These Boots Weren't Made for Cycling… But with Some DIY, They Could Be!

When we think of "cycling shoes" most likely the image that comes to mind is that of cleated athletic footwear. But increasingly, manufacturers are also producing shoes designed for plain-clothed cycling on flat pedals. Chrome Industries and DZR Shoes have been doing this for some time. Occasionally even designers outside the bicycle industry join in. I remember the Fluevog Westerly making a splash some years ago. And, more recently, English designer Tracey Neuls introduced a line of cycling-friendly footwear. So what exactly makes all of these shoes "cycling shoes?" And is there really a need for such a thing, when it comes to everyday cycling?


While the extreme view among plain-clothes transportation cyclists is that there is no need for cycling-specific footwear, personally I wouldn't go that far. After all, those who do a lot of walking as part of their daily routine (as opposed to driving everywhere) will look for walking-friendly features in their footwear - be that footwear work boots or high heels. Similarly, it makes sense that those of us who pedal around for transportation will gravitate toward shoes that are bicycle-friendly. Typically such shoes will be constructed with non-slip, reasonably stiff soles. For commuting in the rain, waterproof uppers are also essential. And some riders find reflective elements desirable. We can find these features in shoes marketed as cycling-specific. We can also look for ordinary shoes that happen to offer these same features. Finally, we can take matters into our own hands and add the features ourselves!

Let's say, for instance, that you own these ordinary 2" heel ankle boots. They are durable and versatile, they can be worn with trousers and skirts, they can be funkified or frumpified as the situation requires - In short, you love them. But now you've started riding a bike for transportation, and oh no! You find that the soles slip on the pedals.

But don't despair. Because you can resole your favourite boots with non-slip soles. Most cobblers offer this as a same-day service, and last time I checked, the cost in the US was between $10 and $30 per pair, depending on cobbler and the type of sole you choose. When getting this done, make sure to communicate to the cobbler that you need the shoes to be grippy and stiff, for cycling; they usually have lots of options and will be able to offer suggestions. Getting your shoes resoled can turn any slippery shoe into a cycling shoe. So now there you are, pedaling happily in your resoled-boots until is tarts to rain and oh no! Your feet are completely soaked by the time you get to work.

But take heart! Because if your shoes or boots are not already waterproof, you can waterproof them yourself. A variety of fairly inexpensive sprays and rub-on waxes now exist that are suitable for fabric, leather and suede. This one costs around $4 and will last for some time.

So there you are, having waterproofed your favourite boots, rolling along in the sunshine and in the rain, perfectly content ...Until you spot another cyclist in front of you. And you notice that this other cyclist has reflective thingamajigs on their shoes! No doubt these are some fancy cycling-specific shoes that cost a fortune. How else would you get super-cool reflective thingamajigs like that?

Oh how indeed! If you are not acquainted already, allow me to introduce you to 3M reflective tape. It costs about $1 per small roll and comes in different colours. Red seems like a good choice for reflective bits on the backs of shoes.

Depending on how permanently and securely you want to attach it, you can get reflective tape that is sticky (shown here), or reflective ribbon that needs to be sewn on (a local cobbler quoted me  £10 for the work). How much of it you want to attach and where is of course up to you. You can tape it around the heel. You can add a tab to the top of the shaft. Or you can run it along the rear seam as shown here, for dramatic effect.

And though I did this just to illustrate a point (readers sometimes ask where to buy shoes with reflective bits at the back, to which I reply suggesting they could add those themselves, but they seem skeptical), I actually quite like the Prada-like result. Even in daylight they are noticeable.

And in the dark?

Well, you can see for yourself. 

I think it's great that footwear manufacturers, both within the bicycle industry and outside of it, are addressing the needs of utility cyclists who prefer to ride in ordinary shoes, but would like those shoes to have bicycle-friendly features. And it's equally great that, with just a little creativity and spare cash, we can turn almost any existing pair of shoes into shoes that feel great on the bike, if they don't already. Whatever your your choice of footwear, happy pedaling!