Are Spinning and Cycling Shoes the Same?

Whether it’s indoor or outdoor cycling, we all know that riding a bike can provide us with numerous health benefits. However, for us to maximize the results of this activity, we need to be properly equipped.

One of the most important things you need to wear when cycling is a good pair of shoes. If you already know what you want, make sure you find the best women’s indoor cycling shoes. On the other hand, if you don’t know whether to go for cycling shoes or spinning shoes, maybe differentiating them will help you out.

Spinning vs. Cycling Shoes

The definition of these two types of shoes can be rather confusing. Some people use them interchangeably and assume that they’re the same. That’s because both of them are capable of attaching to the pedals, allowing you to lift them with your feet and shoes on the up-stroke.

However, it’s important to note that spinning and cycling shoes are different. While they somehow have the same benefit, spinning shoes are almost always used indoors, while cycling shoes are used outdoors.

We understand that it’s still kind of difficult to pinpoint the difference between these two types of shoes. That’s why we deemed it necessary that you also learn about their subcategories. Below are the different types of cycling and spinning shoes for cycling enthusiasts.

Types of Cycling Shoes

Cycling shoes are mainly built for riding a bicycle, hence the name. Their built and overall design may vary according to the bike type or activity intensity. Cycling shoes may differ according to the rigidity, attachment mechanism, and adaptability to activities other than biking.

To further understand that, here are the different types of cycling shoes you might find in the market today.

Road Cycling Shoes

Road bikes are often used for long-distance cycling, which usually takes hours of non-stop pedaling. That’s why road cycling shoes are often stiff. They’re not meant for walking, so you might not want to wear them if you will frequently get on and off your bike.

Road cycling shoes are rigid to reduce the repetitive flexing motion your feet tend to make when pedaling. Thus, you’re less likely to experience muscle spasms, and you will be able to last longer on your bike.

Mountain Bike-Style Shoes

Mountain bike-style shoes are more versatile than cycling shoes perhaps because mountain biking involves more abrupt movements. It requires better flexibility than road cycling, where you stay in a single position for hours and measure your endurance.

Mountain bike-style shoes have rubber soles and are flexible. Some of them still have cleats that attach to the pedals of the bike. You can also wear this type of shoes for purposes other than biking, such as walking or weight lifting.

Types of Spin Shoes

Spin shoes are used for fast-paced indoor cycling. When it comes to the different types of spin shoes, the main difference lies in the cleat or the attachment mechanism underneath the soles.

Generally, there are two types of spin shoe cleats; SPD and delta. Here’s how they differ.

SPD Shoes

SPD cleats are the most common type of attachment mechanism you’ll find in spin shoes. It has a two-hole system that attaches to most pedals in indoor cycling gyms. We can attribute their popularity to the adaptability they provide the user.

SPD cleat shoes are more comfortable to walk around with, and they are not as large as their delta counterparts, and they have flat soles. However, one disadvantage of SPD cleat shoes is that they’re not beginner-friendly. For those who have just started spin classes, they might find it rather difficult to attach the cleats to the pedals completely.

Delta Shoes

On the other hand, delta cleat shoes are popular not because of their adaptability but their efficiency. With their overall design, a pair of delta cleat shoes can help you exert more power from your feet.

Delta shoes are not just great for indoor cycling but more serious outdoor rides as well. Instead of the two-hole attachment system, delta shoes have three holes, making them relatively easier to attach to the pedals.

One problem you might face when using delta cleat shoes is their rigidity and size. They’re often larger and difficult to walk with as they are meant to stay on the pedals for long periods.

Always Wear the Right Pair of Shoes

When you ride a bike, you will find that the pair of shoes you wear can significantly affect your riding experience. Some will boost your endurance, while others will allow you to be more flexible and engage in activities other than pedaling the bike.

When it comes to spinning and cycling shoes, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. This will allow you to choose which type of bike shoes will accommodate your cycling needs.