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8 of the best cycling shoes for optimal performance and comfort
Whether you’re a beginner or an avid cyclist, these are the best cycling shoes to keep you on track.
Cycling is not just about the bike – footwear plays a pivotal role in your performance, comfort and overall cycling experience.
Whether you're an enthusiastic novice, a dedicated mountain biker, or a seasoned road cyclist, having the right pair of road bike shoes can make a world of difference.
So, if you’re in need of a new pair, we can help.
We’ve rounded up the best cycling shoes on the market, each offering a unique blend of comfort, performance and style. Find the perfect pair to elevate your ride here.
Read more: 7 of the best workout shoes for men
Top cycling shoes
For beginners
Specifications
Material: Synthetic fabric, nylon
Size range: 4 to 13
The Torch 1.0 cycling shoe is the perfect introduction to high-quality cycling footwear.
Designed with novice cyclists in mind, these shoes offer a unique Body Geometry design that aligns the hip, knee and foot in just the right way. This scientifically-tested approach not only amplifies your power but promotes increased efficiency with every pedal stroke.
This pair also perfectly blends comfort and performance. Its moderately stiff composite sole not only offers an impressive comfort level for those longer rides but is also great when generating pedal-pushing power when you need to step up the pace.
But its standout feature has to be the L6 Boa Fit System, which allows for precise adjustments on the go, ensuring an optimal fit and enhanced comfort throughout your ride.
For pros
Specifications
Material: Mesh and synthetic leather upper
Size range: 6.5 to 11
These limited-edition men's cycling shoes perfectly embody the power and efficiency needed by serious trail enthusiasts.
A new favorite amongst cycling lovers, this shoe uses a midsole with a low stack height for enhanced stability. Forget about losing power during your pedal stroke, this shoe has been meticulously designed to ensure optimum power and efficiency for your entire ride.
Crafted with mesh and synthetic leather, the material lends itself to a lightweight, yet robust and durable shoe, built to last for countless rides.
The cherry on top? A user-friendly BOA L6 dial with a hook-and-loop strap secures your foot snugly into the shoe, allowing for quick on-the-go adjustments.
For breathability
Specifications
Material: Lightweight mesh
Size range: 3 to 8
Get ready to pedal your way to your next personal record with the Nike SuperRep Cycle 2 next nature shoes.
Made to outperform its predecessor, this indoor cycling shoe excels in breathability, making it an excellent companion for those high-intensity, heat-generating indoor cycling sessions.
The shoe's lightweight mesh material does wonders in maintaining a cool environment for the top of your feet while the integrated vents on the sole contribute to the airflow, ensuring your feet stay fresh, even during the most grueling workouts.
It’s also equipped with adjustable straps to secure your feet in place, preventing slips and providing stability. The wide-opening closure makes the shoe easy to put on and take off, saving you precious time during fast-paced routines, too.
For a close fit
Specifications
Material: Recycled materials
Size range: 5 to 14
The Gravel Cycling shoes are an innovative amalgamation of road and dirt shoes, designed for the versatile cyclist.
But these shoes are not just about aesthetics, they offer an impressive blend of functionality and comfort, too. With their adventure-ready outsole and reinforced toe cap, these shoes are built to withstand the rigors of both off-road trails and tarmac.
One of the standout features of these shoes is their sock-like cuff, which sits closely on your ankle, effectively sealing out dust and debris. Plus, when off the bike, the recessed two-bolt SPD cleat-compatible outsole enables easy walking, a feature often overlooked in cycling footwear.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a novice exploring mixed-surface rides, these shoes offer a balance of power, style and durability, making them a worthy addition to any cycling wardrobe.
For power
Specifications
Material: Synthetic and TPU
Size range: 4.25 to 14.5
Designed with a focus on efficiency and power, these biking shoes by Specialized deliver when it matters most.
A unique, patent-pending closure system, coupled with a Dyneema-reinforced tongueless sock and an ultra-stiff FACT Powerline carbon outsole, work in unison to eliminate foot roll, reduce pressure on tendons and channel every ounce of power to the pedals. This spells out an unparalleled performance and comfort experience for the wearer.
