How to make creative nail designs

 How to make creative nail designs

Looking for a way to style your look? A creative nail design can complement your outfit for a special event or add an exclusive touch to your everyday look. Although it is best to leave nail decoration with many details in the hands of a professional, there are designs that you can create yourself. Try double tones, glitter and jewels, polka dots, mixed colors, heather or stamping for effects.

- How to make creative nail designs and nail art accessories

Method one Prepare your nails

one
Remove all traces of nail polish. Make sure you are starting from scratch by removing any polish that is still on them.

two
Cut and file your nails. Shape them to get neat. Since you are decorating nails, try not to cut them too short. It is better to have more space to work.

3
Apply a nail primer. Nail base is usually clear or bluish in color and can be purchased anywhere nail polish is sold. Protect nails from being stained or damaged by paint or other nail art materials. Apply a coat and allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Some nail foundations remain sticky after they dry. This texture is designed to help the next coat, the enamel, stay in place longer without flaking. Choose the nail base that you like the most.


Method two Designs for beginners

one
Paint only the tip of the nail a different color. Choose two complementary colors, which will look great on the same nail.
Apply a colored or clear nail base. Let the polish dry.

Apply a French manicure adhesive to the nail, exposing the tip. If you don't have stickers for French manicure, use a sticker with a similar shape, such as stickers used to reinforce holes in sheets of paper.

Paint the tip of a color over the adhesive. Nothing happens if you paint the adhesive a little.

Peel off the sticker while the paint is wet, so you don't pick up paint chips with it when you remove it.

Allow the design to dry completely and finish it off with a top coat.


two
Add a jewel or sticker to your nails. Start by painting a layer with your favorite polish and highlight it with a pretty decoration.
Apply a colored foundation or a clear one. Let the polish dry.

Put some nail glue or nail gel on the nail. Place it at the top of it, toward the tip, or at the bottom of a corner. Think about where it will be best.

Take the jewelry or sticker with tweezers and place it on the gel or glue. Use the tweezers to gently press where the decoration will go. Let the glue dry.

Apply a final coat of clear polish ("top coat") on the nails, to prevent the adhesive or jewelry from falling off.


3
Get a shiny effect. Try one of these techniques:
Mix some loose glitter with the nail gel or clear polish, apply it on the nails. When the application has dried, add a coat of clear polish to finish ("top coat").

Cover one or more of your nails with the gel or polish. Sprinkle glitter over them and allow to dry before finishing with a top coat.


Method 3 Polka dot design

one
Create some simple polka dots. Choose two colors, one for the base coat and one for the color of the mole. If you prefer, you can use several colors for the polka dots.
Apply a colored coat as a base. Let it dry completely.

Dip a small brush, toothpick, or thumbtack into the nail polish you have chosen to make the moles, and lightly rest it on the nail. Keep doing this until the nail has as many moles as you want. To achieve other effects, you can make polka dots of various sizes using a fine point or a thicker point. To achieve fading or trail-shaped spots, dip the utensil into the paint once and make multiple spots with that paint without re-wetting it. You can also use the fine-tipped tool to stretch paint from a wet mole to create rays, spirals, or any other design.

When the moles have dried, finish with a top coat.


two
Make a flower design. A set of polka dots can look like a flower. Pick three colors: one for the base, one for the center of the flower, and one for the petals.
Apply the base color. Let it dry completely.

Use a fine-tipped brush or toothpick to make groups of five spots in a circle on the nails. These are the petals.

When the dots that make up the petals dry, you can use that color to paint a simple circle in the center of the petals. You can add extra details by placing a small white strip in the center of the petals or make some leaves using a green glaze. Be careful not to make too many flowers on each nail. Make sure the flowers are distinguishable from each other.

When the flowers have dried, finish them with a top coat.


3
Create leopard footprints. To achieve this look, choose two colors: one dark and one light. Try fuchsia or orange and black.
Use the lightest color to stain your nails. The shapes do not have to be uniform, as leopard spots are not uniform.

When the stains dry, draw a "C" or "U" around the edge of the stains using a darker color.

When the leopard prints have dried, finish with a top coat or, for style, paint over the design with a clear glitter polish.


Method 4 Mixed color design

one
Make a spiral. You will need three different colors: a base color plus two different colors that look good when they spiral over the base color.
Apply the color coat as a base and let it dry.

Put a coat of top coat to seal in the base coat and allow it to dry.

Make a point with the colored nail polish from the first spiral using a toothpick.

Use a clean toothpick to add a second stitch and make another spiral with a different color above the first stitch while the first is still wet.

