I also thought it was something that was part of the shoes. Just shows how little I know. Our room is almost totally dark and I hate it. Most of the people love it and complain about the one instructor who keeps the lights on. Surprise, she is a cycling coach, not a "spin" instructor. She is watching people carefully to make sure they are in good form. I just feel it's silly. It doesn't make me work harder or put me in the zone. In fact, it makes me feel kind of claustrophobic.