Can You Use Walking Shoes For Cycling? Expert Advice

James Hayden
Walking shoes for cycling - Featured Image

When it comes to finding the right gear for your ride, there’s a lot of confusion.

Can you use walking shoes for cycling?

It’s not as simple as just hopping on the bike and taking off. It requires careful consideration to ensure safety and comfort.

In general, it is perfectly fine to use outdoor walking shoes or hiking boots on flat pedals as these have no need for special attachments that clipless pedals might require. Yet with clipless pedals – where your feet need to clip into your bicycle’s pedals – specialized clipless shoes should be used instead.

Below, I’ll explain other things to consider when it comes to cycling shoes.

We’ll also look at how you can get more out of your ride by choosing the right footwear every time. Read on!

Can I Use Walking Shoes For Cycling?

As a cyclist, it’s natural to wonder: can I use walking shoes for cycling?

Well, the short answer is yes and no. Let me explain.

To start with, it all depends on what kind of riding you’re doing.

If you’re simply cruising around town or taking an occasional spin through your neighborhood park, then sure – regular old sneakers will do just fine.

pretty woman with cruiser bike wearing walking shoes

On the other hand, hiking shoes are an excellent choice for the adventurous mountain biker.

Whether you’re using flat pedals or clipless, their extra protection and warmth will keep your feet supported and comfortable, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Waterproof versions are especially advantageous as they can handle harsh conditions with ease.

Many experienced riders choose hiking boots due to their additional protection and comfort on trails with rock gardens, wooded areas, and hike-a-bike sections.

It won’t take long for riders to learn why it pays off to choose hiking shoes.

A couple of painful stubbed toes is usually enough to convince even the most stubborn biker that trail running shoes don’t offer enough coverage while riding (especially when some rides last many hours).

man wearing trail running shoes

Furthermore, good quality boots can protect the entire lower leg rather than just the foot area.

With this in mind, it stands to reason why they’re a popular choice among mountain bikers at all skill levels.

For recreational riders who prefer comfort over speed, walking shoes will still have their place as they don’t need to deal with the difficulty of walking on cycling shoes later..

So now that we’ve answered our initial question let’s move on to whether or not you really need cycling-specific footwear.

Do You Really Need Cycling Shoes?

Do you really need cycling shoes?

It can be a difficult decision to make when deciding what type of shoe is best for cycling, especially if you’re on a budget.

After all, there are many types of footwear that could work with your bike and fit within your price range.

But how do you know which one is the best choice?

back dirty cycling shoes during mountain biking

If you’re an avid cyclist who often takes part in races or rides long distances over hilly terrain, then investing in dedicated cycling shoes would be wise.

They have stiffer soles specifically designed to optimize power transfer from your feet to the pedals while also offering superior aerodynamic performance compared to regular sneakers.

Plus, cleats attached to such shoes allow them to lock into clipless pedals for maximum control during hard efforts like sprinting up climbs or powering down descents.

On the other hand, mountain cycling shoes are not required in order to mountain bike if you have flat pedals.

However, it is still possible to get specialty shoes for flat pedals that offer extra grip on the sole and a wider platform for increased pedaling efficiency.

mountain cyclist wearing MTB shoes

These cycling shoes can be great for helping with trails and increasing your performance during rides, all while keeping your feet comfortable and secure.

They can also add significant traction when having to ride over obstacles, making them especially useful for rugged mountain environments.

So when it comes to choosing what kind of shoe is right for your particular needs as a cyclist.

It pays off to consider what kind of riding and exactly how much cycling you’ll be doing.

Even if that means spending extra money on proper equipment!

From here we’ll explore what sort of shoes go with mountain bikes equipped with flat pedals.

Suitable Shoes For Mountain Bike Flat Pedal

Like an experienced climber, you must equip yourself with the right gear for the job – in this case, flat pedal mountain bike shoes.

Cruising through trails on two wheels requires specialized footwear that strikes a delicate balance between comfort and stability; it is not just regular walking or hiking shoes.

At first glance, they may look similar to running shoes but don’t let appearances deceive you.

These MTB shoes are designed with stiff soles and snug fits that will protect your feet more efficiently and provide greater power transfer through each pedal stroke.

mountain biking with specialized cycling shoes

They provide superior grip over any terrain while also allowing riders maximum freedom to move their feet around quickly when needed.

Additionally, choosing shoes appropriate for the terrain you’re riding on is also important when it comes to mountain bikes with flat pedals.

I personally like to use hiking boots in rocky or mountainous areas as they offer additional support while walking over varied surfaces and terrain.

On the other hand, if I plan on riding trails with many stream crossings, opting for mesh trail running shoes will keep my feet more comfortable and dry during these situations.

No matter what kind of shoe you choose, having footwear that is waterproof or water-resistant can be a lifesaver when reducing your risk of developing blisters or hot spots.

Furthermore, many brands have incorporated reinforced toe caps for extra protection from rocks and other objects encountered along the trail.

female hiker wearing hiking boots

These features help keep your feet cool during hot summer rides but still offer adequate insulation against cold temperatures too.

With all these factors taken into consideration, finding the perfect pair of flat-pedal MTB shoes becomes much easier!

But what if you live somewhere where roads are more prevalent than trails?

In such cases, investing in dedicated road cycling shoes might be worth considering instead…

Can I Use Hiking Shoes For Road Cycling?

I’m sure you’ve asked yourself, “Can I use hiking shoes for road cycling?”

