I had been looking for a bike to get around my local city and managed to snag a Huffy cruiser for $50. It is in decent shape with only some superficial rust on the pedals. This will be a big learning experience for me as I haven't ridden a bike for nine years. I'll both learn how to use a bike to run errands and how to do some of my own maintenance. Maybe even customize it a bit by adding a frame lock and a 3 speed gear hub. I guess we shall see how far I get in this learning and fitness quest.
I wear Saucony trail runners, and have for the last 6000km (?) of riding, as well as for daily wear. They are in remarkable condition, considering that I do ride with spiked flat pedals.
Not sure if it's the sole compound or what, but I purchased these specifically because I was tired of replacing my regular running shoes every year.
If you're burning through shoes quickly, you might want to check those out.
I wear Columbia shoes also for this reason. All other shoes got torn apart, are uncomfortable or doesn't fit. These I wear dayly for few years and when the sole is worn out I replace them.
Few people suggested that I need some specific MTB shoes but I can't see any advantage in them.
Also water resistant shoes are usually bad. They also get wet and dry slowly, swety in summer... I got some water resistant socks and use them when needed.
One of my trail runners have gortex on them, the other does not. I honestly can't tell the difference with real-world use. Both get wet on the inside if you get them wet on the outside. LOL
If it's really cold (< -10C) I'll use neoprene overshoes. If it's raining, I have packable rain pains that have shoe covers built in, so that's never an issue.
I haven't tried water resistant socks, but that sounds interesting!
Edit: -10C not -20C! I'm crazy, but not THAT crazy. 😂🥶