How to Choose a Perfect Pair of Cycling Shoes?
Riding a bike with sneakers is not impossible, but if you wish to maximize your performance, having cycling-specific shoes is a must. They offer a greater connection to the bike, save weight, and improve the overall experience.
The cycling shoes are purposely designed differently from sneakers to provide increased rigidity, stiff sole, enhanced ventilation and incorporates a system of attaching the biking shoes to the bike’s pedals.
However, there are a plethora of different riding categories showcasing various types of cycling footwear, making the search for the right shoes a daunting task.
If you are just entering the biking world or buying the next pair of best shoes for biking, it won’t be a chore anymore. Because, with this comprehensive guide, you will be able to make an informed decision and choose the perfect pair of cycling shoes, no matter what is your preferred discipline.
Let’s get started!
What type of cycling do you practice?
To begin with, you must be aware of the kind of riding you intend to do with your brand new pair of biking shoes. There are two disciplines in biking that being Mountain Biking and Road Cycling.
MTB can be further divided into XC Mountain Bike online, Trail/Enduro Mountain Biking, and Downhill. We have Classic Road Cycling, Gravel riding, Triathlon, and the Touring/Sports segment in road biking.
Generally, the main difference between an MTB and road footwear is the sole and the cleat system.
Road shoes are embedded with smooth, flat soles and do not fulfil the purpose of walking. On the other hand, MTB shoes have rubber soles with more grip made with materials like sticky rubber so you can easily get off the bike and walk.
Moreover, unlike road shoes, MTB shoes have two holes to mount cleats working with a 2-hole system.
What to look for while buying cycling shoes?
- Perfect fit
The key factor in choosing cycling shoes is to see if they fit you out of the box. Also, make sure your cycling shoes offer you enough room in the toe box, enabling easy movement of your toes.
Little slippage is often observed in your heel while walking, which is acceptable. However, this kind of movement shouldn’t happen while you are riding a bike.
- Comfort
Pick a pair of cycling shoes that offer immense comfort and lets you ride longer distances without any hassle. Look for something that offers the right amount of flexibility, room, and stiffness because then you get better support for your feet on longer rides. Don’t forget to pair them with proper insoles.
Also, keep in mind that too flexible shoes may become uncomfortable on long rides as your feet wrap and flex around your pedals. This can create painful hot spots and waste energy.
- Closure systems
Next up is choosing the kind of closure system that makes you comfortable while riding a bike.
Here are the three types you can choose from:
- Lace-up style: The most classic closure system, yet the favourite of many bikers. It helps you keep the even pressure throughout the foot, making your riding experience comfortable.
- Fit straps and buckles: Those looking for a seamless closure system that easily gets in and out of the shoes, goes for this type. They offer flexibility, making this system a wise choice for recreational and performance-oriented cyclists. Additionally, the buckles keep the feet firmly in place and offer high durability in any weather conditions.
- BOA Systems: Just entered the market, the BOA systems have rapidly become the epitome of a high-end and highly reliable closure system. They allow superb fit and very specific micro adjustment.
- Material shoe
Once you have shortlisted pairs on the above factors, further cut short your choices based on material. You will come across cycling shoes made of leather and synthetics like microfiber. Go for the one that comes with all these four functions: Ventilation, protection, comfort, and responsiveness.
Keep in mind that well-ventilated biking shoes protect your feet in hot conditions and cold weather. In hot weather, they protect your feet by avoiding sole burn and overheating. Additionally, microfibre and mesh uppers with vents provide extra airflow leading to reduced sweat and increased comfort.
- Budget
Once you have chosen the best pair of biking shoes, select the one that fits your budget adequately. However, don’t get tricked into compromising quality over price. Instead, be wise while spending your money on the right pair of cycling shoes.
We hope this crisp yet comprehensive guide will help you buy the best cycling shoes for your trails. Also, keep in mind that to get the most out of your cycling shoes, like maximum durability, a good clean after each ride would be needed.
Keep them clean and tidy so that they last longer.
