How to Choose Cycling Shoes
First of all, if you’ve been trying to ride in trainers, stop now. A good pair of cycling shoes will completely change your ride.
Serious, high-end, cycling shoes have strong, rigid insoles. This allows you to pour power into the pedals as you ride, instead of wasting it every time your foot gives way to the bend in your shoes. You’ll be amazed at how much difference a rigid sole can make.
You’ll boost your power up to the next level with cleats. Rigid soles of cycling shoes will help you there too. They protect your feet from the discomfort that cleats can cause, as you press over and over against the one, small space allowed by the cleat.
Best Features
Here are a few things to consider, when choosing your shoe:
- The Soles. You want that rigid sole. Some shoes, made for casual riding, will look good but maintain an ordinary, flexible sole. These are not for you. To maximize your advantage on the road, you’ll want the best foot-to-pedal power transfer you can get. A hard sole that clunks on the floor as you walk, as if you’re wearing clogs, is exactly right.
- The Upper. A lot of shoes now have a mix of synthetics and leather. Road shoes in particular are usually made with an imitation leather that’s easier to maintain and incredibly durable. Mountain bike shoes that are going to take a beating and the highest end road shoes are almost always made from premium leather. Synthetics or leather will work. Consider the price and the conditions you’ll be riding in to make your decision.
- The Closures. Perhaps the most conspicuous features in cycling shoes are the closures. You’ll see Velcro, laces, buckles or a bait-and-switch combo. Almost all cycling shoes with laces will have an extra loop for securing your laces against your foot. Buy shoes with a snug, secure fit. (If you go with Velcro flaps, make sure they won’t interfere with your toe straps, if you’re using clips.)
Which brings us to the next question: Do you use toe clips or go clipless?
Clipless or Clipped?
- Clipless Pedals. Systems such as Look, SPD, Time and Speedplay offer cleats in the sole of your shoe that attach your foot to the pedal. This gives you excellent foot-to-pedal energy transfer and allows you to pull on the upstroke, which will give you even more power. Because unclipping quickly has to become second-nature, there’s a learning curve. Some people master it quickly, others take longer. Once you put in the time you need, though, you’ll never go back.
- Toe-Clip Pedals. Instead of a cleat, toe-clips offer a webbed strap that clips to your shoe. They’re inexpensive and there’s no real learning curve, since they’re very easy to get out of. You don’t need even cycling shoes to wear toe-clips. But, on the other hand, you won’t have the foot-to-pedal power you’ll have with cleats and cycling shoes.
Systems such as Look, SPD, Time and Speedplay offer cleats in the sole of your shoe that attach your foot to the pedal. This gives you excellent foot-to-pedal energy transfer and allows you to pull on the upstroke, which will give you even more power. Because unclipping quickly has to become second-nature, there’s a learning curve. Some people master it quickly, others take longer. Once you put in the time you need, though, you’ll never go back.
What Shoe is Right for You?
If you are a casual cyclist who rides on weekends, if the mood strikes you, you might as well skip the special pedal systems altogether. Platform pedals and recreational cycling shoes will meet your needs.
If you’re a serious road cyclist, clipless will give you the most control and power, so it’s definitely the best way to go. You’re also in the best position to stay clipped in, since there’s less reason to stop on a long, endurance ride. Get shoes that match the clipless system you prefer.
If you’re a mountain biker, you could go either way. Clipless is going to give you the best performance. You’ll be able to stay more tightly linked to your bike for jumps, hops and wheelies. But you’ll fall more. If that bugs you, get clips.
Most of all, get shoes that are comfortable. Try them on in the store, make sure they work with the socks you plan to wear and check the heel retention as you walk. Think about how you ride and what you can afford. Then make your choice.