Do I need cycling shoes?

PatriciaK said:
As I've extended my rides to the 20+ heading to 30 mile range, and have been riding more often training for my Italy ride in October, I'm noticing some foot pain and stiffness. All my life, I've ridden in sneakers, or regular walking shoes. Actually, my walking shoes have prescription orthotics in then that stiffen them a bit, but I'm wondering if I need something even stiffer.

They'd need to be something I could walk to my wine and food tastings in enroute - no clips or cleats. I don't want to be attached to my pedals. I just want something that's going to help prevent plantar fasciitis flare-ups and arthritis pain.

Are some sort of casual cycling shoes the answer?
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Personally, I pedal in regular Nike sneakers, and I don't feel any discomfort. But shoes are one of those things you have to try. You have to put them on, and if you feel comfortable, it's your shoe.

Hi all, let me join your forum :)
 
Pokitren said:
Personally, I pedal in regular Nike sneakers, and I don't feel any discomfort. But shoes are one of those things you have to try. You have to put them on, and if you feel comfortable, it's your shoe.

Hi all, let me join your forum :)
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With all respect:
There are so-called "contact points" on any bike: Handlebar grips, saddle, and pedals (the shoes are the interface here). While no discomfort might be felt on shorter rides, the contact points become vital as the ride distance increases.
 
Stefan Mikes said:
With all respect:
There are so-called "contact points" on any bike: Handlebar grips, saddle, and pedals (the shoes are the interface here). While no discomfort might be felt on shorter rides, the contact points become vital as the ride distance increases.
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Yes, it is. I felt my bike frame was too big after a full 1 day of riding.
 
Stefan Mikes said:
The direction in which you tie the second loop (towards you or outside) makes either a straight (proper) knot or a crooked knot. The straight knot won't untie without your action. The crooked knot unties itself very easily.
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Looks like my mum taught me well from a young age.

Mind you, when I was in the British Army, they taught you how to tie your boot laces.

Basically, you put a knot in one end and thread it through the all the holes, then wrap it round the top of the boot and wrap it round itself.

This was for two reasons;
- they all looked the same
- in the event of an injury, easier to cut the lace to to get the boot off

Probably changed now as this was back in the 1970s.

There was also another story that during WW2, the Gurkhas could feel the difference between a British boot and a Japanese boot when they crept up in the undergrowth.

Might not be true, but it is a good story..,
 
DiggyGun said:
Looks like my mum taught me well from a young age.

Mind you, when I was in the British Army, they taught you how to tie your boot laces.

Basically, you put a knot in one end and thread it through the all the holes, then wrap it round the top of the boot and wrap it round itself.

This was for two reasons;
- they all looked the same
- in the event of an injury, easier to cut the lace to to get the boot off

Probably changed now as this was back in the 1970s.

There was also another story that during WW2, the Gurkhas could feel the difference between a British boot and a Japanese boot when they crept up in the undergrowth.

Might not be true, but it is a good story.., In addition, the British brought a good tradition to Australia - casino gambling. It is not easy to choose a good and reliable casino, I use this site - https://betpokies.com/no-deposit-bonus - here you can find great online casinos that allow you to play without making a deposit.
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The Gurkhas still know the difference, they have this story passed down from generation to generation :)
The British boot is known in many parts of the world - that's a fact.
 
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A bow, just like any knot can be tied incorrectly and that can effect line strength and the knot’s ability to hold as well as it’s ability to be untied. I was both a scout and a sailor. A square knot is a very basic and useful knot, but it is often tied incorrectly and becomes a granny knot, which after being tensioned can be impossible to untie, (all knots create a weakened condition at the knot, but a granny knot will break under much less tension than a square knot).

For sailors and rock climbers, an incorrectly tied knot can be much more than an inconvenience. It can cost you your life, or the life of a companion. It can also cause your boat to drift away or cause damage to your boat or equipment.

Bringing up the right way to tie a shoe may seem a bit silly, but I believe in reality that it is valuable advice, especially if your laces keep loosening or coming undone while riding. Getting that dangling lace caught in your chain at the wrong time could become more than an inconvenience. I don’t want to preach, but I do feel that people shouldn’t be ridiculed for trying to provide good advice.

Thank you for the good advice Stefan, and thank you for sharing the stories and pictures for your rides. I enjoy your enthusiasm.
 
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Vewlix said:
I did just over 20 today up and down hills on rough countryside paths and they were fine. And no socks either.
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I don't wear socks in the summer either. Try riding for 60 miles in crocks though and tell me how it felt :)
 
I think it's great that people can ride in sneakers, Crocs, or any other shoe - that's wonderful!

Unfortunately, all feet are not the same, and I'm having problems with mine. I just rode 20 miles with my regular walking shoes and orthotics, and my feet are SORE!

Can't wait for my new shoes to get here next week!

In the meantime, popping Tylenol...
 
To state the obvious, all depends on your bike, your type of riding, and your particular situation. I can ride in sandals, if I'm not exerting myself as much, ride fewer miles, and especially if I use my ebike that has a throttle 😀

But my priority has been on pushing myself, improving fitness, and now also doing epic rides (gran fondos). So now only ride my lowish torque, single speed, pedal-assist-only ebike, and get the most range possible from my own physical effort. I could never do the 60 to 100 mile rides, without proper hard soled mtb bike shoes (and major effort on my part, to almost complete physical exhaustion ... but now my feet are in no more pain than the rest of my body, after a major ride 😆)
 
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PXL_20220809_200921487.jpg

The shoes fit 😁!

A bit stiff for walking, as expected, but workable, I think. Will try them on a ride later today or tomorrow... It will sure be great if foot issues are resolved with just an ugly pair of $25 (final clearance) shoes 🤞🤞🤞!
 
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