Soles
Cycling shoes have a stiffer sole than most other shoes. The stiffer sole is designed to transfer power efficiently from the leg to the pedal.
Clips
Most cycling shoes feature clips on the sole roughly underneath the ball of the foot, which attach to the pedal to add upward force to a pedal stroke. This provides better exercise and a more efficient use of power.
Fastening
To maximize fit and comfort, cycling shoes often feature a Velcro or ratcheting fastening system that is easy to disengage when needed.
Breathability
To keep feet comfortable and help prevent blisters, cycling shoes tend to feature copious amounts of ventilation to allow sweat and moisture to escape the shoes during rides.
Weight
To maximize speed, cycling shoes are made with the lightest materials possible. Many are made with lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, plastic and fiberglass blends.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
