Cycling can be a great way to get moving and explore the world around you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, investing in the right gear is essential. And one of the most important pieces of gear is a good pair of cycling shoes.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the perfect fit for your needs. That's why we've done the hard work for you. We've rounded up the 11 best cycling shoes for 2023, covering a range of styles and budgets. From road cycling shoes to indoor cycling shoes, we've got you covered.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts, including athletes, coaches, and certified trainers. We bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. But more importantly, we are passionate about fitness and cycling. Our goal is to help you find the best products that we trust and would personally use.
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Best Cycling Shoes - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Cycling Shoes: Shimano RC5 Cycling Shoe
- Best Indoor Cycling Shoes: Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe
- Best Cycling Shoes for Peloton: Pearl iZumi Quest Studio
- Best Road Cycling Shoes: Mavic Cosmic Ultimate III Road Shoes
- Best Cycling Shoes for Women: PEARL iZumi Women's PRO Road
- Best Cycling Shoes for Wide Feet: Lake CX302 Wide Cycling Shoe
- Best SPD Cycling Shoes: Mavic Allroad Pro Road/Gravel Bike Shoes Black/Magnet
- Best Triathlon Cycling Shoes: Pearl iZumi Tri Fly PRO
- Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners: Sidi Trace 2 Cycling Shoe
- Best Cycling Shoes for Men: Shimano RC3 Limited Edition Cycling Shoe - Men's
- Best Budget Cycling Shoes: Fi'zi:kTempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe
Best Overall Cycling Shoes - Shimano RC5 Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: 3-bolt
- Closure: BOA dial and hook-and-loop straps
- Sole: Carbon-reinforced composite
- Sizes: 36 to 43
- Colors: Black, Turquoise
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The Shimano RC5 Cycling Shoe is the perfect balance between performance and price. These shoes feature perforations throughout the upper for breathability and comfort on long rides. The synthetic leather helps maintain the shoe's shape and adds to its overall comfort. The secure BOA dials and hook-and-loop straps make sure your feet stay snug throughout your entire workout.
Other features we love include the breathable mesh ventilation and the carbon-reinforced sole that offers strength and support while pedaling.
What We Like
- Sleek, stylish design
- Stiff sole offers maximum power
- Mesh and perforations increase breathability
- Strap closure system keeps your foot secure
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in two color options
- Fairly limited size range
BUY: Shimano RC5 Cycling Shoe
Best Indoor Cycling Shoes - Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: 3-bolt cleat compatibility
- Closure: BOA closure
- Sole: Composite
- Sizes: 38 to 48
- Colors: Black, White, Slate/Cool Gray, Oasis, Maroon/Black, Dove Grey/Vivid Coral
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Not everyone does their cycling outside. If you prefer spin studio workouts, you'll need a cycling shoe that accommodates your needs. The Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe is an excellent choice for both spin classes and road cycling.
Designed with a Body Geometry construction, these shoes promote proper heel-to-toe alignment, providing support and preventing injuries during intense cycling sessions. The moderately stiff sole offers comfort for beginners and power for experienced cyclists. The three-bolt cleat compatibility adds convenience for different pedal styles. The L6 Boa Fit System allows for easy adjustments on the go.
What We Like
- Sole offers ideal stiffness level for beginners
- Multiple color and style options
- Promotes hip, knee, and foot alignment
- Perforated for ventilation
What We Don't Like
- Some seasoned cyclists may want a slightly stiffer sole
- May not be ideal as a racing shoe
BUY: Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe
Best Cycling Shoes for Peloton - Pearl iZumi Quest Studio
Specs
- Cleat: Compatible with 3-bolt SPD-SL, Delta, and 2-bolt SPD cleats
- Closure: 3 straps
- Sole: Rubber, nylon, and plastic
- Sizes: 39 to 52
- Colors: Black
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Peloton workouts have gained immense popularity lately. If you're investing in a Peloton bike, you'll also want to ensure you have the right shoes for an optimized workout. The Pearl iZumi Quest Studio is tailor-made for indoor cycling, with modifications to make it perfect for studio environments.
These shoes share similar features with the brand's road cycling shoe (Best Overall), but with adjustments to make them studio-friendly. They can withstand hot and humid indoor environments, and their sole compatibility allows for use on any indoor or outdoor bike.
What We Like
- Antimicrobial mesh prevents bacteria and fungi buildup
- Materials resist water and sweat
- Sockliner material resists water and bacteria
- Added ventilation holes
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in one color (black)
- Experienced road cyclists may want a slightly stiffer sole
BUY: Pearl iZumi Quest Studio
Best Road Cycling Shoes - Mavic Cosmic Ultimate III Road Shoes
Specs
- Cleat: N/A
- Closure: N/A
- Sole: Carbon
- Sizes: 6 to 13.5
- Colors: Black
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If you're looking for road cycling shoes that can withstand the rigors of competitive racing and outdoor adventures, the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate III Road Shoes are an excellent choice. These pro-level shoes prioritize foot power transfer, foot support, and adjustability.
