Have you been wondering what the best shoes for Peloton or other forms of indoor cycling are? Perhaps you've started a new fitness regime and are getting into stationery bike workouts, and want to upgrade your kit?
While it's fine to use normal trainers initially, if you do decide that this is the exercise for you, you should certainly consider investing in proper cycling shoes. This is because they are designed to transfer more energy from your pedal stroke to the bike, so they will make your ride more efficient. They will allow you to work on the 'up' as well as the 'down' movement of your pedal stroke. They also make you less likely to slip your foot off the pedal and get injured.
Cycling shoes are great for all sorts of cycling classes and activities, and you certainly don't have to have a Peloton bike to get the most out of them. Most cycling shoes can also be used on other exercise bikes too. But if you are tempted by a Peloton or other home bike, then do check out our guide best exercise bikes.
The quick list
Best overall
The signature Peloton cycling shoe takes the top spot thanks to its ultra-comfortable fit, great looks and adjustable straps.
Best on a budget
These sleek cycling shoes offer a comfortable and secure fit, adjustable straps and a durable design, — all for less than $100.
Best for long term wear
These premium cycling shoes are best for those committed for the long term. They fit like a second skin and offer outstanding durability, but are also on the expensive side.
Best for wide feet
Roomy and comfortable, these top-quality options are good for cyclist with wider feet — and cost less than $100.
Best for style
They look great, but also function well with breathable mesh and lightweight design to add a pinch of style to your cycling workouts.
Best for narrow feet
This beautifully designed cycling shoe option has an ergonomic design and snug fit, making it a great option for narrow-footed riders.
The best cycling shoes we recommend in 2025: Tried and tested by our expert team
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best shoes for Peloton bikes
✅ You want the most compatible design: These Peloton shoes are made, after all, to be used with the Peloton bike
✅ You want comfort and breathability: They are the perfect blend of stiff and flexible
✅ You want cycling efficiency: There’s virtually no float (foot movement) when connected with the Peloton pedals.
❌ You have wider feet: They tend towards the narrow, particularly in the toe box
❌ You want maximum compability: They are only Look Delta compatible
🔎 Peloton cycling shoes: Instantly recognizable as Peloton design, these well-designed and breathable cycling shoes are as perfect a match with Peloton as you'd imagine. The only drawback is a fairly narrow fit. ★★★★½
Perhaps it's not surprising that the Peloton shoe won our top spot as the best shoe for the Peloton bike. After all, that's what they are specifically designed for. It's a match made in spinning heaven.
But even if you didn't know they were Peloton, you'd spot it a mile away. They come in Peloton's signature colors (black red and white) with the instantly indentifiable P splashed across the shoe and strap. And you'll have to like the design that way, because that's the only color it comes in.
The shoes come packed with Look Delta cleats which will save you some faff (and potentially some cash too). They tread the line perfectly between stiff and flexible, with a lightweight and breathable synthetic upper and mesh vent for breezy ventilation.
The ankle and heel are well padded, and the shoe molds well to your foot. The hard plastic outsole provides plenty of rigidity when clipping in (for improved cycling efficiency and power output), and there’s virtually no float (foot movement) when connected with the Peloton pedals.
If there are drawbacks, it's that the Peloton shoe certainly leans towards the narrow side, so on longer rides the toe box can start to feel a little cramped. This could be a particular problem for cyclists with wider feet.
The unique ratchet clip system that Peloton use —alongside two chunky forefoot velcro straps — also takes a few goes to figure out, but once you have figure it out, it's a brilliant way to tweak the tightness of the shoe to your exact standards. All-in-all, If you can adapt to a stiffer shoe, the Peloton pair could be for you.
