Thoughts on cycling shoes

[RichB]

Just getting back into cycling after 10 years and am looking for advice on shoes. I've got some chunky for the mountain bike so these are for the road bike. It seems there are some which have rubber soles which kind of surround the cleat and others have a hard sole with the cleat sitting proud. What's the difference? Thoughts and advice appreciated.

[itsnotarace]

The recessed cleats are designed for mostly walking, these will have soft rubber soles like normal shoes (so good for casual use/commuting).

The other type where the cleat sits proud are designed for cycling and not walking, in fact walking in them wears the cleats out fast. This type of shoe will most likely have a very stiff sole for transmitting all the power from your legs into the pedal - they are way more efficient in other words.

[Rouleur]

I'd recommend Shimano shoes, they're very well designed and last for ever. Something like this should do the job, and they'll work with the Look pedals you've got http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-r077-road-cycling-...

[RichB]

Thanks chaps, must say you're all very helpful on here - if it was the F1 forum by now someone would have told me to just lose weight and not worry about my shoes

[castex]

itsnotarace said:

The recessed cleats are designed for mostly walking, these will have soft rubber soles like normal shoes (so good for casual use/commuting).

The other type where the cleat sits proud are designed for cycling and not walking, in fact walking in them wears the cleats out fast. This type of shoe will most likely have a very stiff sole for transmitting all the power from your legs into the pedal - they are way more efficient in other words.

I've no doubt that road shoes/pedals are more efficient, but my scott mtb jobs do have a really stiff sole and the recessed cleat makes them fairly practical.

Some people have reported foot pain from the smaller contact patch of the mtb pedal over long distances. I've never noticed that, but I am of course aware that it looks wrong and it's against the rules.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

+1 for Shimano shoes. Had a number of pairs over the years and they're well priced and work well.

Oh, and lose some weight and stop worrying about shoes fatty

[lgw]

I've always found Sidi's very comfortable and long lasting, if you have a fat foot I'd suggest you go up a size from your normal shoe size as the Sidi's are quite narrow

[RichB]

Rocksteadyeddie said:

..Oh, and lose some weight and stop worrying about shoes fatty

That's more like it

[RichB]

castex said:

I've no doubt that road shoes/pedals are more efficient, but my scott mtb jobs do have a really stiff sole and the recessed cleat makes them fairly practical.

Some people have reported foot pain from the smaller contact patch of the mtb pedal over long distances. I've never noticed that, but I am of course aware that it looks wrong and it's against the rules.

Thing is I use toe cages on the MTB so my shoes don't have cleats.

[lgw]

Rat traps, your showing your age now aswell

[RichB]

lgw said:

Rat traps, your showing your age now as well

Indeed yes, I'm 55 now and I grew up with them on my both of my bikes, a Carlton 5 speed and a FW Hinds 10 speed. I can still flick into them instinctively.