How to choose the right Road or MTB shoes?

Shoes are an essential performance item for several reasons. First of all, they ensure the transfer of the rider's power to the machine. Furthermore, comfort can become a limiting factor if the shoes are painful over time. Finally, the weight of a rotating object is far more significant than it might seem. Materials, compatibility with different pedal types, soles: here is our advice to help you choose wisely.

Standards

• The composition of the shoe: vamp, tongue, inserts, heel counter, inner bootie, soles;
• The material of the outer sole: carbon, composite, nylon or polyamide, combinations of several materials;
• The closure system: Velcro, laces, micro-buckle, BOA system
• Compatibility with the different types of pedals: SPD system, Speedplay, Look and Time pedals, flat pedals, hybrid pedals

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROAD AND MTB SHOES

One might think that cycling shoes are a relatively simple product. In reality, they are packed with technology and have evolved greatly in recent years to provide greater comfort and improved performance…

In simple and practical terms, a shoe is the combination of an upper (the outer part covering the entire foot), an inner bootie (the inner part) and an outer sole.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE SHOE

The 1 upper itself is made up of the vamp, a tongue, a heel counter, and possible mesh inserts and/or ventilation panels.

4 The vamp is the outer part running from the toe to the ankle. It can feature a classic multi-panel design, but is increasingly of the one-piece type to limit the number of seams and thus enhance comfort. High-end models adopt a thermoformed design for a perfect fit, great lightness, optimal aerodynamics and an incredibly clean look. It may also be reinforced against abrasion from rubbing or stone strikes thanks to anti-abrasion fabrics.

It is completed by a 2 tongue, the quality of which is essential for ensuring optimal support, without moving during effort or creating pressure points, in direct connection with 3 the shoe's closure/fastening system.

Mesh inserts or laser microperforations may be present on the toe box and over the instep to ensure good foot ventilation.

Let's not forget the 5 heel counter, essential for support during effort and a guarantee of good power transfer. It is more or less stiff and reinforced.

The inner bootie and the 6 inner sole, as well as the 7 removable insole (or footbed), will ultimately have an influence on comfort. A bruised or poorly supported foot in an otherwise high-end shoe will be inefficient.

THE MATERIAL OF THE OUTER SOLE

The outer sole is the key component of a cycling shoe, as it plays the greatest role in power transfer and therefore, in fine, in pedalling efficiency. It is also therefore the element that largely explains the price differences between one model and another.

The stiffer the sole, the better the power return with each pedal stroke (minimal deformation under load). However, they will be less comfortable for the foot, particularly over longer rides

Conversely, a more flexible sole will offer less pedalling efficiency but will be more comfortable, particularly over longer distances. The rider must therefore find their own balance between power and comfort according to their discipline (performance/leisure, ride duration).

On performance-oriented models, carbon is therefore the preferred choice, while composite, nylon or polyamide soles are aimed at riders who are less demanding in terms of efficiency. Some models can combine several materials, with carbon fibre reinforcements for example: they gain in precision and watt transfer without becoming too exclusive.

• Rigid sole: 100% carbon
• Advantages: excellent power return, lightness, thinness
• Disadvantages: less comfort, high price

• Less rigid sole: nylon (sometimes with carbon inserts), fibreglass or polyamide
• Advantages: good pedalling comfort, more accessible price
• Disadvantages: less pedalling power, slightly lower durability

CLOSURE SYSTEMS

Having a stiff sole without effective foot support is the same as limiting your pedalling power. Therefore, the more demanding the user is in terms of efficiency, the more precise the closure system needs to be. The type of closure is thus directly dependent on the discipline.

The differences lie in the type of closure (Velcro, micro-buckle, dial, laces) and the number of fastenings, noting that several systems can be combined. It is also worth bearing in mind that the most important fastening is the one at the top, as it bears the greatest load from the rider.

Several systems are available on the market for this purpose:

The traditional Velcro strap (or scratch fastening) is widely used across all types of shoes. Lightweight, easy to use and providing effective tightening, it can however lose adhesion with wear, rain or mud. The Velcro strap is sometimes used in combination with other closure systems, such as laces.

Laces are very common on MTB shoes designed for Enduro or DH where precision of tightening is less critical, but also increasingly on high-end Road and Gravel shoes! Manufacturers are indeed able to create high-performance and flexible enough shoes to use this type of closure. They provide great comfort for the rider and a very clean look.

The micro-buckle, also very widespread across different categories, offers a much more precise adjustment, in clicks, often to the millimetre. With a good lifespan over time, this system is also often available as spare parts.

