How to choose the best cycling shoes

 How to choose the best cycling shoes

Cycling shoes are the single point of contact for the direct transfer of power between your legs and the bike. If you know how to choose them well, you will be guaranteed efficiency and comfort. We are often asked which are the best cycling shoes in the SCOTT collection. And the answer is very simple: there are no best cycling shoes. We have a very wide range with very different shoes, and each cyclist has feet with certain characteristics and different needs.


Choosing a pair of cycling shoes is not an easy decision, especially since you have to take into account quite a few criteria before making the purchase. Discipline, riding style, construction, stiffness, and fit system are just a few of those criteria. The ultimate buyer's guide includes a comprehensive summary of everything you need to know about choosing the 'best' SCOTT cycling shoes for you.

In this article we will refer to three basic types of cyclists, in a classification that covers all disciplines:

• The Competitor (or aspiring competitor) is an athlete who trains with full intensity and competes in races.
• The Aficionado is a cycling enthusiast and passionate who rides for pleasure and to keep fit.
• The Cyclist rides for fun and when he feels like it.

- How to choose the best cycling shoes and products

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT CYCLING SHOES FOR YOU
MTB OR ROAD CYCLING SHOES: WHAT IS YOUR DISCIPLINE?
First of all, it is important that you are clear about what type of cycling you want to practice with your new shoes. Cycling consists of two basic disciplines, mountain biking and road cycling. In turn, mountain biking, or MTB, can be divided into XC, Trail / Enduro and Downhill. On the road, we have classic cycling, cycling on dirt roads, triathlon and cycle tourism. Generally speaking, the main difference between an MTB shoe and a road cycling shoe is the sole and cleat system, which determines the type of pedals used with each of them.


Road cycling shoes have a flat and smooth sole, they are not suitable for walking. The three studs on the sole are designed to accommodate a 3-hole cleat system, such as Shimano's SPD-SL system or Look-Style.


On the other hand, MTB shoes have rubber soles with more grip, in materials such as Sticki rubber, in case the cyclist needs to land or dismount and walk. Unlike road shoes, mountain shoes have two cleat mounting holes that work with a two-hole system, such as Shimano's SPD system or Crankbrothers cleat system.

If yours is:


road cycling: We will always recommend road cycling shoes for both competitors and ambitious fans.
triathlon: Triathlon-specific shoes that are easy to put on and take off to ease transitions are the recommended footwear for triathletes of all levels.
XC mountain biking: Specific shoes for cross-country are recommended for all levels of cyclists.
trail cycling: A trail shoe offers more protection on the instep compared to an XC shoe. If you are just starting out in this discipline or if what you like is downhill, a flat pedal trail shoe without studs is a versatile version that offers you freedom and reaction capacity on the bike.
dirt roads: dirt road cycling fans can choose between road or XC MTB shoes; both are valid for gravel style bikes. At the end of the day, the decision is a matter of personal preferences, it depends on the type of terrain of the dirt roads that you like to travel, and if at any time you are going to have to progress on foot.
cycling: We recommend that you look at some versatile sports shoes, which are comfortable to walk, and which include, or not, a stud system.


RIGIDITY, COMFORT AND FIT
Stiffness is the main difference between cycling shoes and day-to-day sports shoes. The stiffer the shoe, the more efficient the transfer of power. SCOTT shoes have stiffness ratings ranging from 6 to 10; index 6 is stiff enough for a response to straight pedaling without losing flexibility, while index 10 represents the maximum stiffness and therefore the maximum in power transfer. The stiffness of a certain shoe is determined by the material of the sole.


Carbon is the most diffuse and lightest material in cycling shoe technologies and its development has advanced significantly in the last year. In our high-end shoes we use HMX carbon fiber, which makes the shoes 20 per cent stiffer compared to the equivalent HMF model with identical weight. HMX fiber has excellent characteristics with minimal loss of power transfer, and is only available in our racing shoes, such as the MTB RC SL and ROAD RC SL. The advantages of the HMF carbon, slightly lower than the HMX, are its excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio and a comparatively low price. The bottom rung in the material hierarchy are composite and nylon soles, which offer sufficient responsiveness at an attractive price.

A stiff shoe doesn't have to be less comfortable. Comfort is determined by the soft mesh inner lining and the absence of pressure points. Flexibility has always been thought to ultimately improve comfort, but a shoe is less efficient at transferring power the more flexible it is. The reality is that comfort depends on the fit of the shoe. At SCOTT we use three different lasts to optimize fit and comfort. The competition last with a very tight fit, the technical last that offers more comfort, and a more flexible sports last.

