shoes

I'm currently using a slip on clog shoe that Cannondale no longer makes (I knew I should've bought two pairs). It has spd cleats for clipless pedals but otherwise looks like a Merril slip on shoe. The shoe looks okay but walking around in it all day is still not ideal. The stiff sole is definitely not that great for the back and the knees so usually I change my shoes when I get to where I am working. When I don't have time or I forget I can feel it after a few hours. I assume Cannondale stopped making the shoe due to lack of demand. So maybe I'm the only one in the world who wants a cycling shoe that doesn't look like a cycling shoe.

I wish cyclists would lobby some of these manufacturers like Merril and Keen to make a decent cycling shoe for the everyday commuter who uses clipless pedals. The emphasis on the shoe should be comfort, style, durability and water resistance (Gore Tex) with less emphasis on a stiff sole that certainly is a must in a racing/touring/mtb shoe but the commuter just wants to snap in and out and ride. Let's pick a manufacturer and start an email campaign. How about a cycling shoe that is functional but doesn't look like you just finished a stage in the tour de France or just walked off the soccer field. Then maybe someone will start manufacturing cycling clothes that don't force us all to look like sporty dorks.

buzzman said:

I'm currently using a slip on clog shoe that Cannondale no longer makes (I knew I should've bought two pairs). It has spd cleats for clipless pedals but otherwise looks like a Merril slip on shoe. The shoe looks okay but walking around in it all day is still not ideal. The stiff sole is definitely not that great for the back and the knees so usually I change my shoes when I get to where I am working. When I don't have time or I forget I can feel it after a few hours. I assume Cannondale stopped making the shoe due to lack of demand. So maybe I'm the only one in the world who wants a cycling shoe that doesn't look like a cycling shoe.

I wish cyclists would lobby some of these manufacturers like Merril and Keen to make a decent cycling shoe for the everyday commuter who uses clipless pedals. The emphasis on the shoe should be comfort, style, durability and water resistance (Gore Tex) with less emphasis on a stiff sole that certainly is a must in a racing/touring/mtb shoe but the commuter just wants to snap in and out and ride. Let's pick a manufacturer and start an email campaign. How about a cycling shoe that is functional but doesn't look like you just finished a stage in the tour de France or just walked off the soccer field. Then maybe someone will start manufacturing cycling clothes that don't force us all to look like sporty dorks.

Some great ideas buzzman! You're not "the only one in the world who wants a cycling shoe that doesn't look like a cycling shoe", me too please! And i was thinking the same thing about cycling clothing... I want a shirt that channels the sweat the right way... but i don't necessarily want to look like part of a cycling team.

I've been cycling to work for over 2 years now, and i don't own any specialist shoes or clothing. I want to be able to get on my bike, cycle to work, and change as little as possible. So I just bring a spare clean T-shirt everyday, have waterproofs in my bag in case it rains, and have spare clothing, including a spare pair of shoes at work in case i need them.

I think I'll end up going with Merrells & overshoes, until we successfully lobby a company into providing what we want! I say we start with Merrell, have you got the MD's email address 😉 But seriously, any ideas how to go about a campaign?

Ray

Okay, here's where even funky outdoor companies become corporate America.

Best to read Keen's policy below first.

Keen Policy on Unsolicited Ideas and Suggestions

Merrell, who has a very hip website (see below), does not have an email address but only a consumer relations phone number.

Merrell Shoes

Merrell Consumer Relations
1-800-789-8586
Mon-Fri 8-5pm EST

Keen has an email address below:

[email hidden]

I think Keen makes the better footwear and is more innovative in design.

Let's deluge them with requests for a good all-purpose bike commuter/messenger shoe.