The lightweight foot-mapping material provides stability, while the stiff, full-carbon sole maximizes pedal power. The low-profile ankle collar offers a full range of motion. The dials make it easy to adjust on the fly, and the mesh, breathable material keeps your feet cool.
What We Like
- Dials make it easy to adjust on the fly
- Ankle collar promotes full range of motion
- Heel cup keeps the heel firmly in place
- Mesh, breathable material
What We Don't Like
- Comes in just one colorway option (black/blue)
- May not work well for beginners
- More expensive
BUY: Mavic Cosmic Ultimate III Road Shoes
Best Cycling Shoes for Women - PEARL iZumi Women's PRO Road
Specs
- Cleat: 3-bolt road cleat
- Closure: BOA® Fit System with dual L6C dials for zonal adjustment
- Sole: 98% carbon fiber, 2% steel
- Sizes: 36 to 43
- Colors: Nightshade
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Designed specifically for women, the PEARL iZumi Women's PRO Road offers everything you need for a great cycling experience. It's the latest model of the popular PRO shoe series, delivering a slipper-like fit and a high level of stiffness for maximum energy transfer.
The secure BOA closures, perforated synthetic leather, and soft TX lace guides ensure a perfect fit and optimum comfort. The 1:1 PRO Carbon Power Plate adds to the lightweight design, offering power and efficiency on every ride.
What We Like
- Secure BOA closures
- Perforated synthetic leather for breathability
- Soft TX lace guides
- 1:1 PRO Carbon Power Plate
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- Only one color option
BUY: PEARL iZumi Women's PRO Road
Best Cycling Shoes for Wide Feet - Lake CX302 Wide Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: N/A
- Closure: Dual side-mounted Li2 BOA fit system
- Sole: Carbon fiber
- Sizes: 41 to 50
- Colors: Yellow/Black, Metal/Black, White
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Finding the right fit for wider feet can be challenging when it comes to cycling shoes. The Lake CX302 Wide Cycling Shoe is specifically designed to meet the needs of cyclists with wider feet. The carbon fiber sole provides power transfer, while the microfiber upper offers a snug, glove-like fit.
The narrower toe box and snug heel ensure stability and support, while the closure system allows for easy adjustment. If you have wider feet, these shoes are a game-changer.
What We Like
- Stiff carbon fiber sole
- Tighter heel for stability
- Snug closure system allows for easy adjustment
What We Like
- Not recommended if you don't have wide feet
- Expensive
BUY: Lake CX302 Wide Cycling Shoe
Best SPD Cycling Shoes - Mavic Allroad Pro Road/Gravel Bike Shoes
Specs
- Cleat: N/A
- Closure: Laces
- Sole: N/A
- Sizes: 6.5 to 13.5
- Colors: Black
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If you prefer the SPD method for your cycling adventures, the Mavic Allroad Pro Road/Gravel Bike Shoes are a great option. These shoes are designed to be durable in outdoor environments while offering lightweight comfort and breathability.
The innovative Matryx technology provides support, the Ortholite insole offers long-term comfort, and the exterior material is abrasion-resistant. Whether you're biking on the road or hitting the gravel, these shoes are built to handle it all.
What We Like
- Durable and outdoor ready
- Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying
- Ortholite insole provides long-term comfort and support
- Exterior of shoe is uniquely abrasion-resistant
What We Don't Like
- Not everyone wants to deal with laces while cycling
- Not recommended if you don't like SPD approach
BUY: Mavic Allroad Pro Road/Gravel Bike Shoes
Best Triathlon Cycling Shoes - Pearl iZumi Tri Fly PRO
Specs
- Cleat: Designed for 3-bolt cleat pedal systems
- Closure: BOA® Fit System with two-way micro-adjustable Li2 dial and toe strap
- Sole: Carbon
- Sizes: 39 to 49
- Colors: White
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For triathletes looking for the perfect cycling shoe, the Pearl iZumi Tri Fly PRO is a top choice. These shoes are designed for speed, comfort, and efficiency. The airy mesh and synthetic leather keep your feet cool and dry throughout your race.
The stiff carbon sole provides maximum power transfer, while the BOA® Fit System allows for precise adjustments. The perforated footbed offers easy drainage, and the air carbon power plate adds ventilation and drops weight without compromising stiffness.
What We Like
- Perforated footbed for easy drainage
- Air Carbon Power Plate adds ventilation and drops weight, without compromising stiffness
- Cool, breathable upper
What We Don't Like
- Only recommended for triathletes
- More pricey
BUY: Pearl iZumi Tri Fly PRO
Best Cycling Shoes for Beginners - Sidi Trace 2 Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: 2-bolt mountain cleats
- Closure: TECNO 3 Boa system
- Sole: MTB SR17
- Sizes: 41-47
- Colors: Black/Black, Black/Red, Sage
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If you're new to cycling, the Sidi Trace 2 Cycling Shoe is an excellent option. These shoes offer high quality, stiffness, and durability while providing a comfortable fit for beginners. The TECNO 3 Boa system ensures a flawless fit, while the three layers of upper support provide comfort and support.
