Why you need cycling shoes, and why Tiem is my new favorite.
If you’re a regular in cycling classes and don’t have your own cycling shoes, what are you waiting for? Oh, were you waiting for the perfect cycling shoes to be invented? You’re in luck, Tiem did just that. Before I get to what makes these particular shoes so great, let me preach to you all the reasons you should splurge your own shoes.
Why You Need Your Own Cycling Shoes
If you go to SoulCycle…you’re paying a $3 rental fee. That’s just throwing money away. After 41 classes, you’ve officially paid for the cost a pair of Tiem cycling shoes. 41 classes might seem like a lot, but I bet if you’re a Soul devotee, you go at least once a week, right?
If you go to FlyWheel…the shoe rentals are free, but like, it’s kinda gross, no? I’m not such a germaphobe but if I can avoid wearing communal shoes, I’m going to avoid it.
If you go to Equinox (or many other large gyms)…instead of clipping in, you can flip the pedal over and use the strap to secure your shoe. But here’s the deal, it is so uncomfortable to do that. To keep it tight and secure enough, it pinches at your foot, and even so, it’s not as secure as clipping in. When you’re clipped in it’s far more comfortable on your foot (no strap digging into your feet) and you’ll get a stronger pull up on the pedal stroke, giving you a more powerful and well-rounded ride. For those of you who haven’t tried clipping in, trust me it will make your ride so much smoother and more comfortable.
All About Tiem Cycling Shoes
Alright, so now that you’re on board with investing in a pair of cycling shoes, let me tell you about Tiem. I’ve been indoor cycling for 10+ years and have had my own shoes that whole time. I’ve tried a few different styles and have been pretty content, with a few pros and cons along the way. What makes Tiem so you unique is that they are made to be comfortable on and off the bike.
Many cycling shoes have clips that stick out, making a click-clack sound as you walk on hard surfaces, and even though that’s annoying, what’s worse is the possibility of falling. The clips that stick out make for a very slippery walk. If you’re a student, you likely aren’t walking around too much, but as an instructor, I’ve had way too many close calls walking around the studio, nearly slipping and sliding onto my butt as I coach (happy to report I haven’t actually fallen, but it’s not a good feeling knowing it could happen at any moment).
Tiem clips are recessed, so when you’re off the bike, it feels like you’re strolling around in normal sneakers. And just like regular sneakers, if you want to do a little extra gym work after cycling, you can wear these to walk around the gym floor and are comfortable and stable enough for weight lifting. I wouldn’t recommend them for a HIIT class or running, but otherwise I’d be happy to keep these on for post-class work.
If you live close to your cycling studio, you could also wear these on the walk to and from. They probably will wear out sooner than if you only wore them on the bike, but it’s a good option if you don’t want to lug around an extra pair of sneakers.
Aside from all those great features, the shoes are cute and super comfortable. They are soft enough that your foot gets a good cushion, but the bottom is firm enough, as this is a necessary feature for a good pair of cycling shoes.
If you’re attending cycling classes at least one time a week, I highly recommend getting a pair of Tiem shoes. Make sure to also purchase SPD clips. These types of clips are complaint wtih Equinox, SoulCycle, Flywheel and most other studios. You can install them yourself (here’s a handy guide), or you can bring the shoes to any bike shop to help you out (I suggest you get a professional to do it).
Got any questions about cycling gear? Leave a comment below!
