Buying cycling shoes: what to pay attention to?

By Patrick

You're going to buy new cycling shoes, maybe for the first time. There are many shoes on offer however, so what exactly should you look for? This can be difficult, so we will help you get started. We will share some useful tips to help you find the right cycling shoes to suit your needs. That way you can be sure you will enjoy your cycling even more. Make sure to read on!

The cycling shoes for which we share tips in this blog are also suitable for spinning. So are you hesitating between these two forms of cycling? Or maybe you are doing both? Either way, you need to have the right pair of shoes. Yes, a singular pair will suffice for both forms of exercise! There are a couple of things to keep in mind when browsing for cycling shoes however, which we will share below.

Five tips for new cycling shoes

Wondering how to approach shopping for cycling shoes? We will share four handy tips that will get you off to a great start in your journey. Pay attention to these features:

Width of the shoes
Stiffness and shape of the sole
Closing system
The closing system
Clicking system

Width of the shoes

It is important not to choose shoes that are too wide and end especially not too narrow either. You may be used to paying attention to the length of shoes. In this case, look carefully at the width as well. In particular, shoes that are too narrow can be very painful. However, are the shoes too wide? If so, you will find that you start sliding out of them while cycling. This is just as annoying, because you can't apply power properly and you won’t exercise effectively.

Stiffness and shape of the sole

Also pay attention to the stiffness and shape of the sole. Especially if you are more experienced it is a good idea to buy a more rigid sole. This allows you to apply more force, but it also gives less flexibility. If you go cycling occasionally or if you are not that experienced yet, a less stiff sole is therefore often a better choice.

The closing system

Cycling shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any cyclist, and the closing system is an important factor to consider when choosing a pair. There are three main types of closure systems for cycling shoes: Velcro, ratchet, and BOA. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

Velcro is the most common type of closure system for cycling shoes. It's simple to use and adjust, and it's relatively inexpensive. However, Velcro can be less secure than other closure systems and it can wear out over time. Ratchet closures are more secure than Velcro but can be more difficult to adjust on the go. BOA closures are the most expensive but offer the most precise adjustment and a very secure fit. When choosing a pair of cycling shoes, it's important to consider what type of riding you'll be doing most often. If you're mostly riding on roads or paved trails, any of these closure systems will work well. However, if you're planning on doing more off-road riding or racing, you'll want to opt for a shoe with a more secure closure system like ratchet or BOA.

Clicking system

When you’re ready to ride, the last thing you want to do is waste time fiddling with your shoes. That’s why many cyclists prefer shoes that use a click system to attach to the pedals. With a click system, also called clipless pedals, your shoes are always securely attached to the bike so you can focus on pedaling.

The first step in using a click system is to purchase shoes that are compatible with the type of clipless pedals you have. Once you have the right shoes, attaching them to the pedals is easy. Just line up the front of your shoe over the pedal and push down. You should feel a “click” as the shoe engages with the pedal. To release your foot from the pedal, twist your heel outwards and away from the bike. If this is your first time using a click system, it might take some practice before you get used to it. But once you master it, you’ll love how easy it is to get in and out of your cycling shoes while keeping them firmly attached to your bike.