Pro cyclists and their shoes: a never-ending love affair

Cyclists love to use their shoes to make a statement - here we round up some of our favourite footwear from the past few years

Adam Blythe on stage three of the 2012 Tour of Oman

(Image credit: Watson)

While the shoes of runners, footballers, tennis players and a whole host of other sports get pounded in the mud and dirt, the same can't really be said of cyclists' footwear. That's not to say that cycling shoes aren't important - as a contact point between rider and bike, they serve a vital function. But there's a new function that pro cyclists' shoes have grown to serve in the past few years: self expression.

Most of a pro rider's kit is strictly dictated by the team, but shoes are one area where it seems pretty much anything goes. Riders can use their shoes to exclaim their nationality, celebrate past success, send a message, be individual or just have a bit of fun.

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