Hi All,
On this snowy Spring day, I am once again going through my gear lockers and playing the "What do I take on my next tour?" game. It's a neat way to pass the time and more fun for me than playing "fantasy basketball" and trying to predict the US college playoff winners (called "March Madness" for a reason. It is a very popular pursuit and there's even office betting pools built around it).
In doing so, I came across my camp footwear and wondered what you take with you to wear Après-bike...around camp, after a hard day in the saddle when on-tour.
I suppose a single pair of cycling shoes with click-in cleats (SPD, Look, etc) would be the ideal, eliminating the need for a second pair of shoes entirely. That would be the most space, weight, and cost-efficient solution, for sure.
All my bikes are already equipped with quill road pedals, and I also laid in a supply of nylon-soled, vintage Detto Pietro Article 74 cleated cycling shoes to go with them. They fit my narrow, thin feet and work wonderfully for all-day comfort when riding. Annnnnd...they're simply awful off the bike. I always feel akin to an ice-walking duck, and it is a real challenge to walk on a store floor with them. If the flooring can be damaged by cleats, I have to take them off. If the floor has hard tiles, then I risk the occasional fall (a spectacular one in Belgium startled a couple onlookers into spilling their coffee; didn't hurt me a bit except for flushing beet-red with embarrassment). Wear them on pavement or walk in them much and the cleats or shoes are ruined. It isn't good if they get wet (the top loosens from the sole). These are Bicycle Only shoes. Yes, there is probably a reason why they have been superceded but I've got the pedals for them on all my bikes already, so I've got to see them out.
The solution for me is to carry a second pair of shoes for camp use. A lot of friends carry flip-flops, which we used to call "thongs" here in 'Merka before that term described ladies' skimpy underwear. Some people I know carry moccasins. Others carry roll-up "pocketable" slippers. Zinetic (
http://gearjunkie.com/zinetic-pocket-slippers ) are a popular brand, but seem to run short and people sometimes complain they pinch their toenails. Crocs are popular, and some people even choose to ride in them (
http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.com/p/nova-stran.html ). Aqua-sox (
http://www.hypard.com/aquasocks.htm ) fill the bill for others. I used to carry nylon mesh running shoes, but they took up a lot of storage room and were a nuisance to lace and unlace when getting in and out of the tent and rubbish in camp showers.
My solution has been a nylon mesh clog, lightweight but with the arch and foot support of a running shoe. I chose the Merrell Encore Breeze (
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Encore-Breeze-Shoes-Black/dp/B0036YLJRK ). I've often used them for 10-12km walks on rough ground or pavement, and I can wear them with socks or barefoot. They protect against stone-bruising no matter the terrain and have an air cell in the heel. They kick off and slip on easily for getting in and out of the tent, and the mesh body means they dry quickly when used as shower shoes or left outside overngiht in the rain. If they get all muddy, a quick splash with the garden hose or a trip through the clothes washer and they're like new. Best of all, they can be stored top-to-top and held together with a rubber band in a nearly flat package that takes up minimal space. Just the ticket for grabbing quickly when you get off the bike. I store mine in a lightweight dry sack, and tuck them under the top cap of one of my drawstring-closed rear Ortlieb BikePacker panniers.
The only problem is mine weigh 550g a pair. 'Wish they were lighter, but I haven't found anything better for the task.
What
off-bike touring/camp footwear do you prefer, and why?
Best,
Dan.
