Cycling Shoe Reviews - Part 2

or Clipful Cycling

For Part 2 of the Sisterly Cycling Shoe Review, here is Caitlin and the Bontrager Solstice shoes:

I have a confession to make.

I still don’t have the clipless bike pedals that would maximize these shoes’ potential. If you are on the fence about converting all the way to clipless pedals or if you need to spend money in small increments like me, keep reading. Turns out that both clipless and clipful (clip-positive?) cycling can improve your ride tremendously.

I have the Bontrager Solstice shoes, which are sturdy, affordable and comfortable. Before these shoes, I knew that clipping into bike pedals makes the whole long-distance biking thing much more fun and fast. I took other people's word for it. But what I didn’t know is that the entire shoe structure is made for optimum pedaling action whether or not you go clipless. This is primarily due to the stiffness of the sole throughout the length of the shoe. The result is that your entire foot is transferring energy to the pedal while being supported. Additionally, they tend to be narrow and light which is beneficial for obvious reasons. 

My first ride with these shoes was nothing short of awesome. I felt in control and very cool. My imaginary competitors were blown away. I was ready to win at least the biking portion of my upcoming triathlon. Like this:

Julie Bresset after winning gold in the mountain bike competition.
Image from imgace.com

For now I have clips on my pedals which keep my foot attached to the pedal in the proper position.  The combination of biking shoes and clips make my rides smooth and fast. I will soon invest in some clipless pedals but for now, I am very happy with these shoes and encourage you to try them out! You won't regret it.


*For more comprehensive information about cycling shoes from the professionals visit this page on The Village Cycle website.