Riding in sandals....... anyone ?

[ton]

Currently away on the continent touring. And my feet are fubar. Suffering from hotfoot even in flats. And swollen.
Does anyone use sandals for flat pedal riding ?

And if so which ones.

[rudedog]

https://bikepacking.com/gear/bedrock-ca ... ii-review/

[Alpinum]

Yep. Almost daily during the summer months when riding my everyday/offroad commuting bike.

Sandals are Xero Z Treks
https://www.xeroshoes.eu/shop/product-c ... dals-mens/
Pedals are FUNN Mambas
https://funnmtb.com/products/category/pedals/

Since the bike is SSP, anything beyond about 5 % gradient is rather uncomfy with the stupidly thin sandles. Not recommended.

Xero have meatier sandals, but any Teva or generic hiking sandal should do too.

Flat pedals often come with short and long pins, I suggest using the shortest possible or even plastic pedals without metal pins. I guess once you're riding with sandals you're not aiming at high paced offroad hammering and have little need for loads of grip.

And that reminds me of one part of the reality.
If you ride even easy mtb terrain with rough gravel/a couple of rocks and tyres with a bit of tread and struggle to ride sensible, get ready to have your toes and feet bombarded. Say good bye to your nails

The other part is the fantastic feel of air blowing around your feet. Sensing the temperature of the surface, the dew off the gras early morning. Can be rather nice. Well worth the odd damage (which quickly heals)

[fatbikephil]

There were two folk on the Highland trail wearing sandals - not wholly convinced for such rocky terrain and at one point my feet were freezing, despite wearing my boots, but I do get it. I'd want something with toe protection though...

[Hyppy]

There were two folk on the Highland trail wearing sandals - not wholly convinced for such rocky terrain and at one point my feet were freezing, despite wearing my boots, but I do get it. I'd want something with toe protection though...

I was gonna suggest Keen sandals as Jade Field rides in, as they have good toe protection and robust soles. They even used to do an SPD version, but long since discontinued. https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/shoes ... es-review/

[benp1]

Horrendous things!

Reg will be along in a minute to expel the virtues of sandals, with sealskinz when wet

[RIP]

Horrendous things!

Reg will be along in a minute to expel the virtues of sandals, with sealskinz when wet

Superb things!

Standard issue now. Plainly we're not talking about flip-flops. Hi-Tec Cove Breeze I believe.

Used them in all seasons and weathers and terrains. Apart from being comfy: drain and dry quickly, easy to put on and take off (especially useful for night time wees etc), lightweight, cheap, easy to clean/wash, not sweaty., etc etc.

Yes, wear with 'waterproof' socks as necessary (NOT UselessSkinz), or just bamboo socks.

eg:
https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/men/sho ... 27586844

As mentioned a while ago, sandals combined with not bothering with shorts - just a variety of legging thicknesses depending on temperature - is my super-stylish man-about-mountain look these days. I've had many an, er, admiring look from the ladies.

[Pirahna]

I use sandals in summer, I'm not a fan of flat pedals but it's way cooler than wearing shoes, I live in Spain btw.

Pedals are Crank Bros and sandals are Teva (the usual cheap ones).

[The Cumbrian]

Either Tevas or Keens, whichever are nearer the door when I'm heading out.

[AndreR]

Often use sandals in hot weather and rode most of the 6 days in Slovenia last summer with them. Any good outdoor walking sandal will do (currently using a South African brand I picked up when I last visited family) and I use the same DMR flat pedals I use with shoes.

[yourguitarhero]

Enjoying my Crocs All Terrain sandals for general pootling on the bike as well as beaches and kayaking...

[Specialist Hoprocker]

I use some Merrels. Sorry can't remember teh model as I bought them from ebay. The're lovely... feeling the air between my toes!

[kvragu]

SPD sandals are the final form. Fight me.

[Adnepos]

SPD sandals are the final form. Fight me.

I am with you. For classic cycle touring, SPD sandals are the thing.

[PaulB2]

I've taken my Keens touring - they were mostly taken as evening shoes that didn't take up much space. Mine are quite thin and flexy but they do have a toebox so they work well for around town riding but not gone over 10 miles on them to know how they'd cope with longer distances.

[kvragu]

SPD sandals are the final form. Fight me.

I am with you. For classic cycle touring, SPD sandals are the thing.

I have the SD5s.
(check) comfy to walk in
(check) firm enough platform but not too stiff either
(check) roomy fit means easy microadjutment of feet so less spd-specific fit induced discomfort
(check) status symbol (other nike nerds will know you are also a bike nerd) and normie deterrent
(check) hot tan lines and daring open toes

[ton]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Some Keen sandals on route to me now I am back home.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I see SportPursuit have lots of Keen footwear on offer inc sandals of various sorts.

[kvragu]

We convinced OP already, but here's some further propaganda:

Sheldon Brown endorsed spd sandals (scroll down a bit): https://www.sheldonbrown.com/shoe-pedal.html

Alee Denham uses them for his touring: https://www.cyclingabout.com/cycling-sp ... ring-shoe/

More Alee https://www.instagram.com/p/B8kCg5Jl9uZ/