Shoes for bike touring - comfortable and efficient
Bike tourists benefit immensely from clipless pedals and compatible shoes. Cycle longer distances thanks to more efficient use of energy: both pushing down and pulling up transfer energy to the drivetrain. For extra flexibility, there are pedals available that are clipless on one side and "flat" on the other, meaning they work with both cycling shoes and normal shoes. Touring bike shoes are also similarly flexible, usually designed around spd mountain bike pedals. Because the cleats are well integrated into the soles, they're noticeably easier to walk in.