●PERFECT FIT CYCLING SHOES
From road and gravel racing to mountain biking and urban commuting, cycling journalist Mark Bailey has spent the last few months testing the finest cycling shoes for every type of rider
For athletes whose feet don’t pound the ground like runners, kick balls like footballers or jump and land like basketball players, cyclists are surprisingly dependent on shoes. Although riders often neglect new kicks in favour of a stylish new jersey or a snazzy set of eyewear, they may be the most important kit investment a rider can make. After all, your shoes are the key body-to-bike connectors. They help to maximise power transfer and speed, as well as your bike handling ability. They provide vital grip, balance and control when riding. And whether you need good breathability over summer, or extra warmth over winter, your shoes are also essential for your overall comfort and enjoyment on long days in the saddle.
A quality pair should also offer benefits to match your own personal riding style and terrain. Road riders will benefit from lightweight shoes with stiff soles which enhance power output. Off-road riders will value durability in all conditions and good grip for when scrambling over rocks or gravel. And commuters will welcome everyday comfort and the simple ability to get their feet on and off the pedals with ease. There are no right or wrong shoes – but there are right and wrong shoes for you.
Our expert tester, Mark Bailey, tried an eclectic mix of shoes, from speedy road-racing and innovative gravel shoes to off-road winter boots and hybrid MTB and commuter kicks, so you can find your perfect fit and kick-start the new cycling season in style.
Le Col Pro Carbon
British brand Le Col has earned a reputation for developing premium high-performance cycling kit constructed from high-end materials, and the brand’s Pro Carbon Road Shoes are an emblem of their success.
Let’s start with those glistening black (or white) aesthetics. The Pro Carbon shoe is made from an elegant PU leather, which evokes a pair of patent leather shoes. No wonder online product reviews feature dozens of ‘gentleman riders’ gushing over the refined style. The leather is also contoured to map perfectly with the foot under tension, providing a supportive feel.
Surprisingly, the shiny PU leather didn’t crease up when I tightened the cable dials. That smooth monochrome upper is also easy to wipe clean. Longer term, I suspect scratches may dull its lustre, but this is a shoe most riders would save for fair-weather rides and races. Strategic vents down the sides of the shoe, sole plate and upper also prove these are designed for summer, not winter, miles.
As you’d expect from a shoe designed with pro rider input, this product is about performance as well as looks. The shoes are ultra-light at just 267g each, and they fea
