Shoes You Can Walk In
I think about the whole day, not just the ride. I want something that works when I’m exploring a village or grabbing lunch after I get off the bike. Or just walking into a gas station bathroom because I do that all the time when I’m riding! Because of that, I often just wear regular shoes – like hiking approach shoes or day hikers. Approach shoes tend to have a stiffer sole, and that is what you are looking for when it comes to cycling (see below). However, when I’m going on a bike tour somewhere in the world, I normally just take my Oboz Katabatic hiking shoes that serve double duty – hiking and cycling!
Oboz Women’s Katabatic Waterproof Hiking Shoe
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08/30/2026 06:19 am GMT
Why Are They Called Clipless When You ‘Clip In’
Recently I have been giving clipless shoes a go. Now – let me take a moment to rant about the term clipless shoes. It makes no sense at all. They are called clipless – yet you are clipped in. Stupid.
However, there is a historical reason for this.
The name is a holdover. Before 1984, cyclists used metal toe clips plus a leather strap to keep their feet locked to the pedal. Then Look — the same French company that invented ski bindings, and whose pedals I ride today — adapted that twist-release mechanism for the bike. No more toe clip, hence “clipless.” Confusing name for something you clip into, but so is a sport that calls its shorts “bibs,” which has nothing to do with tying something around your neck to catch your food.
When I decided to try clipless, I decided to go high quality – and nothing says high-quality cycling gear like Italy. I am using the SIDI Dominator gravel shoes. I prefer the gravel or mountain biking clipless shoes because they are easier to walk in off the bike…and that matters to me. If you are just doing road cycling and you want the sleekest shoes with great power transfer, then you can choose road cycling shoes if you want to walk like a duck.
One thing to note when you are looking for clipless shoes -stiffness matters. A stiffer sole prevents your foot from flexing, which stops muscle fatigue, eliminates hot spots, and transfers your leg power directly into the bike.
My SIDI shoes are the Cadillac of clipless shoes – and yes – they are stiff (rated 8 out of 12) and made of carbon composite. However, one thing I do recommend, no matter what brand you get, is to skip anything with laces – and go for the dials for tightening and loosening. Also, make sure you have plenty of room in the toe box. And finally – when you are getting used to them, take a multi-tool with you on your rides so you can adjust the positioning of the clips to figure out what feels the best.
Sidi Dominator Gravel Shoes
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08/29/2026 09:19 pm GMT