Generally, you can wear any type of shoes when riding your bike. However, if you want to achieve efficiency, comfort, and possibly avoid injuries, you would want to wear cycling shoes. These shoes are specifically designed to create more power in every pedal stroke. Through the clip-in system, the shoes are fixed to the pedals. By doing this, an even distribution of force is applied to both the upstroke and down stroke resulting to a more productive cycling activity.
Cycling shoes come in two types. There are cycling shoes for road cycling and cycling shoes for off-road biking. The first type is characterized by their exposed cleats. These shoes are purely for biking purposes as they are very uncomfortable to walk in. The second type has sunken cleats, which also make them ideal for walking. There are different styles of cycling shoes using different materials and technology.
The fit of your cycling shoes has to perfect in order to accomplish their purpose. They have to be comfortably snug and there should be enough room in the shoe so that you can shift your toes without restriction. It is very important that your heels are snug inside the shoes and they don’t move around while you pedal so you can perform properly. The instep of your feet should not be pressed tightly when fastening your shoes. You know you have found your fit when you can rest your forefoot without squeezing it and that the widest part of the shoe is able to cradle the ball of your foot comfortably.
Good quality cycling shoes can be distinguished by their soles. Cheaper brands usually use plastic sole. Although they cost less, these cycling shoes are also heavier and the soles are softer. Road cycling shoes need to be lightweight and the soles have to be stiff so that you can pedal with more efficiency and power. Higher-end brands employ carbon fiber as soles to allow more flexibility without the burden of weight. Although pricey, they’re a good investment for avid riders.
The upper portion of cycling shoes also use lightweight material to give their wearers comfort and durability. Depending on the price of the shoes, the materials can range from genuine leather, synthetic leather to plastic. There are also different methods used to fasten a pair of cycling shoes. You can do it by lacing up, buckling up, or strapping up. When fitting a cycling shoe, you should not feel any pressure when fastening it. Any pressure can leave your feet numb as the blood is unable to circulate properly. It is also important to see if the shoes can be fastened securely. Any loose part can get tangled in the sprocket and hurt you in the process.
Cycling Shoes for Different Types of Uses
Each discipline of cycling has corresponding cycling shoes designed to meet its needs. Road biking shoes have narrow designs with lightweight uppers and stiff soles to ensure speed. The cleats are exposed so that hard materials can be used for the sole. The stiffness of the sole in biking shoes is very important so that the cyclist can easily apply a powerful force on the pedal. Mountain biking shoes do not need soles that are as hard so they have recessed cleats. Softer materials are used for the sole to accommodate walking.
Touring shoes resemble that of ordinary sports shoes since bicycle touring means long trips and also a lot of walking when not on the bike. The cleats are not exposed and the sole is usually made of rubber for flexibility. Cycling shoes for downhill racing needs more stability, control and speed. It is very important that the sole can hold on to the specialized pedals needed of this specific type of bike. The ankle part and toe cap are provided with added support to ensure fluidity in movement.
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