How To Choose The Right Cycling Shoes - A Buyer's Guide
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Road or MTB shoe? Laces or straps? In this video, Simon talks through some of the main features to consider when buying your next pair of cycling shoes.
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Just like most cycling equipment, there's a ton of choice out there when picking out footwear. Firstly, work out if most of your riding is on the road or off-road. Mountain bike shoes have grippier soles that are more suited to walking around in. Road shoes have a stiff, smooth sole which is better suited to transferring power. The stiffer the sole, the better the power transfer (so the theory goes).
The most expensive shoes on the market will be super-light, often with a full carbon sole, with a natural leather upper - the Fizik shoes we were checking out were kangaroo leather. Of course, the most important thing is how well your shoe fits - comfort comes from a nice, snug fit and a bit of ventilation that doesn't let too much cold air in.
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Getting into cycling in 2020, this playlist is a lifesaver
Sanchit Batra sameeee
Been cycling for a good while, but still re-watch these videos all the time whenever I’m buying new gear or carrying out maintenance!
Better than the new video of GCN about shoes... hmmm...
Same
Will there be another video on how to choose the left cycling shoes?
Ka w
🤣🤣🤣
Jin Not Jim dude😂😂😂
Jump off a kliff
Great video. I would like to suggest that those new to sport should opt for MTB type of cycling shoes because of their comfort and how easy it is to walk with them. For me, the high quality, expensive road shoes are nice, but the actual difference of power output is so minimal, that I'd rather be comfortable, be able to get off my bike and walk to a cafe than walk like a penguin.
That's a proper Thousand Yard Stare from Dan there.
I have full carbon MTB shoes from Sidi, and they fit my new road bike I bought just cause I been watching your channel. Great channel!!!
Man i love this channel. No matter what question i type into youtube, you guys always have a video for it!
i'm an mtb shoe guy. love being able to walk. i also have a pair of stealth mtb shoes, which are great if you just want to ride in "street" clothes, which stealth shoes blend into nicely.
This dude always has the answers I look for
4:50 That's how Dan stares at every Mountain Biker that watches GCN videos
Many top end mountain shoes seem to be the same as their road version except with a rubber bottom sole and spd bolt holes. It's nice to only have to worry about remembering one pair of shoes instead of having brought the wrong ones accidentally!
I was exploring the wonderful depth of GCN videos and watched this classy guide. Interestingly Si said never where two pairs of cycling socks? I may be superstitious but I now wear two pairs every time I race as I've only ever finished in the lead group with two pairs compared to being dropped with one pair 😂
Thanks so much. This video helped me in making a decision which shoes and pedals would work best for me. I ended up getting Shimano Ultegra PD-6800 SPD-SL Pedals and Shimano SH-R088 Road Shoes. My first time using Clipless .pedals. I set the spring tension very low and practiced clipping in and out against the wall to get comfortable. After a bit I ventured out on a bike trail and rode for 31 miles. The next day 19 miles. What I nice experience. Very comfortable. Again thanks for this Video.....and all the rest of your videos as well..
I ride strictly a road bike but use mountain bike shoes. Mainly because they're easier to walk in and the clips are the same ones they use at the YMCA where I do some occasional spinning classes.
It might be worth following this up with a "how to" on replacing the threaded shoe cleat receptacles (T-nut, I believe). They're easily stripped when tightening and easily destroyed when an old bolt freezes into them. I definitely don't want to toss out a $200-$300 pair of shoes, but the material under the shoe sole isn't typically designed to allow what should be a simple repair.
I think a section covering the various makes is super important: brands like fizik, sidi and mavic don’t suit people with broad feet, giro is fantastic for comfort
I make it easy - flat pedals with (tennis) court-style shoes. Shoes are stiff enough for some riding benefit, but easy to walk in too. I just jump on any of my bicycles and off I go for a nice ride, nothing complicated or expensive about it. And since I'm not 'maximizing efficiency' by using bicycle-specific shoes I get a little better work-out benefit. Cheers
Excellent idea! We should give Dan all the black shoes, and keep the interesting colors for ourselves!
