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Cycling Shoes and Cycling SocksCycling Shoes are often chosen to work with the pedals. Things to look out for are tighter than normal fit (the foot should not shift), compatibility with the pedal system, and a thick and molded (not flat) sole. Make sure they are not too tight though, or your feet go numb after a long ride. Avoid excessive padding that can take forever to dry after riding in the rain. If your cycling is in warm/hot weather make sure that there is adequate ventilation or your feet will burn up.I prefer long Velcro straps because they are easier to open and close. And can even be adjusted on the fly while in the saddle. One problem with bicycle riding is that the feet get no exercise, which means that it's easy to get cold feet in cold weather. Thin inner socks help somewhat, Gore-Tex outer socks help more (and also keep the feet dry). Neoprene over-boots work best. Over-boots that are pulled over the shoes have two functions: they keep the feet warm, and in wet weather they keep them dry (not completely, especially if holes for pedal cleats are cut into the soles, but dry enough to stay warm). In my experience neoprene over-boots are best by a wide margin, they are tight, have a thick sole to walk on, and stretch somewhat. Be careful when wearing your neoprene booties inside, your feet will roast. Wear cycling socks. They must be close-fitting. Don't use six-pack-type socks that can bunch up when riding. As you would expect, in cold weather it works better to wear an inner and an outer sock; the inner one should be thin and made of some synthetic, and the outer may be wool or synthetic. Content by Thomas Driemeyer, www.bitrot.deEdited by Reg Gupton
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