How to Fit Bike Shoes
Most casual cyclists do not need bike shoes. Bike shoes can be beneficial to professional and competitive riders, as well as dedicated riders who travel long distances on their bicycle. A good-fitting pair of bike shoes can provide a comfortable and efficient bike ride.
- Visit a local cycling or sports store. These stores often have a variety of bike shoes available to browse and try on. The employees at a cycling store can also be a valuable resource when it comes to properly fitting new bike shoes or suggesting different brands to try.
- Begin with your everyday shoe size. Depending on the type of socks that you wear when cycling and your foot's tendency to swell while riding, you may elect to go up a half-size or even a full-size in bike shoes.
- Know what features you need. Determine the type of clip-in system that you wish to have in new bike shoes. Know how often you ride and the types of terrain that you travel most often. Depending on your feet and the type of cycling that you do, you might need waterproof bike shoes, wide shoes, or any other number of features.
- Try on a few different brands. One brand may be more comfortable on your feet than another, so it is a good idea to take the time to try on a few different brands.
- Test the shoes. A serious cycling store will allow you to take the shoes for a spin around the block to determine whether the shoes fit well and if they are comfortable. If you cannot take a ride and test the shoes, be sure to walk around in them for a while to make sure they are comfortable.