Rule 8: It’s Gotta Be The Shoes

Rule #8 Compliance" src="http://www.velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/P1010593-620x413.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="413" />
Shall shoes be added?

What Gianni humbly omitted from his last article is that once he finishes ranting about sock color (actually, the lack of need for any color other than than white), he recovers quickly and we wrap up the Keepers executive board meeting with him tearing our legs off on the ride home from the bar with his magnificent stroke.  Because after all, he is Rule #72.

But I digress.  All the chit-chat Gianni’s article generated, and the timing of it with a new shoe purchase on my end, has me ruminating on Rule #8.   Matching saddle, handlebar tape, and tires is, for the Velominatus at least, quite the no-brainer as it were.  The only really poignant question I recall ever being raised is whether Vittoria Open Pave’s have an exemption because they are awesome and scream hardman tire (I think they are acceptable).

But what of shoes?  They are the one piece of kit that most often throws a rider’s coordination out of sync.  Of course this has traditionally been fine as shoes are such a personal matter that expecting one to match one’s shoes with the rest of one’s kit is hopeful at best.  That being said, I wonder if  shoes are less kit  and more equipment.  They transfer power directly from rider to bike and thus they are mechanical, they are engineered by smart people using fancy computers, and they render the machine virtually unrideable without them.  In fact, I’ve often wondered why retailers list them under “clothing” and why online review forums don’t put them under “drivetrain” instead of “clothing and accessories”.

So if you don’t accept my premise, at least humor me here.  If shoes are equipment and not kit, why would anyone buy a pair that didn’t match the rest of their bike?  Surely, with the abundance of shoe choices on the market these days I would think one could make every effort to find a pair that fits, has the features and performance characteristics sought, falls within price range, and matches the rest of the bike.

I happened upon this concept casually deliberately this week.  You see, I’ve been sporting considerable carbone over Fi’zi:k’s new shoe line ever since they were introduced (you might say I have a thing for shoes).  So when a new pair of R3’s fell into my lap for number 1 I was forced to shift the Yellow Princesses over to number 3.  The yellow decals and accents on the Serotta look awesome with the YP’s and the new R3’s are oh so sublime with the BMC. Splendid, indeed.

So I’ll put it to you, the Velominati. Does Rule #8 need amending?  Are shoes equipment and not clothing?  Do we, perhaps, need a new rule pertaining to shoe/bike matching (I think not but a suggestion might be in order).  These are the things that keep the Keepers up at night.

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211 Replies to “Rule 8: It’s Gotta Be The Shoes”

  1. Its a nice play, Marko. I rely on the philosophy that there is no detail too small to limit the justification of new purchases. So much so that it is conceivable that when I buy a new pair of white socks I may also find it essential to pick up a matching BMC Time Machine…

  2. G’rilla rocking the stealth black – black Fi’zi:k’s and black socks while Cyclops rocks the white on white S-Works w/white Castelli socks. That’s about $15k worth of bikes and shoes rolling down the road.

  3. But anyway, I totally agree with you Marko, I kinda have grief with shoes that don’t match everything else. So I use the old black with red trim S-Works with the black with red trim Cannondale and the new “Pepe Le Pews” with the predominantly black and white LOOK.

  4. Its a tough call, but I got stuck overmatching-land where my frame, shoes, helmet and jersey (yes i only had one) all matched. Now with a new Bike #1 in the stable, the shoes and helmet are not in color cohesion. (the jerseys have, thankfully, diversified. The bibs are only ever black).

    White/Blue shoes…. going with something simpler next time, and matching the White/black/silver beauty of Bike #1.

  5. Nice bikes, nice photo!

    I don’t really try to match my shoes, just keep them either white or black so that they don’t clash too much. I do have the Ergo 2s in silver and those look pretty slick when I’m on my silver Casati.

    I’ve kind of made a subconscious move toward simple kit this year – have some really basic Mavic jerseys (which have an AWESOME cut for me), one in white, one in black. And keep my bib shorts simple as well, either all black or black with some blue.

