All You Need To Know About Cycling Shoes | GCN's Guide To Cycling Footwear

You've started road cycling but not yet made the switch to dedicated cycling shoes and pedals. But it's easy to see exactly what the benefits to switch are, and, if you do decide to get cycling shoes, which should you pick? Ollie is here today to explain the differences between the most common types of shoe available so you can decide what's best for you!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@kiki-ig8fq]

I'm a new cyclist. Every single time i start doing research into something, 2 days later GCN produce a video. It's freaking me out!

[@nhankhanhtran1331]

Pls doing research in how to find money

[@milogranite859]

It’s artificial intelligence, AI, spyware.. Used to freak me out too.

[@grahambarker2186]

ignore the sh!t about pulling up....thats crap....as is the why do cyclists shave their legs....

[@markbrown8023]

its great i know right

[@calebgonsalves2970]

They typically make multiple videos on the same topic

[@wotexpat9367]

‘Really powerful sprinters’ - shows pic of Dan Lloyd. You complete troll. ;). Love it.

[@_xnk7257]

Should have shown a clip of Chris Opie :D

[@oliverbridgewood3929]

Hahahah! Couldn’t resist. We thought you’d like that!

[@davidburgess741]

Mario Cipollini maybe.

[@wiryx1]

I laughed so hard there :D

[@AhmedElBanna]

@@_xnk7257 1

[@robtk3]

"... tri-curious... " 🤣🤣🤣

[@mihugong3153]

haha yeah. good one

[@conan_der_barbar]

"what changes with price" is the most important section, thank you 😊

[@markj.a351]

I started cycling in 2016 and got a cheap pair of Shimano mtb shoes + cleats + pedals a year later. It remains one of the biggest performance boosters to this day. This year I'll be using my first ever road specific cleat system. The shoes just look so damn nice that I don't want to use them though.

[@paulblack6288]

I’ve just bought a Cervelo Aspero and beginning riding regularly. This channel has been so awesome and informative for me as I am a complete novice when it comes to cycling kit. Keep up the great work guys and thanks.

[@thousandyearsofoppression7760]

Awesome vid! Lifetime swimmer currently thwarted by covid pool closures in Melbourne. Exploring cycling, learnt tonnes from this, thanks!

[@goodwincycles7197]

I like how when Ollie says “people who are powerful” and The video cuts to a clip of Dan

[@julienbouillot6960]

I was just about to write that before I saw your comment.. Very cheeky Ollie :-)

[@robbchastain3036]

The perfect go-to, all-around, generally fit cyclist is Dan :)

[@conanshing778]

Real did my man dan dirty 😂

[@jp93309]

Generally speaking, do presenters do their own editing or do the producers? Wondering if Ollie decided to add Dan’s video to be cheeky or if the producers did.

[@ytcensorship8180]

@@jp93309 it does look like someone edits these clips .they look very similar.

[@biketrybe7071]

Thanks for the shout for the LBS. Like many things, we won't know how much we need them until they're gone.

[@KellyPettit]

I haven't dropped by lately because I've been busy but I never want to see this channel end so I came by to share some love. Thank you guys for what you do. My favourite KZbin channel bar none.

[@Cyclonut96]

Great video, thanks. One aspect to watch out for, I think, is also the ventilation aspect. The upper vamp should have some holes and the sole should have vent openings that help cool off your foot in the summer, and need to be closed/taped in the winter.

[@anomalousresult]

This guy has more cycling shoes than I have shoes.

[@haroldhdknoxstreet-glide5331]

Love the fact that now for Pedals for beginners and shoes i can share them with my Wife and Daughter ... Thanks a lot great information...😎🙏

[@armandoariza8488]

This is such a great video. Clear, and helpful. Thanks for this. Stay safe!

[@sv8523]

Kudos for keeping up the content also during these times! Also good that you point out that you shouldn't fit shoes in your local bike shop and then order online because that's just a scumbag move.

[@denisroym2110]

Indeed! Supporting our local shops is key to our sports. You might save a couple of dollars/pounds but losing the local expertise will cost us even more. On the plus side, my local shop offers espresso shots 😁!!!

