JT, here is a post from Cathe about spinning shoes:
Spin shoes definitely make a HUGE HUGE difference. I own them and couldn't enjoy my classes without them.
When I first bought them it took about three full workouts to get used to them , but once I adjusted, I could barely tolerate a ride with regular sneaks.
That being said...I have spin shoes but NOT the clips that fasten the shoe into the pedal. I just wear the spin shoe and use the "cage straps" that hold your foot in place verses the underside of the spin pedal that has a place for you to clip your shoe into place. While I am aware that my legs are not getting the exact same benefits as when clipped into pedals, it bothered my knees overtime when I tried to release the clip from the pedal. I felt too much torque on my knee.
But I DO love the firmness and stiffness (which is bonus for spinning) of the shoe. It offers great support to my arches and overall foot and allows me to get a great focused ride.
So when I ride, I make all my bike adjustments (which only has to be done once if you own your own bike) before class, hop on the seat and slide my spin shoe into the strapping cage to secure my foot. I can sit, stand, jump, climb hills, do sprints, etc. perfectly fine.
If I were to just use my regular fitness shoe, the softness of the shoe wouldn't provide ample support for the feet and therefore overtime your feet, ankles, calves, quads and hamstrings would fatigue prematurely due improper foot support.
You can find spin shoes to be priced fairly. Just like regular fitness shoes, you can go anywhere from $60 to higher for top of the line shoes. I bought a pair for $69 and they have lasted me for a very long time.
Hope this helps![/QUOTE]
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