| When you start running, you get running shoes, | | | | also consider light hiking boots or trail-running |
| right? And when you play basketball you wear | | | | shoes. These are good for mountain biking |
| basketball shoes. Golfers wear golf shoes, and | | | | because they provide above average traction, are |
| tennis players wear tennis shoes. Cycling is no | | | | sturdily built, and are often water-resistant, which |
| different. There are a number of shoes made for | | | | can come in handy when you're blasting though |
| bike riders and plenty of shoes that aren't | | | | mud puddles. |
| specifically made for bike riding but work well, | | | | If you're an avid or competitive cyclist, then |
| nonetheless. | | | | you're probably already familiar with the most |
| Most people can get by riding their bikes wearing | | | | popular sort of shoe for this kind of riding. |
| almost any kind of athletic shoes. Tennis, | | | | Professional-grade cycling shoes feature clips on |
| basketball, running, cross-training, etc. will work | | | | the bottom which lock into specially made pedals. |
| just fine for the average rider. As long as they | | | | A quick flick of the ankle will release the shoe, but |
| have a good sole on them they'll be fine. It's | | | | they're held firm during normal riding so your feet |
| important to wear shoes with a good grip | | | | don't lose contact with the pedal, which robs the |
| because you don't want your feet to slip and | | | | racer of precious power. Clip-on shoes allow you |
| knock your shins off the pedals, which can hurt | | | | to generate power as your feet are pushing |
| pretty bad and cause you to wreck and do even | | | | down and raising up, which is quite an advantage |
| more damage to yourself. Another thing to | | | | over regular shoes. Clip-ons are not generally |
| consider is the stiffness of the sole. A relatively | | | | recommended for mountain biking because you |
| stiff sole allows you to keep more of your foot in | | | | frequently have to take your feet off the pedals |
| contact with the pedal, which, in turn, gives you | | | | to deal with difficult terrain. |
| more power. Shoes made for skateboarding are | | | | Cycling is a great way to get into shape. It's easy |
| especially well-suited for the recreational rider, as | | | | to adjust the activity to each rider's level of |
| well as BMX riding and freestyling. | | | | fitness and interest. If you're just getting into |
| Will you be doing most of your riding on the road | | | | cycling you already know that your choice in |
| or off? This is an important consideration as it will | | | | equipment is important. Don't forget that what |
| affect your choice in shoes. If you're going to be | | | | you wear while riding is important, too. Part of |
| doing a lot of mountain biking then you should | | | | that consideration are your shoes. A good pair will |
| wear relatively sturdy shoes with rugged soles. A | | | | serve you well and help keep you from getting |
| solid pair of skateboarding shoes will usually work | | | | hurt. |
| pretty well for this kind of riding, but you should | | | | |