{"id":16900,"date":"2022-08-15T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.classpass.com\/?p=16900"},"modified":"2022-09-09T13:54:09","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T17:54:09","slug":"should-you-buy-spin-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.classpass.com\/should-you-buy-spin-shoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Spin Shoes \u2014 Read This Before You Invest in a Pair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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So you\u2019ve taken your fair share of indoor cycling classes<\/a> and you know how to tap it back<\/a> with the best of them, but you still haven\u2019t purchased your own indoor cycling shoes. While some studios rent shoes (or even provide them free of charge), there can be a huge benefit in owning cycling shoes<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spin shoes buying guide<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

We scoured the internet and talked to the pros about what to look for in a cycling shoe so that you can get the most out of every class<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are spin shoes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spin shoes are shoes made specifically for indoor cycling. These shoes have a special clip that will attach to the pedal of an indoor cycling bike when you apply pressure. Spin shoes are formatted in a way that improves overall safety of indoor cycling and make the overall workout smoother. Many indoor cycling and spin classes require that you either own, or rent, a pair of spin shoes so that you can properly clip into the equipment. This is what spin instructors mean when they say “clip in,” they mean to literally clip your shoes onto the pedal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why buy cycling shoes?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As any indoor cycling enthusiast<\/a> will tell you, using dedicated cycling shoes that clip to your pedals is a game changer. Why? It will give you a more powerful, efficient workout<\/a> by allowing you to transfer more energy from your pedal stroke to the bike. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Melisa Olgun, a cycling instructor at <\/span>Uforia Studios<\/span><\/a> in San Francisco, explains that \u201cthe stiff sole of the cycling shoes transfers the power from your legs straight to the bike, rather than getting absorbed in the cushion of your shoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, wearing properly fitted cycling shoes can help prevent injury by \u201cpreventing your foot and ankle from moving around during class and keeping your body in proper alignment,\u201d she adds. And if you have a competitive nature, it can help make you a more powerful rider<\/a> (hello, leaderboard!) and keep you injury free. Cycling-specific shoes will help you engage your hamstrings, calves, glutes and core, in addition to your quadriceps.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why not rent spin shoes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many studios offer rental or complimentary loaner shoes. While this can be convenient for a newbie, there are certain benefits to having your own pair of cycling shoes. Allie White, a cycling instructor at <\/span>Flywheel<\/span><\/a> in Chicago, <\/span>explains that while her studio provides complimentary shoe rental, \u201cavid indoor cyclists should consider a shoe investment, as each type of shoe fits slightly different and, as the shoes are worn by many riders, they aren\u2019t conformed to just your foot.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olgun adds that for germaphobes, wearing your own shoes could also provide some peace of mind. Most cycling shoes are very durable and will last you years, especially if you are primarily using them for indoor cycling classes, making them a great investment in your ClassPass routine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of cycling shoes<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three primary classifications of cycling shoes: road bike shoes, mountain bike shoes and indoor cycling shoes. Each type is optimized for something different:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Road cycling shoes<\/b><\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These tend to be stiffer than the mountain bike and\/or indoor cycling shoes and the cleat (the part that clips into the pedal) protrudes from the sole.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mountain bike-style shoes <\/b><\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These have a rubberized sole and a recessed cleat. They can look more like your typical trainers, meaning you won\u2019t have to switch shoes to hit the weights or the sidewalk after class. Potential downsides include a heavier, less-efficient shoe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indoor cycling<\/b> shoes<\/b><\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Consider these to be something of a hybrid between road and mountain bike shoes, with more rubber on the sole than a road shoe to allow you to walk around the studio without slipping, but a sleeker silhouette than a mountain bike shoe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your primary use for cycling shoes is indoor cycling classes, you\u2019re probably better off purchasing a pair that with enough traction to keep you vertical from the locker room to the studio. These can certainly also be used for outdoor rides, but will be a bit heavier than those constructed exclusively for road biking.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of spin shoes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between different types of indoor cycling shoes is the type of cleat, or binding, with which the shoe is compatible. There are two primary types of cleats, each of which is compatible with a different type of pedal<\/span>: SPD and Delta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delta vs SPD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n