Shimano Brings Back the SPD Sandal for Its 25th Anniversary

Jul 2, 2020
by Ed Spratt  
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After 25 years since they first debuted, Shimano has decided to release an updated version of their SPD Sandals giving a whole new generation of riders the chance to feel the breeze between their toes as they hit the trails. If that's really something people want.

The SD-501A SPD sandals haven't seen many changes since Shimano released a modern version of the infamous classic after the brand marked 25 years of SPD in 2016. The main difference with the anniversary offerings is the all-new textured footbed with Shimano claims offers a more secure grip for your toes. Also, the Sandals now have a design that more closely resembles the originals with retro styling and the classic yellow SPD logo. They come with adjustable velcro straps to ensure a close fit and the sole is compatible with 2-bolt SPD cleats.

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Starting this week the 25th Anniversary sandals will be available for $130 a pair in 38-48 EU sizing. You can find out more here.

Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
3,021 articles

212 Comments
  • 213 0
 This one deserved a cool shred edit with a high profile sponsored rider. Missed opportunity. We always have the long term review from Mike Levy to look forward to. I trust PB won't disappoint us.
  • 53 0
 Make spd jandals (i.e. flip-flops) and Eddie will do it in his enduro yoga pants!
  • 18 24
flag bhastey (Jul 2, 2020 at 10:50) (Below Threshold)
 Mike kazimer, you need to take these for a spin aboard the grim donut.
  • 17 1
 I guess you missed Amaury Pierron wearing these in the Commencal edit.
  • 30 0
 Said edit should have included said high profile rider changing from his white Nike Monarch's or New Balance 623's. Said rider should also be wearing tan cargo pants or jorts. Shimano should have also released them to coincide with Father's Day. So many missed opportunities.
  • 9 2
 @bhastey: NOOO NOT KAZIMER, ONLY LEVY ON THE DONUT!!
  • 23 1
 Never gonna happen - it's the Grim Toenut.
  • 8 0
 Missed opportunity too by not dropping these before Father's Day in the US. I'm sure plenty of readers could have bought these as a gift for dear ol' dad.
  • 1 0
 @ohiomtb: yah
  • 1 0
 You mean that terrific torus review we're all waiting for?
  • 2 2
 @number44: Do they work with flart pedals?
  • 4 1
 @dglass: Call them "The Shimano Moses"
  • 3 0
 @aljoburr: That would void the warranty. When you’re baked to the bejeezus and riding flats you’ll want to stick with the Walmart flip flops.
  • 90 0
 34.18% of all riders at the opening day in Whistler rode these.
  • 95 0
 They'd go great with a Hawaiian shirt.
  • 18 0
 @mikekazimer: finally you can release the Grim Donut test ride, now that you have the special foot equipment available, no more excuses!!! Smile
  • 3 0
 @panchocampbell: Yes, the press embargo should have lifted and they can finally release that video.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Got to get some footage of Grim donut doing stoppies?
  • 3 0
 Yes. Whistler Clinic was swamped with riders with ripped toenails on opening day.
  • 2 0
 31.25% had no toes by the end of the day !
  • 60 0
 There is a certain smell that recumbent riders get when they haven’t washed their shorts in 5 days. For me, that is the smell of SPD sandals.
  • 19 0
 Truth! Official footwear of the recumbent commuter.
  • 3 0
 Downhillers don't wear these things? I thought dragging a big tow through a berm or flat corner was a thing. Every good rider gets to do it, once.
  • 9 0
 @scofflaw23: nothing like commuting around town with your head directly at bumper height
  • 3 0
 Those guys are seriously function over fashion though...
  • 1 0
 Patchouli stink
  • 65 2
 Jesus approved.
  • 62 3
 Jesus rides flats.
  • 3 0
 @PhillipJ: shoes less.
  • 2 1
 @PauRexs: brake less
  • 46 2
 Jesus doesn't do much pedalling, he mainly rides on the crossbar.
  • 2 0
 @commental: here there is a comic story for Tah michaly...
  • 30 4
 And he nails everything. He’s pinned
  • 5 0
 @PhillipJ: Flats made of water.
  • 1 1
 What would people think if they knew I was an spd Sandal freak!
  • 45 1
 For MTB I use 5-10s, but I've been exclusively riding SPD sandals on the road for two decades. The last time I saw a good sale I picked up few pairs, but they're all getting a little raggedy by now, so I'm interested to try the update.

