When you start running, you get running shoes, right? And when you play basketball you wear basketball shoes. Golfers wear golf shoes, and tennis players wear tennis shoes. Cycling is no different. There are a number of shoes made for bike riders and plenty of shoes that aren’t specifically made for bike riding but work well, nonetheless.

Most people can get by riding their bikes wearing almost any kind of athletic shoes. Tennis, basketball, running, cross-training, etc. will work just fine for the average rider. As long as they have a good sole on them they’ll be fine. It’s important to wear shoes with a good grip because you don’t want your feet to slip and knock your shins off the pedals, which can hurt pretty bad and cause you to wreck and do even more damage to yourself. Another thing to consider is the stiffness of the sole. A relatively stiff sole allows you to keep more of your foot in contact with the pedal, which, in turn, gives you more power. Shoes made for skateboarding are especially well-suited for the recreational rider, as well as BMX riding and freestyling.

Will you be doing most of your riding on the road or off? This is an important consideration as it will affect your choice in shoes. If you’re going to be doing a lot of mountain biking then you should wear relatively sturdy shoes with rugged soles. A solid pair of skateboarding shoes will usually work pretty well for this kind of riding, but you should also consider light hiking boots or trail-running shoes. These are good for mountain biking because they provide above average traction, are sturdily built, and are often water-resistant, which can come in handy when you’re blasting though mud puddles.

If you’re an avid or competitive cyclist, then you’re probably already familiar with the most popular sort of shoe for this kind of riding. Professional-grade cycling shoes feature clips on the bottom which lock into specially made pedals. A quick flick of the ankle will release the shoe, but they’re held firm during normal riding so your feet don’t lose contact with the pedal, which robs the racer of precious power. Clip-on shoes allow you to generate power as your feet are pushing down and raising up, which is quite an advantage over regular shoes. Clip-ons are not generally recommended for mountain biking because you frequently have to take your feet off the pedals to deal with difficult terrain.

Cycling is a great way to get into shape. It’s easy to adjust the activity to each rider’s level of fitness and interest. If you’re just getting into cycling you already know that your choice in equipment is important. Don’t forget that what you wear while riding is important, too. Part of that consideration are your shoes. A good pair will serve you well and help keep you from getting hurt.