The SR17 sole is light, stiff, and supportive, making these shoes ideal for longer rides. The Sidi Trace 2 Cycling Shoe is an excellent choice for beginners looking for their first pair of cycling shoes.
What We Like
- TECNO 3 Boa system for a flawless fit
- Three layers of durable, comfortable upper support
- SR17 sole is light, stiff, and supportive
What We Don't Like
- Expensive for most beginners
- Can be too stiff for some
BUY: Sidi Trace 2 Cycling Shoe
Best Cycling Shoes for Men - Shimano RC3 Limited Edition Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: 3-bolt cleats
- Closure: BOA dial
- Sole: Nylon
- Sizes: 40 to 48
- Colors: Red, white
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For men who love cycling, the Shimano RC3 Limited Edition Cycling Shoe is a top pick. These shoes are designed to enhance your performance with a focus on race-worthy construction. The BOA dial system offers easy adjustments, and the stiff nylon sole provides reliable power transfer.
The racing pattern offers great traction, and the vibrant design adds style to your cycling gear. Overall, the Shimano RC3 Limited Edition Cycling Shoe is an excellent choice for men who want to take their cycling to the next level.
What We Like
- Stiff nylon sole offers reliable power transfer
- Racing pattern offers great traction
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Bright, vibrant design
- Dials offer easy adjustment
What We Don't Like
- Limited range of sizes
BUY: Shimano RC3 Limited Edition Cycling Shoes
Best Budget Cycling Shoes - Fi'zi:kTempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe
Specs
- Cleat: N/A
- Closure: Hook-and-loop
- Sole: Reinforced carbon
- Sizes: 37 to 48
- Colors: Gray/Black, Black, Navy/Black, White/Black
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Great cycling shoes don't have to break the bank. The Fi'zi:kTempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe offers high-end design features and durable materials at an affordable price point. The reinforced carbon sole provides stiffness and power transfer, while the hook-and-loop closure system allows for easy adjustment.
These shoes work well in any situation, making them versatile and comfortable for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. The Fi'zi:kTempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for quality and affordability.
What We Like
- Carbon-reinforced sole is stiff and strong
- Hook-and-loop closure is easy to adjust
- Double straps make it easy to adjust midfoot and insole
- Great price point
What We Don't Like
- Experienced cyclists may want something more high-end
BUY: Fi'zi:kTempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoe
Are Cycling Shoes Worth It?
Are cycling shoes really worth the investment? Absolutely. Investing in a good pair of cycling shoes can greatly enhance your performance and comfort during your rides. Here are a few reasons why cycling shoes are worth it:
- Increase your speed: Cycling shoes with stiff soles allow for maximum power transfer, helping you pedal harder and go faster.
- Improve comfort: Properly fitted cycling shoes secure your feet on the pedals, preventing unnecessary movement and reducing fatigue during long rides.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Cycling shoes come in a variety of designs and colors, allowing you to express your personal style on the road.
- Stay cool: Built-in ventilation in cycling shoes keeps your feet breathable and cool, even during intense rides.
What to Look for When Buying Cycling Shoes
As you shop for cycling shoes, there are a few key factors to consider: fit, sole, and closure system.
Fit: Cycling shoes should fit comfortably from the start. They should provide room for your toes to wiggle while keeping your arches snug and supported. Your heel should not slide up and down, as this indicates an improper fit.
Sole: Stiff soles are essential for road cycling, providing the necessary support and energy transfer. Nylon soles are common in entry-level shoes, while carbon and carbon composite soles offer more stiffness and efficiency.
Closure System: Different closure systems are available, including Velcro, ratchets, laces, and dial closures. Each has its advantages, and your choice depends on personal preference and convenience.
FAQs About Cycling Shoes
Here are answers to a few common questions about cycling shoes:
Do I really need cycling shoes? While you can cycle in any shoes, cycling shoes offer benefits such as secure feet on the pedals, increased power transfer, and a more aerodynamic position.
How much space should there be in my cycling shoes? Your cycling shoes should provide a snug fit, preventing your heel from sliding up and down. Leave about half an inch between your big toe and the front of the shoe.
How can I tell if my cycling shoes are too narrow? Your cycling shoes should feel snug at the heel and offer even pressure in the instep. Avoid shoes that pinch or cause discomfort.
How should Peloton shoes fit? Peloton shoes should fit like any other cycling shoe. They should not be too tight or too loose, providing stability for your heel and room for your toes to wiggle.
Now that you have all the information about the best cycling shoes for 2023, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect pair for your cycling adventures. Happy cycling!
