Cycling Shoes: Deals

What kind of biking will you be doing? 

• Road cycling shoes contain the stiffest soles and cleats that connect to clipless pedals for maximum pedaling efficiency. They're not designed for extended walking. 

• Mountain bike shoes provide added traction on rugged trails, with various designs to work with clipless pedals or flat pedals.  

• Casual bike shoes are good for recreational riders or commuters who want more comfortable, stylish options with bike-friendly features like stiffer soles or clipless pedal compatibility. 

Finding the right fit 

• Choose bike shoes that fit comfortably from the start. A bike shoe that is uncomfortable at first is not likely to become less so. 

• Fit tip: Make sure your toes have enough room to wiggle slightly, your arches feel snug and supported and your heel doesn’t slide up and down. (Feeling some heel slippage while walking is normal.) 

What kind of shoe closure is right for you? 

• Laces will get you the most customizable fit and comfort but get wet and dirty in inclement conditions. 

• Hook-and-loop straps offer quick closure and are more likely to stay secure than laces and usable in muddy, wet conditions. More straps mean a more customizable fit. 

• Notched cam straps with buckles provide the greatest clamping power and security, at a higher price. 

• Dials/ratcheting cable laces deliver an adjustable fit with a quick-release system.   

Do you want to see or be seen? (Or both?) 

• High-output lights: Help you see where you’re going in nearly all conditions. More expensive but much brighter than safety lights, usually rechargeable. 

• Safety lights: Front, side and rear lights help motorists see you in low light. The brightest ones improve your visibility in daytime. Can be rechargeable or battery powered. 

Where will you be riding? 

• If you commute on streets with streetlights, choose a front light with a narrow-focus beam.  

• For darker roads or trails, choose a wide-focus beam for better peripheral vision. 

• You can find beam patterns listed in online product descriptions or ask a sales specialist for help. 

How to understand bike light specs 

• Most bike lights are LEDs, which are energy efficient, durable and available in a wide range of brightness levels.  

• Lumens describe the light intensity of each lighting unit. A higher price generally equals higher light output.