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When you spend hours a week on a bicycle or taking spin classes, you need a durable pair of shoes. Your footwear also needs to be comfortable and supportive. This review will cover four of the best shoes for men and another four pairs for women who like to ride bikes.
A good pair of cycling shoes requires a thick cushion for the heel. The correct insole can prevent foot and leg pain from repetitive impacts. The shoes need excellent arch support to keep the feet in proper form as you ride. Footwear also needs to hold up to lots of use with a tread that helps your feet stay on the pedals.
How you fasten your shoes might be important to you. You may want a pair with Velcro to minimize the number of times you have to stop to tie your laces. Others may prefer a tight lacing pair that they can snug up against the foot for extra support. We talk about a variety of shoes to give you plenty of choices.
If you are in a hurry to make a purchase for your next exercise class or marathon trail ride, then we suggest the Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes, and for women, the Giro Petra VR Women’s Cycling Shoes. Giro makes shoes compatible with two-bolt cleats. These shoes are also light on your feet to prevent that dragging feeling you can get after wearing heavy shoes for long periods. The San Francisco company relies on over 35 years of experience to help them design and manufacture high-quality cycling shoes.
Comparing the Top Four Men’s and Top Four Women’s Regular Cycling Shoes
Men’s
| Name | Size | Sole Material | |
| 1. Rockport Men’s Leader 2 | 12.6 x 7.8 x 4.8 inches | Synthetic Rubber | Shop Now |
| 2. Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes | 11.42 x 8.46 x 4.33 inches | Rubber | Shop Now |
| 3. Adidas Men’s Predator 20.4 | 11.4 x 7.8 x 4.3 inches | Rubber | Shop Now |
| 4. Etnies Men’s Marana | 11.81 x 7.87 x 1.97 inches | Rubber | Shop Now |
Women’s
| Name | Size | Sole Material | ||
| 1. Louis Garneau | 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches | Nylon and fiberglass | Shop Now | |
| 2. Giro Petra VR Women’s Cycling Shoes | 10.4 x 8 x 3.9 inches | Rubber | Shop Now | |
| 3. PEARL IZUMI Women’s W X-alp | 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | Synthetic | Shop Now | |
| 4. Nike Women’s | 11.7 x 7.9 x 4 inches | Rubber | Shop Now |
Rockport Men’s Leader 2 – Best Commuter Shoe for Men
When you travel around the city by day and head to the trails at night, a dual-purpose shoe is a necessity. The Rockport Men’s Leader 2 Shoes are sleek and comfortable. You can ride straight to the office without needing to carry an extra pair of shoes in your pack.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- All leather upper
- No laces or straps – simply pull the shoes onto the feet
- Adidas adiprene heel technology
- Conforming insole provides a custom fit
- Breathable insole
- Antibacterial lining reduces foot odors
- Full interior and exterior waterproofing
- Sealed seams
- Box toe design
- Gusseted tongue
- Shoe minimizes foot tiredness
- Light shock absorption
Shoe Cons
- Is not slip resistant
Consumer Comments
Men often buy these shoes because they look great with professional attire. They like the speed of putting on these shoes. They appreciate the comfort with the memory foam insert. Some people mention having trouble getting a true narrow version of this product.
Final Thoughts
When you ride your bike to work, having a pair of shoes that resist the elements and looks great is important. We like the Rockport Leader 2 Bike Shoes because they conveniently slip on and off. The square toe ensures your toes have plenty of room whether you are climbing the stairs or sailing over a jump.
Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes – Best Supportive Men’s Cycling Shoe
A shoe with durable materials and reinforcements may be important when you want to purchase a new set of bike shoes. The Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes have additional material at the front and back to protect your feet when traversing rough terrain. The aggressive tread pattern minimizes punctures and shocks.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Extra-wide straps instead of laces
- Accommodates two bolt cleats
- Nylon plate and steel equipment add rigidity
- Medium arches
- Synthetic upper with airflow technology
- Rock Print reinforcements
- Under one pound
Shoe Cons
- Will not work with Peloton bikes
- May not be suitable for a road bike with clip
Consumer Comments
Buyers like the quality of these shoes. They say they are supportive and offer a lot of comfort when riding long distances. The favorite feature, by far, is the adjustable straps. One person says the shoes cause cleats to slide to one side or the other.
Final Thoughts
We appreciate the robust outer sole of these shoes. They are soft and the cushioning reduces foot pain from riding long trails. The Giro Berm Bike Shoes use a nylon plate to provide extra stiffness when jumping or going across rough terrain.
