Shoe, Left, Shimano, Clothing, Astronaut Exercise (Flown)

An astronaut wore these cycling shoes on a Space Shuttle mission while exercising on the onboard cycle-ergometer. Typically astronauts wear only socks while moving around weightlessly inside a spacecraft, but for exercise on their cycle, treadmill, or weight machine they put on shoes for protective support. The space cycle on the Shuttle had no handlebars and a seat was not necessary, so feet were the point of contact. These cleated cycling shoes ensured a good grip for a vigorous pedaling workout. Daily exercise helps keep the astronauts physically fit by reducing the loss of bone and muscle mass during spaceflight. NASA gave these shoes and an exercise cycle to the Museum when the shuttle program ended in 2012.