Buying a pair of shoes for cycling requires some research and forethought. Consider the type of riding you are going to do before you buy. Shoes for road cycling have very stiff soles, made to transfer power from your foot to the pedal. A lightweight shoe with good fit adjustability, such as Velcro straps, is desired. Shoes designed for cleat systems have either two or three holes on the bottom. You will need to make sure that your pedals, shoes, and cleats are compatible. A venting system keeps your feet cool, and is a necessity in a well-designed cycling shoe. Although there are many good shoes for road cycling, here are a few at the top worth considering.
SIDI Genius 5.5 Carbon Composite
Sidi began producing shoes in 1960, beginning with mountaineering footwear. These days, SIDI creates some of the best footwear in cycling. Their product line includes shoes for road, mountain, indoor and triathlon cycling. The Genius 5.5 Carbon Composite road shoe is light, stiff and comfortable due to its carbon composite sole. The shoe features a Lorica Microfiber upper, for breathability and durability. Mesh panels and a vented heel cup allow the interior to remain cool. SIDI uses their soft-instep closure system, padded tongue and padded heel to eliminate pressure points, which cause feet to go numb. The Genius 5.5 Carbon Composite road shoe is available in standard and large widths, and has a suggested price of $349.99 for 2010.
DMT Prisma
The DMT, (Diamant), is a cycling shoe combining Italian styling with technology. This is the flagship shoe for DMT, which began designing footwear in 1978, cycling being the core of their business. Their product lines includes shoes for road and mountain biking. The Prisma is stiff and lightweight, weighing only 250 grams. Its unique cable closure system eliminates pressure often found with standard buckle closures. The sole of the Prisma is constructed from nine layers of high modulus carbon fiber to ensure stiffness. Maximum power transfer from the shoe to the pedal is maintained by the thinnest layer of the sole strategically place where the sole and cleat mate. The sole accommodates either the Look or the Power Play cleat. The Prisma comes in white with red or gold accents, and has a suggested retail price of $375.00 for 2010.
Carbon X-Lite
In 1983, Louis Garneau began designing and manufacturing cycling clothing out of his father's garage. Today, his company is one of the most respected manufactures of cycling shoes, helmets, and clothing. The Carbon X-Lite is the lightest cycling shoe Louis Garneau has produced, weighing just 196 grams. The outer sole of the shoe is 100 percent carbon with a patented multi-vent system. The upper is comfortable seamless microfiber leather. The Ergo Air Cool Stuff blue and Hot Stuff red interchangeable insoles keep feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter with Garneau's Coolmax technology. Velcro tabs provide a secure, yet comfortable fit without applying uncomfortable pressure points. The Carbon X-Lite is compatible with Speed Play, Look, Dura Ace, and Time cleats. The shoe comes in white, with black accents. A pair of socks is included. The Carbon X-Lite has a suggested retail price of $279.99 for 2010.
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