Cycling The 10 Best Cycling Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Testers loved Shimano’s IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoe for its lightweight design By Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT LinkedIn Twitter Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process and Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 09, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Mikael Hanson Medically reviewed by Mikael Hanson Mikael Hanson is a USA cycling and USA triathlon certified coach with over 25 years of coaching experience. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from beginners to World Champions. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Backcountry / Amazon Cyclists know that the right pair of indoor cycling shoes can go a long way in making your ride more comfortable and improving your performance. The best cycling shoes are compatible with your pedals, comfortable to spin in, and fastened with reliable closures to make sure they stay on—whether you’re cycling in the studio or at home. Shoes that are specifically designed to help you pedal faster, stronger, and more efficiently can help you achieve your fitness goals. To take full advantage of these benefits, you need to find a pair of cycling shoes that will suit your preferred style of riding. “It is better to use a dedicated cycling shoe so that you can better connect with the bike, whether indoors or outdoors. The foot connection to the cage, or clip, is very important to how you will ride,” says Denise Chakoian, PT, owner and founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree. When shopping for cycling shoes, check that they’re compatible with the bike you have or plan to ride. Commonly, cycling shoes have either two- or three-bolt cleat systems, so be sure to check your bike for which system fits. It’s also important to consider the fit and weight of the shoe. You want something that’s snug and secure, lightweight and breathable, and protective against blisters. Our expert testers assessed 22 pairs of cycling shoes and rated each pair based on fit, comfort, blister protection, performance, and value. We also had a cycling coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, running versus cycling shoes, and attaching cleats to these shoes. These 10 pairs are the best of the best. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Shimano IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Tommaso Pista Indoor Cycling Shoe Bundle at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Venzo Women's Cycling Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best Investment: Soulcycle x Pearl Izumi Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes at Soul-cycle.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best for Peloton: Pearl Izumi Quest Studio Cycling Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Most Versatile: TIEM Slipstream Women's Indoor Cycling Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Indoor Cycling: Adidas The Indoor Cycling Shoe at Adidas.com Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Giro Stylus Mens Road Cycling Shoes at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Road Biking: Giro Cadet Road Cycling Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Shimano IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoe 5 Competitive Cyclist View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Snug and secure fit Lightweight Breathable Cons Expensive Limited compatibility Shimano’s IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoes earned a perfect score in all key categories, making them an obvious choice for our best overall pick. Where this pair really shines is in fit and breathability. True-to-size, the shoes are snug without constricting our tester’s feet, and they didn’t cause any discomfort, rubbing, or unwelcomed blisters. Our tester also highlighted comfort, noting that the lightweight shoe didn’t distract from her spinning sessions. The mesh upper offered added ventilation to prevent overheating. The secure boa closure also kept our tester locked in and focused throughout her workouts. You have to self-install the two-bolt SPD cleats, but it’s an easy and intuitive process, our tester said. These cycling shoes also have a convenient heel tab for easy on-and-off, and a full-length rubber outsole that offers traction to help you walk confidently off the bike. While the pair is expensive, we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment like Shimano’s IC501 Indoor Cycling Shoes. Price at time of publication: $135 Weight: Not listed | Sizes: Women’s EURO 38 to 41 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Boa | Compatible with: Shimano Pedaling Dynamics | Best for: Indoor cycling What Our Testers Say “These cycling shoes are extremely lightweight—it almost feels like you are not even wearing shoes. The ventilation was pretty amazing as well. Sometimes, my feet get overheated and I did not experience that at all with these shoes.”