Changing out of your sneakers into a nice pair of indoor cycling shoes may seem painful, but it may drastically improve your ride. Wearing indoor cycling shoes provides a more efficient and comfortable ride and increases the safety of your riding experience.
Indoor cycling shoes are distinct from ordinary workout sneakers in that they are typically composed of light, breathable materials and have a more personalized fit to the contour of your foot. The main difference is that they have a rigid sole that allows the power of your legs to go straight into each pedal stroke, resulting in a more efficient movement. Cycling shoes also lock into the pedal, keeping your legs aligned during the ride. Cycling shoes might be an excellent way to improve your training if you cycle twice a week or more.
The bottom of indoor cycling shoes will have a cleat, a little clip attached to the pedal. The pedal system on your bike determines the type of cleats you’ll need for your cycling shoes. The SPD, which has two holes, and the Delta, which has three holes, are the two most prevalent cleat systems. Both are excellent choices with distinct advantages, but you should acquire the correct cleats for the type of bike you ride daily. Boutique fitness companies like SoulCycle typically offer double-sided pedals that function with both SPD and Delta, whereas Peloton bikes require only Delta unless the pedals are changed.
Fitness experts in the Homeaccessoris Institute’s Wellness Lab analyzed indoor cycling shoes to discover which ones were worth the money, focusing on function, durability, and aesthetics. With the help of testers and reviewers, we’ve compiled our top selections for the best cycling shoes to boost your next indoor cycling session.
Our top picks:
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BEST COMFORTABLE INDOOR CYCLING SHOES
SHIMANO SH-IC300 Women's Confidence Inspiring Indoor Cycling Shoe
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BEST INDOOR CYCLING SHOES FOR SOULCYCLE BIKES
SoulCycle x Pearl Izumi Legend 2.0 Cycling Shoes
At the end of this article, you can discover more about how we evaluate indoor cycling shoes and how to choose the best ones for you and your bike. Do you want to add a new indoor cycling cycle to your home gym? Check out our finest workout bike picks, including inexpensive and innovative bike options.
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PROS
- Available in four different colors
- Velcro straps
CONS
- Runs small; be sure to size up
- Cleats sold separately
This cycling shoe from Nike has a sleek visual style that also operates well. It contains adjustable velcro straps on top to keep the shoe in place and rubber-tipped studs embedded into the bottom plate to provide traction when walking to and from your bike. Our testers found the sneaker lightweight and breathable, but our experts warn that it runs small, so size up.
Compatibility with two- and three-hole cleat systems.
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PROS
- Stylish and comfortable
- Comes in a variety of colors
CONS
- Cleats sold separately
The Tiem cycling shoes, which seem more like a typical sneaker than a cycling shoe, were well received by testers. Instead of bouncing to and from your bike, the clips on this shoe are buried in the sole, making it easy to walk around in. Testers rated this shoe high in every category, from function and durability to aesthetics and innovation. They have a softer top than other bicycle shoes, yet testers found them quite comfortable.
Compliant with the two-hole cleat system.
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BEST LIGHTWEIGHT INDOOR CYCLING SHOES
Venzo Venzo Women's Road Cycling Riding Shoes
NOW 16% OFF
PROS
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Cleats included
CONS
- Only available in black and white
This Amazon best-seller has a 4.6/5 star rating and over 4,100 global ratings. Reviewers say it’s an excellent alternative to Peloton shoes at a slightly lower price. Customers praise the shoe for being lightweight, well-made, and comfy, and they appreciate the velcro lace for convenience when putting on and taking off the boots.
Three-hole cleat system compatible.
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PROS
- Available in three camo colors
- Precision buckle and velcro top
- Under $100
CONS
- Cleats sold separately
Most bicycle shoes cost $100, but Amazon customers say this Santic choice is reasonably priced and works well. The camouflage pattern, velcro top, and precise buckle give security to keep the shoe in place, which we enjoy. Reviewers also laud their sense of style and breathability.
Three-hole cleat system compatible.
