Absolutely. You can ride go on that bike ride with your Converse sneakers.
Converse makes sneakers with rigid soles. This is not applicable to every converse sneaker.
However, converse sneakers can be used to ride a bike. You don’t need to have a shoe with a clip/cleat before you enjoy an amazing biking adventure.
Converse sneakers are just like every other sneaker. However, the rigid sole structure of some converse sneakers makes them great for riding a bike. This applies to any type of bike riding adventure.
This is applicable to both professional bike riders and those who are in the beginner stage.
Why is Converse suitable for riding a bike?
Table of Contents
Converse sneakers are suitable for riding a bike because of the following reasons:
Converse sneakers have a stiff sole
This is not applicable to all converse sneakers. There are specific converse sneakers with a stiff and rigid sole structure. This is very necessary for efficient power transfer as you pedal.
The rigid sole keeps your feet stable and is very necessary for effective platform support while riding the bike. With these rigid soles, you would enjoy all the benefits of a good cycling shoe.
The only difference is in the clip attached to the original biking shoes. Converse sneakers are suitable for riding a bike because of their rigid soles. A flexible sole is difficult for riding a bike.
The reason for this is that you will not have a stable footing on your bike as you pedal to and fro. Although, the flexibility of other converse sneakers also comes in handy – mostly for comfort.
However, they are just not very strong enough for efficient power transfer. The CONS LOUIE PRO is a good example of a converse sneaker with a sole that is stiff enough to give you firm platform stability while pedaling. It also has additional flexibility in its outsole for comfort.
Converse sneakers have a slip-resistant sole
This is necessary for firm grip and traction. With this, your feet will remain steady on the pedals as you ride.
During rainy seasons, your feet will not slip off the pedal as a result of moisture. The outsoles of converse sneakers are water-resistant.
Converse sneakers have a soft insole
This is most especially true for all converse sneakers. These insoles are great for comfort while pedaling.
Wearing a sneaker or shoe with stiff insoles will certainly give you a bad riding experience – most especially off-road trails.
Therefore, Converse is suitable for riding a bike because the insoles are soft and cushioned enough to take away the pressure and shock that arises from pedaling or riding in general.
Converse is a good choice of footwear for riding a bike. The insoles that come with converse sneakers can be replaced. This is very true for most converse sneakers.
I have replaced 2 of my insoles with an orthotic insole – this is good for riding as well.
An example of a converse sneaker that falls into this category is the Ultra cons force sneaker which has an orthotic insole for comfort.
With this, you can ride all day with every confidence and assurance that your feet and toes are perfectly secured and protected from pains, pressures and shocks.
Converse sneakers are lightweight
This is not true for all converse sneakers – most especially the platform converse sneakers which have a lugged sole – that is heavy.
However, for other converse sneakers which are lightweight, they make pedaling very easy. For example, if you want to increase your speed or perform stunts and sprints, a heavy shoe would slow down your accuracy and precision.
It will cause you to miscalculate your sprint time split that might lead to accidents (this is not always the case though.).
Wearing a lightweight shoe is the best option for you and converse sneakers have taken full responsibility for that by giving you a lot of options, from which you can choose.
The lightweight feature of converse sneakers makes them suitable for cycling/riding a bike.
Most especially, when it comes to mountain biking – where you have to do a lot of uphill climbing, this is a very important feature you should not dare to ignore.
A lightweight sneaker (or MTB SHOE) comes in handy for a smooth riding experience and adventure. The X OPI all-star is a good place to start.
This sneaker is as light as a feather when it comes to both walking and cycling.
Converse sneakers are breathable
You might be wondering how this is necessary for riding a bike. However, you want to ensure that your feet get the best treatment while riding.
Having sweaty feet for riding a bike is really not a good option to go for. However, with converse sneakers, your feet will remain cool and dry as you pedal.
The stress and pressure you put on your feet as a result of riding a bike need a lot of space to be able to breathe well.
Therefore, with converse sneakers, you are going to get a breathable sneaker. The material used in making converse sneakers are breathable – to keep your feet and toes dry, cool, and comfortable all day long.
The Converse unisex adult Chuck Taylor unisex sneaker goes well in this section. This sneaker has a rigid sole, soft insole, and breathable feature that contributes to an amazing biking experience.
Converse sneakers have a protective rubber toe cap feature
This protects your toes from getting hit by rocks – while riding on the mountain or uphill terrain.
This is an important factor to consider whenever you want to choose a shoe that is suitable for mountain biking or other forms of biking.
Converse sneakers are durable
Yes! This is true. I have used my converse sneakers for 5 years in a row. It has not shown any signs of wear and tear. This is great for converse sneakers.
A major reason for this is that; you will save money. If you don’t have a strong shoe, there will be additional costs for new shoes in the future.
