ROAD CYCLING SHOES
UPPER
Road-shoe uppers will have varying levels of vents and mesh to make them breathable. Nowadays materials are mostly synthetic, but you’ll find leather on some higher-end shoes.
RETENTION SYSTEM
Modern cycling shoes often have dials with a wire that can be wound to an ideal level of retention. Others use Velcro, while laces are still used on classic-looking shoes.
HEEL
You won’t find any pull tabs on a road-shoe heel, instead it’s simply designed to cradle your foot securely.
SOLE
Bike-shoe soles are designed to be stiff so that all your effort goes through the pedals. Budget options are often made of nylon, while pricier ones might have full carbon.
If you’re putting in plenty of outdoor miles year-round and can only budget for one pair of cycling shoes, a road-specific pair will probably serve you better than tri-bike shoes in most scenarios. With no transitions to think about, road shoes will prioritise a secure and comfortable fit, with a more robust build than tri-bike shoes.
Within the road-shoe category, there are numerous variations depending on what you’re primarily using them for. Those made to excel on climbs and in warm weather will have light, airy uppers with an emphasis
