The Best Footwear for Cycle Touring & Bikepacking?!

[@radbikeadventure]

What do ya wear on your feets when cycling?! Let us know!

[@andrewrutherford2352]

Sandals all the way even inthe rain and cold. Great video and hair looking sharp bro!

[@MB-jz3uu]

Honestly just like vans. Cheap durable and great platform for pedals

[@rotovelo_naut]

sandals, all year round here in Oz....Shimano SPD's, (recumbent trikes & velos demand you keep the feet clipped in to prevent slippage off the pedals, preventing heel suck under the frame).... I've had pretty good service out of my 1st pair.... 15 years & countless miles.

[@Frankie-gf2xt]

Love your videos!! I ride in Keen sandals during the summer, I prefer the closed toe. Once the weather gets colder I wear tennis shoes to ride.

[@LB-qf3ef]

Specialized shoes with the yellow cleats on my carbon fibre road bike, and Van's or Crocs on my steel frame gravel bike.

[@johnwelch557]

55+ years of cycling I have bad nerve damage from SPD's. Do NOT wear clip-ins (clipless)! WIDE toe box, semi-stiff platform on WIDE flats! According to the surgeon(s), it's a very common necessity to remove nerves for cyclists. 3 months in a wheelchair and rehab have convinced me. Be smarter than me. Listen to your feet. Thanks Ryan!

[@waleedhettini2631]

*I purchased these for my **Latest.Bike** and they work perfectly! I especially loved that they came with the delta cleat clip.*

[@annasullivan2564]

I'm a sandal wearer! I like that my tevas can adjust in three places and can use normal socks. I used to wear a neoprene toe cap to keep my feet warm when it's colder, but recently purchased some ankle length neoprene socks for better coverage. It's been pretty icy and cold where I am, so I haven't actually worn them cycling yet, but I'm pretty happy with my setup so far!

[@immydone9493]

This is EXACTLY the video I need this week, pays to be subscribed

[@tomsitzman3952]

Two years ago because of pinched nerves n the bottom of my feet caused by 50 years of touring and commuting I switched to flat peddles with spikes. I can move my feet around on the peddle yet with the spikes still have great contact. My go to shoe for the flat peddles are Keen sandals with a toe cap. They grip the spikes but show no sign of getting shredded. by changing socks to meet the weather conditions my feet are comfortable. This winter on days in the 20"s-30's I wear alpaca socks, As well as wind proof leg warmers that reach the top of my thighs under my knickers. My alternate bike shoe is also my every day foot wear. They are leather Keens that I keep oiled with mink oil.

[@Chelsify]

I bought a pair of Keens Sandals las t year, they're soooo comfy to tour in in hot weather.

[@troyfontaine860]

Perfect timing for this video!! Looking into new shoe options recently. Currently using some Lakais which are great for me but they're almost dead. Thanks for the upload & STAY RAD!

[@andrew_yeah]

I picked up a pair of Lems chillum shoes when they had a black friday sale last year. Personally, for my feet the wide toe box has been a revelation. The sole seems plenty stiff for cycling, and I have not had any issues with zero drop. Can't say I'm surprised you are liking their shoes, too!

[@1esk192]

When I do bikepacking in summer, I adore the Keen Whisper. Light sandals, but ample toe protection and great for crossing streams, etc.

[@tshen2476]

Love them Lems! There’s also the Primal Pursuit. Stiffer sole, luggier tread. Still super-wide and zero drop.

[@four-x-trading5606]

For a very cold cold weather barefoot shoe try the zero drop boot alpine snow boot the brand is Xero shoes

[@kyleyouden9388]

I wear a EXUS suede mountian biking/commuter shoe , with custom orthodics and mid weight merino wool socks. Got the shoes at MEC in Canada 20 years ago (on sale)and love them!. I"m an Army Veteran with a couple of parachuting injuries and I need to protect my feet, these shoes do it for me. I ride on flats with no clips or cages on my bikepacking rig. I'm still on the fence on what other footwear to take on my California trip and really appreciated this video. When I used to ride to the base in the winter (-40 C) goretex socks are a must especially for the wind on suede shoes. Looking shredded Soldier keep up the PT! What kind of board do you ride? I ride a 9'6" Walden Magic PS I hope not too much of Big Sur burned down 😕

[@kevinmikolajczak7128]

I am all about comfort on the bike as well and I typically do regular old flip flops although I have been experimenting with Keen water shoes a little bit. No matter what type of enclosed shoes I wear my feet get too hot and usually start to hurt. I'm going to check out those Bedrock sandals now. They look perfect for me. Thanks for another great video!

