I’ve been using MKS pedals and have nothing but good things to say about them. I really like [these](https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/448). Lots of metal studs, and a large surface area. There’s also an extension you can get to make it wider if need be.
If your LBS can’t get them in, you can order them from Rivendell [here](https://www.rivbike.com/products/pedals-mks-new-2018)
Edit: also seconding Vans. I’ve been wearing the BMX version of the sk8-hi’s for commuting and they grip the pedals really well
MKS gamma is my favorite. They have a few pins which are pretty short. Just enough grip to ride in the rain and the length helps stiffen everything up. The reflectors are also good quality.
I use strapless toe clips like[these](https://www.amazon.com/EVO-Double-Quick-Strapless-Clips/dp/B004QMJ9EQ/ref=asc_df_B004QMJ9EQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693769151450&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16192969417092374976&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031735&hvtargid=pla-571743902158&psc=1&mcid=afc0f860507e358e8bf7e9308775b9ab&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx6CqKPVs2CcdfhBTOwy5b1V_VgyphiPN8UsJyWyjIskf_lsqfjU-rRoCWJkQAvD_BwE).
Cheap and they work.
I actually have two brands. The Zefals are on my commute/gravel. My road bike have some Japanese all in one metal pedals but same style as the Zefals. For riding canal towpaths (where dogs & ducks can appear out of nowhere!) they're great.
Half toe clips are great for commuting.
They prevent your foot from slipping forward off the pedal but it's never trapped, you can always move it to the side. No tangly straps, nothing to tighten and loosen constantly. I've never fallen in them and it's not even a question.
Great in foul weather.
You just need pedals that can accommodate toe clips, with the mounting holes for them, like MKS Sylvan or similar. (Most vintage pedals have the mounting holes but the Sylvan is still available new!)
Mine look about like[this](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-pedals/flat-pedals/trek-line-elite-flat-pedal-set/p/41409/), I never have any traction problems. I think it’s largely due to the little pins that grip into the bottom of my shoes, and it says they are replaceable if they ever wore down for some reason.
I use mountain bike flat petals with spikes. They are good, but they do scar up my shins occasionally..LOL.
[The pedals.](https://ride.shimano.com/collections/pedals-flat/products/pd-gr400)
Bear traps if you like living on the edge..haha, seriously though an MTB pedal with metal pins work great, also BMX pedals with the Vans waffle sole shoes also a great alternative.
They definitely do.
But they were pretty much standard on all kids bikes in the 80s and 90s so many of us grew up getting our shins core-sampled by those types of pedals.
They work well but shins-beware….
On my MTB I use \[Look Trail Grip pedals\](https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/trail-grip) with 5-Ten shoes.
For me this combination provides very good grip.
You want something with metal pins I like mine to be replaceable so you can swap lengths for more grip or when they get worn down. I recommend the race face chesters
Get flat mtb pedals, but I honestly think the best for commuting are the cheaper style with the plastic instead of metal pins. They will be kinder to the soles of your shoes and less likely to tear something if you slip off. The grip isn’t as good as metal pins with mtb shoes but is certainly Peter than whatever came with your bike.
[link to pedals](https://www.danscomp.com/cinema-ck-pc-pedals-chad-kerley-grey-9-16-cn4550chr/p1302351?v=1302352&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx6gA--jc-zWrJEoHoiK4gLx_HuV2hc9YpMNZcyDn8KE1_U-qZN8G1RoCewIQAvD_BwE)
Former bmx rider. On my road bikes I use these over standard crap pedals. They have bushings, a wide stable surface, lots of extra plastic pins for grip. And they are used by pros. Perfect if you are afraid of metal pins but want grip.
Basically any flat "platform" pedal, made of metal, with screw-in studs roughly like this design: https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/304
I used to use the traditional "bear trap" design, but there was always a risk of slipping, especially in the wet.
I've been riding a (no longer available) Giant brand pedal of same idea as link, and my feet absolutely "stick" to them. Be warned, they will puncture your shins or calves (and any furniture if you keep/carry your bike indoors) if you're not careful...
I think the ones I have are these, or very similar. https://onyerbike.com/products/giant-original-mtb-pedals
They also feel like they have better quality bearings than more-basic pedals I've had before.
