Most cyclists start by riding in sneakers. For short trips, this is more than enough. But the more regularly and longer you ride, the more the difference becomes apparent. By the end of the ride, your feet tire more quickly, you press harder on the pedals, and it becomes increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position.
Cycling shoes help avoid these sensations. They support the foot better, distribute pressure more evenly, and allow for more efficient power transfer to the pedals. The choice might seem complicated at first glance. In reality, you just need to ask yourself the right questions: where will you be riding, with what pedals, and how long will you need to walk?
The experts at Routes and Roads have prepared this guide to help you choose cycling shoes suitable for city, road, gravel, mountain biking, and bike touring.
Table of Contents:
Why wear cycling shoes
Where to start
Which cycling shoes to choose
Sizing and fit
Other criteria to consider
Common mistakes
Conclusion
Why wear cycling shoes
For the first few kilometers, you don't really feel the difference between sneakers and cycling shoes. The real advantages reveal themselves later, after a few hours of pedaling: you understand that your feet tire less, pressure is better distributed, and your rhythm remains as stable as at the beginning.
The explanation is simple. The sole of a cycling shoe is designed to work with the pedals. It deforms less under load and holds the foot better. Each pedal stroke thus becomes more stable.
The difference is particularly noticeable during long road rides, for example in the Chevreuse Valley, but also during multi-day tours on the EuroVelo routes in France.
The benefits of cycling shoes are particularly noticeable over long distances
Where to start
Don't start by comparing brands, materials, or closure systems. Start by defining your practice. The answers to three simple questions will already rule out a large number of models that won't suit you.
Where will you be riding?
City cycling, road training, gravel, and mountain biking place different demands on shoes.
What pedals do you use?
Cycling shoes must be compatible with the pedal system used. Before buying, check which pedals are on your bike or which ones you plan to install. If you are still assembling your bike, it is often simplest to choose pedals and shoes at the same time. This will avoid compatibility issues.
Will you often need to walk?
On some routes, you only need to walk a few meters to the office or cafe. On others, you regularly encounter sand, stairs, river crossings, or rocky climbs. This point directly influences the sole construction and the type of cleat attachment.
Once you have answered these three questions, the choice becomes much simpler.
Before purchasing, check which pedals are on your bike
Which cycling shoes to choose
For city and bike commuting
If cycling has become a part of your daily life, walking comfort quickly becomes an essential criterion. After your ride, you still need to get to the office, climb stairs, go to the store, or meet friends. So choose a model that you're comfortable in even when you're off the bike.
In Paris, these situations are part of everyday life. Versatile cycling shoes are therefore often the most practical choice for city commuting.
For road cycling
A road ride can last several hours, without prolonged stops. In these conditions, the main objective is to efficiently transfer power to the pedals. A stiffer sole helps maintain pedaling cadence throughout the ride.
The difference is particularly felt during a long ride, for example in the Chevreuse Valley, where many road cycling enthusiasts regularly come to train.
For gravel and bikepacking
Gravel routes almost always include sections that are easier to walk. Sometimes, a few meters of sand, wet stones, or forest trail are enough to feel the difference between two types of shoes.
For this type of riding, choose shoes with a grippy sole, designed for comfortable walking. This is a real advantage for cyclists who regularly ride in the Vexin Park or for several days on the EuroVelo routes.
On gravel routes, some sections are easier to walk
For mountain biking
On forest trails, shoes are more exposed to rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Reinforcement at the front, good heel protection, and a durable upper help maintain comfort and better protect the foot on difficult sections.
These details become particularly relevant on technical trails, for example in the Fontainebleau forest, where climbs and descents are often interspersed with short walking sections.
Sizing and fit
Incorrect sizing is the primary cause of discomfort. Even the best cycling shoes won't work miracles if your foot is cramped or your heel moves inside.
When trying them on, your toes should be able to move freely, and your heel should stay firmly in place, even if you press hard on the pedal. Pressure on the sides of the foot or at the instep will generally only worsen over time.
Try on shoes with the socks you usually wear for cycling
Try on the shoes with the socks you usually wear for cycling. If possible, do it in the evening to better assess the real comfort of the shoe, as feet tend to swell slightly during the day.
Other criteria to consider
Once you've found the right size, compare a few construction elements. These don't have a functional impact, but can significantly influence the feel of pedaling.
The sole stiffness should match your practice. For long road distances, a stiffer sole is generally more suitable. In the city, for gravel, or on a bike trip, shoes that are comfortable to walk in are more practical.
Also look at the closure system. Laces, Velcro, and BOA systems don't adjust in the same way. The most important thing is that the shoe conforms evenly to your foot, without creating pressure points.
The upper should retain its shape, provide good ventilation, and dry quickly after rain.
The choice of closure system primarily depends on your preferences
Common mistakes
Choosing cycling shoes solely for their look. Design says nothing about comfort. Fit, compatibility with pedals, and with your riding style are much more important.
Buying a model "for later", in anticipation of future training. If you ride in the city and occasionally go for a ride, very stiff road shoes will not make your outings more enjoyable. Choose a model that suits your current needs.
Neglecting the fitting. A few minutes in a store are not enough to get an accurate idea of comfort. Try on both shoes, tighten them, walk a little, and check that your heel stays firmly in place and that your toes have enough freedom.
Not considering the type of pedals. Before purchasing, make sure the chosen shoes are compatible with your pedal and cleat system. This check takes only a few minutes and can save you unnecessary expense.
Tightening shoes too much. Your foot should be well supported, but never compressed. Excessive tightening reduces comfort and can cause numbness in the toes.
A good shoe fit is the key to comfort
Choosing shoes that are too small. During the day, feet tend to swell slightly. If the shoe already feels tight when you try it on, the discomfort will only worsen over the kilometers.
Conclusion
Good cycling shoes don't necessarily make a strong impression on the first try. Their advantages reveal themselves gradually, kilometer after kilometer. After a few hours in the saddle, you no longer think about the position of your feet. All attention is focused on the road, the route, and the joy of riding.
At Routes and Roads, you can try on cycling shoes from different brands, choose compatible pedals and cleats, and find a model suitable for city, road, gravel, mountain biking, or bike touring. Our experts will help you choose a comfortable pair for your first ride, and one that will remain so after several thousand kilometers.