Alexandar Hull-Richter 4 out of 5 "black" shoes on that table are actually gray...
Reverz 100% of all "black" products are actually gray. A material that doesn't reflect light has yet to be invented. How dark something must be to be considered "black" is therefore entirely subjective.
I, on the other hand, was trying to be funny...
I'm surprised you didn't discuss what's inside the shoe. Footbeds (not the insole) vary greatly and can make a big difference on dampening vibration and heat transfer (e.g. cork). There are a number of approaches to improving heel retention (I personally like the "cats tongue").
Thanks for the post. I had hot feet and found adjusting the cleats helped. i also put different liners in and longer clips for the adjustments. as you say fit was important for me. i went in to the shop and tried the shoes after i had been in my shoes toward the end of the day.
My Converse high tops have worked for me since the 60s. No need to change now.
PS, White is by far and away the fastest colour, period!
For those with wide feet, you can't beat Shimano R088 and R170/1. They're the only ones that have been comfortable for me - all the other brands I've tried (Specialized, Scott, Sidi) have been far too narrow and painful.
I like MTB SPDs for my recreational riding but many MTB shoes are clunky or flexible so I have Shimano RT - Road Touring shoes. Reasonably wide fitting too.
is there any reason to use a cycling sock over a normal athletic sock?
mowie1236 Nah, just make sure the socks are made out of carbon fiber.
mowie1236 No, purely aesthetics. Incredibly important for some, less so for others. The decision is yours!
Jesus Christ below-ankle socks are great if you don't want to end up with ridiculous tan lines.
Jesus Christ Yeah? How did that cross tan line work out for you then?
***** Indeed. Same goes for fancier cycling shoes and kits in the city (not counting the mtb stealth or ride&walk shoes). Why...just why? You'll spend more energy unclipping for every 10m because of traffic lights and intersections, not to mention trying to walk any more than ten steps without looking ridiculous. I've seen so many wannabe pros rushing through the traffic and getting nearly hit because of it. Yeah, they look cool and can clearly cycle very fast, but they're not breaking any records or strava challenges, so why does everyone have to be at risk because of a showoff. Let alone the existence of people who only wear full black gear and no lights, because reflective stuff make you or god forbid your bike look "cheap".
My very proper stiff soled white road shoes have holes for both look and spd cleats. I prefer the spds frankly. Good to know about some of the other stuff though.
I'm still rocking a 10 year old set of nikes. So comfy I bought a second pair when they stopped making them so will have comfy shoes for years to come. Comfort above all else...oh and carbon soles are sexy
For me key is customised moulded inserts - for solid base - but always found I needed half size bigger shoe. So get them BEFORE you buy the shoes. Next week 'How to choose the left cycling shoe...' if Simon can find that matching white fizik. (Black in winter, white in summer btw)
A shame that you didn't got deeper into the real differences between road and mtb pedals. I personally use mtb because I don't want to look like a drunk duck while walking in my cycling shoes. However, I've always wondered if I'm missing out by not using road specific pedals.
Maybe a "GCN does science" on this issue?
I am the same. I have a £2000 road bike I just bought, my second one. both have MTB types. because fuck road cleats where you cant walk at all.
Plus, the mtb pedals are double-sided, so there's no searching for the correct side, and they are easier to get in and out of, a definite benefit in town at traffic controls. The one double-sided road pedal I tried, Speedplay, is lightweight, but the cleat setup makes up any weight difference. The cleats are also easy to clog if you happen to step off the pavement.
Always considered road pedals appropriate for courses closed off by police where unclipping happens only at the end of the ride. I've never ridden one of those, though...
Something to also consider for some of us is how good the shoes are for walking, and for this mtb shoes seem to be better. (I personally walk a lot with my cycling shoes because I don't want to carry extra shoes while commuting)
maxremming they have them type of shoes at lidl or aldi sometimes, i think youre in luck as a cycling promo has just started
Hey gents! I have just purchased a 2nd training bike/winter bike & am going for Shimano MO 65 mtn bike shoes with spd pedals; I will be using it for touring, sportives and training & just think it will be great to be able to walk comfortably off the bike..
