Spinning Shoes

[PABOYER]

Clearly I am a spinning newbie. I have been online and seen all sorts of cycling shoes with different types of soles, etc (i.e., racing, mountain biking, etc). I am trying to decide what I need for indoor spinning. I dont expect to use them outdoors -- simply for spinning classes at the gym to expand my workouts. Price is not really the issue -- just trying to figure out what type I should be looking at. Thanks.

[Zeek]

First double check what kind of clips the spinning bikes that you are riding have. Most have the SPD clips (just remember the word "SPUD"). As for the type of shoe, there are plenty to choose from (Sidi, Shimano, Nike, to name a few) but since you're only using them for spinning I would go with something less expensive. Check out your local bike shop and ask them what they have that will suit your needs. They will install the clips for you as well.

[BikeDutchess]

I just bought the cheapest ones I could find on sale that fit reasonably well and were SPD-compatible. Weight doesn't really matter to me for these classes (I'm not dragging a bike up the hill really) but I did want them to have a nice stiff sole and snug heel. I ended up with some mountain biking shoes for $45 (the brand escapes me right now). The store had some shoes that supposedly were designed for spinning classes but they were not worth the extra $15 to me.

[Kiekie]

So I just got some spinning shoes as an anniversary gift (amazing he actually listens to me when I talk to him) and I was so excited about using them for my first time. I have been spinning 2-3 times a week for about 5 weeks now, so farely new to spinning.

But here is my problem. So I go into spinning class on Saturday and asked the instructor if she could just assist me on how to "clip" in. So she did one foot, seemed like piece of cake, it took me 10 minutes to do the other foot. It was terrrible!!!

So I am going again tonight and I normally get there about 5 minutes before class starts and I am worried that I am not going to be able to get clipped in before class starts. Do you guys have any pointers for the easiest way to get clipped in? I just kept slidding out, it was so hard, I heard that once you get it, it is so easy, but how long does it take to get used to it?

I am 1/2 tempted to just use the cages on the days that I don't have time and use my new shoes on Saturdays until I get used to them, but I hate to do that, because they were AWESOME!!

[Zen]

Do you guys have any pointers for the easiest way to get clipped in?

The same way you get to Carnegie Hall. Practice.

I am 1/2 tempted to just use the cages on the days that I don't have time and use my new shoes on Saturdays until I get used to them

Take as long as you need to get clipped in. Don't use the cages anymore. Practice.Practice. Practice.

You didn't put training wheels back on your bike once they were off, did you?

[Kiekie]

Very true!! Just in such a hurry to make it there after work, didn't know if there were any tips on an easier way to get them in, I must be doing something wrong.. haha.. or maybe I do just need practice!!

[karenxfiles]

I have been spinning for about 8 weeks now - 2 months, and I just purchased a pair of Nike spin shoes that allow you to put the Smimano SPD clips on the soles. I find this to be a great improvement to my spinning technique. I feel more secure in the bike now. Also, I am using different muscles, since I dont always feel like I have to push my feet down into the little shoe "basket" or whatever it is called. I felt more burning after the class in my hamstrings and my back calves. I just go the gym in my regular tennis shoes, warm up on the elliptical or treadmill for about 5 minutes, then go to spin class and change shoes right then and there. No big deal.....alot of people change into their spin shoes and out of them right there in the room. I personally like the shoes with the SPD clips, and if your class has the kind of bikes that accept the SPD clips or cleats, go for it. Just ask your instructor, and I'm sure they will tell you what will work.