Are cycling shoes necessary , if so why ?

[tyred]

Time to roll out Grant Peterson's views perhaps!

https://www.rivbike.com/pages/the-shoes-ruse

 

[Andy in Germany]

When I went to school there was a guy we used to see daily, 12 months of the year he only wore shorts, no top, no shoes or socks, naked except for shorts. So there is your answer.

Was he on a bike though?

 

[screenman]

Was he on a bike though?

Some sort of Moulton style bike.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Nonsense. Any more than a bunch of footballers wearing studded boots are weird masochists.

The difference is footballers only wear studded boots when actually on the football pitch. They don't go into town afterwards and walk around the shops still wearing them. Road cyclists must just enjoy making a complete spectacle of themselves in public.

 

[yello]

Time to roll out Grant Peterson's views perhaps!

https://www.rivbike.com/pages/the-shoes-ruse

Interesting read and, surprisingly, one I've not read before. I broad strokes agree with what he writes, and it reminded me of conversations with my brother (who was very sniffy about cleats) Not sure I agree with his 'learning to pedal in circles' argument but whatever.

I'll stick my cleats though (to used to them now) ... and I'll continue to carry my judo slipper things for the off-bike occasions - if for no other reason than it amuses may club mates on our monthly restaurant rides!

 

[skudupnorth]

Never used them or feel the need to change. I use Zefal strapless toe lips and wear slim Karrimor hiking trainers and have had no issues on any of the big 100+ milers I have done.
It’s down to personal preference but I prefer to be comfortable after I have got off the bike

 

[I like Skol]

Never used them or feel the need to change. I use Zefal strapless toe lips and wear slim Karrimor hiking trainers and have had no issues on any of the big 100+ milers I have done.
It’s down to personal preference but I prefer to be comfortable after I have got off the bike

Yes, but you don't wear padded shorts either. Weirdo!

 

[Dogtrousers]

When I went to school there was a guy we used to see daily, 12 months of the year he only wore shorts, no top, no shoes or socks, naked except for shorts. So there is your answer.

What was he doing? Hanging round in the bushes outside the school?

 

[skudupnorth]

Yes, but you don't wear padded shorts either. Weirdo!

I love pain Brooks saddle pain

 

[screenman]

What was he doing? Hanging round in the bushes outside the school?

No, it was just his normal attire.

 

[Nebulous]

They're definitely not necessary. Useful maybe but not necessary.

I started cycling seriously in my late 40s and got cycling shoes as a matter of course, because everyone else had them. I struggled for a start, fell off several times, but got used to them and came to like them. I do some very long rides and wouldn't be without them. I also cycle a short distance to work using flat pedals, with a variety of shoes. Occasionally when I'm working away from home I take my work bike and go out cycling in the evening or early mornning. I'll do 25-30 miles with a pair of old trainers with very thin pliable soles. This goes against all the perceived wisdom about hard soles, but I like the 'feel' of the pedal when I'm cycling.

Now it's impossible to isolate the components making a difference. My work bike is a cyclocross bike with full guards, a rack, a low-end groupset and heavy marathon tyres. It weighs about 5 kilos more than my best bike. Weather conditions, terrain, my state of fitness and traffic conditions all come into play, but it's hard to tell what influence each has. I doubt if there is more than 1mph difference between a 30 mile trip with the two bikes.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Yes, but you don't wear padded shorts either. Weirdo!

I've never worn padded shorts either.

 

[I like Skol]

I've never worn padded shorts either.

I don't wear them. Just wanted to take the opportunity to make fun of the luddite.....

 

[User169]

I couldn't resist. Panda pedals outta Japan...

 

[SuperHans123]

I can ride in normal shoes or trainers but don't find the flexy sole so pleasant and dislike the way my foot position can alter.

And this is one of the reasons I ride flats, because I like making micro adjustments.
Plus I am 'Blobbo foot'!