—Danielle Ransom, Verywell Fit product tester Best Budget Tommaso Pista Indoor Cycling Shoe Bundle 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Closure is easy to adjust Look Delta cleats are pre-installed Compatible with most bikes Cons May need to be broken in If you want to save money without risking quality, we recommend Tommaso’s Pista Cycling Shoes. Our tester has small and narrow feet, but the shoe fit perfectly, while still providing breathable comfort—earning a perfect 5 out of 5 score in fit. Incredibly lightweight yet supportive, these shoes kept our tester sturdy during high-intensity spin classes. But you do have to break the shoes in, as they feel stiff for the first few rides, our tester said. Despite the initial stiffness, our tester didn’t notice any rubbing or blisters. We love that Tommaso’s Pista Cycling Shoes are great for beginners and seasoned spinners alike. They’re compatible with many popular indoor cycling bikes, such as the Peloton and SoulCycle At-Home Bike, but are durable enough for road biking, too. Price at time of publication: $73 Weight: 1.8 pounds | Sizes: Women’s US 6 to 11 | Materials: Mesh upper, fiberglass sole | Closure: Velcro straps | Compatible with: SPD, Shimano Pedaling Dynamics–Super Light, Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling, road biking What Our Testers Say “These cycling shoes are well worth their cost. I take spin classes nearly every day, so having a pair of sturdy, lightweight, and abrasion-free cycling shoes are actually priceless to me. I think consumers would be happy paying even more.” —Anna Popp, Verywell Fit product tester Best for Beginners Venzo Women's Cycling Shoes 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.9/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Lightweight Budget-friendly Compatible with most bikes Cons Cleats aren’t pre-installed For beginner cyclists, a good pair of shoes should offer high-quality performance at a low stakes price—Venzo’s Women’s Cycling Shoes deliver that and more. Our tester loved the pair for its lightweight and breathable design, and compatibility with most pedal systems (including Peloton and SoulCycle). The shoes earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit, blister protection, performance, and value. They run on the firmer side, offering added structure and support for new riders. But our tester also said that the shoe is comfortable and doesn’t provoke blisters—features that are nice to have in any type of footwear. The cleats aren’t already attached to the shoe, and our tester said the installation process was somewhat difficult. But this was a small inconvenience because, after attaching them, our tester never had to tighten or adjust the cleats again. Price at time of publication: $80 Weight: 0.12 pounds | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic upper, textile sole | Closure: Velcro straps | Compatible with: SPD, SPD–SL, Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling, road biking What Our Testers Say “It's an affordable shoe, but it doesn't feel as though any corners were cut during the design or manufacturing process. They feel high quality and I like that they're so lightweight—both for cycling and gym bag weight purposes!” —Kaitlin Clark, Verywell Fit product tester Best Investment Soulcycle x Pearl Izumi Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes 4.8 SoulCycle View On Soul-cycle.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Easy-to-adjust closure Snug and secure fit Lightweight Cons Cleats aren’t pre-installed If you’re a SoulCycle fan, you’ll love the Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes: They’re adorned with the brand’s iconic name, logo, and sunshine-yellow details. But even if you’re not a SoulCyclist, you can still invest in these top-knotch shoes, as they’re compatible with all Look cleats. Our tester said the shoe provided a comfortable fit—snug, but not too tight. The boa closure is easy to adjust mid-ride, which is ideal for safe and distraction-free cycling. Our tester appreciated that the shoes are lightweight and breathable, preventing overheating, uncomfortable rubbing, and painful blisters. Our tester gave the shoes a perfect score in almost every key category, but only a 4 out of 5 in value because of their high price tag. But investing in a top-quality pair of cycling shoes is well worth it (especially if you’re a frequent rider), our tester added. Price at time of publication: $215 Weight: Not listed | Sizes: Women’s EURO 36 to 50 | Materials: Not listed | Closure: Boa | Compatible with: Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling What Our Testers Say “These shoes are expensive, but I believe they are so worth it—comfortable, snug, adjustable, and easy to clip into the bike. And when you think of it in terms of price-per-wear, they are even more worth it!” —Michelle Parente, commerce writer and Verywell Fit product tester The SoulCycle Bike That Made Me Love Cycling is $1,000 off for a Limited Time Best Lightweight Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes 4.8 Backcountry View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com View On Specialized.