How to choose your road cycling shoes?

Whether you are a beginner, regular cyclist, or professional, wearing good shoes is an essential element for your comfort and performance. Moreover, discover our selection of high-performance cycling shoes to optimize your experience. The choice of your shoes will depend on your practice and needs.

A cycling shoe consists of 3 parts: the sole in contact with the pedal via a cleat, the upper, and the closure. We explain how to choose your classic cycling shoes for the road.

The important components of a cycling shoe

The sole

Depending on your practice and expectations, your soles will be different. It is the essential component of your shoe. To go further in your practice, explore all our road cycling equipment.

• Rigid sole (For a regular cyclist or one looking for performance): it is lightweight and often made of carbon to avoid deformation. It allows the cyclist to transmit maximum energy to the pedal and thus ensure better efficiency during your effort.

• Semi-rigid sole (Rather for the beginner cyclist): If you are looking for comfort rather than performance, opt for a semi-rigid sole. Indeed, it is more flexible than the carbon sole.

Most road shoes have a 3-hole sole that is compatible with most automatic pedals on the market. For optimal comfort during each ride, also consider completing your outfit with high-performance outdoor shoes suitable for different uses.

The closure

There are various types of closures, Velcro, with micrometric straps, and with laces.

• The Velcro is recommended for beginners. Indeed, they offer more comfort and hold your foot sufficiently. Moreover, they are easy to adjust even while riding.

DID YOU KNOW:

In wet weather, Velcro may tend to lose its grip. Additionally, depending on the weather conditions and frequency of use, the grip of the Velcro loses its effectiveness. It is therefore essential to perform maintenance and cleaning of the Velcro frequently.

• The micrometric closure (Example: BOA system) allows you to adjust your shoe according to your foot. You can also tighten or loosen it while riding to maximize your performance when pedaling. The closure with this type of system is the most precise and effective in terms of performance. If you want to discover our complete range, take a look at our Boa cycling shoes.

• Laces are making a comeback, as some brands offer high-end models with a vintage style without forgetting rigidity and performance.

Comfort

A well-held foot promotes comfort as well as the efficiency of your pedaling. Your foot should not slip in the shoe whether you are seated or standing. Also, be careful that it is not too tight to avoid injuries. Indeed, your foot will swell during effort, so remember to loosen your shoe during the effort. During long rides, equip yourself with high-performance cycling bottles to hydrate effectively.

Expert product advice:

If you buy soft and well-ventilated shoes, they are very comfortable but not very resistant to cool temperatures. Shoe covers will then be necessary, as they isolate from the cold and water. You can buy cycling shoe covers suitable for all types of outings. Nicolas - Product expert for the cycling universe About Nicolas: “Passionate about the sea and mountains and a great travel enthusiast, I particularly enjoy surfing, trail running, cycling, and snowboarding in winter.”

TO REMEMBER:

• You need to know your pedal system and ensure compatibility between the two. To complete your equipment, also consider our road cycling accessories.

• The sole and closure system will be elements to consider in your choice.

• If you want a rigid model to transmit all your power, then the carbon sole is made for you.

• If you are not looking for performance, for beginners or leisure, prefer a semi-rigid sole.