I've got a new commute and it turns out my generic MTB SPD shoes are lethal when trying to get my bike + panniers up the stairs at the train station (the lift is not a reliable option, it takes anywhere between 1 minute and 2 years to arrive even if empty).
So I'm looking for something cheap with normal shoe soles and minimal exposure of the cleats beyond the sole line, for maximum grip on train station and supermarket floors. Bonus points if they could pass as normal casual shoes. TIA for any ideas!
Giro Rumble are as inoffensive as it gets for reasonable money, assuming you want SPD not SPD-sl
Something like a Specialized Tahoe would work, they're fairly flexible with a proper rubber sole so are good for walking and don't look like disco slippers.
Otherwise I think Decathlon have a good range of that type of shoe at reasonable prices
Specialized 2fo?
my spec 2fo shoes have a decent cleat recess. i use Crank Bros pedals and dont scrape the cleats that often.
my frineds 510 SPD shoes have a bigger cleat recess. He couldnt get the to clip in a mallet without a spacer under teh cleat.
I had some Specialized Cadet's which were ace, wore them for commuting and all day at work in the office and on site, even did a couple of bikepacking trips to SSUK in them as off the bike they were just like wearing slightly stiff trainers, complete with squidgy running shoe style soles.
Adidas Velosamba?
I've got a pair of Specialized Cadets too, which I used for riding to work then all day in the office. They're brilliant!
Adidas Velosamba?
Good shout, I've failed at the STW standard of recommending what I have
Velosamba still makes substantial floor contact with the cleats. I've ended up buying a spare pair of shoes to keep at work if I'm cycling in
+2 for Specialized 2FO
I have some Shimano ME5 for commuting to work. I'm a teacher and the slippy vinyl floor has often just been moped or polished as I leave work.
Fine for everything except pouring rain as they have loads of holes in the toe box
I have some older shimano AM5 good for what you describe if skate style shoes count as “normal”.
Only downside is they’re oddly heavy, heaviest pair of shoes I own.
Good a commute tho as you can walk ok in them, some give in the sole and quite waterproof plus don’t stand out/look too disco.
Oh I have 2FOs as well for off road, the shimano are better for what you want IMO (owning both).
I use Giro rumble for the same reason, sometimes I can't even be bothered to change out of them at work and have worn them all day including going for a lunchtime walk. Only thing is they are not remotely waterproof so if it rains slightly they get wet
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Not tried them but Quoc appear to do a boot (proper shoe like rather than trainer).
Chrome Industries make some nice shoes that are SPD compatible Slightly stiffer sole on the ones I wore (out). Santafixie are a Chrome stockist
https://www.santafixie.co.uk/cycling-equipment/cycling-clothing/shoes/chrome_industries.html
Thanks all. Got some spesh 2fo roost today, pretty happy with them although a lot more than I hoped to spend. Thanks for the tips!
If you're looking for cheap with reasonable looks then check out Decathlon.....
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/hybrid-mountain-biking-shoes-black/_/R-p-303164