[@davidburgess741]

Only Ok if you buy the first pair from LBS, then extras online if they're really really great.

[@dr_taka]

Unless you try in Rapha club house and they don’t have your size and you order on rapha.cc 🤣

[@pinklemonade6597]

If it's cheaper online, buy it online...

[@georgepajari5598]

If you haven't first gone to your LBS to check the fit. But if you have checked out the shoes at a bricks-and-mortar LBS, and then buy online, you *are* being a jerk. The reason the shoes are cheaper online is that the online store doesn't have to pay rent to have a store front and pay staff to cater to jerks like you. Be nice. Be fair. Don't cheat your LBS (or any other B&M retailer, for that matter).

[@adamsaslov1274]

Great video. I’m a newer rider and really appreciate your videos.

[@timbooker6567]

I bought new shoes yesterday ..... I really would have needed this guide

[@Baz520]

Really love the comment around supporting local store. We should not only go to a local store and to try shoes on then off to buy from a cheaper online store.

[@CT-vm4gf]

Good timing! I’d planned to get new shoes and pedals tomorrow 👍🏼

[@DigininjaRobin]

Definitely support your local bike shop, good recommendation.

[@daniellai9370]

I got my first pair in laces. Love the look and I can change the lace colour when I want a new look, a much cheaper option than buying a new pair of shoes

[@guywelch656]

Ok then

[@mikeainsworth4504]

Almost perfect timing - my new shoes are being delivered today!

[@Dabruv]

Mike Ainsworth which one?

[@leemathison8728]

Agree we must support local bike shops great video as always 👍

[@henrik2897]

Just switched from Grio shoes to S-works. Shoes make a huge difference! Good video

[@terencecalimpon2134]

Great walk-through!

[@Mike-sk1es]

Thanks guys, I found this video very useful.

[@robertengstrom1183]

Very informative for a newbie like me. Tks.

[@shamashiblee7954]

Thank you, extremely informative video!

[@MrTraveller.]

Helpful introduction. Thanks

[@thephatcyclist1766]

I learned a bit more about the cycling shoe. I've used Serfas cycling shoes for quite some time, they come in wides which is a plus. My foot need that little bit of extra room. So give them a checkout when you can. Alway go for the middle range, save you the time and money $80 to $90 should keep your feet happy and pedaling easier.

[@jeffcooldude3530]

Thanks for the help with shoes! 🚴‍♂️

[@alfredthehodophile]

Was literally scrolling through online shopping and had "added to cart" one pair that i liked then this video came out! Perfect timing! Watched the video, realized several points, and voila, order cancelled. Hehe. So much better to buy personally. Thanks GCN fam!

[@kellybravo5988]

Brilliant and informative vid...thank you

[@jpjipperwong]

I think there are a few things that are also important that was missed here. In terms of the upper there is also a fact of breathability. Some people have sweaty feet or need more support. "Splashing the cash" can generally offer you a more comfortable ride because some shoes I think offer special insoles, adjustable arch support and the ability to customise how your foot feels in the shoe which is most important because it'll keep you riding! Francis Cade I think also did a video on picking cycling shoes too which is helpful if you have had foot issues in the past👍

[@slwsnowman4038]

I got a pair of the Giro Empire E70 Knit shoes. My feet haven't felt cooler on a bike ride. Got them from a local Performance Bike's going out of business sale. I wasn't planning to buy shoes that day...but the sale was too much to not buy them and everything else I purchased.

[@SHWELL11]

I never knew how much I didnt know until today when my new pedals aren't compatible (2 bolt as opposed to the 3 Bolt my new (On my new to me Trek) pedals require) with any of the shoe setups I have.. New to Cycling and trying to make my way through the gear needs. Thanks for sharing all of the information you have put together on this channel.

[@apicharjiratanan4285]

Just got my new fizik terra x 4, crankbrothers clips, they are superb! Straps makes it more secure

[@satrioesar7151]

Great just the video I need... for next year

[@robertlittle4267]

Hi I have purchased my first bike in twenty years a triban rc100. and I have clipless pedals thank you for the videos and all the information

[@SergioCristancho]

I remmember ... I saw the same guy covering the same topic a few years ago ... in another cycling channel in YT... Kudos Oli nice actualization of the topic... keep the good job!

