Clipless pedal question

[Bicyclette]

Does the type of shoe you purchase determine the type of pedal you can use? For example, my husband bought a pair of Shimano shoes but hasn't gotten new pedals yet - are there only certain types of clipless pedals he can get that are useable with that type of shoe? I'm totally clueless about this whole clipless pedal thing - but I know he wants to get some pedals and after reading a lot of other posts here I'm starting to lean the same way so I'd like to learn what I can from those who know

Pat

[makbike]

I purchased my shoes first and then added my clipless pedals 4 months later.

[Grog]

There are some compatibility issues with shoes. Some shoes don't have the right holes to put on some types of cleats, hence making some pedals incompatible with some shoes.

You might want to make sure before you order something.

[eclectic]

Ditto on the double checking for holes

Also deciding on what style of shoe you want, road, mtn bike or touring

With road shoes you'll always be click clicking when you go get your espresso (or in my case a loaf of bread at the grocery store) You can get covers to put on to protect them

Mtn bike shoes have cleats which go down further than the clip's cleats so walking is smoother.

I am not too familiar w. touring shoes

I have a pair of road shoes and mtn bike shoes so I got Frogs which fit on both pairs of shoes BUT I can't get covers for them on my road shoes

[GLC1968]

You also want to consider the kind of riding you'll do. I originally bought mtn shoes for my road bike because I liked the recessed cleat and I figured I'd be doing some touring where I'd want to be able to walk in my shoes.

When my biking style changed to longer rides, I noticed that I was getting hot spots in the middle of my foot after about 35 miles or so. I switched to road shoes (and a different cleat...look-style) and I haven't had a problem since.

My mtn shoes and cleats got moved to the mtn bike!

[Bicyclette]

hmm... this is really confusing for me...

GLC - so you're saying that if I'm going to do any distance I should get road shoes instead of mtn shoes? I had just decided to get mtn shoes so I could walk in them - but I'm not cycling for speed and decided that I was more interested in endurance type activities - so road shoes would be better??

[eclectic]

hmm... this is really confusing for me...

GLC - so you're saying that if I'm going to do any distance I should get road shoes instead of mtn shoes? I had just decided to get mtn shoes so I could walk in them - but I'm not cycling for speed and decided that I was more interested in endurance type activities - so road shoes would be better??

I have decided for distance (rides over 30 miles) I like my road shoes better, stiffer and tighter, my feet just feel better in them - I'll put up with the mess at the rest stops.

But I must say I love how much easier the mtn bike shoes clip in and out and for walking - they will be my shoe of choice when I am in town (and did I mention I got the mtn bike shoes for 10 bucks on clearance - normally $99 - only pair left from last season and they just happened to be my size

Decisions decisions