What To Look For
Cycling shoes have stiffer soles than regular shoes to help give your foot more support during biking and help reduce fatigue from pedaling. If you already have clipless pedals on your bike, make sure the cycling shoe is compatible with the pedals; most use a two-hole or three-hole cleat system, according to REI.com. Think about the terrain you will be riding on most of the time and what kind of closure style you want on the shoe. Make sure the shoe fits well; due to the sole's stiffness, cycling shoes do not get "broken in."
Common Pitfalls
Cycling shoes should fit more snugly than regular sneakers or shoes. Your toes should wiggle a little, but the heel should be snug and the overall fit should be fairly tight. This is so your feet do not slip inside the shoe while you pedal, according to the Pasadena Cyclery website. Wearing cycling socks instead of regular socks can help prevent the shoe from stretching out; cycling socks are very thin.
Where To Buy
Some sporting goods stores may carry cycling shoes, but your best bet is to go to a specialty bike store that specializes in cycling. Outdoor equipment stores such as REI may also carry cycling shoes. If there is not a specialty store near you, you can go online and order shoes off a store's website. Performancebike.com and other cycling-specific sites provide a wide range of shoes.
Cost
In 2010, cycling shoes on Performancebike.com ranged between $64 and more than $400. Prices vary based on the kind of cycling shoe, the brand and the special features that style has. Stores and websites often have sales throughout the year.
Comparison Shopping
Cycling shoes come in different styles, depending on the terrain for which they are used. There are specialty shoes for road biking, mountain biking and casual biking. The outsole, cleat style and the kind of clipless pedal can all vary to meet the needs of the rider.
Accessories
Cycling shoes are made to have cleats added to them to fit into clipless pedals. Different styles of clipless pedals are available, including ones made specifically for mountain biking and road biking. When the cycling shoes are clipped into the pedals, you can gain more control of the pedaling and pedal more efficiently.
Insider Tips
Laces, hook-and-loop straps and notched cam straps with buckles are the typical closures that cycling shoes can have, says REI.com. Whereas laces offer flexibility and are easily customized to your foot, hook-and-loop straps are less likely to stretch out, and they support your foot more snugly. Trying on shoes with various types of closures can help you determine which is right for you.
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