Best Cycling Shoes in 2020

What type of bicycle riding do you do? Is it mountain biking, road cycling, running errands or commuting with your bike? Whatever it is, regular cycling requires you to have the best cycling shoes for a number of reasons.

For one, bike shoes have mechanical connections and stiffer soles to promote efficient energy transfer when peddling and also improve comfort.

Second, if you are into sporty riding, you can get cycling shoes with external cleats. And, if you plan on walking on your bike shoes, you can get those with a cleat recess.

Third, cycling shoes are usually lighter because they are made from high-tech materials, and this helps you have a better riding experience.

Again, bike riding shoes have mesh panels that help keep your feet cooler especially over summer.

The 5 Best Cycling Shoes

Premium Pick

1) Tommaso Strada 100 Dual Cleat Compatible- 

Why we like it:

This cycling shoe by Tommaso is very versatile. The design is not only perfect for road biking, but also spin class, commuting, touring, and fitness riding.  Again, its clear area can fit any clear type to offer an amazing platform regardless of the type of pedals you’re on.

Comfort and power transfer features

For comfort, the Strada 100 cycling shoes feature a synthetic leather upper that’s designed to hug your feet to provide all day comfort.

Again, it has ventilated mesh portions and they keep your feet cool even when cycling in summer or for long periods.

Also, compared to most cycling shoes, these has a wider toebox, so your toes will have enough room, and this adds to comfort.

When it comes to power/energy transfer, the Strada has it all as it features a three-hole pattern design and a super stiff fiberglass polyamide sole, making it the most riding efficient clipless cycling shoe.

With it, you are guaranteed to get the most out of each pedal stroke. And, it can fit any 2-bolt and 3-bolt cleat system, so it’s not restricting at all.

Sizing and Fitting

Now, cycling shoes usually have very little give and they might not break in even after wearing them for a while. Thus, it is important to get the fitting correctly from the word go.

For this shoe, fitting is spot-on! You can use their fitting chart to know the perfect size for you.

Again, they have a three strap ergonomic Velcro system that offers a precise fitting while holding your feet snugly to avoid pressure points especially for long riders.

Verdict:

This is a great shoe for cycling, and the price makes it even better. If you haven’t used cycling shoe before, this should be your first because it is so beginner-friendly. It’s also super comfortable and versatile.

Best Value

2) Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Bike Shoes

Why we like it:

If you are looking for the best mountain biking shoes for men, look no further. These are super comfortable, offer great support, and the sole provides great grip on the platform pedals for easy riding.

 Comfort and support features

Being an all-mountain flat pedal shoe, the Five Ten Men’s Freerider is not only supportive but also comfortable. It combines a mesh upper with breathable suede to ensure that you are comfortable even when cycling long distances.

The outsole is also made of their signature sticky rubber to help improve the grip on your pedals as you cycle. