Bicycle toe shoes okay for an actual cyclist?

[chillman]

This is my first post, so excuse my ignorance if I show any...

A lot of men's style traditions originate from functionality in clothing, and I believe in tailoring that context to your own personal style. For example: why wear a pilot watch if you're not a pilot (or if your father wasn't one, or grandfather, etc)? Obviously that's not a hard-set rule but it isn't a bad way to govern some tendencies in your dress.

Anyway, I am an avid cyclist, and I dislike clipless/SPD pedals, so I use old-school clips and straps. I understand the consensus here is that bicycle toe shoes are ugly, but I don't mind them, and I am an actual cyclist, so there's that context or authenticity that is important to me. So, given this functional context, could I pull off bicycle toe shoes for that reason alone? Or should I just avoid them unconditionally?

 

[Pully]

My understanding was that bicycle toe shoes were named for the two seams running along either side of the toe, which superficially resemble those used in the construction of traditional leather bicycling shoes. Other than that, they don't really share any of the features of a true bicycling shoe (stiffened soles capable of accepting cleats of some sort and/or a toe shaped to interface properly with the toe clip, low-profile heels, lacing extending far down the toe to ensure a snug fit, perforations for ventilation or other specialized materials etc.) The seams may be seen here: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_if_XeEEAXG...s1600-h/sh.jpg

 

[chillman]

Well I wasn't saying they are cycling shoes. I just meant they share a cycling-inspired spirit. In the same way that because I come from a working class background, I wear work-inspired casual wear that might not necessarily be function-specific workwear itself.

 

[kellgy]

I say go for it if you're so inclined. I recently started wearing a golf themed watch simply because I like the feel, coloration, and character it displays. Never picked up a golf club but spied a set at the local thrift shop (left handed too) yesterday. So I'll be back to pick them up tomorrow, enjoy what I want, look good, and start a new hobby.

Just find a pair that compliments your outfit.

 

[twistoffat]

Originally Posted by Pully

My understanding was that bicycle toe shoes were named for the two seams running along either side of the toe, which superficially resemble those used in the construction of traditional leather bicycling shoes. Other than that, they don't really share any of the features of a true bicycling shoe (stiffened soles capable of accepting cleats of some sort and/or a toe shaped to interface properly with the toe clip, low-profile heels, lacing extending far down the toe to ensure a snug fit, perforations for ventilation or other specialized materials etc.)

The seams may be seen here:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_if_XeEEAXG...s1600-h/sh.jpg

old school track shoes. Man I used to have a pair of those that brings back memories.
To answer the OP question I don´t think there is anything wrong with sport inspired shoes but the seem to be more of a shortlived trend than classical and lasting. Combining anything trendy with an other wise classical is prone to back firing. I suppose its all down to what you combine them with.
As to Clips and straps , I find SPD pedals safer. You exit quicker in a crash

 

[acidboy]

they're still ugly. but if you're so inclined, just do it... and while you're at it maybe you could find bicycling inspired tight jerseys and shorts to go with it.

 

[agravity]

I never cycled neither i want to, he shoe you have mentioned are ok, but i would prefer to be with my choice of sporty shoes

 

[GBear]

Can't you change them when you get to work?

 

[whitewall nostalgia]

Bicycle shoes stay in fashion just like cycling caps: a small number of people wear them, and a smaller number of people yet, wear them while cycling.

I am fascinated by the subject of non- SPD/ non-"clipless" cycling shoes, because I like toe clips and PowerGrips.

I have multiple bikes and I do not want clipless pedals and stiff, expensive shoes just to pull a kid trailer or go to the beer mart.

I like Chrome brand cycling shoes. They look better and narrower than Vans or skate park shoes, and are made for cycling in toe clips and straps. Not too many manufacturers are making cycle-specific shoes today that aren't in the style of SPD/modern cleat shoes or BMX/Skate shoes. It seems to be a resurging market though.

I like the type of old-school shoe someone posted above, the one with the long split down the instep and conventional laces. I see a lot of those type of shoes in groups that favor retro bikes and track bikes/fixies. There are some traditional shoe-makers in Europe who make hand-crafted leather touring shoes but they are very expensive. They'll look nice with dressy clothes though!