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 3.8/5 Pros Comes in a variety of colors Closure is easy to adjust Offers great control Cons Cleats are not included Providing a perfect fit, Specialized’s Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes remained snug and secure while our tester pedaled for miles. And an easy-to-use boa closure allowed for seamless adjustability. But our tester was most impressed with the lightweight feel of the shoe, noting optimal comfort and control. While cycling every night for several weeks, our tester’s feet never blistered or felt uncomfortable—earning the shoe a perfect 5 out of 5 score in fit, comfort, blister protection, and performance. The shoe also provided great support, our tester said. The brand specializes in bike gear, so you can trust that the quality of the Torch 1.0 shoe is top-notch. It’s worth noting that the shoes don't come with a set of compatible cleats, our tester said. It was difficult to determine which type to purchase, as it’s not clear on the company’s website. This can be frustrating for beginners, but after purchasing a pair of SPD-SL cleats, our tester enjoyed spinning in these lightweight cycling shoes. Price at time of publication: $120 Weight: 0.64 pounds | Sizes: Women’s EURO 36 to 49 | Materials: Synthetic upper, plastic sole | Closure: Boa | Compatible with: SPD-SL | Best for: Indoor cycling, road biking What Our Testers Say “The shoes are very lightweight and very comfortable. I don't feel constricted during rides, and like how I can control how snug it fits around my foot.” —Jessica Mahgerefteh, Verywell Fit product tester Best for Peloton Pearl Izumi Quest Studio Cycling Shoe 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Pearlizumi.com View On REI Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 4.8/5 Performance 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Compatible with most bikes Comfortable for long wear Lightweight Cons Cleats are not included Compatible with two-bolt SPD, three-bolt SPD-SL, and Look Delta cleat systems, Pearl iZumi’s Quest Studio Cycling Shoes are suitable for most riders, including Peloton pros. Our tester felt equally comfortable and stable while cycling through slow seated rides and intense standing sessions. The Izumi Quest shoes are lightweight, but a stiff sole provides much-appreciated support, our tester said. We also love that the velcro straps offer seamless adjustability and easy on-and-off wear—a great feature for both indoor and outdoor cyclists. Another benefit for both types of riders is the shoes' durable construction that will withstand dry indoor heat and abrasive outdoor conditions. The shoes are also comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in comfort. “I felt like I was wearing sneakers and would go out for a jog if it weren’t for the cleats,” our tester said. Price at time of publication: $110 Weight: Not listed | Sizes: Women’s EURO 36 to 43, men’s 41 to 47 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Velcro straps | Compatible with: SPD, SPD–SL, Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling What Our Testers Say “I truly did think these shoes were spectacular when it came to comfort and how easy they were to put on and take off.” —Sophia Heald, Verywell Fit product tester Most Versatile TIEM Slipstream Women's Indoor Cycling Shoe 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Nordstrom Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 4.9/5 Blister Protection 4.9/5 Performance 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros Can be worn off the bike Breathable Snug and secure fit Cons Limited compatibility Expensive A cycling shoe that’s comfortable enough to wear on and off the bike is ideal for studio spinners and on-the-go cyclists. TIEM’s Slipstream Indoor Cycling Shoes feel just as comfortable as sneakers do, our tester said. The difference is they’re narrower than most sneakers, and they have a stiffer sole to provide proper support for miles of spinning. The shoes earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit, after our tester felt comfortable wearing the shoes while walking, driving, and spinning. A breathable mesh upper helps keep things cool and prevent blisters (even in an infrared-heated room). Our tester said that these were the most comfortable cycling shoes she’s ever worn, but with one caveat. Because they’re designed for more versatile wear, the shoes are stiffer than regular sneakers, but not as stiff as a typical molded cycling shoe, she said. Also, it’s worth noting that these shoes are only compatible with SPD systems—and they’re also one of the more expensive pairs on our list. Price at time of publication: $135-$175 Weight: 1.8 pounds | Sizes: Women’s US 5 to 11 | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Closure: Velcro strap | Compatible with: SPD | Best for: Indoor cycling What Our Testers Say “The most comfortable shoes I have ever