Tag: cycling shoes

  • BRAND SPOTLIGHT :: TIEM ATHLETIC

    TIEM (pronounced TM) Athletic came into creation to fill a necessary gap in the activewear market— truly functional and fashionable cycling footwear for women. Backed by two decades in the shoe industry and a lifetime of passion for fitness and cycling, founder Tracey McLeod got to work.

    TIEM Athletic’s Flagship Shoe: The Slipstream

    Having been a cyclist riding indoors and outdoors, I started to pay attention to the shoes,” said McLeod. “I couldn’t figure out why they hadn’t been innovated with all the wonderful materials happening in the athletic market and running.”

    What makes TIEM Athletic’s shoes stand out from the status quo? They pair the casual aesthetic of your favorite sneaker with the technical excellence of a cycling-specific cleat. As a women-owned and operated company, TIEM understands their audience and what women want. They know that while performance is critical, style should never be sacrificed. You can feel their dedication to design, detail, and the pursuit of cycling with every pedal stroke; whether you’re on the road or in the studio. This season we are excited to offer two of their most innovative designs–the Slipstream and the Via–to our fancy-footed collection of cycling shoes. 

    Slip Into The Slipstream

    The Slipstream started TIEM Athletic’s SPD-compatible segue into cycling footwear and it took off running, or better we say pedaling. This slip-on powerhouse is loved by instructors and studio students alike, and for good reason.

    The stiff bottom design provides power behind your pedaling and has a recessed SPD assembly. As a result, the part where you clip into your bike’s pedals isn’t sticking out so you won’t be forced to do a click-clacking, duckwalk when you’re off the saddle. In fact, you could easily unclip from your pedals and use these versatile sneaks in a post-ride stretch session or to strut to your favorite café for a refuel. When you aren’t on the bike, the Slipstream mirrors the feel of your favorite grab-and-go sneakers. While the Slipstream is designed to best cater to indoor riding, it offers enough protection and weather-proofing for outdoor use like commuting to the studio.

    You’ll need an SPD cleat set (sold separately) in order to clip in. If you already have your own cleats, you’re all set.

    The engineered mesh toe box is highly breathable when you’re cranking out miles, while the wide styling doesn’t sacrifice comfort compared to more narrow options. With a slip-on design, easily adjustable single-strap closure system, and comfy EVA footbed you’ll have all the support you need and nothing you don’t in this sleek package.

    FIT TIP: If your foot is narrow, or you are in-between sizes, we recommend going down a half size in the Slipstream

    Spin The Right Way

    Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, fitness experts and the mechanical minds from brands like Peloton, Bowflex, and Nordic Trek attest that your footwear will make all the difference. By choosing a cycling-specific shoe you’ll be increasing the power and stability behind your pedaling. The sturdy sole keeps your feet in proper position ensuring you aren’t digging your toes and causing unnecessary strain on calves and Achilles.

    Additionally, with your feet flat and stable, you can move powerfully through a full 360-degree stroke. This not only optimizes performance; it also ensures your hamstrings work with your hip flexors to prevent putting all the pressure on your quads. While you’re making these superwoman strokes, the clip-in mechanism prevents your foot from flying out from underneath you. These same physics apply to riding both indoors and outdoors while clipped in. When you choose the right shoe for the job at hand (or foot) you’re also conserving energy, increasing power, and preventing injury.

    Do It All In The Via

    We ask a lot of our feet: walking, biking, HIIT workouts with jumping and lunging…and typically need more than one shoe to commit to each activity.  The Via is here to eliminate lugging around multiple pairs of shoes. With the Via you can step off the bike and into your next activity, out of bounds or in the gym.

    The Via in Ocean Blue plays well with Terry’s Studio Capri and Studio Top

    The Via applies the tried-and-true design of the Slipstream and combines it with durable, weather-resistant uppers and a rugged rubber outsole to create a more robust, outdoor-ready, rider. The walkable, recessed cleat assembly allows you to move on or off the saddle with ease.

