Cycling shoes ensure unstoppable pedalling power

On a bike, it’s your feet that keep you moving. So it’s only natural for a good pair of cycling shoes to be a top priority. Good cycling shoes ensure you keep your grip on the pedals and can transfer power effectively.

Types of cycling shoes

Cycling shoes aren’t all the same – they come in a variety of types designed for different purposes. Your choice will depend on the type of bike you ride and the conditions you ride it in:

• Leisure shoes are designed to be breathable and impact-absorbing, so that they’re suitable for a mixture of cycling and walking. Perfect for a leisure trip and also well suited for non-cycling activities.
• MTB shoes (mountain bike shoes), as the name suggests, are suitable for use with a mountain bike and on rough terrain in general. These shoes are tough and grippy, allowing you to safely handle rough terrain on your bike and on foot.
• Road shoes are suitable for use with a road or racing bike. They’re usually lightweight, with a stiff sole, and provide comfort and security for long rides.
• Winter shoes are specially designed to keep your feet warm and dry in cold and wet conditions. They include padding and are made from waterproof materials.

Fastening mechanisms, cleats and shoe size

There are a few other things to consider when looking for cycling shoes. First, the choice between Velcro and laces is important in a cycling shoe:

• Laces offer more precise adjustment of the shoes’ tightness but are tough to quickly adjust on the go and susceptible to getting caught in the moving parts of your bike if not carefully tucked away.
• Velcro fasteners are quick to adjust and at no risk of getting caught in the bike mechanism, but they offer less precision in adjusting the fit of your shoes.

A feature unique to cycling shoes is the option of using cleats to secure the shoes directly to your pedals, offering better grip and improved power. To do this, you need a shoe and a set of pedals that are compatible with cleats. The disadvantage is that shoes with cleats attached can be difficult to walk on when you dismount.

Finally, always pay attention to shoe size. The last thing you want is a pair of cycling shoes that’s too tight or too loose, resulting in blisters or the shoes slipping off.