I'm going to break code again (see ToeSox review) and write a non-Studio/workout review. (Sorry!) But these shoes are THAT good. It had to be done.
People often ask me if they should buy cycling shoes. You all know I am NOT a pro or a fitness instructor so I generally give the very standard answer. "I don't think you should feel obligated to buy them unless you know for a fact that you are committed to cycling and you have knee issues from wearing sneakers all the time." The fact of the matter is, a lot of cycling studios provide them (See CityCyle's Shoe Wall!!). My Home Base (Community Fitness), being a gym with different types of classes, does not provide cycling shoes. I purchased my first pair of cycling shoes about 6 months after I started cycling. I had accepted that I actually liked cycling and was going to class about 3-4 times a week. Once I started going often enough, I noticed my knees would start to hurt midway through class and often for awhile after class. My Fitness Hero, Tricia, mentioned that she noticed her knees bothered her if she cycled too often without cycling shoes. The muscles you use and the way your joints move are different when you are clipped in versus in the cage. That's when I realized, why not give it a try?
I went on Amazon and bought what seemed to be the most reasonable pair of cycling shoes. I'm going to be honest, I did not do a lot of research and did not think too much about it. I just knew I didn't want to spend a lot of money and I just wanted them to be indoor cycling shoes. After about 6-7 months of wearing these shoes, my lack of research became pretty evident.
My feet started to feel uncomfortable over time and I noticed that my muscles both in my feet and legs were tighter. No amount of foam rolling, stretching, massaging or epsom salt baths could make it better. That's when I realized a few things, I had started cycling more frequently (anywhere from 4-5 times a week) and each time I got on the bike, my feet felt constrained. That's when I started doing some research. I have issues, generally, given I have super high arches. That combined with the fact that I wanted cycling shoes that felt more like sneakers led me to TIEM Athletic's Cycling Shoes.
TIEM Athletic's Slipstream cycling shoes are designed to be like a sneaker in terms of the comfort, the breathable mesh and the rubber soles. The shoes have one wide strap so it takes a bit of work to get your feet into a fresh pair of shoes but they will stretch overtime to make it easier to slip on. When you first put them on, they have the cushiony feel you get from a good pair of sneakers.
I've been wearing the TIEM Slipstreams for about two months, 3-4 times a week and they keep on getting better. What I love most is when I'm on the bike and get up, out of the saddle, my feet feel much more supported and stable. I literally feel like I am running on pillows. The breathable mesh also makes it much more comfortable for the hot, indoor rides. With the weather getting muggier and hotter, this was a huge plus for me. The biggest concern for me was whether the shoes would support my high arches and if I would feel any pain over time. Luckily, I have not had any issues with that. What's even better, the shoes are built with great support so although I had to put inserts in my old cycling shoes, I have not needed them for the Slipstreams.
What's even better, the other day, I had to jump off my bike to grab extra towels and I literally felt like I could run to grab them thanks to the rubber soles. Unlike more traditional cycling shoes, this Clutzy Girl does not need to worry about slipping and wiping out in front of the entire class.
I HIGHLY recommend these cycling shoes. They are the perfect marriage of form, function, feel and pure beauty. Who doesn't love a sleek, light grey shoe?!?! (NOTE: They also come in white, black and navy).
