Road cycling shoes Black Friday: reduced prices

Road bike shoes bought during the Black Friday must fit right: the size is shown in each brand's size chart, and foot width may require a wide version. Promotions include men’s and women’s models, from the lowest price in nylon to carbon soles, with some triathlon and winter shoes; then check the accepted cleats and the tightening system.

What to check before ordering road shoes?

There are three important points to consider before the offer itself. The size, first, as it varies from one manufacturer to another. Compatibility, next: a road shoe takes three-hole cleats, while a few models in the selection, designed for gravel like the RX710 from Shimano or the Gran Tourer from Quoc, accept two-hole cleats. The use, finally: summer rides, triathlons, or cold wet conditions. For details on the technologies, the permanent page for road bike shoes serves as a guide.

Size and width: the differences between brands

Don’t rely on the size of your casual shoes. Measure your foot’s length, then check the manufacturer’s size chart; many offer half sizes, useful for a foot between two sizes. Shimano has several models in wide versions, and women’s models come in smaller sizes. If you already have a bike shoe that fits, its size and brand are the best reference, especially for a gift.

Sole, fastening and cleats: reading a spec sheet at a glance

Sole: made of nylon or composite for entry-level prices, more flexible and forgiving; carbon above that, stiffer and thinner.
Fastening: one or two dials, laces, or Velcro straps, alone or combined with a dial.
Triathlon: Tri versions open wide and fasten with one strap for quick slip-on.
Winter: a few high, insulated models, like the Defender from FLR, can be worn without overshoes.
Cleats: they are not always included with the shoe; check the description.

Comparing two discounts on the same shoe

References evolve over generations: the RC703 from Shimano succeeds the RC702, and the Gran Tourer III from Quoc replaces the II. A crossed-out price for a previous generation remains interesting if its shape suits you. Then compare two listings of the same version, men's, women's, wide, or triathlon, then the same size and colour, before checking the displayed price. To complete your outfit, check out the road helmets from Black Friday and the road clothing; for the trails, the MTB shoes. Outside of sales, the clearance gathers the sizes and colours of end-of-line products.

Selected road shoe brands

Shimano regularly renews its range: the RC703 is the third generation of the RC7, with a carbon sole and double dial, while the RC302 and RC102 have received features from the S-Phyre.

Quoc was founded in London by designer Quoc Pham, who came from men’s fashion; the Mono II, with a carbon sole and double dial, retains stitching inspired by brogues.

Sidi gets its name from the first letters of the first name and name of its founder, Dino Signori, and still manufactures in Maser, near Treviso: Wire 3, Shot 3, Ergo 6 or Genius X are available here.

Mavic, known for its wheels, uses their names for its shoes: Cosmic SLR, Cosmic Ultimate IV, Cosmic Boa or Aksium Strap, with triathlon versions.

Northwave, founded in Montebelluna, the Italian cradle of sports shoes, started with snowboard boots before branching into cycling; Extreme Plus, Revolution and Storm Carbon are featured in the selection.

Frequently asked questions

Can you ride gravel with road shoes?

Yes, if the bike has road pedals, but the protruding cleat makes walking tricky on a path. For alternating pedalling and walking sections, a two-hole cleat shoe is more practical.

How to recover the setting of old cleats?

Before removing them, trace their outline with a marker on the old sole and note their position. Transfer these markings to the new shoe, then check on a short ride that the knee follows its usual line.

Do road shoes conform to the feet?

Very little, as the rigid sole does not deform. The upper loosens slightly, but a shoe that is tight from the start will continue to be uncomfortable: it’s better to choose a larger size or width.

Do discounts on road shoes last beyond Friday?

Yes. The sale keeps Friday as a reference, the day after Thanksgiving, while its reduced prices on road shoes apply throughout November: enough time to measure your foot and consult the brand’s size chart before choosing.