- Read our full Peloton cycling shoes review
Best cycling shoes on a budget
✅ You value simplicity: They offer a two color palette, and sleek, understated look
✅ You are on a budget: For under $100 you get well made shoes from one of the top cycling brands
✅ You want good value for money: They are adjustable and durable
❌ You want frills: No cleats are included - nor any other extras
❌ You want to stand out: The Shimano RC1 comes only in a low key, two palette design
🔎 Shimano RC1: If you want to stand out from the crowd, looks elsewhere. But if you want good value for money, well designed shoes that will last and adjustable comfort for under $100, look no further. ★★★½
When it comes to cycling manufacture, Shimano is one of the most well-known names in the world. So naturally our expectations were high when we took the Shimano RC1 cycling shoes for a spin. Thankfully, Shimano were not resting on their laurels: these shoes fit like a glove, are adjustable and durable.
When it comes to the design, Shimano have gone for the "less is more" approach, sticking to a two color palette of just blue and black. It's a sleek, understated look and we like it. Adding functionality to style, there are three quick-fit velcro straps to quickly secure your feet in.
The synthetic leather upper is highly breathable and reduces overlap to help minimize any hotspots, while the nylon mesh panels help improve ventilation and reduce moisture retention. There's also a forefoot vent on the sole to help with that.
The most premium cycling shoes have a carbon footplate, while the more wallet-friendly Shimano have opted for a reinforced glass fiber outsole. This works well, striking the balance between rigidity and give very well. They more than hold their own when it comes to hard work on the bike including rigorous uphill climbs and sprints.
They do come up a touch tight, so you might consider buying a size up in these shoes or you might find your toes pushing against the toe cap when you are up and out of your seat, working hard.
However, while the toe box might be tight, the heel is soft, thick, and well padded. And for an entry-level shoe, these are undeniably durable and sturdy.
The Shimano RC1 are certainly one of the more basic models, with no fancy features to speak of, but we rate the uncomplicated approach. They’re only Look Delta cleat compatible, and you’ll need to purchase cleats separately, but at less than $100 – we’re sold.
- Read our full Shimano RC1 cycling shoe review
Best cycling shoes for long term wear
✅ You want the ultimate in comfort: These shoes fit like they were made-to-measure
✅ You want precision fit too: The dual BOA L6 dials allow you to tinker until you have fit perfection
✅ You want the best materials: The stiff carbon-composite sole plate is the best in class
❌ You are on a budget: All the high end materials come at a price
❌ You want old school design: Innovation like the dial fastening comes with its own quirks
🔎 Giro Regime: Our tester called these shoes the "ultimate marriage of style and substance" and loved the comfort and performance of the high-end design. Indeed the only drawback they could find is the expensive price tag. ★★★★½
It's hard to find a negative word to say about these Giro Regime cycling shoes, that's how much we loved them. They are the ultimate marriage of style and substance, albeit with an expensive price tag.
The upper is flexible enough to mold well to feet, though perhaps it lacks the rigidity you might find in a top grade cycling shoe. However the dual BOA L6 dials allow you to fasten the shoe around the forefoot and ankle with precision, something that less premium models with their laces or velcro straps cannot offer.
This fastening method also prevents pinching and allows you to personalize the shoe to your foot shape. The midfoot and forefoot benefit from pinprick perforations to help your feet breathe during hot and sweaty exercise, and the stiff carbon-composite sole plate (one of the best materials available on the market) improves your power transfer and efficiency when pushing the pedals.
Design-wise, the minimalist look and sock-like slip-on quality really elevate these shoes above some of their peers. They are sleek and slimline, really standing out against many of the more clunky models on the market. Combined with the premium features, this more than earns the shoe its price tag.
Perhaps the only drawback of this shoe is the BOA-dial pop-release feature, which means you can’t loosen the wire laces without releasing all of the tension in one go, but this does little to detract from the quality.
Our tester called these shoes a lightweight second-skin, and we’re sure they’ll lure in Peloton lovers and outdoor cycling enthusiasts alike.