But that’s not all. These shoes also feature a non-slip, replaceable heel tread with internally recessed screws for added security while the use of Dyneema sandwiched between layers of synthetic and TPU creates no-stretch zones, providing the ultimate connection and comfort.
For indoor cycling
Specifications
Material: Synthetic upper with mesh vents
Size range: 7 to 13.5
Designed specifically to complement Peloton Bikes, these shoes help optimize power transfer from your feet to the pedals, ensuring not an ounce of your effort goes to waste.
What sets these cycling shoes apart is the adjustable ratchet clip and hook and loop straps, which enable a snug and personalized fit. They cater to a narrow to normal fit, but if you have a wider foot or fall between sizes, simply size up for a comfortable experience.
But these shoes are not just about performance; they address comfort too. The synthetic upper features mesh vents, promoting breathability and keeping your feet cool throughout your ride.
As for compatibility, they come with delta-compatible cleats, making them versatile enough to work with other stationary bikes requiring such cleats.
For workouts
Specifications
Material: Lightweight mesh and rubber
Size range: 7.5 to 9.5
Nike Women's SuperRep Cycle 2 premium indoor cycling shoes are designed for those who are serious about indoor cycling.
These shoes are made with a lightweight mesh material that keeps the top of your feet cool, while the vents on the sole let air flow in from below, making them perfect for an intense cycling session.
The adjustable straps hold your feet down to keep you poised for pedaling, providing you with the utmost comfort. What's more, the shoes open wide for easy on and off, allowing for a convenient and hassle-free experience.
They’re not only comfortable but also durable. The stiff internal plate under your foot optimizes energy return, ensuring you get the most out of your workout. Plus, an external plate couples with compatible cleats for a solid connection to your pedal, providing stability and enhancing your performance.
For cold weather
Specifications
Material: Textile upper with mesh overlay
Size range: 3 to 14
These cycling shoes combine comfort, style and efficient technology to enhance your cycling experience, especially in colder climates.
What makes these shoes shine is their ability to extend your comfort zone when cycling conditions become frosty, all whilst maintaining the iconic Samba style that we all know and love.
Beyond just style and comfort, the Velosamba Cold.Rdy shoes are equipped with a full-length reinforced midsole, designed to strike the perfect balance between efficient pedaling and comfortable walking.
The two-bolt cleat compatibility also ensures an easy fit and added stability when on your bike, while the synthetic outsole provides durability and excellent traction.
Another unique property to point out is the reflective logo and 3-Stripes details, enhancing your visibility in low-light situations. This could be a game-changer for safety reasons, especially if you're an urban commuter cycling after dark.
What type of shoes are best for road biking?
The best cycling shoes depend largely on the type of cycling you're into.
For road cycling, the best road cycling shoes are those with a stiff, smooth sole for optimal pedal efficiency. Mountain bikers might prefer biking shoes with rugged outsoles for better grip. Indoor cyclists or spin class enthusiasts can look for breathable, lightweight options with secure fastening systems.
Ultimately, the best bike road shoes are ones that fit well, match your cycling needs and feel comfortable throughout your ride.
What are the best cycling shoes?
Still looking for the perfect pair of high-quality biking shoes? We’ve got you covered.
With its perfect mix of comfort and performance, the Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe is an excellent choice for entry-level cyclists. Its body geometry design, Boa Fit System and ventilated upper make it a standout choice in its category.
For those needing extra width in their men's cycling shoes, the Shimano XC502 Wide Limited Edition Cycling Shoe is hard to beat. With a midsole designed for stability and a user-friendly BOA L6 dial for comfort and efficiency, it’s one of the best shoes for road bikes on the market.
Whether you're gearing up for a casual ride or preparing for a cycling marathon, investing in the best road bike shoes can make your journey smoother, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
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Prices updated on 12/04/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Lauren Pascal
A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.
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