How to choose the right road or mountain bike shoes?

How to choose the right road or mountain bike shoes?

Visit shoes are essential performance equipment for several reasons. Firstly, they transmit power from the rider to the machine. Secondly, comfort can be a limiting factor if shoes are painful over time. Finally, the weight of a rotating object is much greater than it seems. Materials, compatibility with different types of pedals, soles: here's our advice on the best choice.

Standard pedals

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROAD AND MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES

You might think that cycling shoes are relatively simple in design. In truth, they're a concentrate of technology, and shoes have evolved a great deal in recent years to ensure greater comfort and better performance...

In simple terms, a shoe is the combination of a upper (outer part that covers the whole foot), a liner (inner part) and a toe cap (outer part that covers the whole foot). sole outsole.

SHOE COMPOSITION

The 1 upper consists of the upper, tongue, heel and any mesh and/or ventilation inserts.

4 The upper is the outer part from the toe to the ankle. It may have a classic multi-panel design, but is increasingly of the one-piece type to limit the number of seams and thus increase comfort. Top-of-the-range models adopt a thermoformed design for a perfect fit, great lightness, optimal aerodynamics and an incredibly streamlined look. Anti-abrasion fabrics may also be used to protect against rubbing or stone projections.

It is completed by a 2 tongue whose quality is essential to ensure optimal support, without moving during effort or exerting pressure points, in direct link with the 3 the shoe's tightening/closing system.

From mesh inserts or laser microperforations may be present on the forefoot and instep to ensure good foot ventilation.

Let's not forget the 5 heelThe heel is essential for support during effort, ensuring good power transmission. It is more or less rigid and reinforced.

The liner and 6 insoleas well as the 7 removable insole (or insole), will finally have an influence on comfort. A bruised or ill-fitting foot in a top-of-the-range shoe will be ineffective.

OUTSOLE MATERIAL

The outsole The outsole is the most important part of a cycling shoe, since it plays the most important role in transmitting power, in finein pedaling efficiency. So it's also the element that largely explains price variations from one model to another.

The stiffer the sole, the more power it will deliver with each pedal stroke (little deformation with pressure). On the other hand, they are less comfortable for the foot, especially over time.

Conversely, a softer sole will deliver less pedaling power, but will be more comfortable, especially over time. So it's up to you to find the right balance between power and comfort, depending on your riding style (performance/leisure, duration of outings).

For performance-oriented models, carbon is the preferred material, while composite, nylon or polyamide soles are more suitable for less demanding riders. Some models can combine several materials, with carbon fiber reinforcements for example: they then gain in precision and watt transmission, without becoming too elitist for all that.

  • Rigid sole 100% carbon
  • Benefits Very good power reproduction, lightness, finesse
  • Disadvantages less comfort, high price
  • Less rigid sole nylon (sometimes with carbon inserts), fiberglass or polyamide
  • Advantages good pedaling comfort, more affordable price
  • Disadvantages less pedaling power, slightly less durability

CLAMPING SYSTEMS

Having a rigid sole without effective foot support means limiting your pedaling power. The more demanding the user is in terms of performance, the more precise the clamping system needs to be. The type of fastening is therefore directly dependent on your riding style.

The differences will lie in the type of clamping (Velcro, micrometric buckle, knob, laces), and their number, bearing in mind that several devices can be combined. It's also important to remember that the most important tightening point is the top one, as it's the one most used by the cyclist.

For this reason, several supply systems are available on the market:

The traditional Velcro strap (or Velcro) tape is widely used on all types of footwear. Lightweight, easy to apply and providing effective tightening, it can however lose grip with wear and tear, rain or mud. Scratches are sometimes used in conjunction with other tightening systems, such as laces.

Visit laces are very present on mountain bike shoes or DH-type shoes, where precise tightening is less of a priority, but also increasingly on road shoes and Gravel shoes! Manufacturers are succeeding in creating high-performance shoes that are flexible enough to use this type of closure. The result is great comfort for the rider and a very clean look.

The micrometric buckleThe micrometric buckle, also widely used in various categories, offers much more precise adjustment, often to the nearest mm. With a long service life, this system is also often available as spare parts.

Finally, the BOA system system (registered trademark) is the most precise and intuitive to use. It ensures uniform tightening to the mm, thanks to a cable that runs through the entire shoe, and is often available as a spare part. The most costly system, it can also prove a little too fragile for serious mountain biking (Enduro, DH).

