lakecycling

Before the 1970s, laces were the preferred closure system for cycling shoes. That changed with the introduction of hook-and-loop fasteners, commonly known by the popular brand name Velcro. That shift revolutionized cycling shoe design, establishing speed, simplicity, and efficiency as the core principles of securing the upper to the foot. It seemed like everybody wanted a quick-fastened cycling shoe.

Those same principles pushed cycling, for better or worse, away from wooden and leather soles toward the evolving stiff composite platforms, away from leather uppers toward lightweight synthetics, and away from laces toward straps and mechanical closures. It was a fast-paced time for cycling shoe design and technology. That hunger for simplicity and efficiency was activated decades ago, and even today it has never been fully satisfied. Running beneath it is an underlying ache for comfort that no closure system has completely resolved. Each method gives positives, yes. However, attached to each there are often tiny and seemingly insignificant issues that some cyclists will find. Ultimately, you see – comfort is key.