Lighter shoes are easier on legs?

padyjoe · 13-05-2026 10:05PM #1

I just started wondering about the following question lately: would be easier on my legs if I had lighter shoes?

I'm not chasing grams here, I rather want to be more effective. I'm using mtb shoes on my roadbike, they weigh 940g cleats included. If I do an average 80 rpm spin, in 2 hours this means there are 9600 revolutions and with this in mind, the less weigh you move, the later the fatigue should kick in.
So in theory if I get something lighter, would I notice any improvement?

magicbastarder · 13-05-2026 10:10PM

an interesting question - as your power goes in on the downstroke, how much does the weight of the shoe actually matter?

does the greater weight of the shoe pushing down balance exactly with the fact that it's pushing up the other shoe, which is on the upstroke?

magicbastarder · 13-05-2026 10:12PM

or;

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/cycling-shoes/does-the-weight-of-your-expensive-cycling-shoes-matter-or-are-the-claims-as-lightweight-as-the-product-the-answer-might-surprise-you

(short answer; it barely matters)

CramCycle · 14-05-2026 10:36AM

I'd have thought minimally, the same way that the difference while cycling between a 10kg and a 10.5kg bike would be minimal. Yes there is more to it than that, rotational weight etc. but unless climbing a lot or racing, and even then, minimal difference to the overall system weight

saccades · 17-05-2026 09:43PM

Bit like a flywheel on a car, lighter allows quicker acceleration but loses momentum quicker too. But in reality I suspect a hundred grams here or there isn't going to impact anything.

fat bloke · 18-05-2026 09:46AM

As said above, GCN looked into it and the difference was almost immeasurable. Sweet FA.

That said I've a pair of super-light Shimano S-Phyre's on order for silly money :).

Light shoes do feel nice to wear. In the winter, when you've to put on a pair of thick overshoes, you do notice the weight on the bike pedalling. Like anything else, it's diminishing returns. A 150 to 200 euro pair of carbon soled racing shoes are immediately nicer than a budget pair of 60 quid shoes. But above that, paying 350 - 400 quid + you're only codding yourself.

magicbastarder · 18-05-2026 09:56AM

it's similar to the way that heavy wheels aren't actually really a hindrance when cycling steadily on the flat. weight is not your enemy in that context.

Macy0161 · 18-05-2026 11:37AM

N=1 I feel the stiffness of the sole has more impact on general fatigue/ cramps.

padyjoe · 19-05-2026 11:54AM

I'm sorry, I forgot to post. Thanks for your input!

I suspected that the overall system weight matters the most. Yes, I was thinking of the flywheel but this was answered too.

I hoped I would hide my fatness by my supermegalight shoes, obviously won't. Thanks for saving my from the disappointment!

I've noticed the difference regarding to sole stiffness. I'm able to do more and the comfort doesn't suffer either.
All in all, it's hard to face the music again, carrying extra body weight is awful. Less noticeable on the bike on the flat though, the climbs are different.

Lighter shoes are easier on legs?

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