People mis-understand the usefulness of these. This is my all-weather year-round shoe. I use them for short 30-mile rides and I've ridden them on 800-mile randonees.

In the summer you can wear them barefoot (for a shorter ride) or with a lightweight sock.

In the winter you can easily wear them with 2-3 layers of neoprene and gore-tex socks for warmth and waterproof-ness.

On long rides, your feet will swell; the sandals are easy to loosen to accommodate that.

If you develop a hot-spot it's easy to adjust the straps so your foot moves a bit and alleviates the discomfort.
  • 29 1
 Worn ironically of course.
  • 7 6
 I thought it was a brave comment and probably good advice for all those Pinkbikers out there who personally don't dare to admit they use those sandals the exact same way. I don't clip in and I don't do super long rides on the mtb. But the big advantage of sandals is that you can just walk through the water without any care. I still don't understand how Danny MacAskill manages to pull of a super tech and dangerous ride with wet socks and shoes (the one where he pedals his boat to an island and just off the shore steps in the water to pull his boat the last section. And then he starts riding. Not sure what version he uses but in my experience FiveTens typically take a good few days to dry when completely soaked. And when they're soaked and heavy it becomes harder to control the pedals properly. Not saying sandals are great for super tech riding (wouldn't like to hit the top of my foot against my pedal spikes either) but it is great that it doesn't matter whether they're wet or not.
  • 8 0
 @Ultraromance? Is that you?
  • 33 0
 @vinay: I suspect Danny MacAskill may own more than one pair of Five Tens
  • 9 1
 @Katbox: Holy crap bro, I think you're on to something big!
  • 2 0
 @Katbox: lol ... underrated reply right here
  • 3 0
 @brokemywristbyfallingoffmybike: Sunburn of the foots is a real thing.
  • 1 1
 @vinay: With these sandals you don't walk through water, you walk on water. Jesus approves. )

I used to ride urbane a lot in these things with SPDs. Great in Summer heat and if you want to pedal down the shore and swim without swapping out to flat pedals - great. Much easier for SPD riders and I've been meaning to grab me another set as it's been a while since my last pair died.

