What are Cycling shoes?

Cycling shoes have a relatively harder sole than normal shoes. This hard sole helps the cyclist to pedal with greater efficiency and power with minimal efforts.

The sole of this cycling shoe has a metal attachment with it, known as a Cleat. A cleat is basically a mechanism which connects the sole of your shoe with the pedals. The clipless pedals are specially designed for these type of shoes. 

Both road biking and mountain biking disciplines have their own specific kind of shoes and pedals. The mountain biking specific pedals are known as SPD Pedals, whereas the road biking pedals are also called SPD pedals but their connectivity is much stronger if compared to the mountain biking specific pedals. 

Let’s talk about some of the benefits of wearing cleats for your rides and races-

1. Wearing cleats ensures optimum power delivery, because it takes the inputs from your feet both when you push as well as pull your legs.

2. Cleats prove to be beneficial especially when you are climbing up a hill. The SPD mechanism helps you to remain intact on your pedals and ensures maximum power delivery

3. Wearing cycling specific shoes helps a rider to remain more comfortable on his bike during long rides because of its stiff sole, unlike the normal sports shoes.

4. A rider wearing cleats and using a clipless mechanism gains speed much faster and maintains it for a longer period of time than a cyclist wearing normal shoes or not using the clipless mechanism system.

Difference between Road Shoes and MTB Shoes –

Road Bike Shoes-

1. The road bike cleats have a three pin connecting mechanism and a much stronger force of attraction and almost zero amount of play between the shoes and the pedals. This helps in a more improved and efficient power delivery resulting in a greater amount of speed.

2.   The road bike shoes have relatively less stiffness index

3.   Road bike shoes tend to be more light.

MTB Shoes-

1. The MTB shoes have a two pin connecting mechanism, relatively less attraction force and some amount of play between the shoe and the pedals.

2.  The MTB pedals have relatively more stiffness index.

3.  The MTB shoes do not focus much on the weight concept.

Some Top Brands producing cycling shoes –

• Northwave
• SIDI
• Merida
• SideBike
• Cannondale
• Shimano
• Btwin

How does MTB and Road bike shoes look ?             

MTB Shoes.    

Roadbike Shoes.   

How Do Bike Shoes Work?

Cycling shoes allow you to transfer your energy into your bike’s pedal allowing you to cycle easily. They also come with clips that you can clip on your bike’s pedal and take advantage of the up and down stroke that comes with it. Clipless pedals allow you to take advantage of the more powerful downward stroke and upward motion.

There are many different types of cycling shoes that you can buy. Mountain bike shoes, road shoes, spinning shoes, and touring bike shoes are some of the most common brands of cycling shoes. If you prefer cycling cleats, it is wise to note that there are different types of cleats cycling. Make sure that you purchase cleats that work well with your bike shoes.