Cycling Footwear

It's possible to bike tour in regular athletic shoes, but shoes designed specifically for cycling make touring easier and more comfortable. The reason? Cycling shoes have stiffer, less cushioned soles which transfer more of your downward leg force into your pedals (your foot flexes less when pushing downward) and limit the amount of energy you lose by compressing the sole material during each downward stroke. The result is a more efficient pedal stroke and less chance of fatigue, muscle strain or foot injury. Cycling shoes also tend to have reinforced toes and uppers that stand up well to the abrasion caused by toe clips.

Types of Cycling Shoes

Touring shoes—Touring shoes look and feel much like regular athletic shoes, except for their stiffer, firmer soles. They're designed so that you can wear them around town (or the trails) like regular shoes when you're not cycling (though they are usually not quite as comfortable).
Clip-in shoes (also known as click-ins, step-ins and clipless shoes)—These shoes are designed to attach directly to bike pedals by means of a cleat protruding from the shoe sole. This cleat fits into a special slot in the pedal and allows you to hook directly to your bikes, eliminating the need for toe clips. Traditional clip-in cycling shoes can be uncomfortable to walk in (because of the protruding cleat mechanism in the sole). Thus touring cyclists are often forced to pack a pair of regular walking shoes in their bike bags (for everyday walking).
Recessed cleat shoes—Some modern clip-in bike shoes feature cleat mechanisms that are recessed into the shoe's sole. Since these cleats do not protrude from the bottom of the soles, cyclists can enjoy the enhanced connection between their feet and the bike pedals without having to carry an extra set of shoes for off-bike activities like strolling around town or going out to dinner.

Additional Foot Protection

Most cycling shoes are designed to provide lots of ventilation to keep you cool and comfortable in warm conditions. In cold or rainy weather, you may need a little additional protection to stay warm and dry. The two options that cyclists typically choose from are neoprene booties, which slide over the outside of your cycling shoes, and waterproof socks which you wear inside of your shoes to keep your feet dry.