No socks allowed though.
  • 1 0
 @brokemywristbyfallingoffmybike: Yeah, the Germans invented this. Socks ´n sandals you will see on any proud kraut in the biergardens here...so why not transfer this german trend to biking?
  • 5 2
 @brokemywristbyfallingoffmybike: hello german biker here, socks n sandals are a no go.
  • 44 0
 We made fanny packs cool again. This was bound to happen...its 2020 after all.
  • 14 0
 paging all the Britts, Aussies and Kiwis.....you guys always get a kick out of "fanny" pack...
  • 14 2
 No one has made fanny packs cool, oh, apart from, hang on....... No, no one.
  • 3 3
 I can assure you that you didn’t make fanny packs or bum bags if you want to use it’s correct title cool again. My god kill them with fire.
  • 2 0
 @watchtower: This is as close as we could get... pbs.twimg.com/media/Bst3dqeCcAAyKmQ.jpg
  • 36 0
 Ugliest, dorkiest, most revolting MTB footwear out there. God I want a pair so bad.
  • 29 1
 UH, it's not April 1st, right?
  • 2 0
 I thought the same for a second.
  • 6 0
 Still kinda feels like April...3 months of corona shut down I’ll never get back...
  • 4 0
 @billyballa33: 2020 is basically yearly version of april 1st.
  • 1 0
 @vemegen: except its ALL TRUE
  • 19 0
 Just need a really baggy set of wrinkled khaki shorts, a star wars shirt and a crooked helmet to go with this while whipping your bike flat over crab apple hits....
  • 18 0
 Man, sadly I run flats. Otherwise I would be the perfect German to wear these with white socks. Would do that just to see people go nuts haha
  • 2 0
 You can always just not bolt in cleats...
  • 4 0
 @VtVolk: Well, then I could simply buy some cheapo sandals and not such expensive ones
  • 2 0
 @bashhard: Yeah, but these are entouro-specific
  • 11 1
 Lots of shit talking, but nobody on here is getting any younger, with the majority on their way to being middle-aged dads at one point. One day we will be loading up for a gravel tour and wondering if we should take our SPD sandals...
  • 13 0
 TAKE MY MONEY!!!!
  • 15 2
 take his virginity too
  • 1 1
 @vemegen: I think give the damn thing back would be a more suitable punishment
  • 1 1
 @vemegen: Savage, but Big Grin
  • 1 1
 @vemegen: hahahha best comment
  • 9 0
 Unfortunately I remember those. I think teamed with a bath robe and Smoking pipe one would look rather dapper standing in line at Walmart.
  • 12 0
 The dude abides
  • 10 0
 Nice try shimano... April 1st 3 months ago.
  • 22 6
 @crazy9: your homophobic bullshit isn’t welcome here. You can say you think they’re impractical because of the obvious dangers of riding without a closed toe, but you can use that word.
  • 2 7
flag crazy9 (Jul 2, 2020 at 21:58) (Below Threshold)
 @dhdropout: sorry you got so upset. I’m not homophobic in the slightest I have gay friends and family. I just grew up using that expression.
  • 5 3
 @crazy9: well now is the perfect opportunity to grow up and never use that expression again! Thanks!
  • 1 0
 @crazy9: m.youtube.com/watch?v=s0lqKenxx8Y worth a watch, especially at 6.30 in
  • 1 0
 @deadbeat:
Ha that’s a great watch thanks. This is totally true, I was out riding on my jump bike with a lesbian friend yesterday. We’re both in our 40s and totally respect each other and everyone. Some people are just more easy going than others. Ride in peace !
  • 14 5
 Fashion faux pas: sandals with socks.
  • 27 0
 We're just not German enough to understand
  • 6 3
 Yep! Clearly a boomer showing off his new sandals in front of his big RV.
  • 4 1
 It better than looking at people's hobbit feet.
  • 1 0
 Double fashion faux pas: sandals with white socks.
  • 9 1
 Shimano x Crocs. Heck of a missed opportunity on that one.
  • 12 0
 Crocs-country?
  • 6 2
 @dhdropout: I'm glad someone else on here shares basic respect for other people! I posted a comment on the whistler stats article about how I was curious of the amount of lgbtq+ people in the sport, and everybody freaked out. If you don't like something, thats just fine, but there is no reason for people to spout hate.
  • 7 0
 I think the problem might be that, this being the internet, it's difficult to tell whether a question like that is genuine or some troglodyte culture warrior trolling. And then everyone goes off half cocked, and it's a wonderful day for everyone involved... I too am genuinely interested.
  • 2 2
 @boozed: Oh, thanks for pointing that out!
  • 7 0
 Clearly designed by engineers for engineers. Preferably worn with white, calf length socks.
  • 4 0
 I bought a pair of these for a bike tour 11 years ago and swear by them (I don't think they cost anywhere near $130 though...yyyikes). Greatest bike touring footwear of all time. No socks.
  • 6 0
 When they going to release SPD Crocs tho?

Asking for a friend.

No really, I actually am asking for a friend.
  • 6 0
 "For hitting the flow trail on the way home from the Jimmy Buffet Concert"
  • 2 1
 Hey Pinkbike editors,

You guys may laugh, but these shoes were made specific for the US market. Also they are not made for Trail riding, they are for "Campandgoslow" hipsters and old people alike, you would be surprised of how many people want these.

It's just not you guysSmile

Peace
  • 1 0
 These were great when I had broken toes & just couldn’t get into closed shoes & still able to ride !

