Quick Tip: Consider Cycling Shoes You Can Walk In
A coffee stop doesn’t need to require an awkward shuffle across the floor. But as you’ve probably noticed at those stops, many road riders accept difficult walking as part of wearing cycling shoes.
If you mostly ride for recreation, even if it’s fast group rides, consider a gravel or mountain-bike shoe and pedal system. They also work great on a road bike, and there are plenty of shoes in this category that have very good power transfer when pedaling. As a bonus, it’s also often easier to clip in and clip out.
Shimano SPD, which is different from the road version called SPD-SL, uses a small two-bolt cleat. In suitable shoes, the cleat sits between raised sections of tread, making walking much easier than with an exposed road cleat. TIME ATAC and Crankbrothers offer other two-bolt systems. Each needs its matching pedal cleat; the cleats are not interchangeable between systems. Shimano’s SPD guide, TIME’s compatibility guide, Crankbrothers’ compatibility information.
These are practical options for club rides, centuries, and brisk solo rides. Riding fast does not require a road-specific pedal system. Gravel racers are using two-bolt shoes on very long and fast rides.
When trying shoes, walk around as well as checking the fit on the bike. A recessed cleat helps, but a stiff racing shoe can still feel awkward on foot. Check the tread, heel grip, and walking comfort with the cleats installed.
Choose shoes for the riding you actually do. Readers, which shoes and pedals do you prefer for road riding?