With my other bike, I have Look Keo pedals and road shoes: great on the bike, but walking anywhere is not comfortable...
Would you recommended MTB shoes for commuters with road bikes ?
Matt has an awesome taste in furniture. Reminds me of The Rockford Files TV show, retro and cool.
If you scratched his table with those shoes, he will be none too pleased.
And plump up his cushions, show some respect!
I'm finding many of the new boa systems crush the top of the foot downward, vs the older strap systems which angle the top strap more to pull the heel back into the cup. So a lot of boa buckles are more easily adjusted, but hurt the top of the foot and don't perform as well when climbing due to the angle of the buckle. It took quite a while to figure out why this was happening to me, and may also be related to the height of an individual's arch.
SIDI and Diadora for me. Cheers from Los Angeles.
Do a video on how to heat mold your shoes using home equipment (oven, plastic bag, bucket of water for pressure maybe?).
I think ill use mountain bike shoes evem for my road bike cause i can just get of my bike without changing shoes and also have the good feeling of "being clipped in"
Gonna need a GCN How to Tie Shoe Laces video soon xD
White shoes!
Sidi Genius shoes are the best period. I have owned three pairs over the last 20 years and all I can say is wow about the shoes. Other brands don't come close to Sidi quality and fit.
real men ride barefoot
+DysrMe And with no handlebars or saddle. No gears either, singlespeed. Plus the entire bike is made of solid steel.
omg lol
Except for the tyres, which are made of concrete.
No they just run lol
Bhahahaha
There are shoes that can handle both types of cleats. Spiuk Altube R for example.
brilliant information. off to the shoe store tomorrow!
exactly ;) I have both MB and road shoes white !!!
Will you do a video on whats better Pros and Cons, buckles, boa, velcro, and now laces? thanks!
good video, now we need the pedals choice video
No1. Consideration.....bling bling bling !
Very good video, since Simon closed the video talking about how the show looks, I think the follow up should be done by The Brick, about mix n' match shoes and socks...specially those he own really stripped and extremely colorful...
one thing you didn't mention is different types of cleats and ease of clipping in and out.
Can you comment on the "buying one size up" theory?
Dan's psychotic stare at the end was scary! haha
I tape the sole holes up with insulation tape during the winter. Great video.
Problem with velcro closing is that it attract all the dirt, hair(from my dog!!!!) and other stuff. Very difficult to clean the velcro.
cycling is expensive
Amel B yes, I buy my equipment from ebay. I don’t really want to spend upwards of £30 on my roas bike shoes! No choice tho.
In case anyone has been having the same problem as me, extra narrow feet, the narrowest shoe I've found is the Giro Factor
Woah, new camera? That fps is freaking me out haha, nice video though. I've never cycled with purpose-built shoes before, been considering the R5B Uomo.
***** yes - we've yet to decide whether or not we like seeing our presenters in more detail though.
I am actually interested in the mtb shoes. What is the type and model of the mtb shoes in this video?
i like the white ones
Hey I'm 15 and I've recently caught the riding bug, I just bought my first road bike and I was wondering what brand of shoes I should get for smaller feet
Are shimano and nike same size?i need answer asap I will order online
My personal choice are Zol road shoes, I needed a manufacturer that just makes shoes and gloves and ones that makes road shoes that goes with SPD pedas
I'm a brand new cyclist and LOVING it.... and I'm in the pedal, cleat and shoe research phase. I can't help but wonder why there are no mountain bike / commuter shoes with three bolts?
And OMG this channel has so much great info! Subscribed!! :)
These guys are hilarious!!! Love this channel!!!
What are your opinions on the Giro Empires?
In my opinion they're the best looking shoes on the market. Are laces the next big thing or just an alternative option?
