Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners (Flat Pedals vs. Clipless)

You want to use the best cycling shoes for beginners; otherwise, choosing the wrong shoe can ruin your bike ride.

In this guide, I’ll cover the various topics related to clipless and flats, and help you choose the best style of cycling shoes that meet your specific riding needs.

We’ll also compare different styles of cycling shoes to determine the best options for beginners.

If you’re new to cycling shoes and want to know more, you’ll want to keep reading this guide.

Why Knowing the Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners Matters

It’s essential to understand what the best cycling shoes for beginners are, as they can significantly improve your cycling technique.

The right kind of cycling shoes will give you more comfort. The wrong kind will be uncomfortable and could even lead to injury. Cycling shoes can also enhance your efficiency on the bike because you’ll be more secured in the pedal.

Pedal comfort is essential. Discomfort can lead to pain and potentially cause further issues in the future. It’s important to choose the right cycling shoe for the safety of your bike rides.

Your cycling shoes will play a significant role in your bike riding efficiency. You can significantly improve your confidence when you know you’re comfortable and securely attached to your bike. It can also enhance your overall performance.

Overview of Cycling Shoe Types

Now, we’ll take a look at the different types of shoes to determine the best cycling shoes for beginners based on your riding style.

Flat Pedal Shoes

Flat pedal shoes are shoes designed for use on flat pedals. You can opt for cycling-specific shoes, which often feature more cycling-specific features, or use a pair of normal athletic shoes. The pedal is a typical flat pedal.

In most cases, you’ll want to get a pedal that has some features to help you stay on the pedal. This usually includes spikes or protrusions to help you grip the pedal with your shoe. With that being said, you’ll want a shoe with tread features that will allow you to fit better on the pedal that you use.

Flat pedals and flat pedal shoes are best for routine types of cycling. You’d probably want to use them for casual bike rides around your neighborhood as well as during commutes to work and school. Flats are also best for mountain biking if you’re a beginner, as you can quickly get out of the pedals if you need to.

Clipless Cycling Shoes

Clipless cycling shoes are shoes with a cleat attached to them that secures into a pedal specifically designed for that type of cleat.

There are different cleat systems for these types of cycling shoes. The SPD is popular among the mountain biking and gravel communities, while LOOK or Shimano cleats are more commonly used with road and triathlon bikes. Personally, I prefer the SPD for all my bikes that use a cleated cycling shoe.

It really depends on your likes, comfort level, and use to determine which is best for you.

Flat Pedals vs. Clipless – Pros and Cons

There are many pros and cons associated with using flats versus clipless cycling shoes.

Flat shoes are easy to use, while clipless shoes can require you to develop a technique for cleating in and taking off their cleats when needed.

However, flat pedals offer no foot security. Clipless technology allows you to secure your cleat to your pedal, ensuring that the shoe will not dislodge unless you intentionally unclip it from the pedal.

The efficiency of your pedal cadence is influenced by the choice of shoe and pedal structure. A flat pedal can give you little to no efficiency because your foot typically moves around on the pedal and can come off at any time. However, clipless pedals secure your foot in a single position, allowing you to pedal efficiently and match a specific cadence based on your abilities.

The price of flat pedals is significantly cheaper because you only need the pedal. The clipless pedals are more expensive and require special shoes and cleats that attach to them.

And finally, it’s a lot easier to get off a flat pedal than it is a clipless pedal. That may be something you want to consider before making a change.

Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners – Recommendations

Consider some of the best cycling shoes for beginners that have been recommended by others who have tested them.

Best Flat Pedal Cycling Shoes for Beginners

• Five Ten Freerider – These shoes provide grip and comfort for riders who wear them. The typical cost of these shoes will be around $100.
• Giro Rumble VR – These shoes are known for being a hybrid that can be used on the road or easily adapted for the trail. The cost of these shoes typically ranges from $90 to $100.
• Bontrager Flatline – These durable flat cycling shoes come backed with Bontrager’s world-famous cycling brand. The cost typically ranges from $100.

Best Clipless Cycling Shoes for Beginners

• Shimano SH-MT301 – This is a budget-friendly SPD. You can usually find them or their equivalent for around $100.
• Giro Savix II – These are ideal for road bike riders who are new to clipless shoes. They typically cost around $110.
• Specialized Recon 1.0 – If you’re looking for a great mountain bike shoe, this one is going to be the best pick. They’re usually around $120.

How to Choose the Right Cycling Shoes for You

It’s essential to select the right cycling shoes based on your cycling style.

Match your shoe type with your riding type. Are you a road biker? Gravel rider? Mountain biker? What shoes are best for the type of cycling you do?

Make sure you go somewhere and get an accurate size. It’s not like regular shoes. Get the right size and the right shoe, or you’ll risk injury if you use the wrong size.

Consider the weather you ride in. Get a shoe that matches your local riding conditions.

Always consider your budget. You don’t have to have top-of-the-line cycling shoes to enjoy cycling. Most professionals have the best shoes because their sponsors provide them with shoes and cover the costs.

Always ask other cyclists you know about their preferred cycling shoes and what they are using.

Beginner Tips for Transitioning Between Pedal Types

Before you just jump into changing your cycling shoes, consider these tips to help you have a smoother transition.

Start with flat pedals. Build up your skill in cycling, especially if you’re on a bike or type of bike (road, gravel, MTB, etc.) that you’ve never used before. Get good at the cycling technique before transitioning to other pedal types.

When you do finally try clipless, you’re probably going to fall a few times. Practice in a grassy area that is softer to fall in. Let yourself fall. Don’t stick your hand and arm out to catch yourself, as many riders will break their collarbone doing so.

When on the road or trail, practice unclipping way before you need to stop. Get familiar with the process so that you know what to do when you suddenly need to unclip.

Care and Maintenance of Cycling Shoes

Ensure you care for and maintain your cycling shoes to prolong their lifespan.

You should clean your shoes by hand and let them air dry. Avoid machine-washing your cycling shoes, as washers and dryers can damage the shoes.

Replace worn soles and cleats as needed. Soles can be replaced, and the shoe will be like new again. Cleats definitely don’t last forever, but some types tend to last longer than others.

Ensure you store your cycling shoes in a cool and dry area when you’re not using them.

Final Thoughts About the Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners

The best cycling shoes for beginners are those that fit you properly and align with the type of cycling lifestyle you are a part of.

You should effectively try both flat and clipless shoes during your cycling career. You’ll figure out what ones are best for you through experience and use.

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