Drag all the colors out and make spirals using a clean toothpick, a special nail art brush, or something else. You can also create a marbled effect by randomly placing several dots of the color of the first spiral, and then placing different dots of the color of the second spiral around and on top of the dots that you painted first. Go around the dots around and join them by moving your tool in a cross shape, an "S" shape or by making an 8.


two
Make sloping nails ("ombre"). Ombre nails look best with colors from the same family, such as purples or blues. To achieve this look you will need three colors: a dark, a medium and a light tone.
Apply a coat of the darkest color and let it dry.

Wet a makeup sponge with a dark colored polish (the sponge only needs to touch the polish once) and apply the medium color to the end of the nails, starting from the end and working your way down for a gradient color effect .

Using a clean makeup sponge, dab the lighter color onto the nail following the pattern above, starting from the tip and fading towards the base of your nails. The end result should be lighted tips that fade to the darker colored base.

Apply a coat of clear polish ("top coat") while the polishes are still wet so that the colors blend further.


3
Create a watercolor effect. In this case, you will need two or more colors: white and another color or two of your choice.
Apply the white polish as a base.

Before the base color dries, use a toothpick or other tool to place dots with another color or two colors on top of the base color.

Dip a large brush in acetone and run it over the polish drops. Use the acetone and the brush to make the points thinner and so that they are flushed over the white polish base. If you do it right, you will get an impressionist design inspired by Monet.

When the watercolor design dries, apply a coat of clear polish ("top coat").

4
Make the acid washed nail design. To mimic the look of acid washed jeans, wear blue and white nail polish.
Use the color blue as the base. Let it dry and apply a coat of clear polish ("top coat").

When these coats have dried, paint a single coat of white polish over the base.

Dip a makeup sponge in acetone and use it to gently rub to remove and refine the white polish. Stop when the blue enamel layer begins to show, this will create the appearance of being acid washed.

When the acid design has dried, finish it off with a top coat.


Method 5 Water mottled design

one
Gather all your supplies. Water marbling is a creative technique that uses water and a variety of colors to achieve a unique look. Have the following materials ready: a base color and two or three colors that go well together, such as light blue, yellow, and white. A shallow, wide-mouthed cup or bowl filled almost to the brim with room temperature water. Also petroleum jelly.

two
Apply the base color. Let it dry completely.

3
Add color to the water. Drop a few drops of nail polish into the water from a low height. Observe how a colored circle forms in the water

4
Drop a few drops of another color in the center of the first color. Continue adding drops in the same way to the center of the color circle, alternating colors until you see a target or target shape.

5
Use a toothpick to alter the design. Dip it into the water and drag it across the colored target to create the patterns. Cobweb designs are popular, as are flower and geometric designs. Do not go overboard with the toothpick, because if you mix too much the colors will not be distinguished from each other. If you created something with the toothpick and you don't like it, just delete the first try and start over.

6
Apply the design on your nails. Put petroleum jelly on the skin around the nails up to the fingers. Carefully place the nails against the design you created and dip them in a bit. Remove water from nails. Blot up any remaining drops and use a cotton swab (covered with acetone if necessary) to clean the edges and remove the nail polish from your fingers.

7
Let the design dry completely. Finish it off with a top coat of clear nail polish.


Method 6 Find sources of inspiration

one
Take classes at your local nail salon. A few hours with a professional can improve your skills more effectively than years of practicing on your own.

two
Read books on nail art. You can find them at the library or book store, or buy them online.

3
Search the web. Web pages provide tons of sources, especially if you're looking for ideas. In addition to finding pages with photos or new designs, you can find forums in which people who like nail art talk about different techniques and learning experiences.

4
Watch videos on sites like YouTube. These videos will show you step-by-step procedures to achieve many different designs.



Tips

• All nail art starts with healthy nails. Nails must be in good shape (they must not be bitten). Cuticles must be healthy and not raised.
• Reapply a coat of clear polish ("top coat") every two to three days to protect the design and keep your nails shiny. Apply cuticle oil every day.
• You can share a professional nail art kit that includes all the marbling brushes, tools, and utensils you'll need. You can also improvise using a toothpick or hairpin to pinpoint the dots and make the colored spirals accurately, or you can buy a fine-tipped brush at an art store or hobby store. You can easily buy kits for more complex techniques, like airbrushes, on Amazon or other websites.
• Look for ideas in fashion magazines or the any landscape that surrounds you.
• Be neat and don't bite your nails!
• If one of your nails gets cut, start over and pair them all together. If you don't want to cut your other nails, use a solid color. French manicure will draw attention to your uneven nails.
• Have all of your supplies together when you start your project. Since enamel always dries, you work against the clock. You will need to have everything on hand before starting.
• Use different utensils for each color, or clean brushes or utensils every time you change color, just like you would clean a paint brush when you change color.
• Treat your nails gently, wear gloves when doing yard work or any other job, and be careful when doing certain tasks, like opening soda cans, as they could damage your nails.
• Apply a base color first. Now paint a thick layer of another contrasting color and using a toothpick make strange swirls and triples to create a marbling effect. This can be very messy.
• To be a state-of-the-art artist, do nail stamping. This technique allows you to apply a delicate image to your nails. It requires special tools that you can find in stores that sell nail supplies.

