How To Buy Shoes For Spinning
Once you have been to a few spinning classes and have been bitten by the spinning bug, you might want to think about buying a pair of spinning shoes.
Spinning classes provide intense cardiovascular exercise and a great way to stay fit during the off-season or when weather foils your biking plans. As with most forms of athletic activity, owning appropriate gear is key to comfort and performance. If you Spin regularly, it may be worth the money to buy a pair of shoes designed to maximize your Spinning experience… Plus an investment in extra kit often results in sticking with a sport or class longer as you feel more invested in it.
How To Buy Shoes For Spinning
- Buy your Spinning shoes at a store that specializes in athletic apparel or cycling equipment. Spinning shoes come in a variety of styles, fits and prices.
- Select a Spinning shoe that has a rigid, strong sole. This type of sole is designed to stabilize and support your foot when you’re in a climb while preventing tired, cramped feet during and after class.
- Choose a Spinning shoe that fits snugly. Excessive movement prevents a stable connection with the pedal, making you more prone to foot injury. You’ll also need to purchase specialized cycling socks that are thin enough to fit in your new kicks.
- Find a shoe that allows your foot to breathe. Most Spinning shoes do not include a lot of extra padding, cushion and ankle support, since your feet stay in one position, without much lateral movement or surface pounding. These lightweight, breathable shoes may serve you well in a gym environment where airflow is negligible.
- Find out what type of bikes your gym has. Some stationary bikes have holes or clips on the pedals that are designed to attach to cleats on your shoe’s sole. Spinning shoes don’t always come with cleats, so you may have to visit a bike specialty shop to buy them separately.
General Tips For Buying Spinning Shoes
Try on several pairs of Spinning shoes before you make a purchase. Some brands run more narrow or on the larger side, and they fit each person differently. Wear the type of socks you’ll usually use for Spinning when you try different pairs of shoes.
Avoid wearing shoes with laces when you Spin, as loose laces can get stuck in the spokes or dangerously wrapped around a pedal.
Don’t expect your Spinning shoes to feel like your tennies. The stiff sole of Spinning shoes is designed to transfer energy from your body to the bike pedal. Soft soles can cause foot pain when it’s time to kick up the intensity.