Adidas Men’s Predator 20.4 – Best Exercise Bike Shoe for Men
A durable and comfortable shoe is vital to help motivate you to get on the bike and rack up some miles. You do not have to leave your house to get the maximum effect out of this product. The Adidas Men’s Predator 20.4 Shoes uses a robust sole pattern to provide exceptional control for high-speed rides.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Low sides open up the ankle for better range of motion
- Upper material uses breathable technology to provide extreme airflow
- Thick rubber sole
- Stiff heel cup protects the back of the foot when riding wheelies and hitting steep inclines
- Textured outer material
Shoe Cons
- Shoes are not for people with wide feet
- May need to go up a size or two when ordering
Consumer Comments
Many buyers appreciate the quality construction and materials Adidas brings to the table. The Indoor Sala shoes are tough and provide a lot of grip. These shoes work well for playing a variety of indoor sports like basketball and racquetball. Riders do not like how the shoe sizes are off from other brands and the middle of the item seems too narrow no matter what size you order.
Final Thoughts
We appreciate the deep tread in these shoes. The stiff sole and deep pattern ensure your feet stay where you want them to when riding, running, or walking. The Adidas Men’s Predator 20.4 Indoor Sala Shoes uses a breathable material on the upper to give you extra airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Etnies Men’s Marana – Best Mountain Biking Shoe
When you spend your days biking the trails and going off the beaten path, then an excellent pair of mountain biking shoes come in handy. This footwear uses a reinforced shank to provide extreme protection for your sole. The Etnies Men’s Marana shoes are excellent for crank pedals.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- All rubber sole with Michelin performance materials for durability and support
- Tests and certifications for multi-disciplinary riding
- Mid-sole fortification
- Thick stitching along the upper to provide strength and comfort
- Additional padding around the heel and ankle for support and cushioning
- Foam insole conforms to the foot for a tailored fit
- Pouch inside the tongue for putting laces if you do not want to tie them
- 3M Scotchguard protection minimizes water penetration and damage
- Thinsulate material provides warmth without letting the feet overheat
Shoe Cons
- Grip may not be enough for some riders
- Sizes run smaller than average
Consumer Comments
Buyers like the way the Etnies Men’s Shoes work well for flat pedal bikes. They appreciate the quality of the materials. Having the option to tie or tuck the laces is a popular feature. Some people say the fit is perfect while others say they run smaller than other brands.
Final Thoughts
These shoes are fantastic for wearing after rain or on wet trails. We like the Thinsulate material because it makes these shoes more breathable. The Etnies Marana Crank Shoes are not overly thick, allowing you the freedom to flex and move your foot more easily when you go thrashing through the woods.
Louis Garneau – Best All-Terrain Shoes for Women
Do you need an athletic shoe that will fit into your busy lifestyle? Busy moms and professionals need cycling footwear that works for indoor and outdoor functions. The Louis Garneau Shoes are compatible with MTB pedals, letting you clip into any two-bolt system.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Impact resistance and shock absorbing heel cushion
- Flexible upper lets the shoe move with you
- Straps instead of laces make it easier to adjust your shoe tightness on the go
- Heel reflector and safety stripe on the side make it easier for other cyclists and drivers to see you better
- Extra material on the front and the heel offer more protection when riding in rugged conditions
- Ventilation ports throughout the shoe provide more airflow
- Unique HRS-80 heel stabilization program
- Lightweight model allows for all day wear for commuting, trail riding, or working out indoors
Shoe Cons
- May run smaller than some shoe brands
- Does not work for Peloton bikes
Consumer Comments
Buyers love wearing these shoes to spin class. They say the footwear works best when you use SPD cleats with no straps. Some people find the shoes are not the right size, and they have to order a larger one.
Final Thoughts
The Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex Shoes are comfortable with the extra padding around the ankle. The mesh areas on the upper give these shoes a lot of airflow to keep the feet from sweating as much. We love the color scheme on this model.
Giro Petra VR Women’s Cycling Shoes – Best Supportive Shoes for Women
When aggressive riding is in your nature, you may appreciate a solid and comfortable pair of riding shoes. The Giro Petra Bike Shoes uses a synthetic leather material that holds the foot tight inside the shoe to prevent slipping, rubbing, and blisters.
The footwear also features mesh panels with ventilation ports to provide exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Thick rubber outer sole with aggressive tread pattern
- Die-cut insole made with EVA rubber soles which resist cracking
- Nylon plate increases power transfer from the foot to the pedal
- Stainless steel shoe hardware
- Accepts two-bolt cleats
- Reflective heel and sole for extra safety
- Additional fabric across the toes and the heel to minimize wear and tear
Shoe Cons
- May run small
- Narrow fit
Consumer Comments
The shoes work great, with or without cleats. Some riders even say they can run in them without having problems with their feet the following day. They say to remove the insoles when you want to wear two pairs of socks. A few buyers say the shoes are not for people with wide feet.
Final Thoughts
We like the tough outer sole on these shoes. The deep tread pattern helps us stay on the bike when we are taking a fast corner or running over branches. The Giro Petra VR Women’s Shoes are breathable with plenty of airflow for hot days or extra-long workouts.