[@bla7091]

Great video! Only thing that could've gone with this topic is overshoes, the why/what/when behind it

[@mountainbiker9330]

Very nice video mate, 👍for you and your team.💯

[@woozertoo]

In other words: “Ollie going through his shoe collection. Some dingy, some out of the box fresh.”

[@d4vidcv61]

Anyone else just watch their old one from around 4 years ago (I’m getting into road cycling) thanks man very convinent

[@tedmccarthy1401]

Awesome video and Thanks Ollie!!!! Get out and ride 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@cancelik]

70's style leather sole shoes and toe straps are the coolest.

[@DavidJones-fz8or]

I love GCN very informative 👍

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@AntonioDiaz]

Needed a video like this as a new cyclist 🚴

[@tevoro12]

Liked as soon as Ollie did the American accents & the "cycle through" pun 🤣

[@thomascdurham9130]

Ollie, youmissed one of the biggest points of cycling shoes. "The increased pedal surface size!" The whole lenght of the shoe now become the lenght of the pedal help eliminating the hot spot and cramping on the balls of the feet and arches. Other than that, great informative video.... I'm ringing the bell for you. Hahahaha!

[@0741921]

Not exactly. It's still not the same, but I get what you're saying

[@plsstopusingmyname]

It's actually informative and helpful. I fell like, my shoelaces out to get me. It gets tangle on my bicycles, to point caused me accident. When walking without bicycle, shoeless goes undone, trying to trip me over. am not kidding, as crazy as; hilarious this seemed, its true. am working to get a shoes without a laces. Thanks.

[@stephentait8734]

i currently use MTB shoes and clipless pedals, would i notice much difference in power transfer if i changed to road? the reason i chose mtb was because the are double sided, and also felt i could unclip quicker with the multi way release cleats. but just wondering if it is time to change to road pedals

[@PacificSolo]

Thanks for this, it made me realize that if you want to start investing in cycling, you can't "just buy" cycling shoes. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@myself6745]

I must atleast get like 100000 dollars or pounds to buy a bike for 10000 dollarbike The remaining is for all purpose

[@jeffhijlkema]

Nice video, as always. What about ventilation capabilities? Feet can get painfully hot on a summersday, wearing the 'wrong' shoes.

[@DerFilmgucker]

It also depends on where you live. Most MTB shoes are black or dark, and it can get really hot. I started on Shimano SPD shoes, which are walkable. They were great. You can click in very quickly. After a few years, I started 3-4 hour rides in the hot sun. The only models in brighter colors were all road shoes. So I switched to road shoes.

[@Roudter]

Translations appreciated...

[@michaelgurd7477]

Next video about the different cleat systems available please.

[@BerraLJ]

Bought a pair of Fizik R1's and for MTB i use a pair of Five Ten shoes, looks almost like a pair of sneakers but the sole is noticeably thicker and stiffer, but quite nice to walk in to.

[@r0mpastompa]

I switched last week from shimano RP-301 to Lake CX-331, full carbon sole, BOA, moldable! for about 120 bucks! The difference is really remarkable, i feel much from the bike and i could manage for the first time to brake 20 Mph over 3 hours with hills and all that...

[@xUnic31x]

Can I use that for casual cycling? I've been riding my bike 5 days a week and it's been really fun. I want to go faster and go farther

[@cedshred1676]

Just got some boa mtn bike shoes and I’m totally sold on the boa style closure system.

[@philippadianethomas8436]

Hi there. Just found the video. Very informative. Excellent presentation style and useful information. Would appreciate further information/your thoughts on neoprene over-shoes? Thank you.

[@egyasia]

Really great video , what do you think about shimano AM9 , can it be used on flat pedal also?

