How To Choose Bicycling Shoes

Shoes for Road Bikes, Racing and Mountain Bikers

For those jumping into bicycling feet first don't overlook the importance of the proper shoe.  For the avid cyclist or competition cyclist there is a wide selection of cycling footwear available. 

Many cycling shoes also have a clip that attaches to the pedal of the bike to ensure that your foot doesn't slip off the pedal.

Clip-on cycling shoes are the best for serious road cycling as they give the best power transfer and the most efficient ride.

For those who are into mountain biking having shoes that clip to  pedals could literally be life threatening. When biking on steep trails it's necessary to be able to get on and off of the bike quickly. 

Don't forget that mountain bikers want shoes that can double as hiking boots in case you have to do some hiking while on your  excursion. This is why many mountain bikers just go for a good quality pair of hiking shoes or boots.

As with most modern sport footware, the shoes designed for cycling are also going to offer options for closures. Some cyclists still chose lace up shoes, while most professional cyclists feel more comfortable with Velcro. The key is how quick and easy is it for you to get the cycling shoes on and off your feet.

Designed for Bicyclist

Bicycle shoes are essentially different from those used in other sports in that they feature stiff, unpadded soles, which allows for the highly-efficient energy transfer from the feet to the pedals. For better grip, these soles also have special cleats that fit right over the pedals.

However, unlike shoes for other sports, bicycle shoes are not made for stepping on flat surfaces. The special cleats make walking awkward and slow, and weight distribution uneven.

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Three Types of  Bike Shoe

Bicycling shoes are designed for one of three activities: road, off-road, and casual cycling.

Road riding shoes are the most common ones used for races.  They have been developed for hard surfaces concrete like surfaces.. These shoes are fitted with very rigid soles.  The upper part of the shoe can be nylon mesh.  More expensive shoes feature carbon fiber soles that combines rigidity and lightness. Many of these shoes can be adjusted while on the road. Cleats are not emphasized because racing doesn't require much pushing from the ground.

Off-road or mountain biking shoes are made for softer surfaces such as loose soil and grass, with recessed cleat slots and higher traction than road riding shoes. Some even have removable studs to help with treading on muddy grounds. Uppers are more durable for more protection versus twigs and spikes.

Casual cycling shoes are made for recreational purposes  You will find that they are softer and more comfortable than their road riding and off-road counterparts.  They can even be used for everyday walking. Some models feature removable cleats so the shoes can be used off-road.  These casual riding shoes come in a wide ranges of colors and even in children's sizes.

Shot Fit

Bicycle shoes should have a tighter fit than your normal shoes, but not too tight. There should be enough room to allow your toes to stretch and curl. If you're going to be doing some foot-treading, make sure you get a style that offers traction for all terrain types. Think light and durable.

Choose clothing and footwear designed for bicycling and you will be adding another dimension of pleasure to your riding.

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How To Choose Bicycling Shoes