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BEST INDOOR CYCLING SHOES FOR WIDE FEET
Tommaso Spin Class Ready Cycling Shoe
NOW 19% OFF
PROS
- Velcro upper
- Comes in SPD or Delta
CONS
- Mixed reviews on Peloton compatability
This Amazon best-seller has over 3,600 ratings and a 4.5/5 star rating. Reviewers like this option’s typical cycling shoe design, which has a velcro top and a solid foundation. It comes with SPD or Delta cleats, so ensure you get the right one for your bike. Reviewers with wide feet also recommend this cycling shoe.
Cleat systems with two or three holes are available.
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BEST COMFORTABLE INDOOR CYCLING SHOES
SHIMANO SH-IC300 Women's Confidence Inspiring Indoor Cycling Shoe
PROS
- Comfortable sneaker-like design
- BOA dial
CONS
- Runs large; size down
This breathable and comfy option fits more like a conventional shoe and is ideal for folks with wide feet. These shoes include a BOA dial, which allows you to easily open, tighten, and change the shoe fit with a single turn. Even though the shoes are solely SPD compatible, the clip is covered so you can walk about comfortably after your cycling lesson. Just make sure to get a size down, as the shoes are said to run large.
Compliant with the two-hole cleat system.
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PROS
- Well ventilated design
- Easy strap closure
CONS
- Cleats sold separately
This robust Adidas indoor cycling shoe is designed with 50% recyclable content and has a breathable upper that our experts felt kept their feet adequately ventilated and relaxed during their rides. The lightweight shoe is well-made, and the strap fastening was simple to put on and take off. The midsole plate is also strengthened with fiberglass. We especially enjoy the stylish style and the unusual colors such as neon pink, mint green, and others.
Three-hole cleat system compatible.
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PROS
- BOA laces
- Breathable upper
CONS
- Only available in one color
In partnership with Pearl Izumi, SoulCycle produces three different models of cycling shoes that are tailored exclusively for their bikes. The BOA laces, essentially wires attached to a rotating knob for convenience while lacing the shoes, are included in our expert favorite, the Legend 2.0. The Black Legend Cycling Shoe boasts a sleek style and thick strap clasp. The most expensive Silver Legend cycling shoes have a sleek silver design, antibacterial upper mesh, and a single wide strap fastening for simple transitions. They are also more costly.
Three-hole cleat system compatible.
Do I need indoor cycling shoes?
Many conventional indoor riding bikes have adjustable toe cages and straps, allowing you to wear any workout shoe. While there is nothing wrong with cycling in standard trainers, indoor cycling shoes can be advantageous if you cycle twice a week or more. Because clipping in allows you to become one with the bike, they give a safer, more efficient, and effective workout. Traditional workout shoes have a soft, flexible sole, whereas indoor cycling shoes have a solid sole that provides stability while riding.
How did we choose the finest indoor cycling shoes?
We assessed many cycling shoes in-house with our fitness pros. We recruited real-life testers and indoor cycling enthusiasts to put the boots through their paces in their own homes and fitness studios around the country—the evaluation criteria centered on function, durability, comfort, aesthetics, and price point. Our top picks have a variety of cleat compatibilities, as well as solutions for individuals with wide feet and breathable and lightweight options.
How to Pick the Best Indoor Cycling Shoes
When choosing the finest indoor cycling shoe for you, consider the following factors:
- Clip system: The most significant factor is the type of bike you typically clip into. Is a two- or three-hole cleat system necessary for your bike? If you need help, see a fitness instructor at your club or studio or contact the bike manufacturer.
- Fit: Go for a breathable shoe with a solid sole to maximize your ride. Indoor cycling shoes feature a tighter fit but should still be comfortable. They should feel snug on the sides but have approximately half an inch of wiggle room in the toebox because your foot will naturally adjust during your ride.
- Straps: Some bicycle shoes have velcro straps, others have a BOA dial that resembles a circular knob, and others have traditional laces like a sneaker. Velcro straps and BOA dials are more convenient and faster to slip in and out of, so most of our recommendations emphasize those aspects.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