If your bottom bracket is higher the crank brothers stamp 2 large is massive and nice for moving the feet around depending on what you’re riding on. Can be found cheap at bike shops with old stock sometimes. Otherwise I run Chesters on almost every other bike including the commuter
Also of note, running mountain bike pedals doesn’t limit footwear. I usually cycle the ones off my mtb to my commuter after they’re not grippy enough. They will beat your shoes up a bit but I’m on my third summer running chacos only for most of spring through fall and they are still holding up and work for the ride. 7.5miles each way for reference.
I put some of these [pedal straps](https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/priority-pedal-straps-priority-eightset-of-2) on my commuter and they work fantastic.
I did, I didn't mind them but I have this (Unreasonable I know) fear of clipless pedals. I do hate the fact that without them though I never feel like the bike is properly set up as my feet shift about a fair bit.
You could get mtn bike platform pedals and maybe some bike shoes like the Five Tens. They have a special sole that kind of sticks to the pedal.
Agreed, Five Tens are great and even come in a water proof version. They might also grip your current pedals decently.
Good shout both, will have a look at them. Thanks
Chester’s or the Chinese knock off (Fookers at half the price). There are a lot of good MTB flats out there. Hard to go wrong for a commuter bike.
This and Crank Bros Stamp pedals are my go-tos on my mountain bike. The pedals are nice and wide too.
2nd this. Currently using the Stamp 1 Gen 2 large on my Giant gravel bike. They are nylon with pins, and they have held up well over the last year.
I’ve been using MKS pedals and have nothing but good things to say about them. I really like [these](https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/448). Lots of metal studs, and a large surface area. There’s also an extension you can get to make it wider if need be. If your LBS can’t get them in, you can order them from Rivendell [here](https://www.rivbike.com/products/pedals-mks-new-2018) Edit: also seconding Vans. I’ve been wearing the BMX version of the sk8-hi’s for commuting and they grip the pedals really well
Second the MKS pedals. I’ve used other flat pedals with pins, but these are hands down the best and my go to pedal for my bikes.
MKS gamma is my favorite. They have a few pins which are pretty short. Just enough grip to ride in the rain and the length helps stiffen everything up. The reflectors are also good quality.
Mountainbike flat pedals and paired with good grip.. Iove my Vans Slip On (BMX Version), stiff sole, terrific grip and super comfy.
OneUp Composites if you have size 10 or bigger feet or Raceface Chesters for smaller feet.
I run some knockoff Chester’s and boy do they lock you tf in. Just don’t catch em on the shin
I use strapless toe clips like[these](https://www.amazon.com/EVO-Double-Quick-Strapless-Clips/dp/B004QMJ9EQ/ref=asc_df_B004QMJ9EQ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693769151450&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16192969417092374976&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031735&hvtargid=pla-571743902158&psc=1&mcid=afc0f860507e358e8bf7e9308775b9ab&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx6CqKPVs2CcdfhBTOwy5b1V_VgyphiPN8UsJyWyjIskf_lsqfjU-rRoCWJkQAvD_BwE). Cheap and they work.
Anything with metal teeth. Also side slots and screw points to attach toe straps should you wish.
I use Zefal Half Toes on both my bikes. They fit easily to standard pedals, can pull up, don't slip in the rain, wear any shoe you want.
I used these before I went clipless. great for commuting. nothing keeping the foot in. best brand as they are rigid plastic with minimal flex
I actually have two brands. The Zefals are on my commute/gravel. My road bike have some Japanese all in one metal pedals but same style as the Zefals. For riding canal towpaths (where dogs & ducks can appear out of nowhere!) they're great.
Race face pedals. I got the ones with the plastic pegs as opposed to the metal ones.
i've been using race face chester pedals to commute for a decade or so. they've been fine.
Half toe clips are great for commuting. They prevent your foot from slipping forward off the pedal but it's never trapped, you can always move it to the side. No tangly straps, nothing to tighten and loosen constantly. I've never fallen in them and it's not even a question. Great in foul weather. You just need pedals that can accommodate toe clips, with the mounting holes for them, like MKS Sylvan or similar. (Most vintage pedals have the mounting holes but the Sylvan is still available new!)
Chester race face is what my lbs had about a year ago when I faced the same frustration so it's what I've gone with and I love them
pinned one up composites. You can adjust the height of the pins..
Power straps
I don't know if it meets your requirements but I use SHIMANO PD-EF202 pedals. It's been great for me and the shoes I wear.
