Walking in road cycling shoes?
Today, I installed Look-style pedals on my road bike and rode clipless for the first time. I noticed that after putting my foot on the ground and walking a few feet, the protruding cleats were a bit scratched up.
I plan on using the system for commuting, and although I’ll change shoes at my destination, I’m wondering if clipping in and out at traffic stops will severely damage the cleats over a short period. Anyone have advice on how to keep them in good shape, or am I just being a worrywart?
There’s no way to keep them from getting scratched up, but the good news is that it doesn’t really hurt the cleat unless you really do a lot of walking in them. You can get the rubber covers for them if you want to….they’re kind of a pain sometimes, but they work and give you a little more traction. Also, it’s good to have them if you stop at a store or coffeeshop on your rides so that you don’t scratch up their floors…businesses appreciate that. The covers are $15 or less and will tuck into a jersey pocket unnoticed.
Most people change their cleats after a year or two, depending on how much riding you do (or walking). I had a pair of Look cleats for about 4 seasons, trying to make them last….it got to be too easy to unclip accidentally, and they finally sheared off at the tip where it was worn really thin. So just change them out when needed and you’ll be fine…they’re not expensive. Scratch ‘em up. 
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Keen Coronado Cruiser Shoe
