CYCLING SHOES

Cycling shoes are shoes designed for cycling. They come in a variety of designs depending on the type and intensity of the cycling for which they are intended. Key features rigidity, for more-efficient transfer of power from the cyclist to the pedals, weight, a method of attaching the shoe firmly to the and adaptability for use on and off the bicycle. Most shoes can be adjusted while in use, straps that have largely replaced laces.

Cycling shoes come in four basic variants, for road racing, touring, off-road or mountain biking, and spinning . Shoes for road cycling have an extremely smooth, rigid and inflexible sole, bent slightly at the ball of the foot to allow power to be transferred and focused at that point. Quality is generally measured by the shoe's rigidity, durability and lightness. Road shoes normally have no treads, and a protruding cleat for attaching to the clipless pedal which makes them unsuitable for walking. Touring shoes sacrifice some rigidity for traction and add treads and a recessed cleat, so that the rider can both walk and cycle effectively. Mountain biking shoes have a recessed cleat and studs along the sole so that riders can negotiate difficult terrain off their bikes. Mountain-style cleats are generally smaller than road-specific cleats. Spinning shoes, a recent development, are a hybrid of road and touring shoes, with a firm sole and limited traction. The material of the spinning shoe is lighter and thinner, to maximize comfort, coolness and breathability.

Modern cycling shoes are designed to work as part of clipless pedal systems. Such systems directly attach the shoe to the pedal for maximal efficiency of power-transfer, using a cleat on the bottom of each shoe and a matched fitting on the pedal. Several manufacturers produce these systems; consequently, modern shoes usually have threaded holes in the sole in various arrangements to attach cleats from different manufacturers.