More power, bike handling, stability and comfort - you can achieve all this by swapping sneakers for cycling shoes and cleats. Sure, getting started can be challenging, and you'll probably fall a few times- learning to unclip quickly takes practice, but it's worth it!
Types of shoes
These trainers have a stiff sole (but it always depends on the stiffness index), which maximizes the transfer of energy from the pedalling to the pedals and increases the efficiency of power transfer. On a smooth sole, you'll usually only find the heel, no rubber studs. In addition, they have a cleat that is not hidden. Road shoes aren't designed for extended walking (which is expected on the road anyway), so "penguin" walking will become a regular part of your rides.
Their sole is usually stiff, and grippy for better traction on trails. The cleat is hidden inside, ensuring a more comfortable walking experience compared to road shoes. MTB shoes also have a reinforced toe and heel to withstand the harsh conditions of mountain biking.
You can often mistake them for sneakers but don't be fooled. Tourist cycling shoes are sturdier than regular sneakers and have a hidden cleat in the sole that allows you to combine cycling with a short walk, shopping or running errands. You'll use them both on the road and off-road and of course, you can also use them on classic pedals, where you'll appreciate the benefits of the stiffer sole.
They are divided into clipless and flat ones. They are similar to tourist cycling shoes, but they are even more durable because they are designed for riding in rough and technical terrain. You reach for them if you're a downhill, enduro or freeride enthusiast. They provide perfect grip, vibration absorption and at the same time the ideal stiffness for efficient pedalling. The special sole provides secure pedal control during fast manoeuvres.
As the name suggests, these are special shoes designed for triathlon, where a quick transition from running to riding is needed. They have quick fastening systems, such as Velcro fasteners, which make it quick and easy to put on and take off. Triathlon trainers also often include holes for water drainage.
They can be both road and MTB cycling shoes and in addition to the features specific to both types of these shoes, they excel with insulation and waterproof material to keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures.
Fastening
There are lots of different systems of shoe closures such as Velcro, laces, buckles, dials or a combination of the above. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages and it simply depends on what suits you better. The important thing is that the fastening system is reliable and allows for precise adjustment.
Stiffness
Another parameter that tells you a lot about the shoe is the stiffness index. The stiffer the shoe, the more efficiently the energy transfers, because you'll lean into the pedal much better. The stiffness index of FORCE shoes is graded on a scale of 1-13. For example, the stiffness index of tourist cycling shoes is 5-6, because they are stiffer than regular sneakers and they are also adapted to walking shorter distances. Some road cycling shoes from our BLACK LINE range have a stiffness index of 10, as they are often carbon soled to help achieve the best possible performance. You can find out more about sole stiffness here.
TIP: Not sure what type of cycling shoes to choose? If you want to walk a lot then choose MTB or tourist cycling shoes rather than traditional road ones.
Clipless systems
When you get a pair of cycling shoes, you usually have to go clipless. It refers to the mechanism that connects the cyclist's shoes to the pedals. Despite the name, it actually involves a cleat on the shoe that clips into the pedal, providing a secure attachment between the foot and the pedal.
We could go on about the various clipless systems, but for now, we will only briefly introduce them.
LOOK, SPD, Time, Crankbrothers are not just some random English words. In the cycling world, they are brands of clipless systems and pedals. SPD stands for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, and it has become such a term that it refers to mountain pedals, and not just from Shimano. Also the question, "Do you have Look?" was more of a question about road pedals in general and not exclusively about the French brand Look.
But no matter what brands of cleats and pedals you buy, any mountain cleats and any mountain pedals should be compatible, and the same goes for road cleats and pedals.
Size
You need to try the shoes out to make sure it serves you well. Bear in mind that your foot can swell up when you ride, so it's a good idea not to buy a completely tight-fitting pair of shoes, but rather a slightly larger one. However, this doesn't mean that the shoe should come off easily. Always tighten the shoe from toe to ankle. When trying them on, stand on your toes to see how far your foot will go, because you don't want your toe to rest on the tip of the shoe.
