Triathlon Shoes – Cycling Shoes and Bicycling Shoes

Cycling Shoes Shopping Guide

Bicycling Shoes - Different Types

When selecting cycling shoes, depending on what type of cycling someone does, he or she will need a different type of shoe.  Typically, the main categories for cycling shoes are triathlon cycling shoes, road cycling shoes, mtb cycling shoes, and indoor spinning shoes.

Triathlon Shoes

Triathlon shoes have certain characteristics that are shared with road shoes but they also have some differences.  Like road shoes, triathlon shoes typically come with either a hard nylon sole or a lighter carbon fiber sole.  Cycling shoes for triathletes with a hard nylon sole will be less expensive but heavier than triathlon shoes with a carbon fiber sole.  Triathlon shoes also have a loop on the outer heel to allow the triathlete to get out of his or her shoes more quickly during transition.  Additionally, triathlon shoes have either one or two velcro fastening straps while most road shoes have up to three straps (often one of those straps may have a ratchet fastener).  From a functionality standpoint, triathlon shoes having only one or two velcro fastening straps allow for easier entry and easier exit from the shoes.  Furthermore, triathlon shoes designed in this fashion allow for more ventilation and air flow which is crucial to keep the feet drier.  Drier feet will typically result in a better run.

Most triathlon shoes are either Look or Shimano pedal compatible.  Triathlon shoes that are Look compatible will typically work fine with Look Keo Cleats  assuming that the triathlete has Look KEO pedals.  Likewise, triathlon shoes that are Shimano compatible will typically work fine with Shimano SPD-SL cleats .

Road Cycling Shoes

Road cycling shoes typically come with a hard nylon sole or a lighter carbon fiber sole.  Road cycling shoes with a hard nylon sole will be less expensive but heavier than road cycling shoes with a carbon fiber sole.  Road cycling shoes typically have 3 fastening straps to tighten (or loosen) and ensure the proper fit.  Less expensive road cycling shoes will often have all velcro straps.  More expensive road cycling shoes will often have one of the three straps with a ratchet which is helpful in attaining a more customized fit.

Also, a new category of road cycling shoes has become more popular.  Customized shoes, while usually the most expensive and often with carbon soles, allow for the cyclist to put the shoes in the oven and the inner portion of the shoe becomes molded to the cyclist's foot shape upon putting the foot in the shoe after it is taken out of the oven.

MTB Cycling Shoes

MTB cycling shoes exhibit many characteristics which are a function of the terrain and weather that the cyclist will encounter. 

MTB cycling shoes will have a sole with more traction for cyclists who may need to dismount and carry the bike through rocky trails or even through lakes or rivers.  It is common for these shoes to have rubber soles and even spikes to assist with traction.  On flatter trails, mtb cycling shoes can also have smoother soles and even carbon soles which will cost more than rubber or hard nylon soles.

MTB cycling shoes also come in varying designs regarding support around the ankles.  Some mtb cycling shoes are cut below the ankle, some are considered mid-length (which cover the ankle), and some are high top mtb cycling shoes which are more common in the coldest climates and tougher terrains which require that the cyclist has maximum support and warmth.