[@jimbojet8728]

I want shoes mostly for river crossings, maybe to wear at camp or to the pub of an evening. I wear gravel style cycling shoes on the bike. I’m after low bulk, lightweight and quick drying!

[@danielklever2760]

Been seeing a lot of disc golfers shifting towards vivobarefoot shoes, which I'm iffy on because you never know what you might step on out in the world. The Lems Boulder boots definitely a step up. I did step on one of those screws that hold the plastic bits on trucks and I did get poked in the bottom of the foot but not too bad.

[@marcwilson2138]

LEMS Boulder Boot.......YEP.....Awesome

[@mauritzallberg7302]

I bring 2 in summer. Adidas samba and sandels, croc or open leather sandels

[@Vinaykumarel]

Cool Shades

[@BrianRPaterson]

After 20+ years riding clips, I switched to flats 18 months ago -- mainly due to frustration setting up the cleats on new shoes. I wish I'd swapped years ago. Now I can ride in almost any shoes - from proper 5/10 type sneakers to light hiking boots. Sole stiffness used to be everything, but now with fairly large platform flats, it hardly seems to matter. Cheers

[@jotaylor1684]

I have found the best footwear for touring is the Keen H20 watersport sandal. You only need these one pair for everything. Washable, cool when riding, stiff sole, great colours, and back folds down under heel so you can just slip your feet into them for speed, and just add sealskin waterproof socks first thing in morning when grass still wet, or raining, or add normal socks for extra warmth. I use toeees on my flat pedals, and the rubber toe bumper protector fits well into them. Plus the toe protection on the sandal feels safer. Go on, buy a pair!

[@Cyclalex]

Lowa Renegade GTX with cages to keep them quite in place on the pedals.

[@rjszpak6022]

Tevas and vans might try the waterproof five tens this fall/winter

[@carolinelief9132]

Wear mtb bike shoes on road or gravel bike, interesting to hear what you wear

[@rbranch234]

Cool, I've been looking for a nice shoe to ride in during my commute. The Lems are interesting. Definitely like the wider toe box. Thanks for another great and informative video.

[@paulsmarino]

In warm weather months, my foot-shaped Altra running shoes are comfy & stiff enough to do double duty and haven't gotten chewed up by the pins on my Chesters. Spring and Fall, the Merrill hiking boots work well enough for me. Darn Tough wool socks for all seasons.

[@tomfarkas9507]

Nice t-shirt dude! I used to wear standard SPD's with clip-ins on both road and mountain. Took me 10 years to realize what a waste of money they are (for someone like me who is older and non-competitive). And how many times I crashed because I was in a crowd of bikes and couldn't unclip fast enough in an emergency. Now I wear Xero's trail shoes. As with you guy's, I now exclusively wear 0-drop shoes. So much better for legs, feet and back.

[@bazasmith]

SO HAPPY you posted this - given our plans for a long tour I've been perseverating over footwear as I want a dual shoe for cycling (touring) and hiking - no beast exists!! niche market indeed!! I follow many long-distance cyclists and they seem to be wearing Merrell's for this purpose - gore-tex/light weight. THOUGH - MANY wear some form of sandal with the Vibram sole for stiffness. I'm still torn ... but the Lems are worth exploring some more and the waterproof socks (on your recommendation 😉) will make it in the bag!!! Thanks SO much!

[@phooongtion]

Happy to see you

[@animatorgeek]

I don't know if you're still checking comments on this video, but I've been thinking about getting some new shoes for cycle commuting, touring, and just plain walking around. Can you tell me why so many KZbin cycle tourists seem to prefer shoes with a big toe box and low heel-to-toe drop? For context, I most often ride in Teva sandals and have been very happy with them.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

Thanks for the great review. For comfort I wear Shimano sandals when it's warm. Recently rode 1250 miles wearing them. Very comfy. Thanks again and all the best, Steve

[@cathsoutdooradventures8869]

Just found myself a pair of Lems Trailheads here in Aus. So far so good! Thanks for including them!! Never heard of them before

[@shandke]

I typically wear Five Tens and bedrock sandals! Speaking of which, I need to get those sandals resoled. I used to ride clipless and my favorite shoes I ever rode in were my winter 45 Nrth leather boots!

[@jefferyselin6088]

I like the Bedrocks for the Wisconsin warm weather. Cooler weather is a pair of Keen hiking boots. I like flat pedals.

[@fatbikejamie]

Heavy but awesome... Nashbar sandals. I'm a big Lems wearer as my feet are wide... almost comically wide. I wear the nashbar sandals as far into tue Canadiam cold winter season as i can with big socks and shoe covers. Haha. Just another wide-foot super comfy option for your fans! And i ride with eggbeater pedals until I have to switch to winter boots... and flat pedals.

[@Brian-qv1ir]

Bedrock sandals FTW! My little Canadian town hit 44C last summer. No way I'm wearing any more than I have to in that kind of heat.

[@Bluegrassified]

Very helpful. Need some stickers or bling!

[@mimiwright567]

Shoes - my favorite topic LOL! You’ve included shoes in previous gear videos after your big trips, I think, and I always paid close attention to the shoe gear. That’s how I got hooked on Bedrock sandals! I will check out Lems for sure.

[@mendyviola]

Closed toes all the way. You have to protect your feet from flying debris and potential hazards. I ride with Teva walking sneakers. They are breathable, flexible, and protect my feet, with no loose laces. They also don’t get stuck in my tow cages (yes, I’m that old and so is my bike). The key is wearing technical socks that evaporate quickly. I tried sandals once (crocks) and when I pulled my foot out of the toe cage, my shoe remained while my foot exited - on hot asphalt. My hubby has flat petals and wears his steel toed work boots. He needs ankle support and protection (many broken foot bones over the years), but the boots are super comfy for him (and better be for what he paid for them!). Ps - we are in SE Texas, so it never really gets cold here except for maybe 2 weeks in February. Primary concern for us is cool and quick drying.

[@russswanson3820]

Yes! Bedrock sandals are great. Chuck Taylor low-tops are also very good. Flat pedals and comfortable shoes is the way to go. Bedrock Update: Resole your Bedrocks! Service offered by the company. Mail ‘em in and they come back refreshed and ready for the road (and the beach, etc. )

[@madisondeans5566]

Winter-carhartt waterproof light wt.boot,summer-shimano riddance,sperry plushwave slip-ons,all are great for partypace flat pedaling!!wanna try Lems fo-sho!!🤗

[@Murderbot2000]

If it’s warm enough, I’ll tour on my teva sandals. Otherwise, I prefer cycling with some lightweight hiking boots to regular cycling shoes.

[@vincmer]

I have a pair of Teva sandals for summer time and some meindl hike shoes for winter time.

[@kingedwin]

I have a pair of Sense of Motion Trailheads that are thick enough that they don't suck all the heat out of my feet when I'm on cold ground like other barefoot shoes I've tried. They're made to be worn for years with an occasional resole, and they cost as much as the Lems leather boots. They're made from a heavy duty vinyl, so they don't require as much care as a leather shoes. The toe box is bigger than the Lems, too. Unshoes Wokova Feather sandals are little more than some soling with a strap system. They've outlasted every other sandal I've owned or made, and the strap design doesn't rub on my foot. I also like their Terra Vida shoes, but the hemp uppers provide zero moisture protection. My go-to pedal are grip tape city pedals. They don't have the cleats that bite into the sole, but the tape has no problem keeping my feet on the pedals. There's one generic design sold by several companies, including Electra. These are great if you like to ride with super thin soles, and they won't cut your skin if you do slip off. Where did you get that cool leopard print frame bag?

[@SethandJoncee]

Nice thanks. I stick my current fav New Balance most of the time. I've been looking for something sandal like for RAGBRAI this year. I've heard so many others also rave about the Bedrocks I probably have to try them!