[@mathewrose2951]

I would add that it is hard to overspend on shoes as fit and material quality produces long term comfort and prevents injury. My Sidi shoes were all if 350 pounds, but they prevented my plantar fasciitis I had from running from carrying over to limit my cycling

[@HMo-lw2bb]

Thanks for this. I've taken up spinning (which isn't the same I know, but I live in the Gulf and cycling here is suicidal). I've just bought some cycling shoes (already set up) but I went a size bigger like my running trainers and am worried I've made a mistake as I've been reading they're meant to be really snug, not baggy. Should I get shoes that are true to size? It's just for a spin bike, not a proper one

[@mindyourownbusinessfatty]

I have been road bike riding for twenty odd years and always used crank brothers candy pedals, never had a problem

[@danieldoan1707]

Perfect timing! Just got into cycling!

[@youssefkerdiya5122]

Stay safe!

[@austinshoupe3003]

Wait a year or two before worrying about shoes. The kind of power you have to generate to get a meaningful difference is beyond most cyclists and what you give up in practicality is substantial.

[@Bosco-nq2kk]

@@austinshoupe3003 I tried waiting until one ride when my foot slipped off the pedal on the down stroke. Almost broke my foot and crashed.

[@michaelkellagher3507]

Austin Shoupe nonono, day 1 after you go over 10 miles. They significantly improve ability to transfer power and maintain control of the bike, which is more of a safety item. It’s a significant benefit that should be explored as soon as someone decides to be a “cyclist” Exactly like Bosco said above. It takes one slip and you’re converted.

[@austinshoupe3003]

@@Bosco-nq2kk unfortunate. I rode flats for 20-25 years and might have had a slip almost turn into a crash once. Clipless on the other hand... As for almost braking my foot... I can't comprehend how you caused that situation. The worst that I've ever experienced was a scraped shin, which I might have done once since I was 12.

[@raineharkins3872]

Your English translations were amazing 🤣

[@karlacosta6789]

My friend accidentaly bought one of those off road cleat shoes in a local thrift shop without knowing their for cycling lol it is still good as new but sadly he doesnt have a bike and uses that shoes for walking all day

[@greghilliard7641]

I got mine from Halfords. Boardman ones. Really good value and they match which is the only criteria to be fair 😀😀

[@echomike8591]

Thank you for the information, Willem Dafoe :)

[@sut_2]

Hey GCN! You guys do a great job! It is so interesting and funny to watch your videos. Do you have tipps to lock and secure a bike. E.g. in a basement on a wall mount or something like that?! Thanks!

[@sabberi]

There are plenty of online resources for that :) It's also a massive topic, with tons of different need requirements. Just google yours.

[@jp93309]

Those fizik boots are really nice and fashionable. I’d wear those any day.

[@myminx]

Nice vid Ollie !

[@globalgourmand]

QUESTION: Is there any reason I can't use MTB shoes without cleats on flat pedals? I'm not ready for any kind of clip but I have developed lateral plantar fasciitis from riding and I think the stiff sole of a cycling shoe could help. I tried on a pair of Shimano ME4's and liked them; I just want to make sure I'm not making a mistake.

[@federicoabatedaga1108]

Hey...thanks for the video! Most of cyclist i know are choosing to use off road shoes also on road bike becauuse of they are more confortable and you do not have to dedicated another pair of shoes for a MTB, so it is economically more convenient. What do you thin about this? Thanks a lot!

[@selmingah]

I do like GCN, and I don't mind them repeating video subjects with new content, it is often useful to me. but I think GCN is at its best when it creates content with multiple presenters with cheap bikes. The cheap bike challenges (which get 10-100x the views) are great, and even greater with presenter bickering. I would love to see a cheap bike/ budget challenge of london to Edinburgh? Give three of them £100 to cover bike, food, accommodation. And put a 4th on a sponsored hyper bike setup as a control and to cover the business costs. Entertaining, financially viable, and dan-suffering content. Go.

[@davidburgess741]

Most of us aren't sponsored riders. As "Simon said" recently the sport got many new riders recently and they would do well to tailor content toward that audience. This is a golden era of cycling that should not be squandered.