worn on the bike. I would (and have) wear them to brunch after class and, because they are so easy to slip on, have even used them to walk the dogs and run errands.” —Bronwyn Barnes, Verywell Fit product tester Best for Indoor Cycling Adidas The Indoor Cycling Shoe 4.7 Adidas View On Adidas.com Our Ratings Fit 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 4.5/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Stylish design Snug and secure fit Heel tab for easy wear Cons May run small Adidas’ Indoor Cycling shoes offer a snug fit, comfortable support, lightweight breathability, and easy on and off wear, our tester said. And who says indoor cycling shoes can’t be stylish? Whether you’re pedaling in a studio or on your own bike, show up as your best from head-to-toe in these spinning shoes. Our tester appreciated the secure fit: comfortable, with an easy to adjust velcro strap and convenient heel tab. But some wearers say the shoe runs small, so we recommend sizing up if you have wider feet. Earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in comfort, Adidas’ cycling shoes are lightweight, breathable, and offer reliable blister protection, our tester said. The pair is also well-made and durable—your go-to indoor cycling shoe for years to come. Price at time of publication: $130 Weight: Not listed | Sizes: Women’s US 4 to 15 | Materials: Textile upper, Nylon sole | Closure: Velcro strap | Compatible with: SPD–SL, Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling What Our Testers Say “These shoes fit perfectly! They’re beyond comfortable, and I love the velcro strap. They are snug, and perfect for my foot.” —Brian Sanford, Verywell Fit product tester Best for Cold Weather Giro Stylus Mens Road Cycling Shoes 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 4/5 Performance 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros Compatible with most bikes Snug and secure fit Budget-friendly Cons Not suitable for warm weather rides Giro’s Stylus Cycling Shoes lack ventilation in the upper and sole, so they’re not ideal for warm weather rides. But if you’re a frequent cool- or cold-weather cyclist (or you opt for indoor workouts), these are a great option. Earning a 5 out of 5 in fit, comfort, performance, and value, the shoes were another clear top pick. They offer a glove-like fit, locked-in security, and comfortable padding in the upper and around the ankle, our tester said. And the stiff, fiberglass-reinforced sole provides excellent transfer of power, our tester added. We like that the shoe is budget-friendly and versatile, as it’s compatible with most two- and three-bolt cleat systems. Whether you’re road biking in the cool mountains or clipping into your at-home bike, we recommend Giro’s Stylus Cycling Shoes. Price at time of publication: $78 Weight: 0.60 pounds | Sizes: Men’s EURO 40 to 50 | Materials: Nylon and fiberglass upper, Nylon and fiberglass sole | Closure: Velcro straps | Compatible with: SPD, SPD–SL, Look Delta | Best for: Indoor cycling, road biking What Our Testers Say “My foot feels completely snug and locked in, exactly what you want in a road shoe. I'm finding them to be excellent cold-weather cycling shoes—they would also be great indoors.”—Ken Wilson, Verywell Fit product tester Best for Road Biking Giro Cadet Road Cycling Shoe 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Competitivecyclist.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Blister Protection 5/5 Performance 4.4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Lightweight Easy-to-adjust closure Compatible with most bikes Cons May run small Along with a reliable helmet and a pair of quality bike shorts, a durable cycling shoe is essential for outdoor cycling. Giro’s Cadet Road Cycling Shoes are lightweight, breathable, and easily adjustable, our tester said. We also appreciate that they’re compatible with most two- and three-bolt cleat systems. Our tester highlighted comfort, giving the shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in this key category. A carbon reinforced sole provided stiff support, while the breathable upper worked to prevent blisters, our tester said. And without cleats, the shoes were comfortable enough to walk around in—which isn’t the case for many cycling shoes, he added. Upon initial wear, our tester had wished that he’d gone up a size for some added room in the toe area. So while snug, the shoe was still comfortable without any unwelcome rubbing, blisters, or irritation. Price at time of publication: $124 Weight: 0.58 pounds | Sizes: Men’s US 6.5 to 15 | Materials: Mesh upper, Carbon fiber sole | Closure: Boa | Compatible with: SPD, SPD–SL, Look Delta | Best for: Road biking What Our Testers Say “The shoes themselves are comfortable, breathable, and are easily adjustable to size with a simple tightening mechanism. I also feel the sole of the shoe is sturdy enough to last for a long time.” —Connor McDaniel, Verywell Fit product tester The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023 How We Rated the Best Cycling Shoes 