    I kind of think shoes are the one area where you are free to have some flair. The Yellow Princesses are a perfect example. Loud kit? Not really my style. But basic colored kit + loud shoes = awesomeness.

  6. I personally have a penchant for silver shoes (aka Glass Slippers). They don’t directly match my bike or any piece of my kit (except for my one of helmets). But they do deliberality casually match any piece of shinny metal on my bike, thus reinforcing the nothing that shoes are in fact equipment.

  7. Quite an arsenal Marko! Match the shoes to the bike, not the kit? Sounds plausible.

    PS are those Mavic Chasm’s in front of the cxb? I’ve got a pair for the mtb, they’re the bomb.

  8. @sgt
    They’re Razors but surely cut from the same last. Yes, they are the bomb, as are the Yellow Princesses.

    The problem with matching the shoes to the kit is the kits we wear are so varied. I’d happily buy some black and molteni orange shoes to match the V-kit but that colour option is sparse and not offered up by Fi’zi:k.

    Shoes are really the segue from bike to rider – rider to bike. They are at once kit and drivetrain. It seems they could match either but most flexibility is had when they match the bike.

  9. @frank

    @Cyclops

    Hey Frank, how come me picture are not uploading?

    It depends on what you’re doing wrong.

    The same thing I always do wrong.

  10. I haven’t read the other posts because I don’t need to. No, Rule #8 does not need amending, and no, shoes should not be matched to the bike.

    In fact, it goes way beyond the fact that I’m sufficiently OCD about making my bikes identical that I don’t also need to inject differences between shoes into the mix, just so I can match my shoes to the bike. No, our shit should not be overmatched; while matching is great and helps you look Pro, there’s a fine line between looking good and being a Rainbow Turd.

    This photo took some heat in the previous thread, but I think it’s the perfect example of cool. Everything matches just fine, except his shoes, which are just what they are because he got the shoes that work for him.

    Its a slippery slope between trying to look good and trying too hard to look good. But, just like drinking beer, we all have to learn our limits and discover to call enough enough.

    Here are some examples of riders who did not match their shoes to their bikes.

  11. @Cyclops

    But anyway, I totally agree with you Marko, I kinda have grief with shoes that don’t match everything else. So I use the old black with red trim S-Works with the black with red trim Cannondale and the new “Pepe Le Pews” with the predominantly black and white LOOK.

    Your shoes are backwards to be called Pepe Le Pews, although I’m certain they have the bouquet to go along with the moniker.

  12. Ahem, confessions of a shoe whore here. I’m a Diadora junkie. To date: White 3, Black 3, Silver 2, Fluo yellow 1 (Fall & spring evening night riding only.) Bikes are black, white, white, and black/white with a smidge of blue. Hence the black and white shoe options work well with any bike.

    Looking to offload two silver pairs of Diadora (sz 45), plus some very good nick black/blue Shimano (sz 44)and white/red/black Time (sz 46). Gotta make some sacrifices.

  13. @jimmy

    Shoe and sock debate settled

    +1

    @CanuckChuck

    I personally have a penchant for silver shoes (aka Glass Slippers). They don’t directly match my bike or any piece of my kit (except for my one of helmets). But they do deliberality casually match any piece of shinny metal on my bike, thus reinforcing the nothing that shoes are in fact equipment.

    And I repeat, +1.

    @sgt

    Quite an arsenal Marko! Match the shoes to the bike, not the kit? Sounds plausible.

    @Marko

    The problem with matching the shoes to the kit is the kits we wear are so varied. I’d happily buy some black and molteni orange shoes to match the V-Kit but that colour option is sparse and not offered up by Fi’zi:k.

    Let me help you both out.

  14. @frank
    I hear you. And as I’m not advocating a change, just discussion, you gotta admit, it looks dope. It is also a far cry from a Rainbow Turd. This crossed my mind as I ruminated. I think Turd-dom has more to do with race leader and w.c. jersey wankery than any thing else and is apro-pro to Rules #15, #16, and 17. I think if it’s pulled off cash del it’s okay, even better perhaps.

