Are you going out for a ride on a road bike? You will need shoes for the activity. Several riders understand that bike riding requires riding shoes, but fitting them is a challenge.
Similarly, several people don’t understand the importance of having these shoes fit properly. It is against this backdrop that I’m going to take you through how to do it.
How Should Road Bike Shoes Fit | The Major Steps
The article shall be comprehensive on the topic and shall contain all that you need to know about road bike shoes. Please read through the article for more information.
- Choose the right shoe for the appropriate bike
The type of bike that you have will determine the type of shoe to wear. Another factor that will determine the type of shoe to wear is how you will use your bike. The BikeAdvisorPro.Com have neatly explained, how do you use different types of bikes?
Shoes for the mountain bikes, for example, have cleats that recess. That is to enable the rider to walk without any problem over short distances. They are also the best choice for commuters.
The shoes for road bikes, on the other hand, have their cleats protruding. These cleats make walking to be difficult but provides an excellent support for power when racing.
Road bike shoes are for use only when riding and not for walking.
- Select a variety that fits you well.
Your foot tends to change sizes depending on the time of the day. During the morning hours, the feet tend to be at their minimum. In the evening, it would be at its maximum size due to expansion.
The best time to visit the shoe store would be in the evening with the feet would be at its maximum. If you buy the shoe in the morning, there will be a high chance that it would not fit the feet. Always make sure that you buy a pair when your feet are at its maximum.
Visiting the shoe store in the evening will also give you a chance to do a variety of selection, and choose the best shoe.
- Select the correct type of shoe.
At the start of this article, I mentioned that different bikes have different shoes for use. Since you are to take on a road bike, make sure that you buy the shoes for that bike. Choosing the wrong type of shoe will take a tool on your riding needs!
- Do not forget cycling socks.
If you happen to use orthotics when cycling, then remember to take them with you when you go to buy the shoe. That will mean the shoes that you buy should be slightly larger to accommodate the foot and the socks.
Socks help to minimize the friction between the feet and the shoe. I would, therefore, encourage you to wear a pair whenever you are out for cycling.
- Consider all the dimensions.
There are several shoe sizes. Some of them could be thinner and longer, and some could be wider and shorter. These combinations can make you buy a pair that is not of the appropriate size.
I would still insist that you visit the store in the evening when the size of your feet is at its maximum. By that, you will likely get the best shoe for your cycling activities.
- Try several pairs of shoes.
Initially, they will be stiff because of the rigidity of the sole. You may end up thinking that the shoe is small, but it might not be. These shoes, however, easily stretch when you put them to use.
That is to means that you will feel good initially, especially when trying it out for the first time. You should, therefore, think of changing it quite often.
- Fit the shoes and stand in them.
Doing this will enable you to gauge the actual size of the shoe, and if they fit you or not. Always make sure that you leave a space of one to one-and-a-half inches between your toes and the end of the shoe.
The toes should never press against the front of the shoe. On the other hand, I should not also freely wiggle when you put it on.
- Try it several times.
Do not assume that you have the best selection before you make several tries. Measure the sizes above and below what fits you, just to make sure that you make the best selection.
The one that you select should give you the maximum comfort when cycling. A quality one also will not wear out fast. You will be able to get one after several tries.
- Walk a short distance in the shoes.
Although road bike shoes are not meant for walking, you will need to try it out. That will help you not to purchase the shoe that slips around the foot. If you buy such shoes that keep on slipping, your feet will soon develop blisters.
- Mimic peddling.
Sit on a still bench and try out some peddling. Vary the peddling speed to get different riding scenarios while wearing the shoe. That exercise should be able to give you the feeling of how the shoes will be like when you do actual ride.
Make sure that the shoes does not slip nor pinch when trying out the exercise. You will have to exchange it with another pair if you feel any of the two signs above.
- Stand and the sit.
There is a need to try it also by standing and sitting. That will give you a real feeling of cycling, whereby it involves sitting and standing, especially when going up the hill.
Sitting and standing will give you a feel and a taste of both situations, and how you should adjust accordingly.
- Evaluate the shoe for overall comfort.
In the end, whatever you settle for should be the best for you. Make sure that there are no seams that make the foot uncomfortable.
The insole should be thick and comfortable as well. It has a hard sole, and so the insole should guard your feet against it.
Conclusion
Doing a road bike is an exciting experience, however, you should have the right footgear for the same. You should always choose the appropriate shoe type and make sure that it fits you well. It should also be able to protect your feet when riding.