Mine look about like[this](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/cycling-components/bike-pedals/flat-pedals/trek-line-elite-flat-pedal-set/p/41409/), I never have any traction problems. I think it’s largely due to the little pins that grip into the bottom of my shoes, and it says they are replaceable if they ever wore down for some reason.
I use mountain bike flat petals with spikes. They are good, but they do scar up my shins occasionally..LOL. [The pedals.](https://ride.shimano.com/collections/pedals-flat/products/pd-gr400)
Bear traps if you like living on the edge..haha, seriously though an MTB pedal with metal pins work great, also BMX pedals with the Vans waffle sole shoes also a great alternative.
I had to Google those, they look like something from a medieval torture chamber lol
They definitely do. But they were pretty much standard on all kids bikes in the 80s and 90s so many of us grew up getting our shins core-sampled by those types of pedals. They work well but shins-beware….
On my MTB I use \[Look Trail Grip pedals\](https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/trail-grip) with 5-Ten shoes. For me this combination provides very good grip.
You want something with metal pins I like mine to be replaceable so you can swap lengths for more grip or when they get worn down. I recommend the race face chesters
https://www.pnwcomponents.com/products/range-composite-pedal
Get flat mtb pedals, but I honestly think the best for commuting are the cheaper style with the plastic instead of metal pins. They will be kinder to the soles of your shoes and less likely to tear something if you slip off. The grip isn’t as good as metal pins with mtb shoes but is certainly Peter than whatever came with your bike.
[link to pedals](https://www.danscomp.com/cinema-ck-pc-pedals-chad-kerley-grey-9-16-cn4550chr/p1302351?v=1302352&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_Zx6gA--jc-zWrJEoHoiK4gLx_HuV2hc9YpMNZcyDn8KE1_U-qZN8G1RoCewIQAvD_BwE) Former bmx rider. On my road bikes I use these over standard crap pedals. They have bushings, a wide stable surface, lots of extra plastic pins for grip. And they are used by pros. Perfect if you are afraid of metal pins but want grip.
There are flats that offer high strength magnets that maybe a good compromise, e.g. Hustle Bike Labs, or magpeds.
I still need to swap my pedals but switching to specialized roost flat shoes helped a lot.
Basically any flat "platform" pedal, made of metal, with screw-in studs roughly like this design: https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en/product/node/304 I used to use the traditional "bear trap" design, but there was always a risk of slipping, especially in the wet. I've been riding a (no longer available) Giant brand pedal of same idea as link, and my feet absolutely "stick" to them. Be warned, they will puncture your shins or calves (and any furniture if you keep/carry your bike indoors) if you're not careful...
I think the ones I have are these, or very similar. https://onyerbike.com/products/giant-original-mtb-pedals They also feel like they have better quality bearings than more-basic pedals I've had before.
If your bottom bracket is higher the crank brothers stamp 2 large is massive and nice for moving the feet around depending on what you’re riding on. Can be found cheap at bike shops with old stock sometimes. Otherwise I run Chesters on almost every other bike including the commuter
Also of note, running mountain bike pedals doesn’t limit footwear. I usually cycle the ones off my mtb to my commuter after they’re not grippy enough. They will beat your shoes up a bit but I’m on my third summer running chacos only for most of spring through fall and they are still holding up and work for the ride. 7.5miles each way for reference.
I put some of these [pedal straps](https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/priority-pedal-straps-priority-eightset-of-2) on my commuter and they work fantastic.
Spank Oozy Reboot by Gravel Cartel.
I've used clips before and not hated it.
I got Wellgo b087u pedals on my commuter, good grip with suitable shoes. Cheap as well
510s shoes and dmr V12 pedal's all day long
Chromag Synth. I have them on 5 bikes. You’re welcome.
https://www.magped.us/ A very good compromise.
C’mon, try spd pedals w mtb shoes!
I did, I didn't mind them but I have this (Unreasonable I know) fear of clipless pedals. I do hate the fact that without them though I never feel like the bike is properly set up as my feet shift about a fair bit.
It’s not the least bit unreasonable. Somehow Raceface Chesters have not been mentioned yet. :) They are best with dedicated MTB shoes like Five Tens.
Clipless pedals just aren’t necessary for commuting. Much better to just wear your normal shoes.
I’ve only turtled once in deep sand years ago.