On the crocs .. there’s a Scottish dude and his cat on IG (@1bike1world) rides all kinda weather in crocs .. maybe they’ll do a collab .
  • 5 0
 Can't wait to be seeing these at the bike park again.
  • 12 0
 cya later big-toe nail!
  • 5 0
 Must be worn with socks for the full #dadlyfe effect.
  • 6 0
 @Fresh1: white socks would accentuate the effect. loud and proud
  • 4 0
 @TylerG96: totally, I slipped from the pedals with my havaianas once and even my replacement toe nail still looks weird 3 years later
  • 1 0
 @TylerG96: yup, I've broken that fat boy with shoes on, I wont be caught dead in these sandals regardless of fashion.
  • 5 0
 Hahahahaha, Go home Shimano, you're drunk.
  • 3 0
 The designer, if self-respecting, is thinking the same thing. But, some product manager saw a market hole and that designer had to follow those marching orders.
  • 1 0
 Perfect pub shoe! Ideal for the summer camping recce to the local watering hole for a few golden ale, chats to the locals and then a pedal back to the campsite we th no drink driving involved and just the judgmental stare of locals who love crocs. Pure gold.
  • 2 0
 In a years time, Podiatrists everywhere will be sporting new gear & bikes previously affordable only to Dentists with all their new found income earned treating people wearing sandals while riding their MTB's Smile
  • 1 0
 Sheeeeit...You know you're old when stuff you still have and use (on occasion) like these Shimano mtb sandals come back for their 25th anniversary. I have TWO pairs of these! One set up for SPD use, and one for platform uses (no cleats) I used to mtb regularly with these with the crappy platform pedals they had in the 90's - feet stayed so marvelously cool, and wearing sox kept the grit outta between the toes. Only zinged my heel once. If you're lookin' for info - the soles are very stiff, the straps hold your foot firmly in one place, and they are very comfortable - maybe not what you'd wanna walk around in all day, but good enuff. The sole rubber didn't really absorb pedal pins like shoes like 510's do, so take care and pay attention to what your feet are doing. The extended shoe sole at the toe acts like a last-chance bumper for trail obstacles and saved my toes on more than a few occasions. Great shoe, if you have the guts to ride em.....
  • 4 0
 It is all fun and games until you stub your toe or impale one.
  • 3 0
 Every pedal strike is a life changing experience.
  • 4 0
 That will match so well my bike full of German boutique brands stuff
  • 4 0
 But with socks!?!?!? Come on...
  • 5 1
 with Rock Socks!
  • 4 0
 Waiting for a new Eddie Masters video with these bad boys!
  • 3 0
 How long till he podiums an EWS wearing a pair...???
  • 4 0
 So can I get a flat pedal version of these?
  • 1 1
 They usually come with a plate you can put over the bolt holes
  • 5 0
 as a Dad I approve
  • 2 0
 Waiting for the New Balance ones.
  • 1 0
 Leather boots are still in style for manly footwear;
Beads and Roman sandals won't be seen.
And football's still the roughest thing on campus,
And the kids they still respect the college dean.

-Merle Haggard.
  • 5 1
 Every pair comes with a 25 year supply of celibacy.
  • 4 0
 Should come with a pair of white socks, then quickly sold out in Germany.
  • 1 0
 What about crocs that are actually pedals you can just slip fit your feet into?

Trail Slipper for late evening rides?

Or a pair of loafers. For loam. Loam Loafers. Loamfers.
  • 5 2
 If they collaborated with Birkenstock’s id be all over that.
  • 7 0
 Clickenstocks
  • 3 0
 Gimme these and some of Handup's new Jorts and I'll be set!
  • 3 0
 add in a Club Ride checkered button up for full dad mode!
  • 3 0
 I guess it’s finally time for me to try clipless
  • 4 1
 SPD Crocs® or nothing. These are far too technological for me!
  • 1 0
 Been riding in flip-flops on my flats exclusively since the start of the UK heatwave. I'm converted. No better feeling than the wind between yer toes (only for XC use, mind).
  • 2 0
 I have an older,brown ,more hippie version of these,they are great for commuting on warm days. Without socks!!
  • 1 0
 If these were made by 5.10, every enduro bro on this forum would be tripping over their collection of Monster energy flat brim hats to run to the store to buy a pair ????
  • 2 0
 Saw a guy wearing birkenstocks just the other day on Boogie Nights. Thumbs up he ripped it!
  • 2 0
 Imagine these on a... ...german... ...dad... ... on an ebike. Match made in heaven!
  • 2 0
 These would be perfect with my "Dad Bike".
  • 2 0
 Corrected Headline: Shimano invents novel birth control method!
  • 2 0
 It was only a matter of time.
  • 2 0
 Still waiting for clipless flippy floppies.
  • 4 2
 Aggghhh my eyes! My eyes!! Burn them.....BURN THEM ALL!!
  • 2 0
 All fun and games until your toes fall off.
  • 2 0
 With socks in Russian style. Shut up and take my money
  • 2 0
 Sweet Enola Gay. I'd rather cut my feet off.
  • 2 0
 Never trust a man in sandals.
  • 2 0
 Paging Ultra Romance, and all the other hipster IG bike scruffs.
  • 1 0
 The cheap Nashbar Ragster sandals are better for mountain biking because of the toe protection.
  • 3 0
 Sanduro
  • 3 0
 Best commuter shoe ever.
  • 1 0
 Estimated temperature in the core of an exploding fusion bomb: 350.000.000 degrees K.
Should be enough for these.
  • 1 0
 In the height of summer these are like bees knees....you actually look forward to stream crossings!
  • 2 0
 I did a race on mine back in the days 100 %
  • 1 0
 Wait, people still ride SPD?

