Cycling footwear for beginners

[sandwiches77]

Currently wear my trainers that I use for everything!

Cleats scare me plus look expensive, looking at toe straps but looking at alternatives. I do have walking shoes, would they be better to use as a more sturdy than my trainers

I started off with trainers and flat pedals. I avoided the toe straps - they would be as difficult (if not more so) to get out of than cleats. Instead I used to cages like this: www.wiggle.co.uk/brand-x-toe-clips?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=100277072&kpid=100277072&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products&utm_medium=base&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-OeBBhDiARIsADyBcE7mw0wL6daiB6g_-uxeZy7Y97KLAWFBLxL5BFSTRQoySkgRf0P1v2EaAjI0EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The only benefit I could see with walking shoes is that they might be a bit more waterproof and windproof than trainers?

The cages are easier than straps to get in and out of, but also give some benefit on the upward peddle stroke.

I then progressed to a touring peddle and mountain bike shoes. These have a grippy platform one side and MTB cleat the other side. Consequently I could peddle without being cleated in. So moving off I’d pedal on the platform and once I felt ready, flip the pedal over with my toe and cleat in. Approaching and obstacles/ potential stops I’d uncleat, flip peddle and peddle on the platform side. The whole time your other foot is cleated in.

I then progressed to road shoes and cleats.

This was a good easy way in for me as it was all a gradual progression and I never felt unsafe. Best of all I’ve never fallen as I’ve not uncleated in time. It very quickly becomes second nature (like driving a car), so the platform side becomes redundant. When I have crashed (multiple times 😂 - I mountain bike, race cyclo cross and road race), the cleats have always released.

I’d never ever ride without cleats of some description now. It’s so much more efficient peddling. Also so much safer, you feel more at one with the bike, like it’s part of you most importantly no chance of your foot slipping off or bouncing off the pedal.

Don’t use toe cages, very old fashioned and dangerous.

If you don’t fancy cleats, try mountain bike type footwear like Five Tens with grippy flat pedals like DMR flat pedals.

If you do opt for cleats there are certain types that are easier to unclip such as the 2-bolt MTB style.

I’ve also heard that Bythlon pedals are good for beginners but never used them myself

Of the shoes you have, walking shoes will be better than trainers, as they have stiffer soles. This means they’ll help transmit more power from your legs to the pedals and drivetrain. Cycling in soft soles shoes can be exhausting!

I'd second the suggestion of flat MTB shoes. I broke my foot a while ago and can't currently use my shoes/pedals with cleats as I don't have enough movement in my foot joints to unclip. So I've put pinned, flat MTB pedals on my bikes and bought a pair of Five Tens. They're a big improvement on trainers.
Also agree that if you do decide to try cleats at some point that you should start with 2 bolt MTB cleats and pedals with the spring tension on the pedal set as loose as it will go - much easier for a beginner than road cleats.

Hmmm.. .to me toe straps & cages are same things. This picture is what I mean. I see both straps & a cage contraption.

Cages/Toe straps had their day. They do promote slightly more efficient cycling but they delay getting your foot to ground, so can be a safety hazard until you are used to them.

Heavy walking shoes would be rather stiff and offer no advantage.
If you don't want cleats I don't know why you wouldn't persist with trainers you find comfy; you haven't given a reason to change from them

If the footwear you have been using is very bendy then cycling will tend to wear out those shoes faster, so that would be a reason to change to a somewhat stiffer sole

Most commuter cyclists I know or see are wearing trainers

Cages don’t have the strap on them, so you can slide your foot out sideways, which you can’t with straps (toeclips). See the link I posted above. Definitely help me to progress to cleats.