Nov 23, 2009
How Much Of A Disadvantage Is It To Get Mountain Biking Shoes Instead Of Road Biking Shoes For A Road Bike?
It seems like there’s a lot of disparity from one brand’s shoe to the next, whether the shoes are made for road biking or mountain biking. Some mountain biking shoes seem more comfortable for everyday use or for walking. What’s the downside in getting mountain biking shoes for a road bike?
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No disadvantage. They have a definite advantage in that you can walk in them. Hence, for normal riding, they are a much better option. I have had cases where portions of the soles of some mountain biking shoes interfere with some road pedals, so check this out before you buy, or be prepared to do some modifications.
There are no disadvantages unless you are a highly competative racer who needs ever advantage to win.
Now if you are a normal recreational road biker like me who puts in say 150-200 miles a week the advantages of mountain bike shoes/cleats over road bike only are the differance between walking or slipping, wearing out your cleats or having them recessed and off the concrete.
I wear crank bros. frogs and Sidi mountain bike shoes. I find I seldom have to replace the cleats because they are up off the concrete when I walk. Also, I can walk around during the food stops, I can walk into the small town grocery stores without busting my @ss. Also, when some are fumbleing to lock in during our urban rides after a stop light I am already in and cranking. Also, if I have to I can pull out of them in a hurry, not good for the cleat but I can replace those easier then a busted hip,tail bone or cassett when I fall.
Most all I know wear the mountain bike shoes – just make sure you get a good brand. The Sidi’s I wear are excellent.
No disadvantage. I have MTB shoes(Lake MX-85’s; highly recommended as they are a great shoe for about 80 bucks) for my road bike and they work great. They allow you to walk ‘normally’ when not pedalling instead of the heel-walk you need to do on road shoes. They also look cooler …
Other than being a little heavier, there’s no downside. For training rides, they might actually better in case you have to walk for some reason. Like a flat or other mechanical issue.
Probably not that much unless you are racing. In which case, you may not have the same “grip” and lose some efficiency.