iCyclelite.com

photo credit: richardmasoner

When you choose your cycling shoes you have to make sure that they are fit for purpose.  And that means fit, comfort, and power transmission.

The fit is achieved through various different locking mechanisms which are based around velcro straps.  3 strap systems are the best, and after that a number of different companies also offer fast release adjustment clips, which are important if you are wanting to make adjustments as you cycle along.  As you exercise your foot may swell a little so easy adjustment on the bike is important.  This affects comfort but so does the sole stiffness and toe box.

The sole should be light, and as stiff as you can get it.  Any flex on the power stroke will mean losing some of that power, but will also make your feet ache.

Some adjustment of foot pain can be achieved by using orthotic insoles for your cycle shoes, but you should try to get a good fit from the start. Particularly important to this is that the arch of your foot is supported.  If you are going to use an insole make allowances for the extra room needed – unfortunately it’s a bit of a fine balance so be aware as you are making plans.

All proper road cycling shoes have a 3 bolt fixing system because you have a wider platform to push down on.  Cleats come with the pedals, not the shoes, so make sure that the pedals are also equipped with three bolts.

Heal protection is important, but unlike mountain bike shoes you won’t be expected to wander around much in road bike cycling shoes.  Muddy Fox currently have some cheap cycle shoes at under £30, sold by Sports Direct (RRP £60+)

Finally in terms of comfort, look for a larger toe box to allow wriggle room and your foot to spread on the power stroke, but nothing too sloppy.

Women’s cycling shoes and men’s cycling shoes differ quite a bit in terms of how broad they are.  Women tend to have smaller feet…and the shoe is sometimes made more feminine which is great considering more and more women are moving up into the male dominated world of cycling and there are women specific races.  Question is, will their be podium boys to kiss the girls as much as there are podium girls who kiss the boys?

If you are training throughout the year and not being a wimp and hiding on your trainer in the winter  - my bike stays warm and dry, I run in the winter – then you might want to look into a second pair of cheaper winter cycling shoes that you won’t be too pained to end up mashing up a bit.  You can get overshoes though to keep even the nicest pair of cycling shoes in good nick!

As far as branding is concerned, diadora make a great range and you can get some really cheap but serviceable pairs  - recently I have seen them as low as £19.95 on Amazon but you have to fore-go trying them on of course, and at this price they are often end of line and you are limited to foot sizes – USA size 8 in many cases (Eur 42?).

Specialized, Shimano, Time, DMT, DHB, Lake and Sidi cycling shoes are all good makes and deserve consideration.  Usually you can find a good pair in the £40-£100 price bracket, and there is little improvement for the average cyclist and sportif competitor in going above this, apart from a Christmas or birthday present of course!  If you are looking for a first pair, the lower end is good and the DHB R1 is currently a good choice with all the features mentioned above.