Shimano SH-MT43 SPD Shoes

The MT43G shoe is the entry-level SPD shoe in Shimano's Mountain Touring range that is designed as a comfortable-fitting shoe that you can cruise around the shops in or take off road. The MT shoes are designed to be at home off-road but totally in place on the pavement, too. On or off your bike, Mountain Touring offers comfort along with casual good looks. Shimano revolutionised the cycling world when it brought out the very first shoe/pedal clipping system, SPD, back in 1990. Designed to integrate shoes with a clip-in pedal system, SPD or Shimano Pedalling Dynamics brought in a new era of performance by drastically increasing riders efficiency by allowing much more power throughout the pedal stroke and not just in the downward push. Fast-foward over 20 years later, and Shimano is still leading the market with it's wide-range of performance and recreational shoes for cyclists of all disciplines.

 

No more discomfort!
While many riders do shy away from going down the clipless pedal route, the benefits of using the MT43 shoes extend beyond those that just want to clip into their pedals. Typically many riders that use regular pedals rely on their old running shoes when riding their bike, though these flexible kicks are not designed particularly well for the rigours of commuting or mountain biking. Compared to walking on pavement, a pedal provides a much smaller surface area for your bodyweight, and so a flexy shoe is simply going to twist and bend over the pedal body - causing you pain and discomfort. Like many cycling shoes, the MT43 utilise a stiff glass-reinforced polyamide midsole that increases stiffness and stability to provide comfort and more efficient pedalling. This means you'll benefit from these shoes whether you use flat or clipless pedals. If you do decide down the line to go the clipless route, combine the MT43 shoes with Shimano's SPD pedals (such as the M520) and you will make the single biggest improvement to your riding out of any potential upgrades. 
To keep your foot secure while pedalling, the MT43 uses a wide velcro strap around the top of the shoe that combined with a lace-up system means you'll get the right tension over your foot without any heel slip. The upper is constructed from a combination of Synthetic Leather and Mesh, so although they will take a beating and are designed to last many years, they still breath well on hot Summer rides. Shimano apply EVA for the midsole with a rubber outer layer that boosts traction and grip when walking off the bike or hiking up steep sections on the trail.

 

From Shimano:

 

"Shimano offers the widest range of quality cycling footwear in the world. There is a shoe and pedal for every riding style, and each rider benefits from Shimano's proven excellence in design, manufacturing and uncompromised quality control. It's a legacy that makes a difference to hundreds of Pro Tour and World Cup racers throughout the world. And it will make a difference to you".