I want to buy new bike shoes. My old Look shoes have the velcro strap opening inwards, that is, you grab it on the side of the shoe that is away from the bike. I found a pair of Shimano shoes that fits very well but the velcro strap opens outwards, that is, you grab the flap on the side of the shoe that is towards the bike. Hope the above makes sense.
Any advantages or disatvantages to this? Or does it matter at all?
Don’t think it matters though I find the straps that close toward the bike can hit the crack arm on each stroke. In which case, you have to cut the strap.
If I understand your description correctly the Look shoes are not “Triathlon” shoes, the Shimano’s are (unless the Look’s are so old that they don’t follow the current convention).
A Triathlon shoe has the tab to the outside (away from the bike) when open. That way you can easily grab it while pedaling and pull it tight and then down and towards the bike. If it was the other way your crank would block its access over a portion of the pedal stroke.
flap in…Specialized!
AJ is correct, this way you can also partially open it coming into T2 so it’s easier to get your feet out quickly (but still keep the very end of the strap lightly stuck) and the strap will bulge to the outside rather than into the crankarm/chain so you can still pedal a bit more if need be.