[@viveviveka2651]

The short hair looks good, along with the sunshine vibe. 🌻

[@rbranch234]

Sorry, forgot to mention. I bike during the coldest winter months in the Northeast in Merrell hiking boots (needs replacing) and when it's not winter, Keen Newport sandals.

[@blossom7207]

Thanks for the link to the shirt! 💜

[@radbikeadventure]

Love that you got one!!

[@JustJake77]

Coming from the rainy Vancouver Island... Wet weather footwear is a must. Thanks for the suggestion on the boots. I could see those easily, working here very well.... Nothing worse then riding with wet, cold shoes and feet... Which is like 90% of the time on this island, haha.

[@TheBikeSauce]

So great! So much info. Nice 'bike nerd' sticker btw 😆

[@thecoffeeblog]

I love your channel. I have got some of the gear I have based on your advice. I am currently using my slip on Vans

[@radbikeadventure]

Slip on Vans. Comfy and classic!

[@letoilelopes]

Dope video! I haven’t tried Bedrock Sandals but I usually rock Chacos.

[@xandebikes]

cool review! I liked the combination of bedrock and socks. Do you have a review of your ear reamer?😀

[@dr.gregoryf.maassen2637]

Five Ten Trailcross GORE TEX Mountain Bike shoes by Adidas are my favorite. They are super expensive ($220), but you stay dry in the rain, warm in the winter, do not slip on the pedal, ventilate well and provide good support. These are the only shoes you may need on your biketour. The regular Five Ten are not water resistant. You cannot use them in the rain unless you like sponges on your feet. Just discovered your channel. It is excellent. Never heard of goretex socks. I need to check that out.

[@michaelmather7352]

sealskins check them out

[@WheelsonaBike]

This was an amazing video. Very thorough and with lots of options. Thank you for listing everything and also providing sock options. I ride on flats and I wear Keen sandals (with a protected toe) on tours, but haven't thought of getting waterproof socks for them, which will actually be a perfect solution for me. In the winter (I'm in Toronto, Canada) I wear regular winter boots, half a size bigger to account for a thicker sock, and that's perfect for me.

[@radbikeadventure]

Glad you found it helpful! I also forgot to mention Luna Sandals makes a winter bootie (with the split toe for sandals) but it’s not always available. Would be a good warm option tho!

[@WheelsonaBike]

@@radbikeadventure Thanks for that. I'll look at those as well!

[@nahguacm]

Too cold for it now but love my Crocs in the summer

[@sheilastallard]

No way can you wear SPD shoes with the pedals on a BROMPTON !, It's trainers all the way! Nice to see you back and Stay Safe! Love from England xx

[@LuluFam]

My favorite so far (for warm weather) is Adidas hard slide with socks. I'm looking for a Keen Underwater CNX for more multi purpose (just in case need to go to some formal destination)

[@ssmtb]

Great inputs 👍 have you tried the Catalyst Pedals? I have a feeling they will be great with the Lems I personally ride them with 510''s trail cross (lighter and more breathable than other 510s), and they're excellent for MTB

[@hancai1997]

I have Catalyst pedals on all my bikes!

[@matthewguenther6925]

Currently using Pearl Izumi Drift 5787 mtb shoes, 5.6k miles on them and they are okay, not the best, not the worst. I'm one of the people who has narrower feet and longer toes. "wide toe box" shoes (Oboz, Keen, Alta, etc.) just don't fit me well. Totally agree on cycling shoes being narrow, and just really small in general, I mean when I have to size up 2-3 sizes (EU) just so my toes aren't jammed into the ends, I find that ridiculous. I also try to avoid lace up shoes that don't have lace securing features. I've destroyed many pairs by accidently catching the bow loop on the chainring (and even pulled the lace hooks out of a pair of Lowe hiking boots when the laces were too strong :S ) or getting the loop hooked over the end of the crank arm and wrapping the lace around the pedal axle.

[@telepopepic]

Love SPD pedals but your sandals make me question my choices. Ride on!