Re ventilation holes in the sole. It's much more versatile to *have them* I think. Tape them up with 'leccy tape in the autumn when it starts to cool. Then when the summer arrives, just remove the tape.
Can't do that if you don't have any ventilation holes!
Paul Jakma Not sure I like having tape on my shoes, but yes you certainly can do that.
A little bit of black electrical tape on a black sole? You'd be hard-pressed to see it, even if someone was looking at the underside of shoe (usually not visible), other than if you're holding the shoe!
Global Cycling Network Inside the shoe under the inner sole.
Inside the shoe will mean the vent hole (often a fine gauze) will still get muck into it. Also, there will likely still be fabric or material of the shoe upper between the tape and the hole, and moisture can still seep in.
An appropriately trimmed bit of black electrical tape, tightly stretched over the hole on a black sole is practically invisible. Least, no one will notice it unless they're holding the shoe and inspecting the sole!
I like to wiggle my feet before jumping a jump
I don't like the idea of feet being clamped to my pedals.
***** OK THANKS
Vegas Cyclist thanks for the advice :)
Granny Gear Mountain Biker (Liverpool Cyclist) you can loosen the tension on the pedals until you get used to them. there are mtb shoes that have a recessed cleat so you don't click on the ground when walking and they are styled like normal trail shoes so you don't have to be a bike dork on your commute around town.
Brian Fastabend thanks i'll look into it.
Cheers.
I love my Bont vaypor plus.
I am 15 and my first purchase of shoes are planetx carbon
To a road bike is it possible to use MTB cleats and shoe? If yes or no what are the advantages and science involved in it?
I have a question. I have Shimano SPD M540 pedals. I was told that they are for mountain bikes. I currently have road shoes. I just put the cleats on the road shoes. So will it impact my riding if I ride 2 bolt cleat on my road shoe? Or should I invest on getting new pedals to go along with my new road bike shoes? I have not noticed a big difference since I have been riding them. I just am not sure if it's safe to ride the cleat on the road bike shoe. Like a full on sprint, if my show will pop out of the pedal or what not. Thanks.
Nice concise and informative vid Si, but what about insoles? Standard vs custom made vs something like the Specialized insoles? What are your personal opinions and experiences?
Robert Berman I think insoles are like bike-fits. Some riders swear by them, other rides will go a life time with no problems. I fall into the latter camp having had advice not to bother from my team doctor at the time, but Dan uses some in all his shoes for example.
Thanks for the reply. How do I go about getting custom insoles, or even investigate them?
Robert Berman Google I'd suggest ;-)
WhT would you recommend for time tome using shoes
On a long road trip, how do you walk around in road shoes? Do you have to travel with a pair of regular shoes if you want to go into a grocery store or a restaurant?
Use bike cleat covers designed for the type of cleats you have.
You eventually end up with SPD.
Unless racing is your main thing.
+allgoo19 What's SPD?
+1lifeonearth says:
"What's SPD?"
==
SPD is short for "Shimano Pedal Dynamics", which is a name for a clipless(or strapless) pedal system(cleats lock into the pedals).
It was introduced shortly after the original clipless pedal marketed by Look in 1980s made famous by Greg LeMond in Tour de France winning performance.
The main difference between the Look pedal and SPD pedal is that the latter is walkable which means the hard part of the cleat is recessed into the sole, so it's less likely to make a scratch marks on your hardwood floor.
At least that was the original idea but you still can't avoid the contact between the cleats and the ground completely.
With SPD, you won't have to walk like a Penguin as you do with Look type pedals (and most other clipless pedals).
Loo pedals are used by nearly entire road racers and SPD are used by almost all other races, MTB races, cyclocross races etc, and commuters and some recreational cyclists.
Flat pedals (no lock-in) pedals are still popular among BMX racers BMX free style, trial competition and all other utility bicycles, kids bicycles and will never go out of style.
+1lifeonearth says:
"What's SPD?"
==
I just watched the video again.
