A number of different bicycle shoes are at your service, with your decision based on the type of cycling you normally do. Before you get into specifics, your first choice is whether or not to get clips. Some shoes use clips to attach to the bike pedal while others attach with a cleat system under the shoe. Most of the shoe types come with one of the options, and your bike pedals need to match those options.
Road Riding
Shoes for riding on the road are very stiff, streamlined and usually tough or at least uncomfortable to wear when off your bike. The bottoms are usually smooth, save for the cleats that stick into the bike pedals for better control. Shoes for road biking are also lightweight and offer some type of ventilation so your feet don’t overheat or get too sweaty. Touring shoes and bike shoes made for triathlon athletes are both similar to the road shoes with minor differences. Touring shoes are often a bit more flexible than road shoes for easier walking when off your bike. Triathlon shoes, known as “tri shoes,” often include features that make for a quick switch from biking to running, such as a heel loops, an easy opening and a liner so you can ride without socks.
Mountain and Downhill Biking
If you’re out on the trails, the mountain bike shoe gives you a rugged, rubber sole with lugs that are a bit more flexible than the road shoe. Closure options include regular laces, hook lacing similar to hiking boots, or Velcro that’s wholly adjustable for the snuggest fit. If your mountain-biking shoes come with cleats, they are usually a bit recessed so you can still walk around on the trails once you get off your bike. Shoes are similar for downhill bike racers, but they usually come with some type of reinforced ankle support and toe caps for more durability.
Casual or Indoor Riding
Bicyclists who ride short distances or only casually around town can go for a regular sport shoe, REI says, as your main concern is not speed or biking efficiency. You’ll instead want to opt for a shoe that works for you while you’re off your bike and walking around. Indoor cycling shoes meant for using stationary bikes are similar to the road or touring shoes. They’ll work well on the bike, but not as well off it. They may be even lighter and thinner than outdoor shoes, Bicycle Apparel notes, since gyms and classes are often warmer than the great outdoors. Mountain bike shoes are another option for indoor bicycling.
Specialized Shoes
Specialized bike shoes for specialized sports are also on the market. BMX shoes are one example, designed specifically for BMX riding. They appear similar to skateboard shoes, with flat bottoms and a soft exterior. While some BMX shoes do come with cleats, Bicycle Apparel notes having no attachment to the pedals is often safer for some of the stunts that come with BMX riding.
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