How to choose cycling shoes

With cycling shoes combined with pedals, you can significantly increase the efficiency of your ride. You'll go faster, cover greater distances and use less force. However, it is important to choose the right type of cycling shoes to suit your riding style.

This text will help you to get a basic orientation in the selection of cycling trekking shoes, if you want to ask for further details or consult your choice, we will be happy to help you directly in our brick-and-mortar shop Ski a Bike Radotín.

Cycling shoes can be divided into four main categories:
- road bike cycling shoes,
- MTB mountain bike cycling shoes,
- special cycling shoes (spinning, triathlon, winter shoes)
- hiking cycling shoes for recreational use.

Suitable models can be found in the cycling shoes section.

Road cycling shoes

Road cycling shoes have a smooth sole, are designed almost exclusively for pedalling and thus only allow short pedestrian movements, for example when you stop at a restaurant and want to get a snack. The emphasis is on maximum breathability of the shoe (they usually have a ventilated sole) and the rigidity of the sole. Their surface is not as resistant to contact with flying stones and dirt as mountain bike shoes.

MTB cycling shoes

Mountain bike cycling shoes, on the other hand, have a sole adapted to the fact that the cyclist sometimes needs to dismount the bike and cross an exposed terrain on his own. Therefore, they have a thick sole with a pattern and the possibility of installing plugs (similar to those on football boots) in the front of the shoe. In mountain bike cycling shoes, you can thus easily cover the passage on foot even in very difficult and muddy terrain. The upper part of these cycling shoes is resistant to contact with stones and dirt, which occurs when riding off-road.

Cycling shoes for recreational use

Recreational cycling shoes differ from the above two categories in that they are softer and have a more flexible sole that is reinforced only around the foot locks. The appearance of these cycling shoes is no different from regular sports shoes. The locks are recessed deeper into the sole, so you can walk in the shoe without any problems, the shoe does not click. Often these shoes are equipped with a vibram sole, which is also used in hiking boots. For example, if you are going on a holiday where you intend to combine cycling with hiking, recreational cycling shoes  will do just fine.

All recreational models can be found in the category of hiking bike trainers.

Winter cycling shoes

The cycling shoes designed for winter riding are constructed especially with regard to maintaining the cyclist's comfort in adverse weather, i.e. cold, rain and snow. Of course, they offer the same benefits as traditional cycling trainers, i.e. quality foot support, a rigid sole, firm fastening and the possibility of a firm connection between the foot and the pedal for lossless power transmission.

The upper part of winter trainers is usually made of waterproof material, often with a treatment that repels water and dirt. High-quality models are equipped with a membrane that, while waterproof, also provides excellent breathability and a windstopper that reliably resists wind. The construction of waterproof trews includes taped seams.

Winter trainers are also insulated, often with an extended neoprene cuff up to the ankle to prevent water from reaching the rider's foot. Some models have an insole with a metal foil that provides excellent thermal insulation in the foot area.

An alternative to winter trainers are winter cycling leg warmers. Heated cycling insoles are an excellent aid in the fight against the cold.

Women's cycling shoes

Women's cycling shoes meet all the parameters of classic cycling shoes as mentioned above, depending on the category (road, mtb, etc.). However, they differ in that their design corresponds to the differences in the anatomy of the female foot compared to the male foot - the female foot is shorter and has a more subtle heel. This is why women's cycling shoes have a narrower heel section, to ensure a perfect fit around the foot and to prevent the heel from sliding out when pedalling or "wobbling" unnecessarily in the shoe. Women's cycling shoes are of course available in smaller sizes and in purely women's designs.

Special models of cycling shoes (spinning, triathlon)

This category includes mainly triathlon or spinning trainers, i.e. disciplines that require specific functional elements.

For triathlon treads, it is especially the possibility of easy and quick putting on after the athlete gets on the bike after the swim. The treads are already clamped in the pedals and only need to be quickly put on and pulled over the heel. This is what the design of the heel part of the treads must allow, which should be sufficiently soft and elastic. A strap that makes it easy to pull the sneakers quickly over the heel is also practical. Triathlon sneakers are mostly used barefoot, so it is important that they have smooth inner hems and seams, otherwise they could cause blisters or abrasions to the rider's foot.

Spinning cycling shoes are designed for training rides on a stationary bike in the gym. Their pedal "cases" are therefore recessed in the sole to avoid damaging the gym floor. The sole is also adapted for walking and does not get dirty - it does not leave smudges. Spinning sneakers also tend to be lightweight and very breathable, often using laces. In most cases, they can also be used as cycling shoes for classic outdoor cycling in a recreational sense.

Sole stiffness and sole pattern

An important attribute of cycling shoes is the stiffness, or rather the flexibility of the sole. Sometimes we talk about flex. The harder and less flexible the sole, the more athletic the cycling trainer. This is because it allows a better transfer of forces from the cyclist's feet to the pedals. The best sports trainers therefore have a carbon sole that is both very stiff and light. Recreational shoes, as you already know, have soles that are softer and more flexible to allow walking as well.

The pattern on the sole also varies according to the intended use. Off-road shoes have a rougher sole, while road and urban models have a smoother one. The sole of MTB trekking shoes is designed for occasional uphill walking or jogging. With recreational trekking models you can handle even longer walking.

How to choose the right size of cycling shoes

In order for cycling shoes to fulfil their purpose, i.e. to transfer your power to the pedals more efficiently, it is essential that the foot is firmly fixed in the shoe. This is mainly achieved by choosing the right size and shape of shoe. The shoe should fit perfectly, it must not push, but at the same time it must not bulge when the heel moves upwards. One of the main advantages of cycling shoes is that there is a posibility to stroke even when the foot is moving upwards. You can also achieve a better fit and more comfort when pedalling by choosing the right insole.

Fastening system

The fastening system is also important for a good fixation of the foot in the cycling shoes. The best cycling shoes are often equipped with the so-called BOA system, i.e. tightening the shoe with a very durable steel cable that is controlled by a plastic ring. A very good fastening system is also a plastic belt with a ratchet buckle, which is usually combined with Velcro fasteners. Recreational trainers then have only velcro or laces.

Compatibility with foot pedals

When buying cycling shoes, make sure they are compatible with pedals or their locks. With MTB treads this problem is practically eliminated, because almost all MTB tread systems have cases for mounting on the 2-hole standard with which all MTB treads are made.

It can be more complicated with road treads and pedals. The cheaper road treadle models are ready to fit the 2-hole (SPD) and 3-hole systems (SPD-SL, LOOK, Speedplay, Time). For higher shoe models, you can use only pedals with the 3-hole system. However, it should be added that the vast majority of road pedals are manufactured with this 3-hole system. Due to the large number of tread systems in existence, cases (locks) are always included with tread pedals, not cycling shoes.

Suitable models can be found in the pedals section.

If you are not sure about the right choice of bike treadles, we will be happy to welcome you in our Ski and Bike Radotín shop, where our expert sales staff will help and advise you. In our e-shop you can take advantage of our 60-day return guarantee. If the ordered cycling shoes do not fit you, simply return them.