Finally, the BOA system (registered trademark) or dial closure is the most precise and is designed to be intuitive in use. It ensures uniform tightening to the millimetre thanks to the cable that runs throughout the shoe and is often available as spare parts. The most expensive system, it can also prove a little too fragile for aggressive MTB disciplines (Enduro, DH).

Some models combine closure systems, for example using a micro-buckle and two Velcro straps instead of three straps.

A well-fastened shoe is synonymous with support. However, it is often necessary to go half a size or a full size up compared to your everyday shoes: your feet swell with effort. Riders with wide feet can even find shoes designed specifically for them. Certain conditions, such as an abnormal foot arch, can be addressed by changing the inner sole.

COMPATIBILITY WITH FLAT OR CLIPLESS PEDALS

A clipless pedal allows the rider to be "clipped in" to the bike via a cleat attached under the shoe that clips in. This provides greater stability and makes it easier to transfer effort.

In MTB, SPD-type cleats dominate the market. They are attached to the sole with 2 Allen bolts. Small in size, they allow manufacturers to design shoes well suited to walking. Time pedal cleats are fitted in the same way as those from other brands.

 

On the Road, cleats are larger and therefore provide better support. However, they make walking very difficult! Most are fixed using 3 bolts.
Riders who want to be comfortable once off the bike will tend to prefer SPD soles.
Speedplay pedals use a specific 4-hole system, but adapters make them compatible with standard 3-hole soles.
With a few exceptions, it is possible to use any shoe with any pedal. This broad compatibility applies, for example, to Look pedals, a pioneer in the field.

Some pedals are described as hybrid because they offer dual compatibility with clipless pedals / flat pedals

Finally, DH or Enduro shoes may conversely be designed exclusively for flat pedals

WHICH SHOES FOR MY DISCIPLINE?

Stiffness, weight, ventilation, material durability, sole type and closure type are among the criteria to consider

Touring

Hybrid shoes are well suited for recreational MTB riding. Whether getting started with clipless pedals or riding technical trails for a day, shoes with a minimum of stiffness to transfer effort — and above all great comfort — will do the job. Depending on the climate and always to prioritise comfort, a well-ventilated model may be preferred. Finally, for breaks or steep or slippery climbs, stable walking shoes fitted with cleats will come in handy.

Cross-Country

Here, performance is the main objective: stiff shoes with a carbon outer sole are a must-have. Their lightness avoids unnecessary additional effort. With the foot well supported, the competitor can pedal without fear of energy loss. For Marathon events, more flexible shoes can protect the rider over time and ultimately prove to be an advantage. Of course, clipless pedals are a must as they significantly improve efficiency.

All-Mountain

A comfortable model, compatible with clipless pedals and reinforced, allows you to tackle mountain rides with confidence. A fairly flexible and well-lugged sole ensures good riding feel while providing maximum grip during hike-a-bike sections on the climbs.

Enduro

Here, riders need to protect their feet from impacts with a robust upper and well-positioned reinforcements. A high-cut model wrapping around the ankle is an option to consider. The sole must allow for efficient pedalling, but it is well-balanced flexibility that will allow competitors to feel the terrain as accurately as possible while retaining support. Again, cleats are essential for getting out of tricky situations on foot. Enduro shoes can be compatible with clipless pedals, flat pedals only, or both.

DH / Freeride

DH / Freeride shoes follow a specification very close to that of Enduro shoes, even though impacts can be even more violent. Reinforcements are everywhere and weight can increase. Some technologies promote controlled torsion of the shoe to improve contact with the pedal and therefore riding feel. The soles and heel must absorb impacts as much as possible. A closure combining laces or a micro-buckle with Velcro straps proves reliable. For models designed specifically for flat pedals, a soft and sculpted sole designed to grip the pins is preferable.

Road

On the Road, there is no doubt: lightness and stiffness will suit competitors, who will turn to 100% carbon soles to transfer maximum power. Recreational riders can opt for more flexible materials, while still checking the comfort and breathability of the model.

Triathletes will find in the catalogues high-performance shoes that are very quick to put on: transitions are made easier by a heel loop and a single Velcro closure. These models dry quickly

Gravel and Cyclocross

In Cyclocross, as in Road or Cross-Country, shoes must be able to transfer power thanks to a stiff sole. As it is a winter discipline, a model that is resistant to bad weather is a bonus. Of course, a sole suited to walking is essential, so MTB shoes with cleats are preferable. Gravel, sometimes synonymous with adventure and improvisation, requires a minimum of flexibility and soles suited to walking.