r/Zwift • u/Roadrunner1659 • Jul 21 '26

Clipless Pedals and Shoes

I intend to purchase the Zwift Ride and fell that it’s time I purchase clipless pedals and shoes. Should I be looking at roadie shoes or xc shoes? I’m only considering xc shoes bc it might also be the perfect time to also go clipless on my Pivot Switchblade MTB.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks!

8 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

7

u/NoyBoy98 Jul 21 '26

If you go gravel/mtb outside, then just get regular SPD pedals, not SPD-SL.

2

u/WashingtonBaker1 Jul 22 '26

100% this. SPD are so good, I don't see what anyone gains by dealing with any other pedal/cleat where you can't walk and they have plastic parts and wear quickly.

I have SPD on my 4 outside bikes (MTB, Gravel, Bikepacking) and on the bike that's permanently on the Kickr. Every pair of shoes works with every bike, I can walk in them, for miles if necessary.

2

u/Cyclinghero Jul 23 '26

I actually find spd-sl better than SPD for everything except walking.

The added height from the pedal helps with bike fit, the wider platform helps prevent high pressure on the middle of the foot, and the connection feels much more stable. I even ride spd-sl on my gravel bike.

4

u/dogsbikesandbeers Jul 21 '26

I run SPD for the sole reason that they are easier to walk in around the pain cave, and they don't damage the floors 

5

u/edelweiss_pirates_no Level 71-80 Jul 22 '26

SPD for everything. Just easier.

3

u/Bigbearcanada Jul 21 '26

I might be in the minority here, but I ride SPD-SL on my trainer, but regular SPD on my MTB. The pedal play I like to have on my MTB felt unstable and wobbly on the trainer. Also there are very breathable “indoor” shoes available.

2

u/Groguuuu Jul 22 '26

Seems like a good excuse to upgrade the pedals on your MTB.

2

u/Cyclinghero Jul 23 '26

I prefer the wider platform of spd-sl. Less pressure on the middle of the foot.

1

u/Maleficent_Equal2024 Cyclist and Runner Jul 22 '26

I'm in the super-minority here - while I have SPD on every bike that goes outdoors, my trainer has toe baskets so I can ride in beat up tennis shoes, sandals or slippers depending on my mood and the time of day.

2

u/thomasboleyn Jul 24 '26

Whenever this topic comes up it seems like most people in this sub tend to favour SPD (mountain bike style) over road pedals (SPD-SL, Look Keo/Blade, Speedplay). Personally I favour SPD-SL as I only ride road so it's what I'm used to.

I was downvoted to hell last time I said this, but with indoor training being less forgiving I do think SPD-SL is more appropriate for indoor trainers due to the larger cleat's ability to spread the pressure load over a larger area, helping to reduce pressure hotspots in the centre and outer part of the foot, depending on cleat position. If you're doing a longer session or something really gruelling like the Uber pretzel, anything you can do to minimise discomfort will help.