I rank quality footwear as the most important piece of gear I can take outside. Great shoes can mean the difference between a really enjoyable run or an excruciating walk back.
The same goes for hiking boots, snorkel or dive fins, or rock-climbing shoes. I look for maximum comfort and maximum transfer of power. If I’m having to think about my choice of footwear while I’m outside, something isn’t right.
The same also applies to cycling shoes. Like any other piece of equipment that goes on the foot, cycling shoes have their own purpose and features.
Biomechanics of the Cyclist’s Leg
A cyclist’s leg acts as a piston for power through the pedal rather than a runner’s shock-absorbing leg. To simplify the process, the gluteus maximus muscle begins the downward power phase of the pedal stroke. Then the knee extensors activate to push the pedal down to a 6 o’clock position.
Next, the toe pulls upward to the shin to initiate the transition from 6 o’clock to 12 o’clock. Hamstrings then pull the heel upwards to the buttocks, and the hip flexors finish off the pedal stroke.
Cycling Shoes: What to Look For
The rigidity of cycling shoes should be a priority when picking out a pair – your foot shouldn’t flex like you’re wearing a training or running shoe. A rigid footbed will help control any errant motion through the foot, ankle or knee – conserving power and reducing the risk of injury. Cyclists need their feet to be powerful levers transferring every bit of energy to the pedals.
Weight and aerodynamics are secondary considerations for choosing a cycling shoe. Airflow through the shoes and breathability is also important.
Tommaso Cycling Shoes Run (Cycle) the Gamut
The TVO Team recently received test samples of cycling shoes from Tommaso, an Italian-inspired and Denver-based company that offers road, mountain and specialty bikes, accessories and apparel. Test models included the Milano, Montagna Elite Knit, Women’s Capri, and Women’s Terra Aria Knit.
Tommaso Milano
The Milano is a multipurpose men’s cycling shoe. It is at home commuting to work, taking a fitness ride, on your indoor cycling bike or doing some off-the-bike exercises or errands. The Milano’s Cycle2Workout Sole has a recessed cleat area, so it can easily be used for a workout or walking. Because it is built with a stiffer sole and a soft tread, the Milano can be used with or without clipless pedals. The two-hole steel cleat attachment plate ensures a secure connection to all SPD-type pedal systems. The Milano’s extra padding in the tongue and heel and the soft vegan leather upper make it an extremely comfortable shoe to wear on and off the bike. So, if you are just starting your cycling journey or looking for an all-purpose shoe, the Milano is the shoe that fits. ($69.95 MSRP)
Tommaso Montagna Elite Knit
The Montagna Elite is designed for riders who want the performance and feel of a high-end mountain shoe without the high price. The revolutionary X-D Knit All-Shoe Ventilation System keeps your feet cool and dry in all conditions. The knit one-piece upper is combined with an upgraded Italian-styled vegan leather liner. A quick-lace closure system ensures an exact fit with no hot spots or foot rubbing. Tommaso has added TPU-Armor in critical wear areas like the toe and heel to ensure the shoe stands up to hard use. Top this off with a deeply treaded Tommaso No-Flex Fiberglass Infused Sole that provides optimum power transfer and a solid grip when off the bike. The two-hole steel cleat attachment plate ensures a secure connection to all SPD-type pedal systems. The Montagna Elite is a mountain-crushing shoe that will keep you going no matter how steep the terrain. ($84.95 MSRP)
Tommaso Women’s Capri
The Capri is a stylish, high-performing cycling shoe that looks and feels like a sneaker. The Cycle2Workout Sole gives you the performance you need on and off the bike. The Capri uses the Tommaso X-D Knit All Shoe Ventilation system. The two-hole steel cleat attachment plate ensures a secure connection to all SPD-type pedal systems. Riders can also use them without cleats. ($84.95 MSRP)
Tommaso Women’s Terra Aria Knit
The Terra Aria Knit is an excellent choice for all-purpose mountain, trail and road riding. It is designed with a sticky deep-treaded fiberglass-reinforced sole for incredible power transfer and a solid secure walking surface on and off the bike. The durable XD breathable knit upper, an armored toe box for added protection against rock strikes, a moisture-wicking inner liner and a classic three-strap closure system make the Terra Aria Knit a great all-day riding shoe. The two-hole steel cleat attachment plate ensures a secure connection to all SPD-type pedal systems. The Terra Aria Knit is the perfect balance of performance, comfort and style for every kind of ride on or off the pavement. ($84.95 MSRP)
The Real-Life Rundown on Tommaso Cycling Shoes
The shoes look impressive in the box – nice lines, quality material and construction, and great color combinations and design. On the foot, all three TVO testers agreed on one thing: the shoes tend to fit fairly narrow. A quick call to Tommaso and a bump up a half size and my shoes felt much better.
Make no mistake about it, these shoes are not going to carry you through running a 5K. They’re designed to provide power through a pedal. And once I got used to where they needed to sit on the pedal, the shoes settled in, did their job and did them well while looking good. The thing that really stood out to me was how breathable and ventilated the shoe was. Tommaso cycling shoes are the most-ventilated shoe I’ve ever had on my feet.
“What I really liked about the shoes was the way they didn’t look like a hard-core bike shoe,” said Rhi, our TVO Team female tester. “They were functional while maintaining a feminine sneaker look.”
TVO co-founder Alan Clemons summed it up nicely when he said, “Affordable quality, durable and good-looking cycling shoes for training, competition or just a fun whirl around with friends and family.”
About Tommaso
Tommaso was started in 1985 by an Italian cycle racer to provide world-class bikes to the public. The company moved to the United States in the early 1990s but retained its Italian heritage; today all of Tommaso’s products are designed in Italy. Today, Tommaso’s headquarters are in Denver, Colorado. All Tommaso shoes feature a lifetime warranty when they are registered after purchase.