If your level is:

• competitor, you need a race-fit shoe with a stiffness index of 9 or 10 (see all)
• hobbyist, you need a shoe with a technical fit with a stiffness index of 7 or 8 (see all)
• An enthusiastic cyclist, you need a sport-fitting shoe with a stiffness index of 6 (see all)
• SCOTT shoes are known for their perfect, adaptive fit. Our high-end MTB and road cycling shoes are equipped with anatomically designed ErgoLogic adjustable insoles. The division of the foot into different areas allows us to study the anatomical shape of the foot and give our insoles an ergonomic shape to achieve a perfect fit that guarantees support for the cyclist's foot. SCOTT's modular outsole can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each rider with three different arch and metatarsal padding for high, medium and low volume feet.

Tips for a perfect fit:

• The shoes have to fit you as they come in the box. Unlike running shoes, cycling shoes cannot be tamed.
• Cycling shoes should fit snugly, but with enough room in the toe box for you to move your toes a bit.
• It is acceptable to leave a little slack in the heel when walking in cycling shoes. Slack is a consequence of the stiffness of the shoes. On the bike, you shouldn't notice any movement in the shoes.
• To improve fit and comfort, you can use SCOTT cycling socks.

LOCKING SYSTEMS
Different adjustment systems have been imposed in the cycling shoe manufacturing industry in recent years, although in reality we should be talking about closure systems. SCOTT uses three proven performance systems:


Lacing style: Possibly the most classic, but still a favorite of many riders. It is the ideal option if you are looking to have a uniform pressure throughout the foot and a comfortable feeling when pedaling.


Adjustment straps and buckles: A closure system for effortless putting on and taking off the shoes. The Velcro adjustment straps allow some flexibility in the instep, which makes this system a good option for cyclists of cyclist and amateur level. For their part, the buckles keep the foot firmly in place and offer extreme durability in all types of weather conditions.


BOA® Systems: Although they have only been on the market for a couple of years, BOA® systems are synonymous with exceptional quality and reliability in high-end locking systems. The thumbwheel lets you fine-tune the micro-adjustment for an exceptional fit. The IP1 system can be turned in both directions, to loosen or to tighten. An evolution of this technology is the L6 system, which can only be turned in one direction to tighten, and which opens by pulling it open.

If your level is:

• competitor, the most important thing is that the system can be adjusted while you ride. We recommend the BOA® IP1 system.
• hobbyist, in principle any closure system is good for you. If you usually ride on wet or muddy terrain, we recommend a BOA® or lacing system.
• cyclist, and you are looking for a closure system that is easy to handle, adjustment straps or laces will cover all your needs.

UPPER MATERIALS
The uppers of a cycling shoe are made of leather and synthetic materials such as microfiber, and have four main functions: ventilation, protection, comfort and responsiveness.

It is highly advisable to choose well-ventilated road and trail running shoes in hot weather to avoid burning the sole and overheating of the feet. Microfiber and mesh upper with openings for easy air circulation reduce sweat and improve comfort. In winter, you will need protection from the elements. SCOTT cycling shoes with Gore-Tex membranes keep mud, dirt and water out and keep you warm. There is another way to stay warm and dry: you can always use shoe covers and toe covers, in different lengths and heights.

SCOTT's latest innovation in upper materials is the Carbitex, made of carbon and designed to go all out in every race. SCOTT's Carbitex range of cycling shoes allows for excellent responsiveness and superb power transfer with virtually zero elongation. Carbitex is stiff, but at the same time it is exceptionally flexible and allows a glove-like fit.

I ALREADY FOUND MY SNEAKERS! AND NOW THAT?
ASSEMBLE THE TACOS
When you get the box with the shoes, or when you pick them up from the dealer, you will have to mount the studs to be able to put them on the pedals (unless you have bought a pair of flat pedal shoes, in which case you can put them on directly). Cleat placement is essential to maximize power transfer and to prevent injury.

It doesn't matter if the road is your thing or if the mountains throw you more, the main rule is the same: the further back you mount the studs, the better stability and traction you will have on the pedals. However, you should keep in mind that ultimately stability and traction do not improve power transfer. If trail or enduro is your thing, you may want to mount the studs further back to improve stability. On the other hand, if your world is the road or the XC, putting the studs slightly more forward will help you transfer more power to the pedals. But this basic rule does not apply to all cyclists either. We recommend that you try different cleat positions until you find the ideal spot for the most efficient position and for your riding style.



THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING
To get the most out of your shoes and guarantee maximum durability, it will not hurt to give them a good review after each outing. If they do not have mud, rubbing the shoes with a kitchen towel will be enough. If they are covered in dust, wash them with a brush and a little warm water. Be careful when cleaning the Velcro strips or the BOA® system; it is very easy for the adjustment system to be damaged. Remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper balls to dry. Do not expose them to direct sunlight, as UV radiation can discolor or even deform the shoes.