The Secrets To HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING SHOES

Sick and tired of renting cycling shoes and you’re now thinking on how to choose cycling shoes? Well, you need to know that choosing an ideal cycling shoe is not as easy as many think.

The reason is that:

There are so many things to consider since the shoes are becoming more specialized as years go by. With different features to consider, from pedal systems to insoles, it’s not a must for casual bikers to own a pair of these shoes, but if you ride three times or more times a week, cycling shoes can improve your performance.

The following are things that you need to consider before buying a pair of cycling shoes: 

Soles

Soles are crucial features to consider since they can make or break your cycling. Cycling shoes soles are stiff and are made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or rigid plastic. An ideal sole should have threaded inserts so that you can attach cleats to use with clip-less pedals.

However,​

There are still several shoes that come with retro style with smooth soles for you to use with straps and clips. When it comes to choosing a shoe depending on the soles, there are two types of clip-less pedals; road racing and mountain bike style.

Racing shoes come with three threaded inserts for inserting a cleat that sits on the outer side of the sole. On the other side, mountain bike shoes come with two-holed cleats that sit in a recess on the sole, making it easy to walk and come on or off the bike.

Bottom-line

Cleats come in two or three holes; it’s up to you to choose the one that fits you most. Also, some shoes come with cleats and with others you need to find a perfect match. So choose wisely.

Cycling pedals

Cycling pedals are useful when attaching the shoes to the clip-in system. Such pedal systems come with a design to perk up the pedal’s stroke and help during a pull-up or push down when you need an all-round pedal stroke.

Majority of the pedal systems snap the cleats of the shoe on the pedal when you apply pressure, and the shoes come out of the pedal when you twist the foot forward.

Bottom-line

With a clip-in system, you will ride safely and comfortably. You won’t need to worry about slipping off your shoes while riding. 

Uppers

Cycling shoes come with different materials including leather, suede, synthetic suede or leather, and Nylon mesh. Some shoes upper are stitched together from various materials, but there are those high-end shoes that come with their upper molded in one piece which makes them lightweight. As you choose, look for seams with double lines of stitching at the sides of the panels.

The shoes upper should have reinforcement, padding, and stiffening in some surfaces. Make sure that the shoe has to stiffen around the heel as it is very significant. The heel cup needs to have a shape that holds your heels down; making sure your feet do not slip upwards as you pedal.

Bottom-line

Uppers are crucial, and you need to choose the one that is not only stiff but also waterproof to make it easy to ride during all seasons.

Insoles

A right cycling shoe needs to have an insole that cushions your foot to spread the load around. These vary in complexity, from a simple insole layer of foam to multiple density liners and adjustable support to heat insoles that mold to shape your feet.

Inside the shoe, you’ll find an insole that cushions your foot and spreads the loads around. These vary in sophistication from a simple layer of foam to liners with multiple densities and adjustable support to heat-moldable insoles that can be shaped to fit your foot. You can also buy new insoles to improve the fit and comfort of your footwear.

Types of cycling shoes to choose from

• Road cycling shoes

The shoes are stiffer than indoor or mountain bike cycling shoes. The reason is that the cleats protrude from the soles.

• Mountain bike cycling shoes

The shoes come with a rubber sole and a recessed cleat. They resemble typical trainer’s shoes, and this means that you don’t have to change shoes while taking a sidewalk with your bike.

• Indoor cycling shoes

The shoes are a hybrid of mountain bike and road cycling shoes. The shoes come with more rubber on the soles to help you walk without slipping. The shoe is more of a sleeker silhouette than mountain bike footwear.

Wrap up:

While friends and bike shop employees are excellent sources of information when buying your first cycling shoe, your feet are unique. You don’t have to buy a shoe just because someone recommended it to you. Use the above information and choose the shoe that fits you comfortably.

Author BIO: 
Greg Tang from BikesGearlab reveals the Secrets To HOW TO CHOOSE CYCLING SHOES. Read his latest posts from here.

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