Warnings

• Do not wash the brushes with water. This will cause the enamel to harden. Instead, clean them with nail polish remover.
• Acetone and many nail polishes release gases and are flammable. Use them in a well-ventilated place and keep them away from fire, sparks and avoid smoking around these products or while nails are still wet.
• Some people may be allergic to some nail products. If you experience an allergic reaction to any product, wash your hands completely, if you need to use acetone to remove it and stop using that product.
• Make sure each nail design color is completely dry before you start using another color (unless you are trying to mix them together); if the first color is still wet it will stain and ruin your design.

Things You Will Need

• Nail polish
• Gel or nail glue
• Cotton balls
• Jewelry or nail stickers
• Tweezers
• Transparent enamel ("top coat")
• Brilliantine
• Adhesives for French manicure
• Fine tipped brush, hairpins or toothpicks
• Makeup sponges
• Cotton swabs
• Acetone
• A wide-mouthed cup or bowl
• Vaseline
• Stamping machine
• Scraper
• An imaging plate
• Stamping enamel
• Books, websites and YouTube for more ideas

Manicure kit to do Nail Art at home

 Manicure kit to do Nail Art at home

Many times you have wondered how to make those elaborate nail designs that combine impossible drawings, figures or patterns. Each Nail Art design has its own little trick and requires its own materials, for this reason, we are going to list one by one the tools that you will need to make your own manicure kit to make Nail Art at home.

First you will need the basic materials for the care of your nails, such as a nail clipper, a file, transparent polish or Top coat, orange stick, colored nail polish and nail polish remover with or without acetone. Once you have your hands and nails ready, the next step is to decide which decoration is the one you would like for your nails.

- Manicure kit to do Nail Art at home and nail art accessories

Materials needed for your homemade manicure kit
First of all, I recommend that you find a comfortable place at home to decorate your nails. If you have a manicure table it will be ideal to have the perfect space and that your designs are spectacular.

With Nail Art any design is possible, you will just need a little patience and add some of these materials to your manicure kit:

1. Manicure punch
It is one of the most useful materials and you can find them with the tip in different sizes. The punches will help you draw the details of a multitude of designs such as polka dot decoration, zebra or leopard decoration, animal drawings, flower designs ...

2. Accessories to stick on nails
There are many accessories with which you can make Nail Art on your nails. Finding these accessories is not usually difficult and with them you will be able to give your nails a very personal touch. You can decorate them with nail tacks, nail stickers or stickers, nail caviar, nail velvet, glitter or sequins. Normally they bring you everything you need to place them, although a good alternative is to place them on the fresh enamel so that they are well fixed when they dry.

3. Plate and stamp for stamping manicure designs
With these molds you can place ready-made designs on your nails without having to stick stickers or stickers. The plates usually come with 4 or more different designs and usually the kit brings you a stamp or sponge to help you stamp the decoration on your nail.

4. Striping tape or tape for Nail Art
It is a very thin colored tape that is used to make straight lines on the nail. It sticks like duct tape and can be used to make very elegant nail designs. There are some striping tapes that allow you to draw lines of different colors at the same time.

5. Glitter nail polishes for Nail Art
If you want to decorate your nails with Nail Art in an easy and fast way, your solution is to buy a polish that already includes the decoration. You can find a wide range of colors and glitter.


Now you know how to impress with the decoration of your nails without having to go to any beauty center. These accessories are easy to find in any specialized store or even online, and you can also travel with these manicure products wherever you want, as they hardly take up space.

With this Manicure Kit to do Nail Art at home that we suggest, you can make designs that seemed impossible before and you will seem like an expert in Nail Art.

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Ideas to paint your nails: the art of decorating your hands

 Ideas to paint your nails: the art of decorating your hands

Hands have become the focus of make-up and the options to beautify them are multiplying. Nail art, products, colors and more.

Nail art or "nail art" is a trend that emerged in the 80s in New York and in recent years has returned with everything. The images of the decorated nails of influencers from all over the world are filled with "likes" on social networks and fashion is followed by millions of women around the planet. We share some ideas to paint your nails and get on the trend.

- Ideas to paint your nails: the art of decorating your hands and nail art accessories

Although teenagers and young people are the ones who innovate the most in colors and designs, there are alternatives for all ages and styles. There are options for those who love to see a more traditional look on their hands and variants for those who want to unleash their imagination and decorate their hands with some boldness.

At the same time, although many prefer to go to the beauty salon or nail art store so that their hands are impeccable, nail decoration can also be done at home with the correct elements.