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best cycling shoes we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These cycling shoes are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great cycling shoes, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These cycling shoes are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend cycling shoes with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested We tested and evaluated 22 pairs of cycling shoes, but ultimately included 10 in our final list. While most shoes fell short in one or more categories, our testers did highlight valuable features in some. Our tester appreciated that Shimano’s IC100 Cycling Shoes were easy to clip-in and had a seamless, secure Velcro closure—features that might be helpful to beginners. But her left foot slid around while cycling, a fault that lost the shoe significant points in its overall rating. PEARL IZUMI’s Women's Vesta Studio Cycling/Spinning Shoe is comfortable enough to be worn both on and off the bike. But while our tester liked the shoe’s versatility, she struggled to find the perfect snug and secure fit. How We Tested Cycling Shoes We test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some require long-term, consistent use so that we can make reliable recommendations. A team of 18 expert testers helped us thoroughly test and evaluate 22 cycling shoes by spinning on their own bikes at home over several weeks. Our experts followed guidance from Karen Maxwell, ACE, CPT, and senior master instructor for CycleBar cycling studios, to test their shoes. Before their first ride, testers were instructed to examine the shoes, observing cleat compatibility, weight, stiffness, and closure type. They put on the shoes, paying special attention to fit and feel, and clipped in to record any difficulties with mounting or security of the shoe within the bike. When it was time to ride, our testers were instructed to complete at least three 20-minute cycling sessions, noting the comfort level of the shoes throughout. Our testers rated their shoes on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for fit, comfort, blister protection, performance, and overall value. We used their insights to choose the best cycling shoes on the market today. In addition to testing, we consulted with experts to discuss what to look for in cycling shoes. The experts we spoke to included: Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist Denise Chakoian, PT, owner and founder of CORE Cycle.Fitness.Lagree. What to Look for in Cycling Shoes Type There are two types of cycling shoes: clipless (which, confusingly enough, are shoes that clip into your bike’s pedals) or flat pedals (which are pedals you don’t clip into). “Clipping in allows for efficient movement, since the body and the bike move as a single unit,” Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a podiatrist, says. Weight Depending on activity, a solid cycling shoe will weigh under 1.7 pounds, Lobkova says. Indoor shoes tend to be more lightweight, while road biking shoes often run a bit heavier. If you’re looking to ramp up your speed in a lightweight cycling shoe, we recommend Specialized’s Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes. Size For optimal performance, you’ll want a cycling shoe to fit snug, but not too tight (especially around the ball of the foot), Lobkova explains. “A shoe that is too narrow may contribute to developing numbness in the toes while you ride,” she adds. “And if the regular width feels tight, look for a shoe that comes in a wide width.” For those who wear orthotics, like insoles for flat feet, a wider shoe will provide a little extra room to accommodate inserts. It’s also important that your longest toe does not touch the end of the shoe—there should be roughly a 0.5-inch gap, says Lobkova. You should also ensure that your heel doesn’t move up and down in the shoe, she adds. Materials There are two important components of a cycling shoe: the upper and the sole, Lobkova says. Uppers are usually made of synthetic materials for better breathability and water resistance, while soles are ideally made of stiff and lightweight carbon fiber, she adds. Materials will vary depending on the type of shoe you’re looking for, but it's always important to opt for something that’s lightweight and breathable, with enough stiffness and support. Compatibility The first step in cycling shoe shopping is simple: Find shoes that are compatible with your pedals, whether they’re clipless or flat. Cycling shoes can come with two-bolt, three-bolt, or universal cleat mounts. Your next step should be to make sure the shoe’s cleat mount suits your cleats. If you want more versatility, you can opt for a universal cleat mount, which works with both two- and three-bolt cleats. And if you plan to do any cycling with flat pedals, such as on exercise bikes, you should look for shoes that promise flat pedal compatibility as well. Walkability If you plan to walk anywhere before or after your bike rides, you’ll want a pair of shoes that are