What shoes?

[dubya]

I am just getting into cycling and I have a Specialized Hardrock with DMR V8 flat pedals. I might in time progress to clipless, but until I have more confidence on the bike the flats are good for me. I am using trainers at the moment, do you think these are suitable or should I be using some cycle specific shoes to wear with the flats? Thanks

 

[HLaB]

A good pair of mtb shoes will have a stiffer sole, don't worry about clip less now if you're not ready, the stiffer sole is reason enough ;-)

 

[dubya]

A good pair of mtb shoes will have a stiffer sole, don't worry about clip less now if you're not ready, the stiffer sole is reason enough ;-)

So, it's ok to use mtb shoes. just without the cleats fitted?

 

[helston90]

Trainers aren't ideal- as you push down on the shoe you have to compress the foam between your foot and the pedal before any of the energy gets transferred to the pedal- energy which is all wasted- hence the super thin/ stiff cycling shoes.
If you think you'll move over to SPD's in time now would be a great time to do it as there are plenty of offers around, your feet won't slip off in the wet and you'll never go back!
After all this though wear what you're happiest and comfortable in!

 

[MikeW-71]

Depends on the trainers IMHO. Plenty out there with a good firm sole almost like a walking boot, that's what I use on my MTB with V12's on. Squishy running trainers would be bad.

 

[HLaB]

So, it's ok to use mtb shoes. just without the cleats fitted?

Of course.

 

[Cubist]

Five ten free riders in red are £50 delivered from needlesports.com

MTB specifically designed for use with pinned pedals like yours. Grip beautifully, comfy off the bike, padded tongue so you don't rip the top off your foot, decent heel cup.

And they're VERY red, so you'll go faster.

 

[donnyjnk]

I used mtb shoes once without cleats fitted and felt that there wasnt any true feel with the pedal. I felt as though my feet were chattering about on the flats. i would rather wear trainers or go with spds of some sort.

 

[Easytigers]

+1 for the spds...it's a bit unnerving at first but you'll never go back (in fact when I rode my mtb without them I kept trying to lift the pedal on the upstroke and it was a disaster).