  15. @frank
    Yeah, that’s fine because you HAVE WHITE SHOES. My point was the YP’s didn’t come close to matching either kit or bike. Again, just fine, but hence the discussion. The new R3’s will now match both (when my witte kit arrives).

  16. @frank
    Frank, it’s fall. Go with black shoes, black socks. You wear a black helmet, right? The all black kit will only enhance the witte jersey and white/red detailing on the shorts. When the leg warmers come off, go white with shoes and socks. Leg warmers? Go black.

  17. @frank
    ps. Who’s on the receiving end of that death stare? Was there a recumbent in the hood? A YJA? Kinda withering if you ask me . . .

  18. I wrote a long post about shoes that I decided to summarise:

    I like Shimano shoes.

    I hate everything Specialized makes because every time I buy one of their products (tires, bibs, and now shoes) despite promising a good product they are fucking pieces of shit. I will now only buy products from companies that stick to the knitting.

    I like that riders can wear hideously ugly shoes with their carefully designed team kits, like Wiggo’s Bonts and Cuddles’ and Bettini’s WC shoes. Would I do it? Not really, unless I was WC.

    If anyone wants the full anti – specialized rant, let me know.

  19. @frank
    Easy big fella!! Too much candle wax huffing? It’s all good… we are all wearing sensible shoes…

    But I do like these… (ducks)

  20. @Marko
    I’ve said it before in these hallowed pages but I swear whoever designed those white & black Fi’zi:k’s was taking the piss about cycling being the new golf.

    THEY LOOK LIKE FUCKING GOLF SHOES!

    Now the other two pairs on the other hand look spectacular.

  21. @itburns
    In Scotland, it’s called “the Paisley death stare.” Not a pleasant thing to receive.

    Methinks he’s spied a hipster fixie in his hood, despite the signs he has up at the end of his street – you know, the ones with the bike and the red line through it. Those are clearly targeted at fixies as the bike depicted has no gears, drop bars, etc. They do not, of course, apply to Frank and his stable of thoroughbreds.

  22. i’m a fan of the black shoes, just goes with everything. However i see the point of the pro’s such as Eddie boss having fluorescent shoes and i think in a bunch sprint it’s sometimes easier to identify a rider in the lead up.

  23. Think this solves the problem. My Sidi steel/lux ergo 2s (with the cool rainbow hologram reflection type thing going on) match all bikes and all socks

  24. @frank
    also this is my favourite (maybe overstating but it’s very cool) pic from this years tour and fits in with the thesis of it just works

  25. marko, points well taken, and even better yet is that BMC…wow, what a steed.

    IMHO, Rule #8 stands, shoes are independent in our thoughtful considerations of both class and style. Franks pics pretty much sum it up, if its good enough for Jens, let alone Eddy, then its good enough for me.

    BTW: am i the only one donning DMT’s? They are fantastic shoes.

  26. Your shoes should not be white unless you are at least a Cat 1 – or have done something of significance in the field. They should be seasonally correct (non-white only between Labour Day and Memorial Day). Below the Cat 1 threshold any non-white colourway or combo colourway is acceptable. Newbies, between Memorial and Labour Days, should wear black socks with black shoes and hope they gain proficiency on the bike before the shoe/sock combo has them mistaken for back waiters at an Italian eatery.

  27. @Sam

    clearly my grasp of technology is as tenuous at best

    You need to be logged in to upload or post photos…sorry.

    @Souleur

    BTW: am i the only one donning DMT’s? They are fantastic shoes.

    Rode some DMT’s for a while, and I think Pedale.Forchetta does as well. LOVED THEM but they were a tad wide for my pinner foot. I saw a reflection of my foot the other day and it was a fucking flipper. Unbelievable that a person can go through their entire life and not know that about themselves. Anyway, loved my DMTs.

