If you use clip-in pedals, several things affect how long your cleats last — including how far you ride, the conditions you ride in, and how much walking you do in your cycling shoes.

As cleats wear down and lose material, their fit with the pedals becomes less secure. This can make clipping in or out more difficult because the worn cleat no longer releases or engages the pedal mechanism smoothly.

In some situations, worn cleats can even cause your foot to unclip unexpectedly while pedalling. However, if your cleats aren’t overly worn, these issues might just mean your pedal’s spring tension needs adjusting — a quick fix in many cases.

If adjusting the spring doesn’t solve the problem, it’s probably time for a new set of cleats.

Certain models, such as Shimano SPD-SL cleats, include coloured wear indicators to show when replacement is due. Even so, it’s best to judge by how your cleats actually perform — if they feel loose, unreliable, or difficult to use, they’re ready for replacement.

Buy New cleats here