I'm starting out new and fresh to cycling and I'm tired of wearing my tennis shoes while riding locally around the house, on paved trails or even in spin class when I can't get out. Are there different levels of shoes(beginner, experienced, etc.), what should one look for in a quality shoe, do they fit in the same manner are everyday shoes and what brands are better than other or should be avoided. Thank you.
If we are talking flat peddels, I found boat shoes to be the best, thay realy stick to the peddels, and thay have a nice stiffer sole. On my Absolute 1.0 I took off the toe clips and use the boat shoes seam to work real good no sliping off the peddel.
The fit of bike shoes are different than other shoes usually a little narrow. I would suggest you go to the store and try them on. I use mountain bike shoes as they are easier to walk in and if you decide to clip in later you just add the clip on. It made a big difference in how I felt after a long ride. My feet were not sore.
for right now shoes, but I will need pedals down the line so info on either is helpful. I'd like to stay under $150 but open to others that I can aspire to or look for good deals.
Do you need to walk in them too, (like social rides that end at coffee shops/restaurants) or strictly for riding?
You really need to start at a bike shop for shoes, since there are too many variables, and everyone has different feet. I like laces, for the best fit. Velcro straps are easier to adjust "on the fly", and offer a more custom fit than a buckle. Most shoes have a mix of the three. All cycling shoes have a stiff sole for power transfer, which makes walking in them somewhere between a bit unpleasant to very difficult. My preference for MTB riding in dry SoCal was a skate type shoe that was SPD compatible. In Australia, where it was a bit more humid (we lived right on the coast) I found that a more aggressive shoe with traction cleats and toe spikes worked for when I had to get off the bike and push up hills, but sucked for coffee shops. None of that would matter if you wore sandals to the gym and only wore your shoes for spin class. They do have shoes just for spinning now too. You might be looking for road shoes, but the considerations are the same. Do a bit of research on your own, and come back with some more direct questions.
For just riding around with flat pedals, I would go with a skate shoe. Another shoe that I like is the Keen commuter sandal. They are nice because you can use them with clipless pedals or flats. The Keen's probably would not be so good for a spin class though.
if you got the cash buy sidi these shoes will last forever and they are comfortable. If you don't have sidi money you can get shimano shoes at a great price mountain or road the choice is yours.
Shoes are like saddles and frames in that what works for one may not work for you. Companies make their toe boxes differently as well as their heel cups and soles. So, try on every pair of shoes that you can and one day one will just fit better and be way more comfortable than the rest and that shoe is not always the most expensive or best known brand out there.
Vans. or find a local mall, and go in the skateboard shop. There's several brands that make flat-soled shoes that are pretty comfy. Usually they'll have a clearance pile, too.