    To your point:

    And here he is rockin’ a pair of white ladies (also matched to kit).

    I say, rock some black or white shoes and you’re good, especially when you’re trying to drop a doper.

    @sgt

    @frank
    Easy big fella!! Too much candle wax huffing? It’s all good… we are all wearing sensible shoes…
    But I do like these… (ducks)

    Those are fucking sweet, though. No Doubt.

    @Marcus


    Think this solves the problem. My Sidi steel/lux ergo 2s (with the cool rainbow hologram reflection type thing going on) match all bikes and all socks

    I almost got those for the VMH, but they weren’t made in a size 40.5. They’re magically delicious.

  28. When In doubt I always fall back on the final valid option of Rule #8 for any color discussion: Black, Black, Black.

  29. @frank

    @CanuckChuck

    I personally have a penchant for silver shoes (aka Glass Slippers). They don’t directly match my bike or any piece of my kit (except for my one of helmets). But they do deliberality casually match any piece of shinny metal on my bike, thus reinforcing the nothing that shoes are in fact equipment.

    Wonderful. First time one of my posts gets quoted (by Fronk no less) and I sound like f’ing illetirate (sic). Take 2? “I personally have a penchant for silver shoes (aka Glass Slippers). They don’t directly match my bike or any piece of my kit (except for one of my helmets). But they do deliberately casually match any piece of shinny metal on my bike, thus reinforcing the notion that shoes are in fact equipment.” There. I fell much butter.

  30. @RedRanger

    My main problem is I fuckin love Red. I got the Red Damsels cause they work with my feet. Also g

    By bike is 98% black and white with little bits of red. Helmet has red. It’s part of that OCD thing I got.

  31. @frank
    Spot on.

    @Marko, I don’t know how you get 3 different sets of shoes dialed in. More power to you. I got me some beautiful Sidis early in the summer and getting the cleat dialed on one of them is driving me nuts. The day after a ride it feels like my leg wants to fall off at the hip. The experience has been akin to having a superhot but totally wacko girlfriend. I’ve gotten to the point where I am back in my old, black, not special Specialized shoes.

  32. @frank
    May Merckx have mercy… Whilst googling “orange cycling shoes” for that post I came across a pair of these Carnacs in my size, new in box on eBay. They’ll be here in a few days. “Buy It Now” is an evil thing…

  33. Look, it’s easy; match the shoes to the helmet. Top and tails. And helmets should be plain black or plain white. Moving on…

  34. @sgt

    @frank
    May Merckx have mercy… Whilst googling “orange cycling shoes” for that post I came across a pair of these Carnacs in my size, new in box on eBay. They’ll be here in a few days. “Buy It Now” is an evil thing…

    The good news, Gianni, is I’m definitely wearing white socks with these bad boys

  35. @frank

    @Marcus

    Think this solves the problem. My Sidi steel/lux ergo 2s (with the cool rainbow hologram reflection type thing going on) match all bikes and all socks

    I almost got those for the VMH, but they weren’t made in a size 40.5. They’re magically delicious.

    Pretty sure you are hanging shit on me by saying they are good shoes for chicks. But thanks anyway!

  36. When out on the CAAD10 I wear Lycra shoe covers to match bike and take them off when on the CAAD3

  37. My take, if anyone cares, is this: black, white, silver, pink (ok, not pink)…..doesn’t matter. I love Sidis. I’ve tried a shit ton of shoes over the years, and I love the way they fit. (TIme Equipes are my favorite all time, but all the Time shoes after that didn’t fit me right). Mine are silver, and I have no shiny bits on my plastic bike. All industrial black, with white accents. The silver Sidis are the perfect accent.

  38. @RedRanger
    you mean the bike in the small ring, the crank not parrallel to the chainstay or just the latex bootie used for a ride that is not a TT ?

  39. @CanuckChuck, they’re just light Lycra aero shoe covers and not waterproof or for cold weather

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