Nail painting ideas: nail art designs
There are many ways to paint your nails in this art. Everything is allowed although it is key to respect good taste, since a bad manicure can ruin a complete look. The most famous nail designs are:

• French nail art: The “French girl” is still one of the most requested designs. But it no longer has to be quasi monochromatic (milky-white). The tips of the nails are also painted in colors, gold or silver. And you can see a lot of the inverted French that is achieved by painting the lunula in one color and the rest of the nail in another.
• Caviar nails: They are one of the must of nail art. Caviar are tiny balls, like eclairs but round in shape, that give a super sophisticated look. With this topping different designs can be achieved.
• Glitter & confetti nail: The main idea is that it provides a glitter and glamor effect. Glitter topping of all colors is used. There are also glitters already armed in the graffiti style that are dreamed of.
• Velvet nail: An effect of softness and small “hairs” is achieved, causing a texture on the nail. The enamel gives a velvet effect.
• Animal print: Whether it is leopard, zebra, tiger, animal print also revolutionizes the world of manicure and is super cool. Nail stamps can be an option for this design.
• Striped: Another of the most used designs is that of stripes. Striking, combining colors and stripes.
• Florals: They always look good, they can be white or in different colors. It can be used on just one nail or all of them.
• Geometry: Geometric figures are a trend in nail design. Triangles, rhombuses, etc.
• Combined nails: It is one of the most commonly seen. A color is chosen - with or without design - on all nails, except for one nail of each hand - it is usually the ring finger - which is painted in another color.
• Chrome or mirror: It is created by applying a super fine powder, called “chrome mirror powder”, to the enamel. It can be done on any color. They are divine on white, blue, silver, gold or black.

Sculpted nails
Always impeccable and "almost" unbreakable, sculpted nails are gaining more and more followers. Artificial Nails, False Nails, Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Sculptured Nails, and Porcelain Nails: There are many techniques for sculpting (gluing an artificial material over the natural nail), but not all are safe. Some products used can be highly toxic and very aggressive for the nails.

The materials for sculpting nails are:

• Acrylic: it is a rather hard material, not very flexible, with which it can break more easily. But the advantage is that you can file them at home. It dries instantly, in contact with air, mixing a liquid (monomer) and a powder (polymer). They are made by polishing the natural nail and then using acrylic powder and acrylic liquid. With this technique the manicure lasts, between 15 to 20 days, always depending on the growth of them.
• Gel: they have a permanent shine and are more flexible than the previous ones. They have a more natural appearance due to their transparency, which is why they go unnoticed with the naked eye. Enamel is optional. It is not convenient to file them at home, as they lose their seal. They harden only by introducing the nails in a UV cabin. This glaze is more durable.
• There are also combinations of the two systems: acrylic nails are built, then a small layer of gel is placed and introduced into the cabin. In many places they are called porcelain nails.

Ideas to beautify your nails
In order to achieve designer nails, you must have several elements:

• Oil and cuticle remover: Before starting with the beauty operation, it is necessary to have the manicure done impeccably, so the cuticles must be very well cared for. To forget about hangnails and dryness, the important thing is to apply an oil and cuticle remover.
• Nail clippers and file: it is important to cut the nails before painting them. We must give them the length we want, while with the file we achieve the shape - square or round - that is desired.
• It may interest you: Beauty Trends: fashionable bijou to put a wave to summer
• Nail hardener: when it comes to hand beauty, there is nothing worse than breaking a nail, as that can ruin the entire manicure. To avoid this, the best is a nail hardener. If, in addition to hardening, it nourishes, much better: it is an ideal way to keep them healthy and strong.
• Base polish: Now the good stuff begins and for this we must put a base nail polish, one or two layers, in order to keep the color in place and for longer. This step is very important because it can make a difference in the duration of your nail art.
• Brushes: Although each polish comes with a paint brush, a good brush is a thousand times better, even if you have a good hand. Especially to make “French” nails, both the classic and the most modern ones that combine colors.
• Toppings: Many textures are used on the nails and one of the favorite toppings of the lovers of this art is that of caviar. It can also be rhinestones, glitter, glitters, nail stamps, mermaid tails, etc. They are divine and in the market there is a wide variety of enamels ready to be applied on top of a top coat.
• Dotting tool: It is one of the most important tools, it is a must in nail art. It is a must to do almost all designs. But to be able to play with your creativity it is best to have several of different head thicknesses.
• Drying drops: One of the most boring things women go through is when they have to wait for the polish to dry. Now there are drying drops, the best are those that have a drip applicator.
• Express nail polish remover: One of the best inventions that manicure has are express acetone solvents. We will no longer have to use almost half a cotton bag to unpaint the nails, with these jars you just have to put your finger inside and the nail will be unpainted instantly.

