At least here in NYC, indoor cycling studios have nothing short of cult-like followings. Whether your spin-agogue is SoulCycle, Flywheel, or a particular instructor at the likes of Equinox or Sports Club LA, countless women (and men!), are bonding over a shared passion for riding indoors. Unfortunately — unless you’re in a studio that requires cycling shoes — more often than not, you’ll see plenty of people pedaling away in sneakers, which not only is potentially harmful to your joints, but prevents you from getting the most out of your workout as well.
I was sent a sample of Giro’s Sica MTB Shoes to test out and I couldn’t wait to see how they compared to the Sidi and Cannondale ones I was using before. In order to use them (or any indoor cycling shoe), you have to get clips attached to the shoe soles so that your shoes can attach to the bike (if you’re riding at a place like Equinox, odds are you’ll need ones called SPD clips).
Cannondale has a variety of shoes in the $60-80 range, while Sidi is known as one of the top of the line cycling brands and has very few options under $150. But when I headed to Paragon — a sports store in Manhattan known for their knowledgeable staff and amazing selection — the sales assistant who attached my SPD clips told me that in the $150 to $250 range Giros, and in particular the Sica, these shoes were the best way to go. He explained that they have a full carbon sole, which makes the shoe lightweight but stiff so that no energy is wasted, keeping your feet in place. Further, he told me that he finds them more comfortable than the Sidi’s in the same price range, and Cannondale’s shoes, for the most part, have plastic soles. Needless to say I was all the more excited to try out my new shoes!
I’ve been riding with them all week and they truly are fantastic. Not to knock my Sidis (I bought the Vigo style about two years ago and they’re still in tip top shape), but in terms of breath-ability, the Giro’s can’t be beat. They have vents in the front so your feet never feel stuffy and the shoe won’t get smelly after a few wears — though I still recommend spraying them every few classes because you do sweat a lot. Also, the style has two velcro straps along with an adjustable one so that it truly does offer the closest thing to molding a shoe to your foot (yes, some cyclists do that!).
The shoe comes in a variety of colorways, but I have the ones pictured above — aren’t they hot?! Super chic! And if there’s one thing I know, it’s that not only will the right workout wear make it that much easier to motivate yourself to get to the gym, it’s also the key for staying comfortable and SAFE.
Image: Giro
About sharon
