Whether you are new to cycling or a pro at it, you cannot do well without the right cycling shoes. All your efforts in riding a bike for long distances can be more effective and truly winning attempts if you wear the right pair of bike shoes. Hence, you must know what to look for while buying bike shoes. Before that you should know the basic structure of average bike shoes so that you know what it looks like, and how to choose the right pair.
Parts and Features of Biking Shoes
Biking shoes have many features. Have a look at some of them:
They have a clip-on cleat beneath the shoe, which binds to the cycle pedal mechanically, and does not allow the foot to slip off. Rather the adjustment and mechanical connection bind the foot with the pedal so well, that you can exert more power while pushing down, and gain better momentum, and also get better pulling up force on the pedals.
These shoes are designed with soles made of stiffened and thin plastic, which are light in weight, easy to handle, and keep the feet flat on the pedal without twisting or flexing easily.
The shoes are strapped on using straps and Velcro. Lace shoes are also available for biking, but when you are in a hurry like you need to go to a triathlon event, or for short distances, then the strap on shoes are easy to wear. Also, a tight and good fit strap or buckle will not let the feet slip off the shoes in any situation.
Biking shoes are well ventilated. Many shoes have small holes on the upper surface to allow the feet to cool especially when you are biking in the hot summer months. Also, the inner mesh of the shoes is absorbent, and there are mesh outlets on the sole to allow cooling and drying if you suffer from sweaty feet when biking.
Types of Bike Shoes
There are primarily three types of bike shoes, and they are triathlon shoes, mountain biking shoes, and road cycling shoes.
The triathlon shoes are designed to help keep your feet dry after the swim, and they have a simple strap instead of the lace. This helps you put your feet inside the shoes faster during the cycling in the race because of easy one-handed operation.
The mountain biking shoes are different. As you may have to dismount often from cycles in a mountain biking session, you may have to run or walk on a dry, rocky, or muddy road. Hence, in such case shoes demand more control for all. Thus, the lugs and gripping mechanism beneath these shoes make them apt for the event. Their cleats are also a little different. Also, they are resistant to water, and the materials used to manufacture these shoes are strong and can withstand rough conditions.
Road cycling shoes are also different, and mostly light in weight. The shoes are designed with a lightweight sole made of carbon or plastic. There are not much grips or lugs in them, as these are not needed. The main feature of these shoes is that its ventilation property. They come with both straps and buckles options, which keep your feet in the place well.
Where to Buy
These are features of biking shoes are, and as you know their styles, you can now buy the right pair of bike shoes easily. You may buy them from a local sports shoe store. But do not be confused between normal sports or running shoes and bike shoes. You can also buy them from online stores.
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