How to paint your nails
To know how to paint easy and beautiful nails, you just have to follow some tips.

• To prevent the tips of your nails from chipping, use two coats of polish. The first one only in the upper half and once dry, a second coat is given, but this time on the entire nail.
• Use white nail polish as a base to make the colors pop. And then paint your nails with the desired color.
• A good idea is to use eyelets as a guide to paint your half moon nail designs.
• Paint two-tone with masking tape. Put the lightest polish on all your nails. Let it dry and then stick the tape in the chosen design shape. Take the darkest color and paint your nails with it, let it dry and remove the tape gently.

Fabulous Easy-to-Do Nail Art Ideas

 Fabulous Easy-to-Do Nail Art Ideas

Today we bring you easy nail art ideas to do and a couple of steps by step. Get inspired and try them on at pre-wedding celebrations or at the wedding itself!

Whether you are getting married, being a godmother, a bridesmaid or attending a wedding, you always have to think about what you will wear on that day. One of the biggest challenges is knowing how to combine accessories, dress, hairstyle and even nail art is also very important to be beautiful on such a special day.

- Fabulous Easy-to-Do Nail Art Ideas And Nail Art Accessories

In the images you can find the nail art that is being used today. The strong colors, blue and white are the great protagonists for this season.

You also have to keep in mind that you can choose to use styles alluding to the wedding that will take place, the secret is not to overdo the decoration and to look good.

The trend in nail art
What is causing the most fury are the nails in degrade with gold and a lot of shine and totally fashionable are scenes that continue from one nail to the other.

We will start by telling you what types of colors are being used and for what type of occasion, dress and accessories look best.


But remember that not everything is just the colors and knowing how to combine them, but you can also wear different designs such as: French, inverted French, lines, brilliants, points, flowers, hearts, geometric, etc. There are a myriad of options, it could take hours and hours naming them.

Gold and silver in nail art
If the event is at night, these colors will make you stand out and look spectacular. You can use the dress or accessories of the same color, and it even works very well for brides at a glam wedding.

Nails decorated with white, pastel and light colors
These are the preferred and most used colors by brides, they are perfect for a classic, glam or minimalist wedding, but you should not only use them because everything has to be in light tones, but they also make your hands look good and stylish.

You can also play with the different textures, colors and brightness that this option gives you.

Nail Art: Dark Colors in Nail Designs
The ideal thing to use these types of colors is that they contrast with dresses in light tones or at least that they combine with the type of accessories you wear that day. You can also make them look good by combining them with bright or some light color to make it stand out.

Grays can sometimes be considered dark or light so now we will show you nail art ideas with this color.

Nail art ideas in blues, pinks and purples
This is the best color combination because it goes well with everything and any type of dress, you can use these colors with beautiful designs for a country or boho chic wedding.

Nail art tutorial
We also bring you a nice tutorial that would go very well with dark colored dresses. It is a design that is a trend today, but that is little seen in nail art, if you dare to wear it you will be the sensation of the wedding.

What do you need?

• Black enamel
• Pink enamel
• Pearly blue enamel
• Pearl purple enamel
• Clear glaze with frost
• A small sponge

Instructions

• Apply a coat of black enamel
• Spread the sponge with the pearly blue enamel and apply
• Do the same with the other two colors, one followed by the other leaving some black spaces
• Apply the nail polish with frost and let it dry

Cycling shoe comparison: analysis and opinions

 Cycling shoe comparison: analysis and opinions

If you are looking for a comfortable and lightweight cycling shoe that fits the pedals of your road bike, we have the best options for you.

In this article you will be able to know the models that are currently on the market so that you can compare them and you can choose the one that best suits your needs and your pocket. Do not miss it!

Cycling shoes
Cycling shoes are footwear specifically designed to be used in that sport, along with the bike helmet.

- Cycling shoe comparison: analysis and opinions and products

They are made of lightweight material and a special rigid sole that allows the foot to adapt to the pedal of the bicycle so that the rider can pedal with greater power in a comfortable and safe way. Its function is to take care of the body while pedaling and increase performance during the ride.

The best cycling shoes of 2020
The following products have been selected as the best of the moment from the different price ranges. They adapt to all pockets and to the needs of each person, so you do not run out of a good pair. Check out.

The best value for money
This model is geared towards road use. It is an excellent option for advanced cyclists. Thanks to its fiberglass and polyamide mixed construction sole, it achieves a better balance between comfort and performance with each pedal stroke.

The best high-end model
With these shoes you can pedal comfortably on the road or cyclocross. It is made of strong and durable materials that guarantee a long service life. It has a screw closure system and they fit perfectly to the width of the foot.

