Don\’t be slipshod! No half measures! We hear these bits of advice all the time; and it gets wearisome. But how should you fit cycling shoes?

Obviously, they should fit properly. I look for advice on various aspects of cycling, shoes included, everywhere I can think of; even in some unlikely  places!

Fitting cycling shoes, I expect, isn\’t nearly as finicky a business as fitting pointe shoes. Even so, be sure they\’re comfortable. If cycling shoes are too tight, they hurt; and there\’s no room for a second pair of socks on a cold day. If they\’re too big, your feet slide around as you pedal. Hence the advice, Don\’t Be Slipshod!

How long does a pair of cycling shoes last? That depends on how much you ride, I\’ve no doubt; and probably also on how hard you ride. Weather conditions might play a role as well. Shoes that get frequent soakings from rainy rides probably wear out faster.

How do you know it\’s time to replace those shoes? If the part that cups your heel has become flimsy, it\’s time for new shoes; and if the uppers are separating from the soles, that\’s an obvious sign. If the shoes look beat-up in general, you might well need new ones.

Expensive though they are, a good pair of cycling shoes is worth it. If you can afford it, get two pairs. That way, you can use one pair to ride while the other is airing out from the previous ride. If you\’ve gotten caught in the rain, the shoes that got soaked will have more time to dry if you have a second pair of shoes to use.

Above all, remember what they say: If the shoe fits, wear it!