How Long Do Indoor Cycling Shoes Last?

More and more gym-goers have often been trying out indoor cycling of late, with many finding it to be an enjoyable and effective workout. Most beginners may opt to first rent a pair of indoor cycling shoes, but most serious cyclists would invest in their personal pair of shoes.

But how long do indoor cycling shoes last? Well, depending on how you maintain them and how often you use them, indoor cycling shoes can last you between 5 to 10 years or more with proper care. High-quality indoor cycling shoes also feature warranties, ensuring you get more miles with every pair of shoes.

So, how do you ensure that you can keep your indoor cycling shoes going the distance? Let’s find out.

How to make your indoor cycling shoes last longer

Thanks to the increasing popularity of indoor cycling, more fitness stores of late have been seen carrying a variety of indoor cycling shoes to meet the demands of spin class goers.

Although these shoes can typically last between 5 to 10 years, most serious cyclists may purchase more than a pair so they can switch between their collection to suit their styles or even to ensure they have a pair ready when they’re cleaning the others.

But what if you only have a single pair of indoor cycling shoes and want to make them last longer? Here are some easy tips on how to retain your indoor cycling shoes in tip-top shape.

Clean them regularly

Many people have the misconception that because their indoor cycling shoes are not exposed to the outdoors, they won’t have to clean them as often. However, regular cleaning ensures your shoes are kept odor-free from any accumulated post-workout sweat.

Regular cleaning will also allow you to pay better attention to your indoor cycling shoes, so you can spot any tearing in the seams or holes forming in the soles before they become too much to repair.

Replace the sole or clips if they’re worn out

Very often, the sole or clips of your indoor cycling shoes may get worn out before the rest of your shoes have. In this case, you can easily replace the sole or clips and get your shoes back in shape again.

This is a great way to save you money from buying a brand-new pair of indoor cycling shoes or if you’re working on a budget for the month. Do note that some soles may not be replaceable, so it’s best to bring your shoes to the professionals for their best advice.

Don’t walk around with your indoor cycling shoes

Walking around while wearing your indoor cycling shoes can also wear it down sooner than expected. Most indoor cycling shoes feature a sole that’s made only to withstand the friction between getting on and off the bike and the ground below the bike.

Hence, if you want to ensure your indoor cycling shoes can last longer, it’s recommended that you never walk around with your indoor cycling shoes. If you’re at a gym where the classes are far from the changing room, then you’ll want to bring a change of shoes.

What is the difference between indoor cycling shoes and outdoor cycling shoes?

One of the common questions that many fitness stores have encountered is whether there is a difference between indoor cycling shoes to outdoor cycling shoes. Aside from the different names that these shoes have, here are some noticeable differences.

Slip-resistance

Slip-resistance is possibly the biggest difference between the two pairs of shoes. Indoor cycling shoes are often made only to resist one terrain shift and that is from the pedal of the indoor bike to the gym floor. As such, it’s not recommended to walk around with them.

This is different from outdoor cycling shoes that are designed to withstand a variety of terrains like soil, tar, or sidewalks and the pedal of their bicycles. This makes the sole of the outdoor cycling shoes unsuitable for indoor cycling activities.

Material and breathability

The material used to construct both shoes are also significantly different. This is mostly due to the changing climate and environment that the shoes must undergo, hence the shift in materials used.

In indoor cycling shoes, you’ll often see materials that feature better breathability for comfort. This is unlike outdoor cycling shoes that are made of materials that can wick water, mud, and wind to adapt to the ever-changing outdoor environment.

Support on the sole

Another noticeable difference between the two shoes is on its sole. Unlike outdoor cycling shoes that feature soles that are semi-flexible, indoor cycling shoes often carry rigid soles. This is to ensure the wearer’s foot will fit snugly in the shoe and reduce friction within.

The stiff sole of indoor cycling shoes also ensures that the wearer has better stability when riding an indoor bike. Indoor cyclists will also notice that they will need less force to transfer power to the pedal, making it more comfortable to ride the indoor bike for longer.