Best cheap model
Cycling shoe, with a high resistance carbon sole and great lightness with only 4mm thick. It is built in a single piece, without seams, of high quality micro fibers with great properties such as its great breathability and its perfect adaptation to our feet. In addition, it has a micro-fiber inner lining to prevent sweat.

Comparison of the best cycling shoes
With a wide variety of models on the market, let's see a comparative analysis in table form that the web team has made with the four best models of the moment and their characteristics.

Why buy cycling shoes?
Are you still undecided? Next, we present two main reasons that will make you realize their importance, and above all to recognize that traditional shoes are not suitable for this sport.

To protect and care for the feet
Beautifully designed cycling shoes If you do not have the appropriate footwear to practice this sport, it is common for your feet to slip on the pedal, especially if you are going at high speed or making an effort, and this can cause foot injuries and impact on joints, as well as sudden accidents.

With cycling shoes this will not happen to you, thanks to the fact that the sole of this footwear is specially designed with a kind of anchor to give a good support to the foot on the pedal. This allows you to maintain a correct position.

To improve performance and performance
woman riding a bike with cycling shoes Whether you are a beginner or a professional cyclist, it is recommended that you wear appropriate cycling shoes for several reasons.

Since, in addition to giving you the comfort you need, they will help you protect your feet, have better control during the ride and improve performance.

The performance will depend on the pedaling, if we buy cycling shoes that allow the foot to be properly fixed on the pedal, we will be able to apply greater force and power, or perform the complete rotation of the leg without slipping and, therefore, without wasting time on wheels.



How to choose cycling shoes?
There is a wide catalog of brands and models that make choosing a cumbersome process, since important aspects must be taken into account such as: size, manufacturing material, insole used, closure system and the comfort it offers. To help you, we have prepared some tips so that you know how to choose cycling shoes.

Size
Yellow cycling shoes When we are going to choose a shoe of this type, the first thing we should assess and review before buying a model is the size.

It has to be a shoe that fits us just right, neither tight nor too loose, and comfortable. Our recommendation is that the largest toe does not touch the toe, ideally there should be a small space.

The materials
cycling shoe hitch Another essential point that we must consider when choosing a cycling shoe is the material with which it was manufactured, it is best to buy shoes with breathable fabrics. It should also be verified that the sole is rigid so that the pedaling occurs with less pressure.

For example, the Luck cycling shoe that is made with a rigid and lightweight carbon sole, without internal seams, a micro fiber lining and 3 velcro straps that give the foot greater support. While the Dilwe mountain bike shoe has a sole made of nylon and TPU, with high quality material, hard TPU plate on the toe that protects it from any blow.

The type of template
cycling shoe insoles A good insole will allow us to have a better balance when making the effort with the foot to pedal, by placing reinforcements at pressure points.

The type we need will depend on the bridge of the foot, so you can find different heights in that area.

Other insoles are anatomically designed to adapt to the arch of the foot, giving you the comfort and stability you require with every step. We recommend that you buy cycling shoes with this second option since it is more generic.

The closing system
Black cycling shoes Each model of cycling shoes includes a type of closure system, some are more functional than others. The Boa type closure is the most recommended because it offers a correct support of the footwear, although it is the most expensive.

The ratchet type is also adjustable but slightly heavier; the closure system with velcro or laces is strong, but they do not stabilize as much as the previous systems, they are ideal for beginners.

For example, the Luck Extreme 3.0 MTB uses three velcro straps as a closure system; the Fizik R4B and R5B shoe uses the boa system which is highly efficient in pedaling; and the Giro Empire incorporates the lacing closure.

The comfort
Designer black cycling shoes If the cycling shoes are not comfortable, the performance will not be the best. Before buying footwear for this sport, you must make sure that they provide comfort during the tour.

For example, the Shimano SH-R065 shoes ensure comfort in long-term races; The Giro Empire SLX: 252 includes an adjustable grip zone for more comfort when pedaling.

How much is a pair of cycling shoes worth?
cyclist on a bike with cycling shoes The price of the shoe can vary between 30 euros and more than 250 euros, that range will depend on the model of the shoe, the type of closure, the technology it includes and the brand.

We can find high-end shoes, with a cost higher than 100 euros, among which we can mention the Shimano SH-RC701 shoes that are around 200 euros, the MILLET Friction for about 140 euros, or the Piuk Altube Road available for around from 125 euros.

We can also find other high-quality models at more affordable prices, such as: LUCK Master for about 50 euros and the reflective Dilwe for about 40 euros. A very economical model is the Am Downieville Low from Vaude for around 20 euros.

The choice of this type of footwear cannot be done lightly. It is not about buying the most striking or with the most innovative design, since there are many factors that must be taken into account. Follow the recommendations that we have indicated and you will be able to choose the best one, so you will notice it in your performance, the comfort you feel during the tour and the security you have in each pedal stroke.

