Although riding a bicycle does not usually require special shoes, cycling shoes can improve your pedaling efficiency if you want to ride regularly. You will also require special shoes if your bike has clipless pedals. These shoes have cleats which attach to the pedals, allowing you to pull as well as push on the pedals. Women's shoes are made for a woman's narrower foot, creating a more customized fit which can increase your power and speed.
Gaerne G.Starlet
Gaerne is an Italian company that is well known for producing quality, albeit expensive, cycling shoes. The women's G.Starlet earned 5 out of 5 stars on Bikeradar.com. Made with careful attention to the tongue and heel areas to accommodate women's more delicate bone structure, the G.Starlet offers a ventilation system, three velcro straps for closure and Gaerne's evolution sole. If you have more money to spend, you can upgrade to the G.Iada Carbon, Gaerne's top women's road shoe. The G.Iada has a ratcheting strap closure system which locks, a "U" control heel system and a carbon fiber sole for extra support.
Sidi Genius 6.6
Sidi is another well-respected Italian cycling company. The Genius 6.6 has a lightweight carbon sole, a women's-specific last, mesh cooling panels in the breathable upper, a soft instep with a ratcheting closure system and a heel that prevents heel lift. For a more economical option, Sidi makes the Spark for women, featuring a stiff carbon outsole, padded tongue, heel cup and two Velcro closures for fit.
Specialized BG Pro Woman
Garnering 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bikeradar.com, this shoe is described as "uncompromisingly well fitted." If you are in the market for a fast race shoe, the BG Pro should make your list. Built specifically for women, it has a carbon fiber outsole and a Body Geometry footbed to keep your foot aligned. The closure system has three straps, each of which tightens a different area of the shoe. The padded tongue and locking closure straps guarantee a secure fit.
Northwave Velvet Lady SB
A warm weather shoe, the Velvet Lady is light and airy, keeping your feet from overheating during long rides. This shoe has a rigid, carbon fiber sole to ensure adequate energy transfer, and the Ultra-Y heel design cradles your foot while you pull up harder on the pedals. Its three-strap closure system, with a ratcheting top strap, ensures a snug fit for increased power. The Velvet Lady was awarded 4 out of 5 stars on Bikeradar.com.
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