I would never ride with sandals, or flip-flops after the accidents and falls I've had. After reading the reviews, I took a chance on these. They are the most comfortable biking shoes I have ever had! My feet are secure, and much cooler than usual. As an extra bonus, the pretty part of my socks are visible, so my clothes match my kit!
I am embarking on my first cross-country bike trip this summer. Starting in Yorktown, VA and ending nine weeks later in San Francisco. A friend who owns a bike shop strongly encouraged me to pick up a pair of these Shimano cycling sandals, telling me that I will love them both on rainy days when socks and shows would be "squishy" as well as hot days when my feet will be swollen.
I have taken them on a few "test rides" including days in the rain as well as a 50 mile training ride. They did not disappoint. They have as much support and stiffness as my mtb shoes (NON carbon/reinforced sole), and are quite comfortable to walk around in. In fact, I plan on using these sandals as my "off-bike/at camp" shoes.
I was a little concerned about the "open toe" design, but so far that hasn't been a concern. I DO have to discipline myself to put sunscreen on the tops of my feet so they don't get burned on hot, sunny days.
I hope to do a "follow-up" review once I return from my 3,785 mile Trans-America trip.
My one "complaint" is that they seem to run a half size large.
I wanted a pair of sandals for easy Z2 indoor riding and have been using these sandals for more than one and a half years now with many hours on the trainer. They are comfy and obviously let more air through to keep my feet cooler than any cycling shoe would, and are easy to put on and take off.
There are a few drawbacks but not dealbreakers though. The size 43s I have (I generally wear size 9.5 US men's shoes and 42/42.5 cycling shoes, so based on the size chart it seemed like I should go no smaller than 43) feel too big, and I generally find that my forefoot feels more settled into the sandal when I've loosened the ankle strap so that my feet can be placed a bit more forward. Also, they are not anywhere close to stiff, so any lengthy time above Z2 power for me can be more tiring on my feet with all the flex -- granted I don't expect most people looking to get sandals for sprinting or hard efforts. Finally, they're surprisingly heavy, which maybe will be good for longevity, but worth noting that you'll end up doing a bit more work with every pedal stroke against gravity.
These sandals are perfect for riding around the neighborhood or a longer ride in warmer weather but wear light socks so your feet don't get too sweaty - stiff enough to keep tension on pedals, don't buy them too loose, get a half size smaller if you want the contact to be close to cycling shoes - they will NEVER feel like cycling shoes so please don't expect them to be - very good use for what they are intended for.
I use it for non-competitive road cycling, particularly in good weather.
The cycling sandals work perfectly and allow your feet to remain cool in the hot weather.
I was worried that there wouldn�t be enough support but these sandals are great for rides when shoes are hot! Highly recommend
Sandals provide a wide range of riding conditions. If it is cold, simply wear thicker socks or even 2 pairs of socks. Hot days wear no socks. The best is when it rains Gored Tex socks keeps your feet and toes relatively dry and warm.
Great sandals. Adjustable for comfort. Can be used with waterproof socks. A touring essential. Good stiff soles.
Very comfortable even for my wide feet. Velcro just catches enough even with socks in the fall weather. I get crazy tan lines but feet are cool in the summer and fall with socks. I use to ride in the winter in my younger years but now too cold so these sandals are great for my biking (triking)
My old pair of Shimano sandals were a size too big but were using when I was riding a road bike to protect my toes. Was getting the 'hot feet' so only used a few times even with wide MTB platform pedals.
When I transitioned to the recumbent trike I was still getting the 'hot feet' with the older pair.
The new pair I purchased the exact/correct size. I ride a recumbent trike now and setting my cleats all the way back toward my heel eliminates the 'hot feet' Cleats sit more behind the ball of my foot. Happy feet...now I can ride longer in my neighborhood. Great price now and these are actually my backup pair : )
We vacationed on South Padre Island. Tx for two years. The beach is great for riding. To get to the firm sand you must cross the very soft sand to get to the tide line. Wearing the Shimano
sandals are perfect footwear for these conditions. They are waterproof and very comfortable with soft neoprene straps. They equally well with flat or SPD pedals.
I ordered these sandals at a friend's recommendation. We cycled together for 2 weeks in 100+ temperatures. While my feet were miserably stuffed into cycling shoes, hers were happily open to the breeze. For my next trip, I was equipped with these sandals. What a difference! Instead of being constricted in a hard shoe, my feet had room to breathe. And yes, I probably gave up a little in performance, but the trade-off for comfort was well worth it!
Good construction, comfortable, we ride in Florida & it�s hot. Much cooler than bike shoes.
Easy to walk in off the bike.
Okay I hated the idea of riding with sandals. Unfortunately, issues with my feet have forced me to try these shoes so I can keep riding. As much as I hate to admit it, I find that I enjoy riding with sandals now.
Wearing these, move me from the older "competitive racer" category to firmly into the daily commuter or cycling enthusiast and possibly into the casual cyclist - just because of these sandals.
All the snark aside, there is something amazing not having to squeeze my feet into uncomfortable and narrow cycling shoes (a possible origin to the issues with my feet), so I do recommend these sandals.
I hate wearing closed toe shoes during the warmer months but also like to be clipped in, so these are a perfect fit. My only complaint is I sized up to a 45 instead of buying 44 and they're smidge too big, my fault but still work great. Also, I do get a bit of toe overlap when riding my urban bike with fenders. I will definitely buy another pair once these wear out!
Went on my first ride today in SANDALS!!! Even a flat tire change didn't effect this great 20 mile ride. No socks, toes free to move around. The shoes climbed as well as my road shoes, but MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE.
These SH-SD501 sandals are Slightly better than my previous pair of Shimano sandals which I have been using for six (possibly eight) years. They are more foot friendly in that they are lighter and have, I think, more of a rocker sole, which makes them easier to walk in. I can wear waterproof socks when it rains and more wool socks underneath them if it is too cold, since they are adjustable to accommodate the extra bulk. There is also the option of wearing Goretex overboots for even more insulation on top of all that. Altogether, they are the most versatile bike footwear I have ever used and I will not wear anything else unless someone designs a better product. I'm a year round cyclist and tourist and do not own a car.
I wear Tevas pretty much daily. These shimano sandals are a little narrower, which is good if you want to make sure they're gonna clear your brakes or crank arms. I've gotten used to the narrowness.
I love this shoe. I bought four pairs. You might want to reconsider if you have narrow feet and the sizes fall in between US sizes often. I bought two different sizes, one for sockless riding and one for plenty of sockage. If you�re narrower than a B beware.
Very pleased with this sandal. Not having to find, select and put on socks is a huge time saver.
