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Step 1
Try on several pairs of casual cycling shoes to make sure they fit properly. Cycling shoes should fit tighter than street shoes but not so tight that your feet go numb on your ride.
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Step 2
Select a neutral color and a style that you will be able to wear off your bike as well as on it. While cycling shoes come in some wildly bright colors and designs, you may not want to wear them when you're walking around town in your street clothes.
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Step 3
Buy a shoe with some give in the sole. While performance-cycle shoes are designed with stiff, flat soles to better grip the pedals and transfer energy efficiently, casual styles are less rigid to make walking more comfortable.
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Step 4
Look for cycling shoes with treads. While most cycling shoe styles do not feature treads, casual styles and touring shoes are designed with treads and smaller cleats to make walking more comfortable.
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Step 5
Determine what type of fastening system you prefer. Casual styles come with Velcro fasteners, laces with a protective tongue, or a ratchet-style system. Velcro or laces are typically the most practical when you're looking for versatility in a casual shoe.
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Step 6
Decide what type of material you prefer for your shoes' uppers. Performance-driven styles focus on lightweight materials (typically synthetics) for efficiency and breathability. However, if you're a recreational or occasional rider, leather and mesh uppers are probably the most practical and economical choice for casual riding.
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Step 7
Buy removable cleats if you plan to participate in occasional racing competitions. These removable cleats can be worn with clipless pedals, and you can pop them off when you're at a pit stop. However, if you plan to pursue racing more regularly, consider purchasing a racing-specific shoe.
