

@jrenaut 123143 wrote:

Recommendations? Does the “firm-soled shoe is better” rule apply for flat pedals like it does for fancy carbon racing shoes?

To a point. Flip-flops are bad (unless trying to prove some kind of point), but bowling shoes aren’t ideal either. Look for something that’s soft enough to grip and stiff enough to provide some support. Basically, sneakers are fine. If looking to invest, MTB shoes with sneaker-like soles will be a bit stiffer than regular sneakers (but I’d honestly skip it and just go with sneakers if not using clipless). Road shoes with smooth soles are suboptimal.

[jrenaut]

@TwoWheelsDC 123146 wrote:

What about clips and straps?

I’m trying. She’s still opposed, but I have a set of pedals with clips and straps that I can put on if she wants.

[jrenaut]

@mstone 123148 wrote:

Basically, sneakers are fine.

Ok, cool, that’s more or less what I was thinking. She’s been meaning to get new sneakers anyway.

[GovernorSilver]

As a platform pedaler, some of the guys at Spokes Etc. recommended skateboarding shoes. I’ve been commuting with a pair ever since. I’m pretty happy with my Etnies Jameson 2 Eco shoes. My first commute ride was with my old Converse sneakers but they’re pretty worn and not as stiff.

When I was first learning how to ride I wore running shoes, which turned out to not be well suited for cycling, because of the excess heel padding.

[KLizotte]

Augh. I’ve recently returned to biking from a broken ankle. I was told I could only wear sneakers because I might not be able to clip out in an emergency (or clip in for that matter due to muscle atrophy and painful ligaments). I HATED returning to sneakers because 1) lack of a stiff insole leading to foot flex 2) having to move the pedal up/down to a starting position every time I came to a stop sign/light, and 3) lack of efficient power transfer. I gave up after one try and decided to risk it by going back to clipless.

Back in the day, I started with straps first because I was too scared of clipless. I should have gone straight to clipless. It is far easier to get in and out of clipless than straps and safer too because it is far less likely that your foot will get twisted or trapped during a fall or accident. I keep the tension at the very minimum and use SPDs (the M variety which is supposed to provide a greater range of motion for unclipping).

I would highly recommend that your wife go straight to clipless when she is ready and skip straps. The latter really are more of a pain and dangerous IMHO.

[Raymo853]

@jrenaut 123149 wrote:

I’m trying. She’s still opposed, but I have a set of pedals with clips and straps that I can put on if she wants.

I would suggest staying the h. away from cages and straps. I consider them dramatically more dangerous for novice to advanced riders than flats or clip-less. At most do cages without straps.

Don’t be so quick to dismiss good flat pedals with any shoe. Yes the new trendy move back to clipless pedals is getting a little annoying, but it has greatly increased the info on using them properly out there on the internet.

[DismalScientist]

My standard footwear is $30 standard “walking” shoe (a brown sneaker) from Target. I ride clips. I’ve never had a real issue with shoe choice.

If toe clips and straps are intimidating, look into miniclips, which are just a less confining version of just the clip part. This is what I use on my fixie.

[jabberwocky]

Basic skateboarding shoes (vans, etnies, DC, es, etc.) are perfect. Flat, grippy sole and the shoes are generally comfy and not expensive.

For fancier with insane levels of grips, a climbing shoe (the 5.10 impact is popular) works very well. I have a pair for the DJ/DH bikes and they are almost impossible to move once you’ve set your foot on the pedal. But I think thats overkill and probably counterproductive for learning to ride a new bike.

[dplasters]

Good platform pedals can be awesome, whatever keeps us all riding. WellGo R-146 Magnesium are my personal choice. I use the Chrome Truk shoes. They have a reflective heel which increases my visibility a bit.

Whatever she chooses, do keep in mind the thickness of the sole. You can very quickly find yourself with a saddle that is 1/4″ to 1/2″ too tall/short if you go from something with a thin sole like vans to something more robust like a fiveten style shoe. Teva used to make a competitor to fiveten and you can pick them up for very little. I didn’t love how chunky/wide they were.

[vvill]

I usually go with a pair of 5.10 shoes as well, they double as decent walking street shoes. (I also have some plain Chrome shoes.)

I don’t think there’s really anything wrong with riding with platform pedals, unless you really need pedal retention (e.g. spinning fast on a fixed gear).

[peterw_diy]

Straps are only really dangerous if tightened. Cages with straps left loose are plenty safe — though nearly pointless.

I’d go with MTB clipless-ready shoes for starters. Once she gets more comfortable you can get her clipless pedals of whatever variety — maybe half-clipless (which I like & use on my touring & commuting rigs). But don’t invest in flat-only shoes.

And IMO running shoes also suck because the front of the shoe, while less padded than the heel, still wastes energy.

[Phatboing]

My wife has these: http://www.amazon.com/Teva-Freewheel-Fashion-Sneaker-Chocolate/dp/B006H52L8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1441407865&sr=8-1&keywords=teva+womens+bike+sneaker

It’s the women’s version of the Joyride bike sneaker, which I use almost on all bike rides. The sole’s grippy enough that you can go minimal with the pedal spikes.

Teva apparently is discontinuing their bike shoes, so closeout prices too – if you can find the right size.

[TwoWheelsDC]

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned these, but Pearl Izumi makes some very sneaker-ish shoes that have SPD mounts that have a rubber cover if you choose not to use them. I’ve never actually tried a pair, but they look pretty walkable and if/when your wife is ready to go clipless, you remove the rubber cover, attach the cleats, and you’re ready to go. I think I’ve seen them in just about every bike shop I’ve been in around here.

Like this:

http://www.rei.com/product/862820/pearl-izumi-x-alp-drift-iii-bike-shoes-womens

[Rockford10]

@TwoWheelsDC 123622 wrote:

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned these, but Pearl Izumi makes some very sneaker-ish shoes that have SPD mounts that have a rubber cover if you choose not to use them. I’ve never actually tried a pair, but they look pretty walkable and if/when your wife is ready to go clipless, you remove the rubber cover, attach the cleats, and you’re ready to go. I think I’ve seen them in just about every bike shop I’ve been in around here.

Like this:

http://www.rei.com/product/862820/pearl-izumi-x-alp-drift-iii-bike-shoes-womens

I have those shoes and while they work well as actual shoes, I wish I had gotten something different. They are flex-y and they are very mesh-y. Because of the cinch thing, they work well in summer months with light socks, and not so much in cooler weather; my thick socks don’t work. While I got them because I didn’t want to look too much like a cyclist, in the end I realized that was pretty dumb. I wanted/needed stiffer soles and more adjustment in the width.

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