The Best Shoes for Cycling: Beginner's Guide

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Cycling is both a challenging and rewarding activity. A great pair of shoes can make the difference between a good and bad time on the bike. On the other hand, wearing uncomfortable or poorly-fitting shoes can result in pain and frustration with your ride. Choosing the best cycling shoes for you is an important part of your cycling experience.

Check out this guide to learn how to find the best cycling shoes for your needs, what to look for when buying, and how to take care of them!

What To Look For When Buying Cycling Shoes

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Cycling shoes are a specialized type of footwear made specifically for cycling. They differ from other types of athletic shoes due to the rigors and requirements of riding a bike.

For instance, cycling shoes have a stiff sole that's designed to pedal with efficiency. They also have a more rigid upper that keeps your foot in place to prevent foot slippage- especially if you're pedaling hard or going uphill.

In order to find the best cycling shoe for your needs, you'll need to evaluate the different features each shoe has and make sure it aligns with your needs as a cyclist.

For example, if you're looking for a pair of shoes for short rides on paved roads, you might want a lighter shoe without too many bells and whistles. On the other hand, if you plan on doing intense mountain biking or racing, then look into a shoe that is sturdy and supportive, with a sticky sole and reinforced toe cap.

Upper material and design

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When choosing a cycling shoe, it's important that you consider the upper material and design. Cycling shoes typically have uppers made from materials like synthetic leather, mesh, or textile. In general, textile can be less durable than leather but more breathable and also more water resistant.

Designs vary as well. Some cyclists prefer shoes designed for mountain bike cycling with a rugged tread pattern on the soles to assist climbing. If you don't plan on participating in any off road activities, you can opt for sleek street style cycling shoes with rubber soles designed for higher speeds on pavement.

There are so many great options out there! It can be hard to choose which one is right for you. Take your time shopping around until you find the perfect pair of cycling shoes that will work best for your needs and style!

Fit and support ​

The first thing to consider when selecting a cycling shoe is the fit. Shoes that don't have enough room in the toe box, or that pinch your toes, can lead to numbness and pain on your ride.
Along with a good fit, there are a couple of other aspects of a cycling shoe you should pay close attention to:

1. The tension between your heel and the footbed.
2. Arch support - you may wish to add orthopedic insoles.
3. Structure of sole - this is important for those who spend a lot of time on their bike.
4. Firmness and grip type of the out sole - consider if you will be walking around in your cycling shoes!

Material and design

The first thing to consider when looking for cycling shoes is the material. Cycling shoes are made from a variety of materials including leather, nylon, mesh, and synthetic fabrics.

Depending on your needs, you may be better suited to one type of shoe over another. For example, if you're prone to foot pain or have sensitive feet, synthetic fabrics can make more sense since they they can mold to your foot faster than natural other materials.

The design also matters- some cyclists may prefer a clipless pedal while others will want a toe clip or strap. You'll need to decide what suits your needs best before buying cycling shoes!

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How to Care for Your Cycling Shoes

Cycling shoes are a necessity for any cyclist. These high-performance shoes help you pedal with ease and comfort, so it's important to take care of them.
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When you're not cycling, shoes should be stored in a dry place. It's best to keep them off the floor and propped up on a shoe tree or a pair of sneakers. This will keep the insides from becoming dirty and smelly.

If your shoes do become wet from rain or sweat, towel dry them before storing them to ensure they don't mold from sitting in dampness.

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The best way to clean your cycling shoes is by wiping them down with a damp cloth after each ride. You can also use a spray cleaner if you prefer, but make sure it doesn't contain alcohol because it could damage your materials.

To remove excess dirt or mud, use some saddle soap on the outside of the shoe while avoiding contact with the inside, which can cause damage due to its abrasive properties.

​After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and wipe dry again with a soft towel to prevent water spots on the leather surface of your shoes.

​For persistent stains on parts that can't be removed with saddle soap, try using some baking soda on that area followed by an application

Conclusion

Choosing the right cycling shoes is critical to your comfort and performance. It’s important to only buy the best shoes for cycling to be comfortable, perform well, and last a long time. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you out.
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Now that you know what to look for when buying cycling shoes, you can find the best ones for your needs with confidence.

Keep these tips in mind when searching for your new cycling shoes and you’ll be on your way to finding the best pair. If you found these tips useful, do share them with a friend!