Pearl Izumi Women’s W X-alp – Best All Day Riding Shoe
When feeling the breeze on your face is the most wonderful sensation in your world, then great gear is essential for your cycling safety. The Pearl Izumi Women’s W X-alp supports and comforts your feet while you concentrate on your next turn or nothing at all. These shoes have a removable inner sole to let you use your custom shoe inserts.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Synthetic sole with carbon reinforcements resists breaking down and cracking
- They bond the top to the sole to ensure there are no seams
- Light inner sole is removable and uses EVA rubber for durability
- Composite shank using nylon for stiffness and better weight transfer
- Accepts SPD cleats
- Mesh panels on the upper shoe lets air pass through the shoes easily
- Box toe design
- Additional front and heel material for durability and damage resistance
Shoe Cons
- Bottoms may not be stiff enough
- Sizes may run larger than average
Consumer Comments
Buyers say these shoes are very rigid. They say extra breaking in time is important when you want to wear them all day. These shoes may not work the best with no clip cleats, however, they work great with SPD models.
Final Thoughts
We like these shoes for endurance biking. We can ride long distances without a lot of foot pain and cramping. The Pearl Izumi Women’s W X-alp Canyon Shoes also have extra mesh padding inside the shoe for better breathability.
Nike Women’s – Best Heel Protection Shoe
When you have heel pain, then a good shoe can make all the difference. The Nike Women’s Shoes use a thick sole to reduce the shock of heavy impacts. When you want to ride for long periods, then superior heel protection is key.
Cycling Shoe Benefits and Features
- Air cushioning and rocker heel minimize shock intensity
- Medium tread
- Extreme airflow with an all mesh upper cover
- Thick rear covering provides stability to the heel area
- Extra ankle cushioning helps absorb shock
- Elastic lace holders instead of grommets
- Rubber runs up the front of the shoe to provide damage control when biking through heavy brush and debris
Shoe Cons
- Sizes run smaller than most
- Does not cover no show socks with the low sides
Consumer Comments
Buyer’s notice a difference immediately with pain reduction and foot pressure. They say these shoes fit well, and are comfortable for long stints. The laces are not long enough for many buyers. Some consumers say this model is more narrow than former versions.
Final Thoughts
We love the supportive feeling of these shoes. Since they are not bulky, we can wear this pair of Nike Women’s Shoes for work, play, and home. We like them for running and cycling.
Tips for Selecting the Right Cycling Shoes
Tread
How aggressive a tread you want is a huge concern for many cyclists. How the shoes fit on the pedal clips, the way they attach to the cleats, and what the shoes feel like without bolt on’s is important to the way the shoes perform. Ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters and sores. The tread reduces problems with slipping off the pedals or how even a person walks. The more intense the workout, the deeper and rougher the tread needs to be for maximum support and protection.
Insole
The interior portion of the shoe comes with a variety of options like breathable materials or nylon inserts. The stiffness of the interior of the shoe and the materials make a difference to the long-term feeling of the shoes. Whether this part of the shoe is removable concerns some cyclists. Many bikers use professional inserts with a custom fit in place of the original insoles.
Comfort
Whether you wear the shoes for a few minutes a day, or you wear them all day, makes a big difference. Shopping for a comfortable shoe may mean a thick model with extra padding for more support. Other buyers might prefer a slender model with less material to maximize flexibility.
How much padding is in the insoles is another big characteristic. Shock absorption differs by material, so memory foam may be preferable over other components. Various sole materials affect cushioning, offering a different experience. Many cyclists find a shoe they like, and they continue to purchase newer models as they come out.
Width
Not all shoes are for people with narrow feet. Conversely, people with slender feet may not be comfortable in a shoe that is too wide. Checking foot measurements can help ensure you get a shoe with the right width.
Durability
The activities you enjoy will determine what style of shoe you need. For mountain biking and extreme trail riding, the most aggressive shoe pattern is often the best. How the shoes hold up long-term means picking a model with reinforcing panels and inserts.
Top Two Questions and Answers About Cycling Shoes
Will these shoes work for three bolt cleats
No. The shoes on this list work for two-bolt cleat sets. They will not work for Peloton bikes, but most will work for other indoor cycles. Some shoes are better for indoor workouts while others are aggressive for off-track riding and intense trail riding. You can check the individual product listings to find out more about the soles and applications for the footwear on this list.
Do these shoes run smaller or larger than standard pairs
Every pair of shoes has a size chart that will help you select the right pair. The charts feature the US, UK, and EU sizes for most footwear. Reading comments from other consumers can help you figure out whether the shoes run smaller or have a narrow mid-sole. We list these features in the pros and cons sections of each product review to help you find out more about the fit of each pair of shoes.
See Also:
18 Benefits Of Wearing Cycling Shoes
6 Best Floor Pump For Mountain Bike
5 Best Bike Computer For Duotrap
Can You Put Boa Laces On Any Shoe?
