Cycling Shoes - Why and Do I need.....

[Angelfishsolo]

Hi Guys and Gals. Just a quick question. What are the benefits of wearing dedicated cycling shoes and is there is a good reason I should invest in a pair? I mainly cycle road and trail if that is a factor in the decision

 

[sjb]

Main benefit is stiffness of the sole (makes your pedal stroke more efficient - no energy waste in bending the sole) and the ability to use clipless pedals (similarly make your pedalling more efficient). I wouldn't be without them now.....

 

[MessenJah]

Once you get them you'll wish you always had them.

 

[roadiewill]

you get twice the power, pushing down and pulling up

 

[wafflycat]

Using cycling shoes with cleat on sole of shoe and clipless pedal makes cycling so much more enjoyable. You have a smoother pedal action, you get more bang for your buck so to speak as you pull on the upstroke as well as pushing on the downstroke, so you don't have to pedal as hard for the same speed. It also makes going up hills easier. I didn't try clipless pedals/cycling shoes until I was well into my forties and now I would not willingly go back to 'normal' platform pedals and 'normal' shoes. Clipping in and out swiftly becomes second nature and is easy to do, even in traffic.

 

[mr Mag00]

i think it has all been said

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Thank you very much indeed for all your help guys. I now have something else to add to my shopping list :-)

 

[HLaB]

Another big plus of clipless for me is I feel more at one with the bike and feel more confident about my handling, specifically in the rain (no more foot slipping of the pedal. My last normal pedals were titanium, which hurts when it whacks your shin.

 

[Wobbly John]

Another big plus for cycling shoes is that they last longer.

I used to wear a pair of nomal shoes or trainers out in 3 months of cycling. My first pair of cycling shoes lasted 5 years!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Once again, thanks for all your input guys. I've priced up a few sets and am working out financial logistics now. God I hate being unemployed

Another big plus for cycling shoes is that they last longer.

I used to wear a pair of nomal shoes or trainers out in 3 months of cycling. My first pair of cycling shoes lasted 5 years!