[@greghilliard7641]

Tri curious! Love it lol

[@abdulkaderajlani613]

Honestly the switch from regular to clipless pedals is without a doubt the best upgrade for my cycling experience

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Just bought some new shoes - wanted to love the DHB lace ups, but too flat for me - ended up buying some lovely white Mavics - the answer is TRY, BUY, AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP 👍

[@joeleone6276]

This is the perfect timing for this video, and is exactly the info that I needed on shoes. Now, would it be possible to review the MagPed? I've had some bad falls with clipless pedals, and am highly considering these as an alternative. Thank you!

[@bhowellrun]

ollie has really grown on me

[@phizzweasel1389]

Was hoping for advice on winter shoes, or difference between winter and summer

[@esoteric404]

i'm training for an ironman but i really dig the pragmatic design of the off-road shoe. i couldn't justify spending the money to pick up the infinitio-r1 so i ended up grabbing the x5-terra (also fizik) for ~ $100. if anyone, especially commuters, are looking for a solid, affordable shoe, and don't mind using a 2 bolt cleat system (i can't tell the difference honestly) i highly recommend it.

[@deepzerocool]

Buy the shoes from the local shop, well said!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@michaelneumann7524]

my new Fizik Terra X5 have two Phillips screws on the sole, tight on the front at the toe area - what are these for or what do they hold in place??

[@joergm.8932]

I have a pair of DUEGI beechwood / leather bike shoes. I have this pair since 40 ! years now and it is my only one. It was the stiffest you could get before carbon fibre came up. Big advantage of the wood sole is the excellent foot climat. It can adsorbe moisture and heats or cools. Well it's more heavy and the leather and laces look a little outdated. Anyway, I love the retro style and the repair friendly design.

[@forceofnature]

I am getting back in to cycling but really don't enjoy wearing them when you are on tour rides. I have some Olympic lifting shoes that might work well with the standard old toe clip style. Olympic lifting shoes are pretty firm but still have some walking flexibility.

[@cicckany8540]

There was an other video on the channel where it was mentioned, that you should NOT pull up on the pedal stroke. So which is the correct, recommended way?

[@paulwilliams7700]

Bought the Fizik R1B a couple of seasons ago off the web and they seem to fit a half size long bit are pretty narrow. IN order to get the proper fit I have to dial in the boa's and then end up with some mid foot cramping. Any ideas for filling up some of that volume or simply get a thicker sock or newer insole?

[@amfinc2]

This video comes out as I put my new Pearl Izumi Race Road V5's on for the first time. I got these because they are both 2 and 3 bolt compatible, simple black, and under $100. They seem nice! They have a carbon sole and a boa dial. I only wish it had 2 dials per shoe instead of one because the tension concentrates around the top of the tongue and the toe area doesn't cinch up as tight. Worth it for the price I think. Versatile simple low to mid level shoe.

[@IamBlueDragon_]

If you want 2 boas, you have to get the proleader version; super light, super comfortable, reasonably stiff and very good back foot support

[@maartenromkes353]

I'm interested in how to service those speedplay pedals

[@sotnikviktor7342]

Covid lockdown hair. So familiar, my friend))))))!

[@rockyyoshida3062]

I like it when you often say: Help and support your local store.

[@ronnietse5589]

Hi GCN, can you do a video of how to setup speedplay pedals?

[@braxtonravndal8768]

I live in America and your translations are hilarious

[@tanyapunyo2074]

Boa laces are so cool

[@silvermediastudio]

Awesome video fellas! High five!! *"Dass noice innit!?"* ...in case you Brits needed a translation ;)

[@davidburgess741]

SPD mountain bike shoes work well for fixed gear road. As you lumber away from the red light they don't tend to slip off pedals and usually clip in easily. Used all 3 systems over the decades.

[@scafx08]

Going to get a new pair of Giro Rumble VR's since my mavics are giving up slowly but surely. Working as a foodie, I really can recommend MTB shoes on a fixed, riding fast and being able to walk up all those stairs with comfort :D

[@MethodBearTV]

Does GCN have a video on bike shoes for people with big feet? I have a pair Specialized shoes but the length and width make them just a bit too tight after a while. And I can't seem to find much information on larger shoes that I can rely on.