However, with converse sneakers, this is taken away. The strength and tenacity of converse sneakers make them a good and suitable shoe for riding a bike.
The ALL-STAR LO is a good example. It is also attractive – therefore, you are getting the best value.
Do shoes really matter when riding a bike?
Riding a bike has a lot to do with your feet. You need your feet to be in the best position every time.
Therefore, the best thing to do for yourself as a rider is to pay close attention to the shoes you wear when riding a bike.
Shoes are a major factor to consider when riding a bike.
- Shoes determine how well you will be able to pedal while riding a bike. You cannot do this with your ordinary feet. They are going to bleed and get sore. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the shoes you wear when riding a bike.
- Shoes protect your bare feet from being exposed to the hard metal plates of your bike.
- Shoes absorb the pressures and shocks that come from constant pedaling. This is also another huge reason why you should consider the shoes you wear when riding.
Shoes form a major aspect of a rider’s gear. This should not be ignored.
If you have full protective gear on your body and head, without a good shoe to support your feet, you are still very prone to accidents.
Can you use Converse sneakers for mountain biking?
YES, you can use converse sneakers for mountain biking.
Converse sneakers have all the features of a good mountain biking shoe (except cleats/clips). Converse makes shoes with flat sole with no contours. This is good for mountain biking.
Furthermore, Converse makes shoes with rigid soles for an efficient power transfer while pedaling.
Also, converse sneakers are lightweight. This makes them suitable for mountain biking as well. Wearing a heavy shoe for mountain biking is not a good treat to give your feet and toes.
However, it is not all converse sneakers that are good and ideal for mountain biking.
The reason for this is that; it is not all converse sneakers that offer the right ankle support – which you will need for mountain biking.
This is why you should check the features of the converse sneaker you will be using very well before you make your choice.
The STREET HI-TUMBLED leather sneaker is a good fit for this.
There are many other options from which you can select. All you need to do is to be very sure that the converse sneaker you are selecting would fully support your feet as you ride.
What should you check before using Converse for mountain biking?
Look out for the sole
This is the most important part of a mountain bike shoe. This will not be a problem if you plan to use a professional mountain biking shoe. However, since you are going for a typical sneaker-like converse, then you need to pay close attention to the sole.
For a good mountain biking experience, your converse sneaker must have a flat sole that is rigid.
Don’t select a converse sneaker with a flexible sole that can turn back and forth. This is not good for effective pedaling. A rigid sole is much better to give you the stability you need.
Comfort is also key
Ensure that the insoles of your converse sneakers are comfortable for your feet. This is generally true for all converse sneakers. So, you will not have a problem with the insoles. However, check them out.
It is better to go for a converse sneaker with an orthotic insole. These insoles are very soft and cushioned enough to get your feet and toes to relax while you ride.
Check for the weight
This is very important. Converse sneakers don’t have similar weight measurements. Some converse sneakers are heavier than others.
However, you must ensure that the converse sneaker you will be choosing should be very light. This is necessary for easy and smooth pedaling.
Don’t go for a converse sneaker that is heavier than your feet can carry.
What biking shoes are suitable for biking if you intend to go professional
FIZIK R1 UOMO road cycling shoe is a professional biking shoe made in Italy.
This cycling shoe has served me for 4 years. It is the best cycling shoe I have ever come across in recent times. This cycling shoe is made of kangaroo leather.
This explains its durability and lightweight feature. It has a BOA click closure a perfect, concise, and customized fit. It is easy to adjust your FIZIK R1 UOMO road cycling shoe because of the click.
The carbon fiber outsole is one of the best soles for road biking. The FIZIK R1 UOMO road cycling shoe has a carbon outsole that has the strength and rigidity to fully support your feet and power transfer.
The TOMMASSO STRADA 200 dual cleat cycling shoe is another professional cycling shoe you should use. It offers a lot of stability and traction while pedaling.
This is my best cycling shoe for a perfect and precise fit. It has 2 adjustable straps and a buckle for a closed and secure fit. This keeps your feet and toes firmly tucked into your shoe as you ride.
The outsoles are also suitable for riding. With the TOMMASSO STRADA 200 dual cleat cycling shoe, you can ride faster and stronger with less energy.
You would enjoy every swing you take at your pedal because of this amazing biking shoe.
The GIRO CHAMBER II men’s cycling shoe offers so much comfort to your feet. It has orthotic insoles. This ensures that your feet remain in the best condition.
You can ride for hours with the GIRO CHAMBER II men’s cycling shoe and still feel very refreshed after your riding adventure.
The outsoles also provide you with the necessary support you need for platform stability and efficient power transfer.
The outsoles have a Tri-mold nylon plate with 10mm cleat setback for efficient power transfer.