How to adjust cycling shoes?
Cycling shoes include cleats on the soles, a kind of clicks that can be adjusted in the front, in the middle of the sole or behind. If you do not have knowledge of how to place these cleats in the shoes in the most appropriate way, here we show you the correct way to do it:

Locate where the cleat is placed on the sole. It should be located in the midline between the first metatarsal or area known as the "bunion" and the fifth metatarsal of the little finger.
Take the shoe and install the cleats. Attach some straps to the sole and mark in the aforementioned area, specifically the metatarsal landmarks. Draw a horizontal line at each point and in the middle of both mark a line that is where the axis of the cove will be located.
Find the point of attachment and draw a line on each side of the sole. Locate the cleat and place it over the reference points and insert the adjusting washers and tighten hard. Now, to pedal!

How to clean cycling shoes?
cleaning cycling shoes Keeping cycling shoes in good condition is essential to prevent them from being damaged and not losing their design.

We recommend that after arriving from your training, if you do not see them very dirty, just wipe them with a cloth moistened with water to remove traces of dirt or mud. If they are very dirty or you haven't given them a good cleaning for a long time, it's time to do it, just follow these simple steps:

• Remove the laces and insoles from the shoes and wash them separately with mild soap and water, rinse, and set to dry.
• Inside we can pass a cloth moistened with water and then dry with a cloth. If they are very humid and you want to prevent them from losing their shape by placing them in the sun, you can use newspaper to absorb the moisture.
• On the outside, the first thing to do is check if the surface is smooth or has mesh.
• If it is smooth, wipe the skin with a damp cloth to remove traces of mud and dust.
• If the footwear has mesh you should with a brush moistened with soap and water, rub the stained areas and at the end for a damp cloth.
• If the shoe is made of leather, it is necessary to apply creams to clean them.
• Clean the soles with a damp cloth, if it has stains or stuck material rub with a brush.
• To finish, place your shoes in a ventilated place to dry, do not place them directly in the sun so they do not spoil.

Avoid using washers and dryers to clean cycling shoes, as they tend to lose their design and shape, in addition to reducing their useful life. Never store or put on your shoes wet, this generates the proliferation of fungi and bacteria that can cause damage to your feet.

When to change cycling shoes?
First of all, this type of footwear can last longer than a normal one. They do not have a fixed life cycle, so you will have to change them for obvious reasons, such as that they have suffered major cuts or if the clasps or clasps have been broken, although you can always take them to the shoemaker to see if they can be saved.

Choosing your MTB shoes

 Choosing your MTB shoes

THE MTB SHOES
Having a good pair of shoes for mountain biking is obvious, but it is not always easy to find the perfect MTB shoes among all the models and brands that exist.

In fact, the various manufacturers (including MTB shoes Mavic, Northwave, Sidi, Five Ten, Giro etc.) offer a wide range of MTB shoes for all disciplines. There are some for the recreational cycling, the sporty hiker, the cross-country (XC) competitor, the freerider, the downhiller ... Each MTB shoe has its own characteristics, thus satisfying the precise expectations.

- Choosing your MTB shoes and products

The type of pedals you use on your Mountain Bike (MTB), clipless pedals, and flat pedals should also be considered.

MTB SHOES BY CATEGORIES

HIKING / ENDURO MTB SHOES

The type of pedals you use on your Mountain Bike (MTB), clipless pedals, and flat pedals should also be considered.

MTB Enduro shoes are often medium to high models in order to protect the malleolus. There is also a small rubber reinforcement on the forefoot in case of unexpected impact ...

The sole must be relatively soft to offer comfort. The soles also have studs for safe walking on wet terrain. There are mainly 2 types of soles: compatible with clipless pedals (SPD) or with flat pedals. The system for tightening MTB-hiking shoes is quite classic and is generally made by laces. In high-end models there is a velcro, which makes it possible to wedge the laces underneath.

DESCENDING / FREERIDE SHOES

Downhill mountain bike shoes are sturdy footwear. They are designed to withstand extreme disciplines such as freeride, slopestyle, dirt, street and even BMX. These are shoes with a good compromise between stiffness and flexibility in order to have a maximum feeling when pedaling.

Downhill and in mountain bike, freeride footwear, protection is essential. Therefore, most models are reinforced in the forefoot to protect against unexpected loads or stones.

The insoles of these MTB shoes offer a good stiffness / flexibility ratio. The soles are flat with studs for maximum grip. For these extreme disciplines you will find SPD compatible soles, but also classic flat soles that allow you to roll on flat pedals.

The fastening of this type of footwear is classic and comes close to the tightening of hiking shoes, laces and velcro, to leave a certain freedom to the foot.

