What Is The Purpose Of Cycling Shoes?

You can ride a bike in about any shoe imaginable, but if you are an avid cyclist, then cycling shoes offer you a comfortable, efficient ride that reduces the risk of injury. Cycling shoes are designed to support and protect your feet while you ride, allowing you to get the most out of your workout.

Features

Cycling shoes have a stiff sole to provide more efficient energy transfer as you pedal. Some shoes have cleats on the sole, allowing you to clip into the pedal and engage more muscles as you pedal. Cycling shoes typically have Velcro, buckle or strap fastening systems for support, and the upper portion of the shoe is also pretty stiff for extra support.

Types

Because there are different disciplines of cycling, there are specific cycling shoes necessary for each discipline. There are cycling shoes made for those who race, ride road bikes, mountain bikes, indoor group cycles and for those cyclists who ride during the winter.

Benefits

The hard soles of a cycling shoe protect your feet and support the full length of your foot to reduce cramping and fatigue. The rigid sole, especially with cleats, allows you to pull on the upstroke of the pedal as you push on the down stroke with the opposite foot. If you were riding with sneakers, for instance, the lack of stiff soles makes your feet collapse through the arches while pedaling, which could cause tendon problems and pain to the bottom of your feet.

Fit

Cycling shoes have a snug fit to limit your foot from moving as you pedal. This means the heel should be held in place through the entire pedal rotation. There should be even pressure on the instep when the shoe is fastened. You should have a little toe room, and the shoe should hold your forefoot stably without pinching. There should be no large gaps, and the ball of your foot should lie at the widest portion of the shoe. The shoes should be slightly over sized when your feet are cool, since your feet will swell as you begin to workout.

Design

Cycling shoes are designed to be worn in all types of conditions from extreme heat to cold. Unlike most athletic shoes, cycling shoes are lightweight and are made of breathable materials. Most cycling shoes have poor ground traction and are not comfortable for to walk in.