For extended bike tours, I use footwear to 1. ride my bike, 2. hike a bit, 3. walk around camp and 4. go for a shower.
    In the past I used SPD-shoes for 1 and 2 and flip-flops for 3 & 4.

    The problems are: a) clipless-shoes don't really feel at home on hiking trails and b) shoes/socks eventually smell like crazy. Also c) a slight tendency towards athlete's foot (wearing flip-flops in the shower was probably intended to avoid this…)
    I tried socks with merino wool and spraying disinfectant on my socks and in my shoes. While that does seem to help a bit, I wouldn't consider it a solution. Also putting on wet socks in the morning is inconvenient and unlike the rest of the kit, socks in closed shoes don't dry that easily.

    I think the major problem is when stuff doesn't fully dry (maybe actually the padding in the shoes more so than the socks).

    So first question: Does anyone know if it gets better if the shoes have hardly any padding (road cycling shoes). Are there any good drying techniques? (carrying newspaper seems impractical, I might consider using a bit of rice?)

    There are (or used to be?) sandals with cleats, especially those from Keen (commuter) seem interesting as I think good ventilation and no socks are a win. However: are they still available? How do they even feel? Are there other options – I am not sure, I can get the Keen sandals tight enough. There are barefoot shoes that seem better for hiking. But I would probably not wear neither for going in the shower.

    I am excited to hear your ideas – has anyone tried touring in triathlon-shoes or bring along boot bananas?

    I think I actually found a theoretically perfect solution for 1 and 4: https://lore.cc/ but if you have seen the price, you know why I say in theory…

    by Monkston3

    3 Comments

    1. I use Sidi mtb shoes that dry quite fast as they have minimal “fabric”. Merino socks. No problems.
      My second are vibram five fingers. They pack down to nothing, feel great after being in shoes all day and I can walk anywhere with them including moderate trails etc.

    2. I ride in flats, not clipless, so maybe a moot point, but I’ve toured extensively in Keen sandals and even did a 1200k brevet in them just fine. I’ve also done a 200k in 30-50 degree Fahrenheit temps with just Keens and smart wool socks. I’ve become a big fan!

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