This question had been irritating me for ages. Surely, pro cyclists don’t have fewer toes than everyone else – and those wanting to spend £100 or less won’t automatically have spades for feet. So, what’s going on?
One shoe brand told me that the difference is intentional because it is believed that beginners will favour comfort over performance and vice versa. And a podiatrist confirmed that beginners might well feel more at home with a more ‘trainer’ like fit whilst racers need to get optimum power transfer which requires firm hold. He did hint at another reason, though, speculating that it’s in the interest of cycling shoe brands for you to spend more for a better fit.
See it here.
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan 