The bottom of a shoe that contacts the pedal or the floor is the outsole. Outsoles in running shoes are made of tough carbon rubber to increase durability and traction. Outsoles for cycling shoes consist of hard plastics or carbon to provide power delivery.
A decent outsole provides traction, preventing slips on roads, trails, or smooth surfaces. For a cycling shoe, it also provides push from your foot to the pedal. Running outsoles feature various tread patterns for various surfaces: road, trail, or track. Cycling outsoles generally include cleat-mounting systems (such as SPD or Look) in the rigid bottom for enhanced pedaling efficiency.