SPD is the same as "mountain bike pedals" described in the video.
There are other walkable shoes-depals on the market(such as Speedplay Frog, but they use the same drilling) and SPD is a trade mark for Shimano, so they didn't want to use the term, I guess.
Big majority (my guess is over 95%) of walkable clipless market is dominated by SPD.
allgoo19 Ohh i see, thanks
Also Shimano road pedals are labeled SPD-R and are basically the same style as LOOK. Just putting that out there
Any idea who made Nike's cycling shows in the late 2000s era? My altea 2s are wearing out but I want a shoe with the same amount of built varus so my undercleat shims will do the trick when I swap them out. Thanks for the help!
thank you very much.Quick shipper.Good Product.
Wide feet? Shimano shoes always fit me best. If anyone knows other brands with a wide toe box, let me know.
I had serious pain, possibly caused by too-narrow shoes on a multi-day ride. I'll check out Shimano's line.
Do you guys have anything related about how to chose the correct saddle? Can you make one?
Best cure for hot foot syndrome is the new Zola Budd line in cycling shoes.
what mtb shoes are the ones in the video?
I agree with Simon that road cycling shoes should always be white, the only issue is keeping them clean.
Will there be a video on how you walk in those shoes? Road or MTB. A have road shoes and i dont't know how to walk properly and kip my theet :D
fizik R5 uomo are really nice. the white ones ;)
I will buy a new shoes, because my previous shoes broke when I crash last week. Should I buy a MTB shoes like the previous one or should I upgrade to Road bike Shoes? Now I have MTB clipless pedal on my Schwinn Road Bike.
love the new fi’zi:k R5B Uomo. Total steal for the price! Are Simons choice ones the R3B ??
Andrew Bedford Yeah Simon's on the R3B (in white obvs) and the M3.
which brand of shoe can you recommend for extra wide feet?
Nige NZ Northwave come up pretty wide and companies like Specialized and Shimano make different widths on a couple of their models.
Fi:zi'k R5's come up very wide too.
thanks =)
+Nige NZ If all else fails consider Bont Cycling shoes, they come in wide and are heat moldable too!
You blokes are awesome... Any great vid... Thanks!
I need a runners channel like GCN
If any content creator is listening GRN please..
Oh geee, i hate running so much xD
that would be awesome
Ronak Pol you are in luck. GTN is a thing now. Running included
GTN (global triathlon network) includes running..
GTN :)
awesome. thanks for your advice 😊🙏💒🚴♂️
SHIMANO GR 5 2019 THE BEST AND GOOD FOR WALKING AT A GOOD PRICE ! RATHER COMFORT THAN PRICE !
difference between mtb and road shoes?
kingSisu MTB Shoes tend to be like normal trainers but with cleats, road shoes are for never getting off your bike
(In a nutshell)
If anyone hear wears a running shoe in size us 11 what size in EUR do you normally buy your cycling shoes?
Is there any performance difference between road and cross shoes when I ride a road bike? I mean power transfer and so on.
I have cross ones for my road bike, they have hard sole and work pretty well for me.
I ride to and from the gym on a fixie so which shoe?
is look keo cleats compatible with chicano sh r200 shoe?
an important consideration to factor is cheap shoes and cleat failure. cheap nylon shoes become cracked and brittle, thus becoming an accident waiting to happen. I'd like to see a shoe with a semi-rigid alloy plate and rigid sole, leather or rubber.
I am here for road shoes 👞
Cycling socks...I didn't know that was a thing
Currently still deciding if I even should buy cycling shoes since I currently ride cross country on flats and I don't think its necessary ...
LZproductions100 of cource it is necessary
LZproductions100 obviously you'll need to change your pedals if you buy new shoes
Great Video!👍🏽
I have really narrow but long feet. At the moment I wear Giro Rincon in UK13 / EU49 size. I think I could use a bit more narrow shoes. Wich brand makes really narrow shoes (for SPD cleats)? Thanks
what's the best shoes for road biking that doesn't use clips