Need help with bike shoes (Why black?)
 

I want to replace my old pair of black bike shoes with a white or very light colored pair. I want a pair of shoes that do not attract the heat of the sun. Unfortunately, I haven't found any except the ones that are very expensive. Does anyone know where I can purchase a pair of white or light colored biking shoes for a good price?

While I'm on the subject; why are most biking shoes and clothing black? I'm also running into this problem with bike gloves.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...re&estoreid=43

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...re&estoreid=43

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...re&estoreid=43

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?
category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=9455&storetype=estore&estoreid=43

Practicality and fashion:

They're practical because they don't show the dirt and grime that you'll encounter if you do a lot of cycling. For example, if you ride in the rain you'll find that your shoes and socks will become black from all of the road grime that gets splashed onto your legs and feet from the front wheel. This quickly discolors leather and porus fabrics. As for the shorts, if you have to change a tire or grab your chain you can wipe your hands on black shorts and it's no big deal. Black shorts also don't become discolored from moisture/sweat. Take a look at someone with blue, red or green shorts on a hot day and you'll see some very interesting wet spots at their crotch, waist band and other places where moisture collects.

As for fashion, black goes with everything. But, beyond that up and to the last decade or so (I don't recall when the rules actually changed), the UCI mandated that riders participating in UCI sanctioned races (the Tour de France, Giro, etc...) wear black shorts. They were allowed to have light colored sponsor names on the outside of the legs and apparel manufacturer's logos but that was about it. So, if you wanted to look like a pro-racer you wore black shorts. Go to Europe with colored shorts and your appearance would scream "American tourist".

As for bike gloves, I'm not sure where you're shopping but I've never experienced a time when there weren't alternatives to black. In fact, the old guys and gals will recall when almost all the gloves had tan leather palms and natural colored cotton mesh backing that left nifty waffle tan marks on your hands in addition to the big old dark spot.

late-thanks for the links to the bike shoes. Unfortunately, I need a size 48 and the Diadora Leggera Road Shoe were the only shoes that were in stock with my size. That's my other problem, once I find a nice pair of shoes they usually don't have them in my size.

Mark-thanks for your well written explanation on why biking clothes and shoes are black. I was afraid it had to do with showing the dirt and grime of the road. I guess I want the light colored stuff for the other practical reason-to reflect the sun instead of attracting it.

Here in Denver we have three Performance Bike stores and I did buy one pair of gloves that had yellow on the back side. The problem with this pair was they were cheap and didn't breathe. All the LBS's only have black with a red or gray stripe on the side. So the search continues...

Try the Assos gloves. Fit/feel great and come in multiple colors.

I was also like you didn't want to spend a lot for shoes. Then i broke down and bought a set oc Carnac's. The cheap ones where like wearing work boots, and theCarnac's where like wearing slippers. I now have 5 seasons on them and they are still fair shape. I would be replacing them after this season.
If you have a wide foot the Carnac have a large toe box.