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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