Most comfortable "clipless" mountain bike shoe?

Question

Which mountain bike shoe that combines the clipless feature (sunken in design) and walking/hiking feature?

I have one now, but walking in them for any distance is uncomfortable.

I know they are only meant to be walked in for a short distance, but are there ones that are more comfortable than others without affecting the riding ability too much?

Answer 1

There's a basic conflict here, in that cycling efficiency demands a very stiff sole, while walking/running requires some flex.   A shoe that compromises won't be very good at either.

When I know, or suspect, that I may need to dismount and go on foot for any distance, I do one of two things:

1. swap to basket pedals and ride in my running shoes (Not suitable for longer rides...)

2.  Strap my running shoes on the rear rack and switch shoes as needed.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if your focus is the shoe or the pedal. For the latter I have found Speedplay "frogs" to be very comfortable. They are also quite light and, most important to me, have good "float" so they don't put any strain on my knees.

See the link for reviews by users ... and a start to find other suggestions.

For shoes, almost any mountain bike style shoe will work well if it has a stiff sole (which is required for biking efficiency but makes walking less comfortable). You have to figure out which is more important so you can aim for that balance point. The most important factor to me is whether the shoe fits your foot (and has closures that allow micro-adjustment to allow for foot swelling) ... in that regard three tab velcro is better than 2 tab systems.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Most SPD MTB shoes aren't designed for long distance walking. Mine would not do on a hike for example.

Maybe someone does have experience with "all day" bike shoes, it seems like there would be some model made for what you want.