Do proper shoes make a difference?

[Pale Rider]

For today's ride I've fired up my little used Shimano cycling 'trainers' last used about 15 years ago.

They will take SPDs, but I've long since lost the screws and plates.

No matter, ordinary cage pedals on the Brommie.

Do you think wearing proper cycling shoes - but no clips - makes a difference?

My contribution will follow later.

 

[Norry1]

Yes.

I noticed the difference going to proper shoes as much (if not more) as when I (later) went for cleats. I guess it was the stiffness of the sole.

 

[Cycleops]

Undoutedly shoes with clips make a difference but how much? You can always go retro and use them with toe clips. I use both and advantage for spd's is not huge.

 

[Moodyman]

For me, depends on the ride. A casual short ride won't benefit from a harder sole but a longer hillier ride will.

Soft trainers flex more and the centre of the foot starts to get sore.

 

[Pale Rider]

Just back from a 15-mile round trip.

Didn't notice much difference, the lack of feel from the pedals was disconcerting at first.

Probably as Moodyman says (above) a longer, hillier ride is needed - that won't be me.

My feet were very cold, so I suspect the shoes are designed for the better weather.

 

[potsy]

Little difference imo, though I prefer the connectedness feeling of wearing spd's, hate my feet slipping off the pedals and having to faff about getting the pedal in the right place when stopped using flats.

 

[fossyant]

Huge difference for me. I like my feet anchored and the lack of sole flex makes the shoes much more comfortable.

 

[Andrew 14]

IMO shoes and sadle are the most important things to get right I recommend specialised body geometry shoes they are like wearing slippers I did 58 miles today with discomfort at all