- Read our full Giro Regime cycling shoes review
Best cycling shoes for wide-footed cyclists
✅ You have wider feet: Unlike many cycling shoes, these offer comfort for you
✅ You want good value: They come in under $100, including look Delta cleats
✅ You prioritise comfort: They are highly breathable, with ample cushioning
❌ You prioritise performance: Hardcore cyclists might prefer stiffer shoes that can help increase power output
❌ You are prone to heel chafing: The beveled raised heels could aggravate this
❌ You want modern design: The style is more "90s throwback"
🔎 Venzo cycling shoe: If stiff, high performance cycling shoes leave your feet aching, then the Venzo could be a game-changer. They are wider, and offer greater comfort than others on the market, even if the design is a little basic. ★★★★
They probably won't win any prizes for the best looking shoes on the market, but what the Venzo Santic cycling shoes lack in subtlety, they more than make up for with comfort and performance. Wide-footed cyclists rejoice, because this spacious addition to our cycling shoe round-up is our pick for you.
And not only do they offer a great fit for wider feet, but they come with an affordable price tag too, at under $100, which also includes Look Delta cleats. Though the shoes are also compatible with 2-bolt and 3-bolt cleats, so regardless of your cleat needs, you can rest assured they’ll perform.
You’ll certainly struggle to find a roomier cycling shoe. The low-cut heel, flexible forefoot, and 9° of float (amount of foot movement available when connected to the pedal) all culminate in a shoe to be enjoyed rather than tolerated. The synthetic upper and ultra-lightweight mesh are highly breathable, and the removable sock liner, ample cushioning, and stable outsole all add excellent comfort factor. However, hardcore cyclists might prefer stiffer shoes that can increase their power output.
The Venzo's three thick velcro straps do feel a little bit outdated, not least because this system can sometimes lack efficient support for your foot. However, in this pair they wrap the foot beautifully, so we can let go of our bias toward the more modern BOA-dials (for now.)
One drawback is the the beveled raised heels which were prone to cause chafing. We're not even entirely sure why they are part of the design, as raised heels are something we would associate more with running shoes designed to reduce heel strike impact. However, while overall, the shoe might look like a ‘90s throwback, we're definitely along for the ride.
- Read our full Venzo cycling shoes review
Best cycling shoes for style
✅ You like a stylish design: Nike have bought their sports-fashion credentials to this shoe
✅ You want lightweight breathability: They weigh practically nothing
✅ You hate walking in cycling shoes: The novel recessed cleat makes them comfortable off the bike too
❌ You want plush comfort: They come up very tight and narrow
❌ You are on a budget: The SuperRep is not SuperCheap - and they don't come with cleats
🔎 Nike SuperRep: They win marks for their stylish design, but it's not all style over substance. These shoes hit the mark with performance too. They do come up very tight though, so size up if you want more comfort. ★★★½
If looks are important to you (we're not judging, if you look good, you perform better!) then the Nike SuperRep cycling shoes are the ones for you. They have all the style kudos you'd expect from Nike. The different colorways even have sultry color palette names like Crimson Bliss and Pearl White, while Nike's signature tick is stamped proudly across the side. It gets a big tick from us, too.
And they don't just look good. The SuperRep cycling shoes weigh practically nothing, and their super flexible mesh upper allows fantastic breathability. It's a world away from some of the unforgiving uppers on the market.
The hard plastic sole, meanwhile, offers the necessary rigidity to optimize energy return, and the crossover hook and loop velcro straps secure your forefoot and heels brilliantly, while the part-rubber base has superior grip for pottering around comfortably off the bike.
A highly desirable feature is the recessed cleat which fits through the sole of the shoe and allows the cleat to sit nearly flush with the ground. This makes the cycling shoe feel more reminiscent of a regular trainer, making walking far more comfortable (and less noisy).
We would warn, however, that they fit very tight and narrow, so we highly recommend going a whole size up if you want to benefit from the breathable design.
Nike has gone the extra mile by offering 2-bolt and 3-bolt compatibility for maximum versatility, but cleats are sold separately, and the SuperReps aren’t SuperCheap as it is. However they do come with washers, bolt screws, and an adaptable cleat insert plate (for fitting your cleats).
