I have to admit that I am still a bit of a wuss when it comes to using cleats whilst commuting. Whilst I know it will be better for efficiency of pedalling and give me the excuse to buy a nice new pair of Mavics, as I cannot trackstand on the Moulton (I can't even trackstand on a tricycle!) I prefer to ride on normal pedals. This then leaves me with the style / efficiency dilemma of what to wear on the daily ride. To date the best thing that I have found comes in the form of Norman Walsh's Fell Running shoes. Lovingly made in Bolton, Norman has been producing shoes since 1948 (he started out by making athletic shoes for the 1948 GB Olympic team) and the Fell Running shoe is actually worn by fell runners rather than just wishing it was. The thing that makes them so good for cycling is not just the tough construction (pictured above - worn near daily and no sign of seams breaking or glue ungluing) but also the sole. It's something called Xymid (very Superman) and it's very stiff but still has a bit of flex for perching your tootsies on the pedals as well as having little studs which grip a treat. Much, much better than the awful offerings from Specialised and other 'cycling specific' companies.
Click here for Norman Walsh potted history (their own site is awful)
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