5 tips for buying the right cycling shoes
There are many different factors that come into play when choosing the 'right' cycling shoe, eg shoes for the road, MTB and triathlon, the choices are large. If you are going to buy a shoe, one thing is the most important thing, namely the shoe must fit well. Below are five tips that you can pay attention to when choosing a cycling shoe, the right type of shoe and of course the fit.
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1 - Choose the right width
The front part of the foot is the most important part when it comes to transferring the forces from the foot to the pedals. The widest part of the foot should therefore not be subjected to unnecessary pressures. Check that you have the most optimal fit in this part of your cycling shoe. The shoe should fit snugly, but should not put too much pressure on these areas. Keep in mind that the foot expands on longer rides. By buying the 'wrong' shoe you risk pain later.
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2 – Pay attention to the correct shoe length
Optimal shoe length is one of the most important factors to consider when buying new cycling shoes. Buying cycling shoes is completely different from buying normal everyday shoes or other sports shoes. Because there is no rolling over of the foot while cycling, as is the case with (running) walking, you do not need extra space. Therefore, to find the most optimal size, you only need 2-3 mm extra space for the longest toe. If the shoes are too large, the foot plates cannot be optimally placed under the foot with loss of power transmission to the pedals. So if you have a wide foot, don't buy a bigger shoe to compensate for this. Both the length and width of the shoe must fit properly!
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3 – Firm buttress
A well-fitting shoe fixes your heel firmly. You should not slip out of the shoe or feel extra pressure on your heel when you walk on it for a bit. With a perfect stride, the heel should not move at all. The middle of the foot should be well supported. The upper part of the shoe should also enclose the foot well. A well-fitting shoe, with a sturdy upper material and closure system, is important when 'pulling' the pedals.
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4 – Click System
Pay attention to the fastening system with which you attach the shoes. It ensures that your shoe fits snugly around your foot and provides support in your midfoot, even under energetic conditions during the cycling movement. Buckles and Velcro should not put extra pressure on the instep. Make sure the tongue of the shoe is straight when you fasten the shoes. Folds can put extra pressure on the foot. The appearance of creases can also be an indication that the shoes do not fit properly. The shoes must be easy to put on and take off so that they can be adjusted if necessary while cycling.
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5 – Your own feeling counts!
Finally: After you have listed everything, your cycling shoes should be comfortable. However, while you are trying on your favorite shoe, you may find that it is not quite comfortable or you are in doubt. Always consult a specialist in the cycling specialist if there are any alternatives (wider/narrower) that meet your requirements.
