Shoe Help

[Eviljeem]

Does anyone know if you have to get a certain type of shoe to go with the Shimano A530 pedals?

Also where is the best place to get good, cheap shoes?

Cheers

 

[xpc316e]

The A530 is a dual sided pedal - one side is used with shoes fitted with SPD cleats, while the other is a flattish platform used with trainers or normal shoes. You will get maximum benefit from using cycling shoes and SPD cleats. You will find plenty of shoes that are suitable, and they are OK to walk in as the cleat is recessed into the sole of the shoe. Many web retailers sell last year's models at vastly reduced prices, but shoes are such a personal thing that I'd recommend visiting a local bike shop and seeing what fits and what doesn't. Having decided, it would seem to me to be a bit unfair to then buy shoes from the web. If you do not support local shops where will you go to try on shoes when they all go out of business?

 

[accountantpete]

Take a trawl through eBay and then compare the prices in the bike shops.If buying on the internet check out any sizing issues associated with the make of shoe - eg shimano are usually a tight squeeze so go up one size from your normal shoe size.

 

[HJ]

A pair of cleats should have come with the pedals, so you can use any shoe which will take an SPD cleat (not SPD-SL). Just looked at CRC they have a sale on, shoes from £15. As has been said above Shimano are generally a rather narrow fit and other brands can vary, for this reason I would suggest going to a LBS and trying some on before buying. Once you have your shoes this guide to fitting cleats maybe useful...

 

[bud_white]

LBS is definately the way forward. I just spent a long time looking for the right shoe. I didn't want to spend a fortune, but I spent a lot on a Road Bike and MTB at once. I didn't really want to be cheap with the shoes as thought it would be money well spent as I will be wearing them a hell of a lot.

My LBS had loads for me to try on and ordered some in for me to try due to my large feet.

 

[Eviljeem]

Cheers for all the advice, I shall try some locals then.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

eg shimano are usually a tight squeeze so go up one size from your normal shoe size.

I agree with that although someone got snotty with me and said it was illogical.....

 

[Fnaar]

Some folks won't agree with me, but about twice a year or so, Lidl and Aldi get cycling gear in. Some of the gear (lights, some tools) is dire, but usually the clothing is good quality. I have a pair of Lidl spd "trainer type" shoes I bought about 3yrs ago for £17.99. They're really good quality, and look like lasting for years to come. When they eventually wear out, I have another pair under my bed bought this year for £19.99.
I'd recommend them, personally.

 

[accountantpete]

I agree with that although someone got snotty with me and said it was illogical.....

You could spend a day researching the various measurements the manufacturers use -it did my head in after an hour or so.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I went to an LBS in the end and tried a few and it confirmed everything I'd read about sizing!

 

[Woz!]

Some folks won't agree with me, but about twice a year or so, Lidl and Aldi get cycling gear in. Some of the gear (lights, some tools) is dire, but usually the clothing is good quality. I have a pair of Lidl spd "trainer type" shoes I bought about 3yrs ago for £17.99. They're really good quality, and look like lasting for years to come. When they eventually wear out, I have another pair under my bed bought this year for £19.99.
I'd recommend them, personally.

I've got these and while initially pleased with them, after only a couple of months I've just noticed that the plastic where the cleat mounts is breaking loose from the sole of the shoe