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I have a hybrid bike that I use for commuting (8k round trip to work). Currently, I wear low-backed converse shoes when biking.
I've been biking for about 5 months. After the first 2 months, I started getting Achilles tendon pain. I read about ankling and think that could be part of the problem. I'm also concerned it could be my shoes.
So, what type of shoes should a commuter/hybrid biker look into getting? I'm willing to spend about $100-$150.
I assume those shoes don't have cleats of any sort.
Do you currently ride without toe clips? Adding toe clips might let you maintain a steadier foot position on the pedals.
But many regular commuters go in for cleated shoes of some sort, very often the "mountain bike"/touring style with SPD cleats/pedals because they're "walkable".
Whatever, you want a shoe with a relatively stiff sole. Basically this means a biking shoe of some sort, perhaps the afore-mentioned "mountain bike"/touring style.
For what I know from personal experience, experience from friends, and from discussion on forums and sites like this one, the shoes are one of the many things about bike equipment about what the answer to the question is "whatever suits you best".
It is very common for riders to use a lot of very different shoes: sandals for grocery, regular shoes for commuting to work, clipless for trails or long distance, fast rides, and so on.
From what you said, I'd suspect:
In any case, I'd suggest you assess the situation by yourself and alter some of these things before blaming the shoes. If it doesn't solve the problem in some weeks, look for a doctor.
Hope this helps!
I ride the same distance. And normally im a huge advocate for being clipped in both road biking and mountain biking. But for commuting i really like just having flat steel pedals with some teeth. I wear what ever shoe i feel like for the day. I ride a hybrid bike as well and often wear flip flops, running shoes or dress shoes.
Proper riding position and a general level of cycling fitness should be more than enough to avoid leg pain. Also making sure you pedal with the ball of your foot centered on the pedal. I ride 200k a week between road cycling and mountain biking. So my commute is a bit more leisurely as I dont want to be sweaty and tired by the time i get there.
As a female bike commuter, I find that shoes with a low chunky heel, something like this, work rather similarly to toe clips, keeping my foot on the pedal without me having to work at it.
That said, my next bike will probably have toe clips... it's possible to find tallish ones that will take street shoes well.
I HIGHLY recommend cycling shoes with cleats and the appropriate pedals for them.
The difference is AMAZING! You get firm contact with the pedals when you're spinning (you are averaging 85+ RPM, right?) plus the stiffness of the soles means much better efficiency in transmitting the energy from the leg to the crank.
If you only do a very tiny amount of walking and have a pair of work shoes at your workplace (or are bringing your own) then road shoes are just fine, however if neither of those hold true then get MTB shoes (is what I used while I was a bicycle courier).
As others said, you really want something that allows you to walk. Take a look at mountain biking shoes. Regarding cleats or not, get both! I have this:
http://www.rei.com/product/764688/shimano-a530-spd-sport-road-pedals
and they are awesome.
There are various shoes which will really help you to ride your bike long time & among them few are common such as Road Shoe, Mountain Shoe, Triathlon Shoe, BMX Shoe, Track Shoe. You also can find out the Orthaheel Tide shoes for your long comfort. As I am using my shoes, give last one is very supporter for feet.