Some models mix tightening systems, with a micrometric buckle and two Velcro straps instead of three.

A tight-fitting shoe is synonymous with support. However, it's often necessary to go up a size or two in your street shoes: the foot swells with effort. Wide-footed cyclists can even find specially designed shoes. Certain pathologies, such as abnormal arching of the foot, can be addressed by changing the insole.

COMPATIBILITY WITH FLAT OR AUTOMATIC PEDALS

A automatic pedal allows you to "hang on" to the bike by means of a clip-on cleat attached to the bottom of your shoe. This provides greater stability and facilitates the transmission of effort.

At MTBthe SPD-type wheel chocks shims are on the market. They are attached to the sole by 2 Allen screws. Small in size, they enable manufacturers to design shoes that are well suited to walking. Time pedal cleats are screwed in the same way as other brands.

 

At Roadthe wedges are larger and offer better support. They do, however, make walking very precarious! Most are fixed with 3 screws.
Hikers who want to be comfortable once off the bike should opt for SPD insoles.
Speedplay pedals use a specific 4-hole system, but adapters make them compatible with classic 3-hole soles.
With a few exceptions, any shoe can be used with any pedal. This broad compatibility applies, for example, to Look pedals, a pioneer in this field.

Some pedals are said to be "mixed", as they feature dual automatic/flat pedal compatibility.

Lastly, DH or Enduro shoes may, on the other hand, be designed for use only with automatic pedals. flat pedals

WHICH SHOES ARE RIGHT FOR ME?

Stiffness, weight, ventilation, resistance of materials, type of sole or fastening are some of the criteria to consider.

Hiking

Visit mixed shoes are well-suited to leisure mountain biking. Whether you're just getting to grips with automatic pedals, or riding technical trails for the day, shoes with a minimum of stiffness to transmit effort, and above all a high level of comfort, will do the job. Depending on the climate, and always with comfort in mind, a well-ventilated model may be preferable. Finally, for breaks or steep, slippery climbs, stable shoes with crampons will be useful.

Cross-Country

Here, performance is the main objective. rigid shoeswith carbon outsole are a must-have. Their lightness avoids unnecessary extra effort. Competitors, with their feet firmly planted, can pedal without fear of energy loss. For Marathon events, softer shoes can protect the rider over time and, ultimately, be an advantage. Of course, automatic pedals are a must, as they improve performance.

All-Mountain

A comfortable model, compatible with automatic pedals and reinforced, allows you to tackle mountain outings with confidence. A flexible, well-cramponed sole ensures good riding sensations, while offering maximum grip in uphill portage phases.

Enduro

Here, riders need to protect their feet from impact, thanks to a stem and reinforcements reinforcements. A high, ankle-hugging model is an option to consider. The sole must enable efficient pedaling, but it's the right amount of flexibility that will give competitors the best possible feel for the terrain, while maintaining support. Here again, crampons are indispensable for getting out of perilous situations while walking. Enduro shoes can be compatible with automatic pedals, flat pedals only, or both.

DH / Freeeride

DH / Freeride shoes are based on the same specifications as Enduro shoes, although the impacts can be even more violent. Reinforcements are omnipresent and weight can increase. Certain technologies allow for controlled torsion of the shoe, to improve contact with the pedal and thus riding sensations. The sole and heel must absorb as much shock as possible. A combination of laces or micrometric buckles and Velcro straps is reliable. For models specifically designed for flat pedals, a soft sole sculpted to grip the spikes is preferable.

Road

On the road, there's no doubt: lightness and rigidity are ideal for competitors, who will be looking for 100% soles to transmit all their power. Leisure riders can opt for softer materials, without forgetting to check the model's comfort and breathability.

Triathletes will find high-performance shoes in the catalogs that are quick to put on: transitions are facilitated by a buckle at the heel and a unique Velcro fastening. These models dry quickly

Gravel and Cyclocross

In Cyclocross, as in Road or Cross-country, the shoes must be able to transmit power thanks to a rigid sole. For winter use, a weather-resistant model is a plus. Of course, a sole suitable for walking is essential, so cramponed mountain bike shoes are preferable. Gravel, sometimes synonymous with adventure and improvisation, requires a minimum of flexibility and soles adapted to walking.

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