The Best Bike Shoes

The Best Bike Shoes

man adjusting gear image by Xavier MARCHANT from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Bike shoes can make or break a cyclist's ride--the right ones optimize a rider's comfort and performance, the wrong ones will leave a cyclist frustrated and pained. Bike shoes are designed to transfer power effectively, while keeping the rider's feet cool, dry and comfortable. The best bike shoes have stiff soles for effective power transfer, are made with comfortable, breathable material, and have quality closure systems to ensure a secure fit.

Specialized BG S-Works

Specialized's Body Geometry S-Works road bike shoe features a full-carbon sole for solid power transfer, a seamless, fully lined interior for comfort and a mesh lining along the body of the shoe to provide ventilation, all in a shoe that weighs in at a slight 450g per pair. BikeRadar.com's called Specialized's BG S-Works "far and away their finest yet," noting the shoe's comfort and performance, particularly its dual BOA closure system, saying that it was "a fantastically light, supportive and efficient pair of shoes."

Sidi Dragon 2 Carbon SRS

At 440g per pair, Sidi's Dragon 2 Carbon SRS mountain bike shoe won't weigh a rider down, and its stiff carbon sole provides ample power transfer. With the Dragon 2, Sidi added a bit of flex to the carbon sole for more comfort without sacrificing performance. A Bicycling.com review noted that testers "found the Dragons to be extremely efficient and very comfortable." Mesh panels add comfort, and a buckle/BOA/velcro closure system provides a secure fit.

Five Ten Ba51c

For cyclists who want a shoe that's functional off the bike as well as on it, Five Ten's Ba51c shoe is a solid option. With a low profile, contemporary styling and a semi-stiff nonmarking outsole, the Ba51c is as comfortable walking around as it is pedaling. Calling the Ba51c a staple shoe for riders who use flat pedals rather than clip-ins, Bicycling.com noted the Ba51c's versatility and its effectiveness as a bike shoe, noting that its sole is "relatively stiff and is absolutely sticky enough to stay glued to your pedals."

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.

Write for Trails.com
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