When you can't afford retro shoes...
- Thread starter Ajoten
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dirttorpedo
Senior Retro Guru
Re:
Interesting thoughts here. Back in the 80's I typically road my flat touring pedals with clips and straps with whatever shoes I owned - typically Adidas trainers when I was in my teens and later on some light hikers. I didn't see an actual purpose made cycling shoe until I was in university and rubbed shoulders with a more sophisticated crowd. Now those shoes had slippery hard plastic soles. I do recall on long rides that my feet would hurt after a while. Of course I have similar issues now and I've been riding purpose made cycling shoes since the early 90's. Although I have to say that since I switched to skate shoes and flats on my mountain bike I haven't noticed much problem riding that bike.
Anyhow I doubt the bowling shoe would be much different than a purpose made shoe and if it was too slippery I could have a 1/2 sole glued on at the shoe repair shop.
Interesting thoughts here. Back in the 80's I typically road my flat touring pedals with clips and straps with whatever shoes I owned - typically Adidas trainers when I was in my teens and later on some light hikers. I didn't see an actual purpose made cycling shoe until I was in university and rubbed shoulders with a more sophisticated crowd. Now those shoes had slippery hard plastic soles. I do recall on long rides that my feet would hurt after a while. Of course I have similar issues now and I've been riding purpose made cycling shoes since the early 90's. Although I have to say that since I switched to skate shoes and flats on my mountain bike I haven't noticed much problem riding that bike.
Anyhow I doubt the bowling shoe would be much different than a purpose made shoe and if it was too slippery I could have a 1/2 sole glued on at the shoe repair shop.
If of any interest to anyone I have a pair of 1978 Colnago logoed lace up shoes size 42/8 UK but as with all Italian shoes on the small side, have had use but still service able have Dietto Pietro nailed on old pedal type plates & a small heel to enable easier walking looking for the post cost ( From France ) + a couple of Quid give me a shout/pm if of any use & I'll find out the post charge
Captain Stupido
Senior Retro Guru
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I bought some black leather Gola trainers for this purpose. They make quite a nice range of narrowish, flat soled trainers. Worked for me, and I don't feel stupid walking in to the pub with them on.
Anyone any experience of the Arturo/ William Lennon with the leather sole with rubber front part and heel? Worried the front pair would come loose from the in/ out movement into the toe clips, but apparently this sole can be replaced and the thermoplastic can only be repaired?
I have a pair of the REW Reynolds shoes which are very similar to the Arturo. Not had any problems with the rubber sole. I've had them re-soled without issue too.
Old and Creaky
Retro Newbie
Like most of my classic gear, I threw away my two pairs of old fashioned leather racing shoes back in those couple of decades when nobody wanted the stuff. Ah well….
As mentioned upthread, I can rec Exustar Stelvios. Done 4 Eroica Britannias in them. They don’t look like old racing shoes, but so what? You’ll be doing plenty of walking so a touring shoe is better anyhow. Just don’t pay full whack for them, as they are frequently in sales.
I can also rec DHB Doricas from wiggle, if you want something retro style but that you can get to fit and are comfortable and won’t break the bank.
As mentioned upthread, I can rec Exustar Stelvios. Done 4 Eroica Britannias in them. They don’t look like old racing shoes, but so what? You’ll be doing plenty of walking so a touring shoe is better anyhow. Just don’t pay full whack for them, as they are frequently in sales.
I can also rec DHB Doricas from wiggle, if you want something retro style but that you can get to fit and are comfortable and won’t break the bank.
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