Shoes

(Recommended items are starred. Disrecommended items are X’d. Product names noted where known.)

Susan:

• *Shimano Women’s SH-WM50 Mountain Bike Shoes
• flip-flops
• *Onitsuka Tiger sneakers

I bought the Shimanos in Sandpoint, to replace a pair of crappy, lace-up, streetwear-style Lakes whose cleat screw base had started to disintegrate. The Lakes simply weren’t meant to be used seriously, and I don’t hold it against Lake themselves; it’s more that I just had the wrong style of shoe. The Shimanos proved to be really nice on the last leg of the trip and I had no complaints. Note that both Brice and I have mountain bike shoes rather than road bike shoes because the cleat doesn’t stick out on mountain bike shoes and you can walk around in them easier while still having a nice, rigid sole. Although we met a couple people touring in street shoes, we really pitied them. Riding with cleats is much more efficient and it could be the difference between hating the ride and enjoying yourself.

The flip-flops were for use around camp, on days off, and while taking camp showers. We also each brought our Tigers for use in camp and on days off since they’re better for walking a lot and for cold or rainy weather. They’re totally awesome sneakers and I’ve recommended them in a general sense, not specifically for biking trips. They’re as comfortable as your favorite pair of slippers. You probably don’t need two pairs of non-biking shoes, though—or really, any at all—so this is a good area to economize on volume and weight if needed.