Pedaling means you have to transfer the power in your legs though to the pedals. This can be hard work for your feet. You can help them by making sure your shoes have stiff, supportive soles. Floppy soles mean your feet have to be tense to push the pedals around, and that usually makes them sore. Ordinary shoes take a beating, so dedicated cycling shoes are worthwhile to save your normal ones from being destroyed.

Some are designed to be worn as casual shoes, so that you can walk around in them when you arrive at your destination. Examples are Specialized Sonomas. These have a slightly flexible sole, so that you can walk properly, and are in neutral colours. Dedicated racing shoes are much stiffer, to transfer maximum power through to the pedals. Our favourite off-road shoe is the Sidi Dominator, with ratcheting closures.

SPD and similar systems are designed so that your feet stay firmly on your pedals, but so that they will release instantly when you need them to. You need specific pedals, which come with a pair of cleats to be attached to the bottom of your shoes. You also need specific shoes with slots in the bottom to bolt the cleats into. Pedals start from £30, and shoes from £40.

SIDI ERGO II

Pro-oppoved quality shoe from footwear grandmasters Sidi. These are the top-of-the-line bad boys. They've got an aII carbon sole, so they're incredibly light and stiff. They're compatible with Shimano, Look and Time. Solid, snug closure via a ratched, the Sidi patented twisty thing, and Velcro. If you're aiming for the podium, these will take you there. Stock colour is white, all the other colours to order.takes time, look, Shimano, and anything else you can think of. New models available in iridescent silver. Pimpin.

£210

NEW SIDI GENIUS 6.6 CARBON

The Sidi Genius 6.6 are all carbon. It gives an incredibly positive ride, with no flex, so all your power gets transferred straight to the pedals - no wasted energy. Two Velcro straps and their own ratchetting buckle keeps them snugly on your feet. The uppers use vegetarin Lorica - it's more durable, softer and more breathable than leather.

If you're a racing or sportive rider, this is your shoe

Genius 6.6 Carbon £190

SIDI DOMINATOR AND GENIUS

We're keeping our favorites in stock - Genius 5 for the road (sizes 40 to 46), and Dominators for offroad (sizes 39-47).

We can get most other models in to order - see SIDI website for the complete range - but please come in first and try on a sample in the models we stock - there's no room for guessing with sidi sizes.

We also have a selection of the spares - buckles, fixings, etc in stock

Dominator £120

Genius 5 £105

SPECIALIZED SHOES

Specialized use their own Body Geometry designs, which have been developed to support your feet as you pedal. This makes them pretty comfortable, and allows you to transfer power efficiently. Most models are available in men's and women's specific versions.

We have a pretty comprehensive range in stock, but if you want something we haven't got, we can order it pretty quick.

The ideal commuter shoe that doesn't even look like a cycling shoe. Sonoma £49.99
Sonoma women's £49.99

Specialized Defroster

For everyone who gets cold feet!

£99.99

Taho

A more aggressive commuter shoe that you could use off road if you wanted to.

Tahoe £59.99
Tahoe (women's) £59.99

Sport Mountain / Raita

Entry level proper off-road shoe. aggressive sole, three velcro fastening. Tough and robust for muddy days.

Sport Mountain £59.99
Raita (women's) £59.99

Comp Mountain / Motodiva

More secure ratchet fastening, with ergonimic Body Geometry sole

Comp Mountain £79.99
Motodiva £79.99

Buzzsaw

Extra ankle support makes this boot ideal those who need protection rather than a subtle style

£ 79.99

Sport Road

Entry level road shoe, with real leather upper. The sole is stiffened with glass reinforcing. The insole is ergonomic Body Geometry.

Sport Road £59.99

Comp Road / Torch

Velcro plus ratchet fastening keeps these snugly on your feet. These are for keen riders, and will give you the edge on the pack on Sunday mornings. WOmen's version - the Torch - has a smaller ankle aperture and a narrower heel. Works for me!

Comp Road £79.99
Torch £79.99

Super stiff carbon sole makes every pedalstroke count. velcro fastening, lightweight and breathable, with full Body Geometry ergonomics

Carbon Road £99.99

The Ultimate Road Shoe. Everything and the kitchen sink in a shoe. Stiff, light, strong. Double fastening system. Worth every penny

Pro Carbon Road £139.99

Women's Shoes

These motodivas are a special women's specific fit - they sit tighter anound your heel and ankle, keeping everything snug without you having to tighten the straps ridiculously tight. I've got a pair and definately recommend them - really stiff and the soles are grippy.

We keep the MTB version in stock in sizes 37 to 41 and can order the road version, called the Torch Womens' Road Shoe, at the same price

SBC Motodiva Womens' MTB £79.99

Specialized Footbeds

Metatarsal orthotics shoe liners.
these are a custom fitting, so come in and get measured properly. They'll align your feet so that when you're pedalling, your knee will move in alignment with the ball of your foot.

Prices £25 a pair