Spinning Shoes

[anabanana]

I decided to start spinning this week. I wasn't going to be home in time from work to go out on the road so I figured spinning was the solution. What type of shoes should I use? I just used my sneakers but I would prefer to use a pair of cycling shoes. Does anyone spin that can give me some advice?

[Sakari]

I would start with some running or fitness shoes that are not too bulky, and then get real cycling shoes if you really enjoy the class.

[Tuckervill]

The shoes I use on my bikes were designed for spinning. The cleat is recessed, like mtb shoes, but not so much that you can't hear it on the pavement. The tread is not so beefy as mtb shoes, but they do have tread and that's what I wanted. I think Shimano makes them.

I think a lot of spin bikes have SPD pedals on them.

Karen

[Crankin]

I just use my Sidi mountain bike shoes with spd pedals. I am not going to buy special shoes just for spinning, since I already have road bike shoes, too.

[kenyonchris]

Try spin first for sure.
As a spin instructor I highly suggest shoes if you are hooked, it changes the workout you get.
Check to make sure they are SPDs....I am sure they are. Then just go with basic MTB shoes. I wear the same shoes I ride my MTB in.

[anabanana]

Thanks! I'll just wear my MTB shoes. I don't need 3 pairs of shoes.

[GreatPaws]

Ok, but for those of us who are in the market for shoes, what would you get?

Tuckerville- What model Shimano does do you have?

[Possegal]

I got the cheapest SPD-compatabile pair possible at Performance. They were on sale and I probably paid $30 for them? I didn't buy them until after I had been regularly spinning for some months, to be sure they were worth the investment. Then I ended up using the same pair when I bought my Trek and had the platform/cleat type pedals put on it. I'm now ready to invest in a different set of pedals and shoes, but will keep using these for spin classes.

These are the ones I have, or an older version of them
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...00_20000_52502

[shellabree]

I agree with just starting out with some sneakers to see if you like it. IF you enjoy spinning, I wouldn't go crazy and purchase a pair of top-of-the-line spin shoes [save those for the outdoor stuff ]

For spin class, I actually just use the very first pair of cycling shoes that I ever purchased: an old pair of Pear Izumi Vagabonds. I put SPD clips on and they work great. They aren't the most attractive shoes, or breathable shoes and they certainly don't have a carbon platform, but for indoor class, they are just fine. You can probably find a myriad of broken in (i.e- comfy), used cycling shoes on Ebay.

[Miranda]

Some of our Spinning bikes at the gym have these "red pedals". I was trying to goole a pic/link for you. But, no luck so far.

Anyrate... these you can clip in one side spd, and one side is Look. I think ours fit the older style Look pedals that are called "deltas". Seems like someone told me that Look Keos cleats will work in them too.

The other bikes are a mix. Some just have toe strap cages. Some have one side toe straps, one side spd.

Don't know what type of road pedal system you use outside... but if it's Look, you might already own shoes that work to clip in.

Word to the wise though as it gets cold. Classes at our gym fill up and overflow. The regular non-outside peeps come back more PLUS the roadies pile in.

The roadies in particular fight over these red pedals. So, if you only bring shoes to clip into a certain type of bike, and there are no bikes left with that pedal, then you are sol unless someone switches bikes with you.

Road shoes would be hard to make do into a toe cage. But a mtb shoe might work.

Lately I have been wearing my Keen commuter sandles w/spd multirelease cleats. Love em.

I rode my first class in toe straps--no more. I paid for shoes because I knew I loved it. I was not even an outside rider then. The straps are made to fit I think a man's sized 11 shoe. I'm a ladies 8 roughly. The fit just suxed for me.

Hope you enjoy your classes. I think there are many drills that are a nice compliment to outside riding. But then again, I'm a bit partial... because I'm also a certified Spinning instructor now too.

[Tuckervill]

Ok, but for those of us who are in the market for shoes, what would you get?

Tuckerville- What model Shimano does do you have?

These. Shimano FN20.

Karen

[n8chergirl]

Hi Anabanana,
That is my name also!! How funny! I love spinning. And I love my shoes. The brand is Specialized. You will love spinning in spinning shoes...I think it makes a HUGE difference! Good luck!!
Anna Banana