Again, the answer is yes and no.

Yes, because it’s possible to ride a road bike with walking or hiking shoes – but no, because there are specific features of the shoe that need to be taken into account for cycling.

people trekking with hiking shoes

Here’s what you should consider when selecting shoes for your upcoming cycle:

  1. Grip
    Hiking boots have more traction than traditional cycling shoes, making them great for inclines and wet conditions.

    However, their large tread can make pedaling less efficient and cause fatigue in the long run.
  2. Weight
    Heavier-duty materials used in the construction of hiking boots add extra weight which may slow down your progress on longer rides.

    If you’re planning a quick jaunt around town though, this probably won’t matter too much!
  3. Comfort
    Cycling requires repetitive motion so having well-cushioned soles is crucial to avoid discomfort while riding.

    Many hikers come with removable insoles that allow you to customize cushioning
    depending on how far and how often you plan to go out on your bike.
  4. Cleat Compatibility
    Not all hiking boots are compatible with clipless pedals.

    If this is important to you then look for cleated models specifically designed for biking.

    This will ensure that your feet stay secure as you pedal along roads or trails.

So before purchasing a pair of walking or hiking shoes for cycling purposes, consider these four factors carefully!

My Verdict

It is possible to use walking shoes for cycling, but there are definitely advantages and disadvantages.

Cycling shoes can provide better arch support, more grip on the pedals, and even improved aerodynamics.

All of which could make a difference in terms of comfort, speed, and performance.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to invest in expensive specialized footwear or clipless pedals then regular walking shoes might be an acceptable alternative.

Provided they have a good grip on the sole and offer enough cushioning for your feet.

Whether you decide to go with traditional footwear or splurge for something new, having a comfortable pair of shoes that fit properly will help ensure that every bike ride is smooth sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about cycling with walking shoes? Here are some common questions and answers.

If you’re going on a short-distance ride and don’t have access to cycling shoes, it is possible to use regular shoes with clipless pedals.

For instance, if I have to pick up something from a bike shop close by and need to quickly get back home, I could wear the same normal shoes that I went out with instead of wearing cleated cycling shoes.

This allows me to make use of the advantage of pedal connection with limited discomfort when pedaling.

However, this isn’t recommended for long-distance journeys wherein your feet wouldn’t be able to stay comfortable in regular shoes while clipped in with your pedals.

Long rides require proper foot protection which can only be provided by cycling shoes specifically designed for clipless pedals which also keep your feet secured onto the pedals at all times.

Without such protection on your feet, you run the risk of getting hot spots or even numbness due to constant pressure on certain parts (which happens to me!)

The quick answer is: yes, it’s possible that biking could damage or wear out certain types of shoes.

Most of the time, biking on flat pedals with rubberized surfaces won’t do much damage to the soles of your shoes, as you don’t often make contact with the ground unless you move your feet.

However, if your pedals have steel studs or if you’re not careful to keep your feet off the ground while pedaling, they can quickly wear away at the bottom of your shoes.

Furthermore riding in general will tend to compact and thin out the sole materials a bit faster than casual walking.

The type of material used on the bottom of the shoe makes all the difference.

Shoes with thin rubber soles tend to be more susceptible to wearing down quickly compared to thicker and higher-quality materials.

Having good form and technique when cycling will help reduce the effects of biking on shoes significantly.

Avoid putting any unnecessary weight against the pedals by keeping your feet placed lightly but securely on them, this will take away some of the impacts that cause wear and tear.

Additionally, it helps greatly if you only put a foot down once fully stopped instead of easing yourself down with both feet like most beginner riders usually do.

By taking these steps into consideration, bikers can surely make sure they keep their beloved shoes in tip-top condition!

Yes, you can use them and they will get the job done, but there are some important things to consider.

Running shoes can be a decent and cost-effective option for cyclists who want to save money and don’t mind sacrificing some comfort.

Regular running shoes are quite lightweight and breathable, making them suitable for shorter commutes or recreational rides.

However, they don’t offer much in the way of support or stability, which is important on longer jaunts over rougher terrain.

Additionally, the flexible sole of a regular running shoe will become uncomfortable after some time on the road.

If all that doesn’t sound appealing then there are other alternatives available if you don’t want to purchase cycling shoes.

You could look at dedicated trail or mountain biking footwear which has a stiffer sole than regular sneakers and provides better grip while still being comfortable enough to wear over long distances (check out the complete list of essential mountain biking gears).

Alternatively, you could try using skate shoes with flat soles since they often come with extra padding and plenty of arch support.

No matter what option you choose though make sure to do your research first so that whatever type of shoe you buy meets your needs perfectly.

Well, if you don’t want to go through the expense of purchasing dedicated cycling shoes, there are still plenty of options open to you.

The most obvious suggestion is to invest in good platform pedals.

You can use whatever type of shoe you want and still be able to grip the pedals firmly.

From flat pedals with spikes, straps and toe clips, there is a variety of options that you can use for your riding.

Toe clips often provide the best control and confidence when it comes to riding as your foot remains locked into place giving a secure feeling while riding.

James Hayden is a passionate cyclist and the Founder and Chief Editor of Swift Cyclist.

He has been riding since 2013 across Southeast Asia & North America and quickly became interested in the mechanics and engineering of bikes as well as training, nutrition, gear, and safety aspect of cycling.

James also specializes in digital marketing for ecommerce business in the cycling and outdoor spaces.

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