Shimano’s legendary SPD sandals have been treated to some tech updates to celebrate 25 years of the cooling breeze hitting toes.
If you’re looking for a cult item in cycling, then SPD sandals might just be the product to rule them all. Massively popular with touring cyclists and the dads that would happily wear socks with sandals in public, Shimano says that they’ve developed a certain amount of “hipster fashion.”
Welcome to the weird world of the custom SPD Birkenstock sandal
While we jest about the fashion aspect, if you judge the humble SPD sandal purely on function then they’re a real winner. Nothing with a cleat attachment will keep your feet as cool and comfort is one of the primary concerns when touring.
Designed entirely with “summer practicality” in mind, the addition of SPD cleat attachments in the sole allows for greater riding efficiency than flat pedals.
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If you can draw your eyes away from the suspiciously pedicured feet in the picture, features include a new satin blue finish, “dual comfort-lined straps for a secure and comfortable fit” and “the greatest airflow ever in the Shimano footwear line-up.”
Stiffness certainly isn’t the aim here with a rating of just 4/12 on Shimano’s arbitrary scale. The sandals are as much designed for walking in as they are for pedaling and as such, there is a generous tread on the outsole.
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But UK readers, we’re sorry to say that there’s some sad news. The new sandals won’t be available here! US-based riders can get a set for $130.
21 thoughts on “Special-edition 25 year anniversary Shimano SPD sandals launched. Still comfort over style, then.”
No.
No.
Isn’t it about time
Isn’t it about time Birkenstock did some SPD sandals?
Once MTB’d around Thetford in
Once MTB’d around Thetford in Birkenstock + SPD. Just about worked (i.e. I didn’t injure myself)
mitchibob wrote:
Meanwhile on another site:
https://road.cc/offroad/content/news/welcome-to-the-weird-world-of-the-custom-spd-birkenstock-sandal-3018
I think the comments are
I think the comments are broken on that site.
They are for you!
They are for you!
I just thought I’d upload the
I just thought I’d upload the NO image I used on this thread, but all I got for my trouble was a bunch of JSON.
I have some barely used
I have some barely used notthwave equivalent in a 45 if anyone interested. Unfortunately they won’t accommodate my bunions ?
Not available in the UK, phew
Not available in the UK, phew.
SPD sandals and a review of a
A news article about SPD sandals and a review of a steel bike by Thorn on the same day.
Has Road cc been taken over by old man tourers?
It’s easy to mock, but most
It’s easy to mock, but most folk here wear dedicated road-cycling shoes which make you look like a Power Ranger at best, and make you walk like an arthritic penguin whenever you’re off the bike. We’re not in a position to criticise sandals.
Sandals help you keep cool, and you’ll almost look like a normal person, and you can wear them to do other day-to-day stuff (but please put on baggy shorts before you walk around the shops).
Had a pair of these for ages
Had a pair of these for ages until they disintegrated. Sensational in hot weather, great in tropical storms.
Aaah my eyes!!!!
Aaah my eyes!!!!
for the love of god no!!!!
for the love of god no!!!!
Embrace the sandal. feel the
Embrace the sandal. feel the earth and the wind netween your pinkies.
I used these throughout my
I used these throughout my tour Dr Corsica, I felt sorry for cyclists wearing cycling shoes. Wore them on the Swedish big challenge, the Vatternrundam 300k.
I use them here in UK when it’s hot.
They are great and no need to take extra shoes when traveling to warmer climates.
In the UK, hell no, there’s a
In the UK, hell no, there’s a reason they’re not sold there and not just the image. Over here in Japan and anywhere in the world with a hot, humid rainy season for commuting or touring, hell yes, they’re ruddy marvelous. No foot rot, no shoes taking days to dry out or going moldy because of the humidity. They’re ace and I love mine. Just used them today in fact, 27 degrees and absolutely wazzing it down. Gave them a wipe down in the office, nice and dry when going home. No good for fast riding mind…
They might not sell the
They might not sell the anniversary edition here, but SPD sandals are sold in the UK, and have been for years.
e.g. https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-sd5-sandals
I had 2 pair, magical things.
I had 2 pair, magical things. Took them touring in 99 round germany and austria. As a note on my fashion statments, I got a hand written note from the bride, not to wear my socks and sandals at her upcoming nuptuials
As the groom, or just as a
As the groom, or just as a guest?
Simply the best offroad shoes
Simply the best offroad shoes, use mine all the time, on road, offroad. Even techinal mountain biking. Love them. Trying to find this new limited edition but none anywhere. 🙁