Do shoes make a difference?

or Speedplay Frogs on MTB shoes used on a road bike. Easiest to engage and disengage, can walk all day in MTB shoes .... the cleat doesn't protrude past the lugs on the sole. This is the setup I use for touring. Need to dremel the lugs a bit to get the cleats to fit.

I have a pair of Sidi Energy that fit well in the store but really hurt my feet while riding. I made two adjustments (other than cleat positioning) that have transformed these shoes into a pleasure to wear-- 1) I replaced my Look cleats/pedals with Shimano SPD-SL cleats/pedals and 2) replaced cheap Sidi insoles with Specialized Body Geometry footbeds ($20 @ LBS). Not an expert in foot ergonomics, just know that I can ride for hours without pain whereas pain started 20 minutes into ride previously. My wife is happy because the footbeds were substantially less expensive than the new shoes I had braced her for...I am happy because I was able to salvage a really great shoe. I made these moves simultaniously, so I cannot say which had the greater impact, although I suspect it was the Specialized footbed. Thought someone might benefit from the post...

Sbwirtz, good lessons there. Stuff we should all think about next time our feet hurt.

By the way -- you wife balked at the thought of new shoes but didn't mind you dishing out for new pedals?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by lokstah
Sbwirtz, good lessons there. Stuff we should all think about next time our feet hurt.

By the way -- you wife balked at the thought of new shoes but didn't mind you dishing out for new pedals?

Great question! Worked a deal for the new pedals at no charge resultant of new bike purchase- which she was thrilled for me to get, by the way. I usually compare cycling related expenses to what my office cronies spend on golf when I want to make a new purchase-- goes over fairly well. Let me know if you have a better strategy.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sbwirtz
Let me know if you have a better strategy.

Nah. Mostly withering, relentless whining and non-disclosure when possible.

Have been cycling three years but never had the guts to try clipless pedal. How do you know if the shoe is going to fit you for riding?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sugufish
Have been cycling three years but never had the guts to try clipless pedal. How do you know if the shoe is going to fit you for riding?

There's no surefire way to tell, unfortunately, that a shoe will feel good when you're 60 miles out. The very best you can do is look for a shoe from a reputable maker that fits comfortably walking around (unless you've got a local shop that's friendly enough to let you test ride a pair). Look for the usual things -- good, sturdy closures on top, and a fairly stiff sole.

Sidi, Lake, Time, Shimano, and Pearl Izumi all make good models in a variety of price ranges. Good luck choosing!

Once you get the hang of clipless pedal systems, you'll never, ever go back.