Well I got bored so I decided to blog about the state of my cycling shoes (an excuse to test the phone camera).

Below are my 2 pairs of cycling shoes (one each). Shimano SH-TR02 (new) and Shimano SH-R151 (old) respectively.


As you can see from the image above right, I have good reason for not wanting to walk around too much in a new pair of shoes... Comparing the left new shoe and that on the right, you'll notice that the new one has a complete set of yellow bits on the cleats. Those bits are like the only bits made of rubber, that actually provide traction for me to walk. Cleats can be changed at $25 a pair though, but well there's still the missing heel stopper that I can't do much about! It's eating into the carbon fiber already.... All these scruffs and wear etc is caused by simply walking roads, pavement, gravel (ouch), etc... It's like putting your carbon fibre kayak blade on the gravel and stepping on it... *crunch*. Sigh, what a pathetically designed pair of shoes. And it's like I'm on reverse heels. Or some 'ronald macdonald' shoes. Not recommended for walking.

Also, a look at the inner side of my old shoe reveals even more wear:


I got that when my shoe rubbed against the rear wheel while unclipping inwards instead of outwards (which is the correct way). That was about 2 yrs ago when I first started using clipless pedals. Yup, my good old shoe is nearly 3 yrs old... And the sole looks like it may seperate from the shoe upper quite soon...

Soon I will be left with my new pair of shoes only... but...

Ironically, the old shoe with it's 3-strap design is actually better for cycling as compared to the new one. It's designed for competitive road racing so a tight firm fit along the entire foot is important. The new shoe on the other hand is designed for triathlons, with a large single strap meant for quick transitions. But it thus sacrifices support in the toe box area up front, which makes the shoe feel loose when pulling up on the pedal stroke. Obviously, I'm not impressed with this sacrifice in power for a mere few seconds during transition.

So in conclusion this means that ultimately I shall require new shoes (plural). One pair that I'll use minimally and suitable for competitive cycling, and another pair which is better designed for travelling and walking around. That would probably be an mtb shoe, which would also imply an mtb pedal.

This will happen sometime, sometime when my shoes are totally beyond function and I actually have money again...