The term "clipless" is a misnomer when applied to shoes and bikes -- in fact, clipless forms of road bike shoes and bike pedals actually have clips installed onto them. This discrepancy originates from early in the days of road biking, when an older, more rudimentary mechanism locked shoes onto the pedals. Today many cycling enthusiasts use clipless shoes and pedals for a more efficient way of exercising. When purchasing this equipment, though, it's important to make sure the components of each match one another.
Step 1
Examine the exterior of the shoe. This will tell you what type of bike a specific pair of cycling shoes is intended for. Mountain and touring bikes tend to have much more rugged exteriors, while road cycling shoes feature a smoothed surface. The rigidity of the outer sole of road cycling shoes tends to be very stiff to provide protection to the foot, and the cleats -- which clip into the pedals -- protrude from the sole of the shoe, while other models have the pedals enter into the sole of the shoe.
Step 2
Evaluate the pedals. Make sure there is a recess inside them where the cleat of the cycling shoe can be inserted. On many types of cycling pedals the cleat is attached to the pedal itself, but road cycling pedals instead allow the cleat to be inserted into the middle of the pedal.
Step 3
Count the prongs on the cleat to make sure they are compatible with the pedal. Road cycling shoes and pedals are a three-prong fit, while other types feature only a two-prong fit.
Step 4
Attach the shoes you desire to the clipless pedals to make sure they fit together well.
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