Damn, I thought sticky soles and flats were the thing!
  • 1 0
 Couple these with those redbull goggles ans you've got yourself the 2020 look
  • 1 0
 Really? They remake these stupid things but I can't get a pair of decent high tops for flats?
  • 1 0
 They remind me of the kid from Bad Santa. Wasn’t he always walking around in some goofy ass sandals? Can’t do it.
  • 1 0
 I might as well not wear a helmet now... I keep my brain in my little toe!
  • 1 0
 But do they have MIPS for ankle rotations?
  • 1 0
 Needs a retro neon colorway ASAP
  • 1 0
 Reef Bottle Opener Sandals clip in perfectly and are more stilish.
  • 1 0
 The product that makes anybody look like a German tourist.
  • 1 0
 If Moses was a mountain biker...
  • 1 0
 Gonna wear them to play Zwift at home
  • 1 0
 Where is the link to Rick Astley - Never gonna give you up?
  • 2 0
 clip flops
  • 1 0
 130 $ for a pair of sandal !!!!lmao
  • 4 2
 Hideous
  • 2 0
 I'll take two.
  • 25 5
 They come in pairs, dummy
  • 6 4
 @BurningBeard: it was a joke. Dummy.
  • 2 0
 Amazing
  • 2 1
 My toes are hiding away in fear.
  • 1 0
 Its like people wearing riding shoes without socks on or just ankle socks.
  • 4 0
 Sock n thongs mate. Pure German tourist gold. I’ve waited long enough to become a dad and slip into that look. Not that I like it but god the bin lids will hate it and any photos later in life will be legendary with the lock down mo’ and lock down white boy Afro! Think bigger picture!
  • 1 0
 Now, where’s my Marin?...
  • 1 0
 These will become the trend of the summer around Garda lake!
  • 1 0
 I almost wish I had spd pedals just so I could rock these.
  • 1 0
 Zee Germans will love them
  • 1 0
 best shoes for bikepacking!
  • 1 0
 I know what I'm getting my Dad for his birthday. (Serious) Smile
  • 1 0
 I need these for going with cruiser rides with my kids.
  • 1 0
 Needs a flat pedal version.
  • 1 0
 Socks with sandals. Only in the PNW.
  • 1 0
 Someone needs to go down the Redbull Rampage course in these.
  • 2 0
 Jorts and tube socks
  • 2 0
 *checks date on watch*
  • 2 0
 yup i do want a pair
  • 2 0
 WHAT ARE THOSE?!!
  • 1 0
 Sram engineers now busily designing their version, the “Crox Shox”
  • 1 0
 YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
  • 1 0
 is barefoot spd version coming soon?
  • 1 0
 Where are the white tube socks to really show off these kicks?
  • 1 0
 I have a pair of the older ones.... brand freaking new... I am so ashamed
  • 1 0
 Socks and sandals...when your not interested in sex
  • 1 0
 No bottle opener???
  • 1 0
 you can mount one instead of cleats. nobody gonna use those for clipless pedals anyway Big Grin
  • 5 5
 Ultimate style fail - socks and sandals. :-/
  • 5 5
 Why not... dorks already ride with fanny packs these days.
  • 6 0
 @conv3rt: says the guy from Kans-ass..haha
  • 1 1
 With this Floridian whether it almost sounds like a good idea
  • 1 0
 Nuclear bombs.
  • 1 2
 I have no idea why the noisy minority of deluded shimano fanboys are being so quiet today?
  • 3 0
 this is what sram 'engineers' wear in the summer, bro
  • 1 0
 What's SRAMs answer to these? Exactly. These sandals go to 51.
  • 4 0
 @VtVolk: “Crox Shox”?
  • 2 0
 You don't have to like everything they do.

It's just most things they do, they do it better than the rest Smile
  • 1 0
 yikes
  • 1 0
 Where's the white socks?
  • 1 1
 Pfffff I ride my bike in flip flops on flat pedals.
  • 1 0
 @gkobi: haha, thats awesome. if it were 30 bucks cheaper id buy them!
  • 1 0
 JUST SAY, "NO"!!
  • 1 0
 April 1st edit ? Smile
  • 1 0
 April fools?
  • 1 0
 RIP Sheldon Brown
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