Do You Really Need Cycling Shoes? Here’s My Honest Take
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🚴♂️ Do You Really Need Cycling Shoes? Here’s My Honest Take
I’ve been riding a long time. Thousands of miles, plenty of different bikes, and a whole lot of trial and error. And if there’s one question I hear all the time from newer cyclists, it’s this:
“Do I need to buy cycling shoes?”
My honest answer?
Maybe. But probably not right away.
Let me break it down the way I wish someone had explained it to me years ago.
🟢 If You’re a Casual Rider
If you’re just riding a few miles at a time, maybe around the neighborhood or on a local path, don’t stress about gear. Sneakers are fine. Seriously.
I rode my first thousand miles in running shoes, and you probably will too. You don’t need to clip in, lock down, or spend a bunch of money just to ride for fun.
🟡 If You’re Starting to Get Serious
Now… if you’re doing longer rides, like 15, 20, or 30 miles at a time — and doing it several times a week — cycling shoes might be worth it.
Why?
- They help transfer more of your energy into the pedals
- They reduce foot fatigue on long rides
- And once you're used to them, they feel like an extension of your body
But even then, you don’t have to go all-in right away. A hybrid approach works too:
Start with cycling shoes but stick with platform pedals until you’re confident enough to try clipping in.
🔴 If You Ride Indoors — Get Them
This one’s more cut-and-dry.
If you’re on a Peloton, spin bike, or using a trainer setup, cycling shoes are a game-changer. They help with form, power, and prevent your feet from slipping during high-resistance workouts. Indoors, there’s no reason not to clip in.
🛠️ Understanding Pedals: Flats vs Clip-Ins
| Pedal Type | Best For | What You’ll Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Platform (flat) pedals | Casual riding, beginners | Easy to use, no special shoes needed |
| Clip-in pedals | Long-distance, training, spinning | Secure connection, better power transfer |
Clip-ins are great once you're ready — but they also take practice and more than a few slow-motion tip-overs at stop signs (ask me how I know).
👍 Pros of Cycling Shoes (When You’re Ready)
- Better Power Transfer – You’ll feel the difference on hills
- Foot Comfort – No pressure points, no sore arches
- Bike Control – Especially on climbs or rough roads
- Injury Prevention – Keeps your feet aligned properly
🧠 My Advice?
Don’t buy cycling shoes because someone told you to.
Buy them when you start saying:
“I want to ride farther and feel stronger doing it.”
Then it’s worth it.
🧰 Bonus Tips
- Start with flat pedals and cycling shoes (without clipping in)
- Check end-of-season sales for discounts — I’ve gotten great pairs cheap that way
- Ask your local shop or club for beginner-friendly pedal/shoe combos
- Practice clipping in/out in the grass before you hit the road
📚 Related Posts You Might Like:
- Top 10 Lightweight Bicycles for Commuting in 2025
- The 5 Most Important Items to Take on Every Ride (Besides the Obvious Ones)
- The Only Bib Shorts I Wear Now: Better Than the Expensive Brands
Written by Bruce, The Old Guy Bicycle Blog
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