- Read our full Nike SuperRep cycling shoes review
Best cycling shoes for narrow feet
✅ You want a premium feel: For a midrange price, these shoes look and feel more expensive
✅ You want ergonomic comfort: This shoe is designed to. the natural contours of your foot
✅ You like a precision fit: The BOA-dial system offers micro-tightening adjustment
❌ You tend to overheat: Hot-weather cyclists might struggle with lack of ventilation
❌ You have wider feet: The Fizik definitely sits at the narrower end of the cycling shoe range
🔎 Fizik Tempo Overcurve R5: With a stylish, eye-catching design, the Fizik offers a luxurious feel at a midrange price. Those whose feet easily overheat, or ride a lot in warm climates, may struggle as the shoe is less ventilated than some. ★★★★
If you are a narrow-footed cyclist who has spent years in the search for the perfect pair for you, then may we suggest the Fizik Tempo RS Overcurve? They are beautifully slimline, with a snug glove-like fit. The design may split opinion, but we like it.
The R5s technically sit within the midrange market but are still expensive and that's without cleats. But everything about the shoe looks and feels premium, which is typical of the Fizik Italian footwear brand. The color combinations are beautiful yet simple and the BOA-dial system offers micro-tightening adjustments (alongside a velcro strap) to gently hug your foot – rather than squeeze it. The perforated upper uses seam-free Microtex with a carbon fiber reinforced nylon-composite sole designed to improve cycling efficiency.
The big sell is the overcurve (construction) method which is ergonomically designed with a staggered collar to follow the natural contours of your foot; this means the shoe conforms to your natural foot shape rather than vice-versa, and it's both intelligent and supremely comfortable. Hot-weather cyclists might struggle to breathe in this shoe, as the perforations stop around the toe box and there’s no inbuilt vent elsewhere to air your feet. The toebox is a squeeze, but this is solely down to fit, as the shoe (as a whole) is thoughtfully designed with its narrow-footed user in mind.
- Read our full Fizik Tempo Overcurve R5 review
Best shoes for Peloton: Comparison
| Product | Rating | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons | Clip compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton cycling shoes | ★★★★½ | Great design, comfortable | Not widely compatible, toe box not comfortable | Look Delta, SPD-SL |
| Shimano RCI cycling shoes | ★★★½ | Durable, adjustable, sleek | Cleats not included | Look Delta, SPD-SL |
| Giro Regime cycling shoes | ★★★★½ | Innovative design, fit like a glove | Only pop release | Look Delta, SPD-SL |
| Venzo cycling shoes | ★★★★ | Good for wider feet, super comfortable | Cleats not included, design not the best | Look Delta, SPD |
| Nike SuperRep cycling shoes | ★★★½ | Fun design, lightweight and breathable | Narrow fit, cleats not included, pricey | Look Delta, SPD-SL, SPD |
| Fizik Tempo R5 Overcurve shoes | ★★★★ | Lovely design, ergonomic | Narrow fit, expensive | Look Delta, SPD-SL |
Our expert consultant
Marie Napier is a personal trainer at Psycle. With unexpected physical challenges in every class she runs, she encourages clients to push further, and tap into their emotions. With explosively effective workouts designed to strengthen body and mind, Napier's clients leave her cycle classes feeling like they've achieved something every time.
How to choose the best shoes for Peloton
Choosing the best shoes for Peloton or other cycling activities can be difficult, given such a crowded marketplace and so many different options. So we enlisted some expert opinion in the form of Marie Napier, head trainer of Ride at Psycle.
Napier confirmed that 2-bolt cleat systems are better for mountain biking while 3-bolt work well for road cycling and indoor spinning bikes.
She says: “Three bolt cleats will give the rider a more stable connection to the pedals because the cleat and pedal have a greater surface to clip into.”
Napier told Live Science that while spinning fans often opt for 3-bolt cleats (SPD-SL and Look Delta), instructors tend to prefer a 2-bolt SPD cleat for faster transitions.
“They often have something called a ‘recessed cleat’ to make walking easier,” she says. “Fashion conscious buyers might also lean towards the 2-bolt system, and some brands make them with spinning fans in mind, too.”
Related: Peloton vs Echelon
So is one type of cleat better for power transfer than the other? The difference is really minimal, says Napier, and really not something to worry about — focus on comfort and compatibility instead.