CROSS-COUNTRY / XC SHOES

Mountain bike shoes are light and stiff shoes. This type of mountain bike shoe offers cyclists great efficiency because there is almost no loss of energy. XC MTB shoes for competition are much closer to road bike shoes.

These are low models and the shoe stops below the malleolus, allowing for a lightweight shoe. On winter models, a watertight membrane rises above the ankle to keep warm and tight.

The soles are very rigid, always in order to have a light weight and performance. The soles of these shoes have studs and in certain models, metallic points can be added, which facilitates the walk during the carrying sessions. All XC MTB shoes are SPD compliant.

The support in this type of shoe is effective so that the foot is well maintained and the heel does not move almost to maintain maximum power during pedaling. The high-end models are equipped with micrometric calipers to provide precision and optimal support for the feet.


TIPS FROM A MTB RIDER TO CHOOSE YOUR SHOES:

• Try to take a size above or half a size if the brand proposes it, because as in all sports, the foot swells slightly with effort and it is more pleasant to be comfortable in your MTB shoes.
• This does not apply directly to the shoe, but if you are using clipless pedals, check the condition of your MTB shoes regularly and get them tightened.
• To have a good evacuation of perspiration and for better perspiration of the skin, do not hesitate to wear MTB socks adapted to this discipline.
• If your shoes are wet after a wet outing or after a wash, slide the newspaper inside to absorb the moisture more quickly

What to consider when choosing cycling shoes

 What to consider when choosing cycling shoes

Once we are clear that we are going to switch to clipless pedals, it is time to buy cycling shoes. They are one of the most important accessories for a cyclist. Let's see what needs to be taken into account according to the type of cycling that we practice.

Depending on the type of cycling we practice, we will have to opt for shoes that have certain characteristics.

- What to consider when choosing cycling shoes and products

Specific mtb shoes
The first thing to consider are the characteristics of a mountain bike. These are designed to be able to circulate almost on any type of terrain. For this reason they have suspension and a wide range of developments.

It is not the same to choose a mountain bike to travel on simple roads and rollers, than a bicycle that we are going to use to make difficult descents or ascents. For this reason, it is interesting to study a wide range of these types of bicycles well to decide which one best suits our interests. In this link you will find all kinds of mountain bikes of different ranges. From 29-inch rigid to 27.5 stunt bikes to fat bikes.

It is also very common on routes with this type of bicycle to have to walk somewhere where it is practically impossible to pedal. For this reason, when choosing shoes, they have to allow us to walk without problems.

For this, the mtb shoes on the sole have rubber studs. Obviously they are not going to be as comfortable as street sports, but they serve perfectly to get out of trouble.

Another concept that must be taken into account when choosing them is the sole. The stiffer the sole, the better the transmission of power from our legs to the pedals, but they will be more uncomfortable to walk on. On the contrary, if the sole is soft, they will be more comfortable to walk but we will lose power when transmitting force in each pedal stroke.

Finally, the fit to the foot must also be taken into account. The tighter the shoe is on the foot, the more comfortable it is to ride on the bike. If the foot is moving inside the shoe it will be very uncomfortable, and also the repetitive gesture of the pedal could cause injuries to the feet.

There are different types of closures for cycling shoes. There are those that go with laces, which are the simplest and the ones that fit the worst, those with velcro and micrometric closures, which fit the foot much better.

Obviously, depending on the range of shoes, the price will vary. We can find mtb shoes that range from approximately 30 euros to high-end shoes that even exceed 200 euros. In this link you will find a wide range of mountain shoes.

Road specific shoes
In road bikes, unlike mountain bikes, aerodynamics and efficiency are much more important. They are bicycles designed to devour miles and miles. As with mountain bikes, with road bikes we will also have to choose one or the other depending on the routes we are going to take.

Among road bikes we can find bikes that are climbers, long distance, aero or time trial. Cyclocross and touring bikes would also be included within road bikes. Here you can see a wide range of all of them.


Sneakers
On a road route, it is very rare to have to get off the bicycle to walk. For this reason, the specific shoes of this modality do not have studs on the sole, but the sole is smooth.

As the most important thing is pedaling efficiency, they are shoes with a rigid sole, in order to effectively transmit all the power of our legs to the pedals.

As in the mountain ones, it is very important to also take into consideration the closure of the shoe. It is very important that it fits well to the foot through a good closure. The better the closure and the harder the sole, the higher the price of these shoes.


It is important to emphasize that when buying any product related to cycling we have many options. There is the classic option of the physical store and the option of the online store. Physical stores have the advantage that they have the products and you can see and touch them, and online stores usually have very competitive prices and many more products.

One of the reference online stores in Spain is Bikestocks. They have a very wide range of products related to cycling, from bicycles of all types and ranges, nutrition products, products related to bicycle maintenance and also a specific triathlon section, among many other sections.