comfortable enough to walk around in—like TIEM’s Slipstream Indoor Cycling Shoes. Look for soles that are thick and cushioned and cleat mounts that are slightly indented. These details will keep your cleat mount from being the first thing that touches the ground—which can be uncomfortable, as you’ll be walking mostly on your heels. Reliability Once you’ve gotten your shoes to fit just right, you want that fit to stay in place as you ride. So look for shoes that boast a few different closures. Velcro straps can keep your laces in place while you’re on your bike, meaning you won’t have to stop mid-trail just to retie your shoes. Frequently Asked Questions How should cycling shoes fit? Cycling shoes should be snug, but they should not pinch your foot—when you walk, you shouldn't have any wiggle room. If you like to walk around before or after your rides, make sure your shoes are comfortable enough off the bike as well. How do cycling shoes work? Stiff cycling shoes fasten you into the pedal and keep you clipped in until you clip out. This creates stability on the ride, allows for better pedal efficiency (as you can transfer energy throughout the stroke and not only on the downstroke), and creates greater comfort on the ride. How do you attach cleats to cycling shoes? If you're a beginner, visit a professional cycling shop to have your cleats attached. This insures you're positioned properly and also helps you avoid injury.If you do plan to attach the cleats to shoes yourself, follow these steps:Put on the cycling shoes and locate where the balls of your feet are. Mark this on the outside of the shoe. This is where you will attach the cleats.Find the appropriate toe-in or toe-out point to allow for a natural toe-in or toe-out mount. (This is how your feet are pointed when you attach your shoes to the pedals.)Screw the cleats in as tight as possible with a screwdriver. The cleats should not move. If they do, you risk severe injury.Clip in and start pedaling. Try clipping in and clipping out while going slow and ensure this feels natural. If it doesn't, you need to better reposition the cleats over the balls of your feet. Do you need cycling shoes for spinning or Peloton? You don't need cycling shoes to participate in spinning or Peloton classes. You can still get a good workout without investing in these special shoes. However, cycling shoes do make you more efficient on the stroke, allowing you to burn more calories and build strength in your muscles for future cycling sessions. What are the benefits of cycling shoes? Cycling shoes offer several advantages for avid cyclists.Safety: Cycling shoes keep you clipped in so your feet don't slide off your pedals as you ride. This is especially helpful when riding at a high cadence. Even at a low cadence, shoes can keep you safe at a low torque.Efficiency: When you upstroke, a cycling shoe can maximize your position by transferring energy during the hardest part of the stroke.Speed: With cycling shoes, energy transfer throughout your stroke remains high. In a regular running shoe, you'll lose power when compared to clip-ins. Are running shoes OK for cycling? Experts don’t recommend cycling in the same type of running shoes you'd wear for treadmills and elliptical machines. “Regular sneakers or running shoes have a sole that is too flexible, and therefore the energy used to push down and pull up on the pedals is lost on the flexion in the shoes,” Lobkova says. They are better suited for other types of exercises, like stability training on balance boards. “It is easier to push down or pull up on a stiff surface [the sole of a cycling shoe], and it takes more effort to cover the same distance in regular sneakers.” Cycling shoes also have a snugger, narrower fit for optimal speed, as well as a sleek upper for wind resistance, Lobkova says. And running shoes feature long laces, whereas cycling shoes have special closure systems to avoid tripping and tangling in the bike. How much should quality cycling shoes cost? You can expect to pay between $70 and $200 for quality cycling shoes. Cheaper options may lack comfort, durability, and performance—all of which are essential when choosing a pair of shoes for spinning. Higher-priced items may offer added breathability or a lighter design that’s optimized for speed. The most budget-friendly option on our list is often available for $73, while our top pick, Shimano’s IC501 Women’s Indoor Cycling Shoe, was $135 when we published this list. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. Additional reporting by Michelle Parente Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. She participated in our real-world cycling shoes test and evaluated Soul Cycle x PEARL IZUMI’s Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes. Michelle has tackled dozens of rides on her SoulCycle At-Home Bike wearing these comfortable, lightweight, and supportive shoes. 11 Best Bike Seats of 2023 for Any Style of Cycling See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? 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