Are skate shoes good for cycling?
Cycling is one of the most interesting and captivating sports in the world as it helps you get rid of stress; enjoy your leisure time in a special and fun-filled atmosphere.
Some also engage in it for money and fame having taken it as chosen career. Whichever group you belong, the need to have the right cycling shoes can’t be overlooked because they offer comfort and help you unlock your full cycling potentials.
They are important kit you should possess if you desire becoming one of the greatest cyclers in the world. However, you should be very careful when getting one for yourself because there are numerous types and qualities in the market.
Luckily, this article will help reduce your search for a quality pair of cycling shoe as we are set to discuss the best shoes that will boost your performances and take your cycling career to a new level. But before then, let’s share with you some of the reasons why skate shoes aren’t the best cycling option for you.
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So are skate shoes good for cycling?
Though skate shoes are known for beautiful and gorgeous designs, they lacked most of the qualities expected from a quality cycling shoe. Having used different skate shoes for a while, I can tell you that:
- Most times, skate shoes bend more than so they’ll not transfer all of your energy on the pedals.
- Skate shoes do not have sticky soles which makes riding on rough trails will be harder and more dangerous because of the feet constantly changing position on the pedals.
- When you think of non-racing BMXers, they neither care about pedaling efficiency nor grip on their feet.
Do I need special shoes for cycling?
The truth is that you can ride a bike with any shoes, but for anyone who rides regularly, using shoes made specifically for cycling will be beneficial. When it is compared with typical athletic shoes, cycling shoes are made with stiffer soles for more efficient energy transfer as you pedal.
However, the type of riding you do should guide your choice of shoes; it doesn’t matter if it’s road cycling, mountain biking, or commuting and running errands around town.
Note that cycling shoes are normally paired with a compatible pedal which helps in holding your feet securely on the bicycle. A lot of cycling shoes have 2-hole or 3-hole cleats which help you clip into clip-less pedals, and allow you to pedal more efficiently with each stroke.
So what kind of shoes should I wear for cycling?
Note that cycling shoes are very sporty, and they are specifically made with road riders and mountain bikers in mind.
However, since a lot of people are using bikes in more laid-back settings or as a means of transportation, shoe producers are responding with less-technical, and more casual models that help in retaining some of the qualities of a cycling-specific shoe while they infuse them with off-the-bike style and comfort.
Here are the 10 best shoes you can wear for cycling
- Stiffer Soles
- Mountain Bike Shoes
- Skateboard Shoes
- City Bike Shoes
- Indoor Soccer Shoes
- Bike Sandals
- Touring Shoes
- Trainer Shoes
- Trail Cross Shoes
- Golf Shoes
- Stiffer Soles
Ensure you search for shoes that are comfortable for cycling and walking. Remember, you will especially want something with a stiff sole.
- Mountain Bike Shoes
This is very convenient, the way mountain bike shoes are designed with the recessed clip that can be taken off.
Note that the soles on mountain bike shoes are flat and stiff. However, you will find out that it will still be easier to walk in them than wearing road cycling clipped shoes.
- Skateboard Shoes
These kinds of shoes tend to have soft but sticky soles.
However, some skateboard shoes hold up to most road conditions without wearing out quickly.
- City Bike Shoes
Most times, these are a cross between cycling shoes and casual footwear. Sometimes the toe areas are normally flexible but still provide enough stiffness for pedaling.
The rubber outer soles make walking in them comfortable too.
- Indoor Soccer Shoes
This indoor soccer shoes are like tennis shoes but it has harder soles. So to be more specific, they are slightly stiff.
However, most of the popular brands in the market feature a gum rubber flat outer sole.
- Bike Sandals
This depends on the climate around your location or the season, wearing bike sandals may suit you best. Also, you won’t require changing shoes when going to the beach. Since some sandals have dual straps which help in securing the foot while cycling.
- Touring Shoes
Note that touring shoes double as a casual or walking shoe, but it can be even better for bike touring rides, that are if you are into that type of riding.
This touring shoes toe front tends to be flexible which makes them very comfortable for cycling too.
- Trainer Shoes
Trainer Shoes are typically your running shoes or just for training purposes. Most times, they can be more flexible than cycling shoes and also have more of an athletic look.
One of the benefits of wearing these shoes is that you can move your foot more freely while walking and running in them.
- Trail Cross Shoes
Normally, this type of shoes will work better with mountain bike pedals, versus wearing skater shoes. They can be more comfortable for cycling too.
This type of shoe will be your go-to when you are searching for more of a multipurpose shoe.
- Golf Shoes
You might wonder why golf shoes? The truth is that I have come across lots of cyclists in forums who stated that they have tried wearing golf shoes and have recommended them as an alternative.
Indeed, it might surprise you, but considering that they have upgraded from just traditional dress shoes, spiked hard sole shoes.
Conclusion
To answer your question, are skate shoes good for cycling? Just as I said earlier, I used to ride with skate shoes for a year and it wasn’t too good. However, the key success here is pairing a cycling-smart upper, breathable and durable shoe with a stiff but walk-able sole that will either have plenty of grips for platform pedals.
You can just add a pop of streetwise style and you will have a comfy commuter shoe that will allow you to pedal anywhere and leave the spare pair at home.