“The most important thing when buying your shoes is to ensure they’re compatible with your bike, or the cleats your gym or spinning studio uses," she explains. "And check your shoes aren’t too small either as this can cause numbness. You should be able to wiggle your toes in the shoe.”
What’s your budget?
The cost of living crisis means finding a bargain is more important than ever. The good news is that some of the budget cycling shoes we tested actually fared better than the more expensive ones.
Premium shoes, like the Rapha Classic, are made out of carbon fiber and other high quality materials to provide a stiffer shoe, which is said to improve power transfer. It could also make them more durable, but setting a budget range of $80-100, should be enough to ensure your cycling shoes will last.
What kind of strap do you prefer?
Personally, we’re fans of shoes with a BOA-dial strap system — instead of laces these use a small turn dial that tightens a thin wire. This kind of modern lacing system can really help secure your foot in place during the push-pull motion of cycling, and you’ll find the BOA-dial strap is becoming more common than the traditional laces or Velcro systems.
Saying that, many instructors and riders prefer the old school tie up laces or Velcro, so it’s best to try out a few styles to find out what fit and style works best for you.
What kind of ‘upper’ do you need on your shoe?
We recommend opting for a moderately stiff and durable upper. A stiffer shoe helps improve efficiency on the pedals and should last longer on outdoor cycles. However, try to find a shoe that feels lightweight and semi-flexible if you prefer endurance rides, as you still want to be comfortable rather than hobbling off the saddle. Still unsure? Test out shoes made from a synthetic upper as a starting point.
What kind of sole is needed?
Carbon foot plates and carbon fiber reinforced materials are often favored by premium shoe brands as they create more rigidity. It’s why lots of cyclists often opt for this type of shoe, as they tend to be more hard-wearing. But if you need something more budget-friendly, nylon and glass fiber soled ones are still up there for quality and durability.
Everything you need to know about shoes for indoor cycling
The benefits of wearing cycling shoes
Pretty much all premium bikes, including of course Peloton, and all top-of-the-range bike shoes use a clip-in system to secure the foot. This keeps them firmly in place and also helps weight distribution during sprints and uphill climbs. Experts say this provides a much better foot-pedal connection, particularly during the push-pull phases of your cadence (the number of revolutions per minute your pedal makes).
Put simply, being clipped into your pedals will help you feel more ‘at one’ with your bike because your feet are less likely to slip off as you pedal or shift your weight around. Being clipped in allows you to move more fluidly as your pedals and cranks become an extension of your body.
How we tested
All cycling shoes in this guide were thoroughly tested by our experienced fitness kit reviewers: passionate cyclists, personal trainers and health coaches who love sharing their extensive knowledge on indoor cycling and activewear. Every model underwent the exact testing protocol to ensure the reviews are as fair and sufficiently detailed as possible.
At Live Science, we test all cycling shoes on a Peloton bike in our purpose-built testing center, or on our own exercise bikes in our homes. After wearing the shoes for at least a day, we score them from 1-5 across the following criteria:
1) Design and features. We assess the looks, fit and durability of a cycling shoe. How durable and scratch-resistant are the materials it is made of? How many sizes does it come in? Is it suitable for people with narrow or wide feet? What's the clip compatibility? How many colorways does it come in? How stylish are these cycling shoes?
2) Comfort. We assess whether the cycling shoes in question are comfortable to wear (on and off the bike) and how easy they are to put on and take off. Do they need to be broken in? Are they too cushioned for our liking?
3) Performance. For all models, we tackle at the very least a fast-paced HIIT class and an active recovery session. We want to ensure the tested shoe is capable of powering through tough workouts and helping to boost cycling performance.
Verdict. Is it worth it? After testing, we give the shoes an overall rating out of five with a final verdict summarizing each model's strengths and weaknesses, and whether we reckon they’re ride-ready.
Latest updates
February 13, 2025: We expanded on our testing process in the 'How we test' section.
February 4, 2025: We added the 'Comparison' section.
