What shoes to get?

BenEadir

Hi,

183cm 46 year old 95KG bloke who stopped doing 5k-10k runs 2-3 times a week back in April (wrecked my knee) and after an operation and some recovery I've now been given the all clear to start using the road bike I invested in back in July. I've been doing Stillorgan - Enniskerry type loops and now want to start upping the weekend distance and weekday morning Enniskerry type loops to 3 a week.

To date I've been using regular trainers on flat pedals so I guess it's time to fit cleats and buy some compatible cycling shoes. I'll be buying from my LBS where I bought my bike but I'd like to have an idea of the options and pro's and con's before I go to them. A pal of mine suggested getting road shoes with MTB functionality like the Northwave Fondo shoes http://www.wiggle.com/northwave-fondo-srs-road-shoe/ as they allow you to walk around a bit better than non recessed cleat shoes. Is this the right direction to go in given as best I'll be a leisure/fitness rider doing the odd 100km Sportive hopefully? Is it also the right approach to pick the right shoe and then chose the pedal system to match rather than the other way round?

Apologies if these are real dim Tim questions but this is new territory for me and I like to have some knowledge of what I should be doing before I allow the sales guy sell me what he has in stock rather than what I need!!

Wishbone Ash

BenEadir wrote: »

... A pal of mine suggested getting road shoes with MTB functionality like the Northwave Fondo shoes http://www.wiggle.com/northwave-fondo-srs-road-shoe/ as they allow you to walk around a bit better than non recessed cleat shoes...

If you don't walk much while out on a cycle, then you might be better going with SPD SL's (the non-recessed type) as they provide a better platform. They are only suitable for walking short distances, e.g. into shops/cafes etc.

If you intend to do a lot of walking while out on a cycle go with the SPD's (recessed cleats).

BenEadir

Thanks WA,

I don't plan on doing any big walks or anything like that so perhaps the SPD SL's are best.

If I go with these http://www.wiggle.com/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals what shoes would people recommend I go with? I'd like a shoe with a good ratchet system for a firm fit.

stecleary

shoes are very much a personal thing after deciding what pedal you want to use, and budget is a big factor

My first shoes were a pair of muddyfox with 3 Velcro straps, cheap and cheerful but the bolts ripped out of my left shoe(the one i unclip most) after about 6 months.

then i bought a pair of DMT shoes that i still have and love, two velcro and on ratchet strap. a much better shoe than the muddyfox a lot stiffer in the sole but not too stiff.
I got them on adverts off a guy called TOPMON, worth checking out.

I also have a pair of Northwave Galaxy, again two velcro and a different ratchet system. they are a very still sole and an extremely light shoe. also on the pricey side but a great shoe.

shop around and see what you like as all shoes are a different fit

Ryder

The spd type......non recessed cleat, allow greater rotational freedom of movement than the mtb style ones. If you had knee surgery and especially have any rotational issues then a system that allows a greater freedom of movement might be best.

BenEadir

Ryder wrote: »

The spd type......non recessed cleat, allow greater rotational freedom of movement than the mtb style ones.

Thanks Ryder, that's very useful to know.

My LBS are very helpful so they'll probably let me try out both systems. When I originally went to them and explained why I wanted to get a bike they said middle aged guys with dodgy knees were a good source of business for them!

nak

Speedplay pedals are popular with those with dodgy knees. Shoewise, I really like SIDIs, but am tempted to try the Specialized S-Works road shoes as everyone seems to rate them highly. It's worth spending a fair bit for comfort and longevity. Have had my SIDIs for 4 years and they still look new.

Brendan Hennessy

Well Ben,

My experience is that the size and particularly width of your foot are key to choosing the right shoe. For example I have found shimano and sidi shoes really tight fitting and that Spiuks best accommodate a broad foot. Bear in mind also that your feet swell in the heat so I recommend you build in some wriggle room for the summer months.

Also while you're buying and particularly if you're going for 'racing' shoes factor in overshoes for the cold and rain.

Good luck with your purchase,

Brendan

scott.s

As was mentioned above, consider Speedplay pedals if you've got a dodgy knee. Their system can offer a greater degree of float and can be fine tuned to your liking. I had some knee problems previously but they disappeared after switching to Speedplays.

For shoes, Mavic have some decent offerings with velcro and/or ratchet straps. My first shoes were some Mavic Pelotons. 100 euro, all velcro, and they did me fine for the last 2 years (and still going). I've recently upgraded to a set of Specialized S-Works Pro Road and they're amazing. Feels like wearing a comfy slipper. They have a single small velcro strap near the toe and then 2 individual Boa closures (http://www.boatechnology.com/) which give you a massive amount of adjustment.

BenEadir

Thanks Nak, Brendan and Scott,

I'll head into my LBS much better equipped to make a purchase now.

BenEadir

Just to give you an update, I'm going to try out a pair of Northwave Sonic SRS shoes http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/northwave-sonic-srs-shoes-2015/rp-prod113213 and a set of Shimano 105 SPD pedals http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/components/pedals/product/review-shimano-105-spd-sl-pedals-13-47332/

Hopefully that setup will do the trick i.e. give me a wide pedal platform so power transfer is as smooth as possible on my knee and the clip out action is at the light end of the scale so the twisting action doesn't strain my knee.

Time will tell I guess!!

If I end up putting the shoes and pedals on Adverts in a week or two I'll link to it here :P