There are several types of bicycle shoes out there, each suitable for a certain style of cycling. Consider whether the shoes you buy will be compatible with the pedals of your bicycle if your bike features clipless pedals. A clipless pedal requires a cycling shoe with a cleat designed to attach to the mechanism on the pedal that keeps your foot secure while you ride.
Casual Cycling
Casual cycling shoes work well for bikers who ride for less than five miles at a time, according to Recreational Equipment Inc. An outdoor cross-trainer shoe or a light hiking shoe can provide you the support necessary for biking and the comfort for walking. A casual cycling shoe may have a softer sole than cycling shoes that are specific to more rigorous forms of biking. Shoes for casual cycling do not have a clipless pedal system and may require platform pedals that include foot straps or toe clips.
Mountain Biking
A mountain biking shoe features a stiff sole for the demands of pedaling over rough terrain. Shoes for mountain biking have a flexible rubber-lug outsole to provide you with adequate traction when walking on even ground or on terrain that is muddy, steep or otherwise difficult to traverse using your bike. The shoes may offer traditional laces or a hook-and-loop strap system to adjust the fit and tightness of the shoe to your foot. Higher priced mountain biking shoes might be lighter with stiffer soles, provide further reinforcement to protect your ankle and foot, and have waterproof lining and additional hook-and-loop straps for a tighter fit or removable toe spikes.
Road Cycling
Road cycling shoes feature a sole that is stiffer than most cycling shoes to enable you to pedal with more power. The cleats on road cycling shoes do not allow you much traction and may not be suitable for extended periods of walking because of their stiffness. Shoes for road cycling sport ventilation and lightweight construction. Higher-priced road cycling shoes can provide soles made of carbon fiber for greater stiffness and greater power when pedaling. Road cycling shoes must be narrow to ensure that the foot and heel remain stationary while you ride, according to Bicycle Apparel.
Downhill Cycling
Shoes for downhill cycling have greater ankle support and reinforced toe caps to contribute to the “body armor” necessity of downhill cycling apparel. The soles of downhill biking shoes allow you to easily grip pedals that are large and flat.
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