Bicycling USA – July 2019

AS A PODIATRIST, Squil-

lari also has an keen inter-

est in shoe fit. “It’s very

similar to bike fit, in that

efficiency falls if you are

not comfortable,” he says.

“Nobody’s producing power

when they’re sore.” And

while a too-tight shoe can

cause friction and pain, too-

loose shoes can hurt your

bike handling. “The foot

wants to know where it is

in space, and a really loose

shoe reduces that feedback.”

When you’re descending

or cornering, that feedback

lets you feel the bike under

you to steer your bike as

efficiently as possible.

WHEN TO REPLACE^ ^

Take a look at the upper: If it’s

wearing away or stretched-

out to the point where you

have to ratchet the closures

down to the tightest setting,

the support and control

offered by the upper is gone.

If your heel is slipping out

with each pedal stroke,

they’ve lost their conformity

and you’re losing power.

HOW TO BUY^ ^

To find a perfect fit, try on

new shoes with the socks

you’d wear while riding. And

do it in the afternoon or eve-

ning. “Since feet swell as the

day goes on, that gives you

a better idea of the volume

required,” says Squillari. Once

you’ve got them on, stand up

to feel for tight spots. If your

foot spills over the sides of

the sole, they’re too narrow.

If you can, take them for a

test ride (BYO cleats).

THE

SHOE

DOC

IS IN

SESSION

ISSUE 5 • BICYCLING.COM 43

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