| There are shoes made for every activity, and | | | | this kind of shoe is that you're likely to wreck a |
| bicycling is no exception. As there are a variety of | | | | few times as you acclimate yourself to them. |
| bicycling activities, there are also a variety of | | | | Also, such shoes are no good to walk in as the |
| shoes made specifically for each activity. Before | | | | cleat constantly gets in the way. Such shoes are |
| getting into the types of shoes made for cycling, | | | | made just for riding and racing. |
| you first need to decide what your budget is. This | | | | There are also road shoes which don't latch onto |
| will help you narrow down your choices. You don't | | | | the pedals. Typically these have smooth firm |
| want to spend more than you can afford, but | | | | soles. Shoes made for mountain bike also may |
| you also don't want to go home with a shoddy | | | | feature a cleat and binding system similar to road |
| pair of shoes. A decent pair of cycling shoes can | | | | bikes. Typically, though, such shoes unhook easier |
| be purchased for under $100, and, of course, you | | | | because mountain bikers often have to remove |
| can go way higher than that. | | | | their feet from the pedals. The more common |
| Once you've decided how much you want to | | | | type of mountain bike shoes don't latch on at all. |
| spend, you need to focus on the kind of riding | | | | They feature rugged soles similar to hiking boots |
| you intend to do. Will you be riding a road bike, | | | | and are, in fact, very similar to hiking boots. For a |
| mountain bike, or a BMX/freestyle bike? Are you | | | | recreational mountain biker, hiking boots will work |
| looking to race or to just do your own thing and | | | | just fine. |
| get some exercise in the process? | | | | BMX riders and freestylers use shoes which are |
| Whether it's a road bike, mountain bike, or BMX | | | | very similar to shoes made for skateboarding. |
| bike, if you're just going to be a leisurely rider | | | | These shoes have stiff soles with excellent |
| than almost any pair of athletic shoe will suffice. | | | | traction so they grip the pedals and provide as |
| Your only concern should be the grip of the sole. | | | | much power as possible. The uppers on these |
| For safety's sake you need to be sure that your | | | | shoes are strong and durable to withstand the |
| shoes are at least good enough to hold onto the | | | | beating they'll endure while doing tricks and flying |
| pedals. | | | | around dirt tracks. |
| Now, if you're going to be a little more serious | | | | If you're just an occasional bike rider, any pair of |
| about your riding then you need to start looking | | | | sneakers with a good sole will do, but if you're a |
| at more specialized shoes. First we'll start with | | | | more serious rider than you need to get a pair of |
| cycling shoes made for road bikes. Shoes made | | | | specially made cycling shoes. They're produced by |
| for the serious road cyclist feature a cleat on the | | | | a variety of manufacturers based all over the |
| bottom which hooks onto specially made pedals. | | | | world. Figure out what your budget is, envision the |
| This design allows for maximum power transfer | | | | sort of riding you intend to do, and do some |
| as it allows you to generate power while pushing | | | | research. Ask the pros at the local bike shop and |
| down and raising your feet. The disadvantage to | | | | look online for reviews and information. |