[@edwardjacobson3407]

Ecco Yucatáns. Like nothing between the toes. Full shoe? Nike zero drops, loosely laced. Used to wear walking shoes boots, but I don’t ride into adverse weather anymore.

[@frontiersenior5345]

5/10’s thx for the review

[@alans4281]

Slip on shoes and slip on boots, no laces . Oh and no socks in the Australian heat. Thanks for sharing.

[@smgramlick]

Cool video….bike shoes for barefoot enthusiasts. I like wearing Lems, but they are a bit to barefoot for peddling for me. So I went with Altra trail running shoes. The have the wide toe box, are zero drop, and stiff sole. They come in different paddling levels, so if you try them, you may need to adjust your seat height if you choose one that has a thick padded sole.

[@radbikeadventure]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mkandiko]

I love to hear that you are in altras. That is what we wear on the regular and weren't sure if it was appropriate for a tour but I'm feeling more confident that they just might work out for us. We wear them already for mountain biking and regular riding around town.

[@jpop6064]

Stay rad, y’all! I love your videos. I have that same pair of fleece socks. I have some old Luna sandals, but I’ve been wanting to try the Bedrocks. I have biked in the Lunas. People think I’m nuts, but my toes love the freedom. ✌🏽

[@jpop6064]

Also a huge fan of the Lems and the Five 10s for longer rides. I agree about the flat pedals.

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice! We have and love our Luna sandals too but we’ve found the Bedrocks have a stiffer sole better for cycling. Free the toes! 🤘

[@elij1150]

ryan: "consider wearing boots" me, who exclusively wears docs and blundstones for all activities and seasons: NOW WE'RE TALKING

[@radbikeadventure]

Let’s gooooo 🥾

[@jacksonbangs6603]

For me I ended up with an injured akilies tendon after bicycling big miles in regular shoes. Once I switched to dedicated bicycling shoes that clip in, the pain in my akilies tendon went away and never came back.

[@LB-qf3ef]

Cool shirt!

[@danieldls503]

Was wearing my Basketball shoes..but noticing after 20 miles my feet start to kill me...I think I need stiffer soles for those longer rides..

[@atilladebbag7356]

Currently use Columbia gore tex shoes cause I need the rain protection for my bike commute to work.

[@radbikeadventure]

Oh wow, Gortex shoes! Do they get saturated in a downpour or stay pretty dry? I’m curious!

[@Alex_564]

I normally wear some 5 10 slip on mtb shoes. Reasonably wide toe box for me, hasn't come off even during an accident & with a thicker sock it does a good enough job to keep me warm on a cold ride in SoCal. The bottom sole looks similar to yours but I haven't found it to be that stiff when I am walking with it.

[@Jeebs212]

Have you had a chance to use the Lems WP Boulder boots in winter yet? I love the boots for all the reasons you mentioned, but my feet still freeze! Great video.... my lineup is pretty much the same as yours (Bedrocks for warm days, 510s for DH and trail, Lems for touring and gravel).

[@radbikeadventure]

Yaaaas for great taste in cycling footwear. And YES, the WP leather boulder boot has been THE shoe for this insanely rainy and cold winter we’ve had! I’ve also taken them in the snow and they’ve kept my feet warm and dry. 10/10 recommend. WAY warmer than regular boulder boot. My feet used to freeze in those things . Hm maybe I’ll do a review just for those cause they’d be perfect for cold gravel riding

[@parker11333]

Thanks for sharing your shoes!!! - I ride a recumbent trike and have to be clipped in due to riding position. I wear a mountain bike shoe. Adidas makes a great, wider, shoe with clips. I am looking for a candle with SPDs without much luck. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[@viveviveka2651]

Something that has helped my feet feel more comfortable on the pedals, without needing stiffer soles, is switching out my existing pedals for another design. Larger, more comfortable platforms made a big difference and helped a lot. They feel so much better, especially on long or rough rides. I can wear a wider range of shoes and sandals.

[@quijadriss7650]

All these sock options to stick with sandals in the cold instead of switching to shoes. Is cycling in sandals that much better than shoes? I struggle with sandals in general and just struggle to make this connection. I wear regular trainers most of the year and have a pair of waterproof hiking shoes when it is really cold or wet.

