shoo
Noun
A piece of cycling equipment that fits over a cyclist's foot
Example usage: 'I love my new cycling shoes!'
Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists of all levels and disciplines.
Popularity: 8
Comedy Value: 5
Also see: Cleat, Clipless Pedal, Cycling Shoe, SPD,
What is a Cycling Shoe?
A cycling shoe is a special type of shoe designed specifically for the sport of cycling. The shoes are usually designed with stiffer soles than regular shoes, providing enhanced power transfer from the cyclist's legs to the pedals. They also provide increased stability, better balance, and increased comfort for the rider.
The shoes are usually secured to the pedals with cleats, which are small metal or plastic clips that attach to the sole of the shoe. The cleats are designed to match the type of pedal system that is used on the bike. This helps to ensure that the shoes can be attached securely to the pedals and remain in place during the ride.
According to the 2019 National Bike Challenge, over 17 million people rode a bike at least once in the US in 2019. Of those, an estimated 4.5 million riders used cycling shoes. The increased power transfer, stability, and comfort that cycling shoes provide make them a must-have for serious cyclists.
The Origin of the Word “Shoe” in Cycling
The word “shoe” in the context of cycling has a long history. It was first used in the mid-1850s in the United Kingdom, when cycling was first becoming popular. At the time, cyclists wore wooden or metal-tipped clogs to protect their feet from getting caught in the pedals.
The clogs were referred to as “shoes” because of their resemblance to traditional leather shoes. This term was quickly adopted by the cycling community and soon became the standard term for any type of foot protection used for cycling.
Today, the term “shoe” is used to refer to any type of protective footwear used for cycling, including cleats, sandals, and even sneakers. The term has been in use for over 150 years and is still widely used by cyclists around the world.