How long do cycling shoes last?

Cycling shoes are one of the most important cycling accessories. And our safety and riding comfort depend on its quality and degree of wear.

Let’s figure out when should you change your cycling shoes?

Shoes for road cycling, or for off-road riding, and even more so for riding on a simulator, wear out in different ways. But all of them wear out differently than regular shoes.

The fact is that cycling shoes are not used for constant walking, so they will serve you for several seasons. Of course, with constant walking in cycling shoes, their life cycle quickly decreases, as there is rapid wear and tear on the spikes on the sole. It is also very important to care for the condition of cycling shoes, it can prolong their life.

How long do cycling shoes last on average?

• Exercise bike shoes can last up to 10 years because quality materials are used in its manufacture and these shoes are used indoors. With proper storage and care, they will serve you for many years.
• Road cycling shoes can last up to 6-7 years, high-quality modern materials are also used for their manufacture, but they are not designed for walking loads. They have very little contact with the ground and are very uncomfortable to walk in.
• Mountain bike shoes last the least – only 3-4 years, since off-road riding involves heavy loads on the legs, passing difficult sections on foot, the presence of mud and stones. This all greatly affects the wear of MTB shoes, despite the reinforced spikes and soles of cycling shoes.

When is it time to replace cycling shoes?

To extend the life of the pair of cycling shoes, you can repair or replace some parts and ride in them further.

What can be replaced in cycling shoes?

• Insoles in shoes can be easily bought at a specialized store and replaced.
• Laces, ratchets and dials can also be bought and replaced. If it is difficult to do it yourself, then you can always turn to a local cobbler.
• Velcro straps are hard to replace as they are sewn onto the shoes, and often you can’t even be helped by a workshop.

But there are damages to shoes that cannot be replaced, and the use of such shoes can be inconvenient, but most importantly, dangerous.

Here is a basic list of reasons to buy new cycling shoes.

Shoes begin to fall apart and can no longer be replaced by part of it:

• The sole of the cycling shoe is separated from the upper.
• The closing mechanism stops working.
• The heel pads are worn out and cannot be replaced.
• Shoe upper damaged.
• The footwear or its parts are deformed.
• Sole cracked.
• Broken outsole studs.

Mountain bike shoes are most prone to damage due to impacts from rocks, mud, water and other elements that cause damage and shorten the life of the shoe.

Gravel bike shoes are also the most prone to damage. Gravel bikers, just like mountain bikers, don’t spare their MTB shoes when riding off-road and on difficult terrain.

Road cyclists ride on smooth pavement or packed roads and don’t do much damage to their road shoes. But situations with dirt and water getting on road cycling shoes are not excluded.

Cycling shoes for exercise bikes last the longest due to the absence of weather factors on them, the smooth and clean flooring, and the negligible distances that the cyclist walks.

If it is no longer possible to replace or repair cycling shoes, then it’s time to buy new shoes.

How to maintain your cycling shoes in good condition?

To ensure your cycling shoes lasts for miles, consider the following guidelines:

• Keep your cycling shoes clean. Road shoes are primarily used on tarmac, and many cyclists don’t go outside in bad weather. If you enjoy riding in challenging weather conditions, your cycling shoes may end up muddy and wet. Don’t leave it dirty after riding.
• Do not clean your shoes with chemicals. After riding, wipe your cycling shoes with a damp cloth or paper towel. You can also use a bucket of cold water with dish soap and a soft brush to scrub dirt off your shoes.
• Don’t wash cycling shoes in the washing machine. If you choose to machine wash your cycling shoes, put some towels inside them.. If you still decide to wash them in the machine, then use the low temperature program and without spinning. Frequent washing of shoes in the washing machine will lead to a quick replace your cycling shoes.
• Keep your cycling shoes dry. Dry your cycling shoes after riding, especially if you get caught in the rain. Do not use a hair dryer, do not place them on a battery, and do not expose them to direct sunlight. The best option is to dry them with a cloth and stuff them with newspapers to absorb moisture inside. Also remember to remove the insole to speed up the drying process. There are also boots dryers that maintain a low temperature and then air.

• Minimize the time of walking in shoes on asphalt, road, dirt path. Road cycling shoes are designed for riding, not walking. The best way to take care of them is to not try to walk in them, as they can get scratched and damaged when used on hard surfaces. Walking in them spoils not only the sole, but also the shoes themselves. MTB shoes can be used for walking.

How long do cleats last?

Cleats are an important part of cycling shoes. Studded cycling shoes are an essential part of cycling. Reliable fixation of a cycling shoe depends on the wear of the spikes that fix the foot, it is necessary to change them more often.

On average, bicycle cleats need to be changed every 6,000 miles. The type of contactless system, driving style, riding time and distance, weather conditions all affect how quickly it wears out. You can change the spikes on your shoes more than 10 times before you need to change your cycling shoes.

Some manufacturers recommend changing studs every 3500-6000 miles (5000-8000 km), while others do not list mileage. Some cleats show signs of wear, indicating it’s time for a new pair.

More Helpful Info:

• How to clean cycling shoes?
• How to choose the best boot dryers?