[@radbikeadventure]

For me, yes they are! Much more comfortable and less constricting but everyone has different needs. When it’s winter, I put on shoes though. Thanks for sharing!

[@pyratenomad]

I have never worn sandals while touring, but I know from one of your previous videos that they can be "bee catchers" at times. ;) Personally, while touring I wear low cut Vans on flat/platform pedals. They provide comfort, grip and if I happen to pass by a skate park, then I am set. :)

[@radbikeadventure]

Fair point about the bee! Vans sound like a great choice tho since they have a sturdy, thick sole. And def style points at the park 😜 🛹

[@greggr1591]

Speaking of shoes, how does the Sutra like it's new footwear? One of my mounts needs to be reshod and those tan walls look nice 👍🏻

[@jacksonbangs6603]

I would never go back to regular shoes for long distance cycling, because for me they caused to much pain in my akilies tendon.

[@andiepandy2492]

Hi there I am looking for a shoe that will work for my flat feet. Do you think any of these would work?

[@jacksonbangs6603]

Are there clip-in sandals?

[@FrancisWilhelmBlank]

Barefoot shoe wearer 👣 before I was riding my long distances with skate shoes.

[@bartmullin8018]

Sandals, old beater Shimano platforms, or Nike 1/4 tops for town. RC Livewire platform shoes for mountain biking/'serious' riding. I've narrow feet (10.5 AA) so, most cycling shoes and Nikes fit my foot perfectly; don't care for too much extra side space and don't need that wide of a toe box. Do need a reinforced toe box for mountain-biking; have had front-foot and rock meetings on occasion. Trails out here quite rocky and some are essentially single-track rock gardens (e.g. Lower White's creek); minimalist shoes sans toe boxes or sufficient stiffness in the soles will Not be your friend on these trails. Additionally, i do have a dusty pair of Sidi mountain-bike cleats with toe-spikes; fit feet like gloves. They just suck for anything else except road rides or mountain-bike racing; they have a negative heel and are STIFF(!) soled. Lastly, not so sure excessive Arch flexing is good for one's Arch whilst cycling; conventional cycling logic's always been to wear a shoe or cleat that is more of a platform and doesn't flex the Arch too much.

[@augusthavince8909]

Thanks for the helpful review! I like using clipless because I've gotten hotspots too easily. Maybe a stiffer soled Lems is something I should try one day. My latest shoe is a Pearl Izumi "mountain bike" that I bought pre-owned, hardly used. The tongue on the right shoe keeps slipping to the right and that gets real annoying.

[@radbikeadventure]

Sometimes buying shoes second hand is a gamble since it will have formed to the other persons foot a bit. Or could be a flaw in the shoe

[@augusthavince8909]

@@radbikeadventure , lesson learned! Thanks again!

[@dianatheriault2913]

or stung by a bee/wasp... LOL! Hey, have you had your hair short for awhile. I just noticed :P Oh, and nice cycling shoes.

[@RogerWarszawa]

So my takeaway from this is I can tell my wife that Ryan says I can wear socks and sandals. Cool. Perfect 👍 Thanks 🙄

[@radbikeadventure]

🤣🤣🤣

[@rainbowhiker]

Running shoes. NB.

[@gregknipe8772]

keep hate out of biking

[@richardreiter66]

Amen!

[@koolwitje]

Nice video. But you forgot the best one. Vivobarefoot!

[@martinkennedy3696]

Regular sneakers I'm afraid. Puma.

[@51249ca]

Most shoes, in general, are pointy-toed monstrosities

[@j.lillie8532]

I just wear Vans

[@radbikeadventure]

We like ur style ✌️

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

I love hate. Keep gay out of cycling.

[@queercyclist]

Great video!! I prefer wearing clipless shoes now, but when I rode on flat pedals I found that the spikes on the pedals would just destroy the bottoms of my shoes. I've found that stiffer shoes work better for me personally, because it keeps my foot from flexing in ways that exacerbate injuries that I've had. But man, in the summertime being able to ride in sandals would be so nice!

[@radbikeadventure]

I hear ya! I think You can adjust the spikes on the pedals to not protrude so much so that might help??