    FIT TIP: If you have a high arch or are in-between sizes, we recommend going up a half size in the Via.

    The Via sweats with the best of them in the studio and then leads the group ride all the way home. A quick-toggle adjustment system gives every ride a tailored-to-you fit, no matter where you’re headed. If you’re seeking a sneak that can truly do-it-all, the Via is your best and most versatile choice.

    The Via is an SPD compatible indoor/outdoor explorer

    Choose the Slipstream to boost your indoor game or the Via to elevate on-the-road action. Either way, you will have selected a complete and total game changer. Don’t just take our word for it, take them for a spin and feel the fashion-meets-functionality firsthand.

    Interested in learning more about TIEM Athletic? You can read up here: https://www.tiemathletic.com/pages/about

  • YOUR PERFECT PAIR.

    Enter the world of women-specific cycling shoes.

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    When considering cycling gear, few components are more important than the choice of footwear, but with all of the different riding types, compatible cleats/petals and price points, it can be mind boggling to find your perfect match. One way to pare down the selection is to shop for women-specific cycling shoes. I have to admit, the first time I was asked the question, “what makes a cycling shoe women specific”, I was a bit stumped and after a bit of searching, I was surprised at the amount of studies that have been done in this area.

    Research has found that the shape of women’s feet, and therefore shoe-fit needs, fall into a bell curve. The bulk of the curve (the majority of women) need a shoe that is narrower in the heel/ankle and has more arch support (for higher arches) than typically provided by a men’s shoe. Of course, this is not true for all women, but most will find more comfort, support and power transfer from a shoe with these distinctly non-male characteristics.

    With this in mind, these are our top picks for women-specific cycling shoes of 2016.

    Best Road Shoe:

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    Empire Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

     

    The Empire Shoe by Giro is QOM approved. Created with a full carbon sole, this lace-up, high performance cycling shoe built on a woman’s last has unrivaled adjustment with a footbed that lets you fine-tune your fit with an adjustable arch support. Why laces? Giro’s designers say it best:

    “Once upon a time, nearly every shoe had a laced closure. In the last few decades, however, mechanical closures have been developed to mimic the function of laces while providing the ability to adust fit on-the-fly. But with each new system, there is always a tradeoff to be considered: limited tolerance to grit and grime; added weight; increased exposure to damage in a crash; or less precise fit adjustment…So why laces? Because the fit and feel of a laced shoe is unrivaled. From different lacing patterns to more incremental adjustment points, laces simply provide more range when it comes to fit, and the feel is  more natural.”

    Research more details and buy here.

    Best Triathlon Shoe:

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    Flynt Tri Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

    Designed for quick transitions and high performance, this shoe comes in at the top of our list. Not only is the Flynt an amazing tri-specific shoe with it’s breathable microfiber cover, lightweight sole and multiple cleat-compatibility, it’s also a great summer option for road riding. Find more details or purchase, here.

    Best All-Around:

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    Manta Shoe by Giro. Available at terrybicycles.com

    For club rides, touring, commuting, single-track, bike-packing and more, the Manta is a very versatile option. We recommend it because it really does give you the best of all worlds: a recessed cleat area for off bike walkability; supple microfiber upper with straps and micro-ratcheting buckle; a stiff and efficient nylon outsole that optimizes each pedal stroke. You’ll be amazed at all the places these shoes will take you. Find out more, here.

    Here’s to comfortable shoes and long miles!

    Whitney McKiddy

  • THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR RIDING.

    Zurich 3-4_0

    As far as we know, the Zurich is the world’s first SPD-compatible, women-specific cycling boot. Only 50 were made, although we are working on getting them produced for Fall14. DZR urban footwear masters made these by hand and we scored a pair. Lace-up front (but with a side zipper for easy on/off) and reflective chainlink at the backs of the heels. We know you’re going to want them and we promise to work on it!! They sure made great props in our spring photo shoot…

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    In the meantime, find more stylish bike-compatible boots at Terry.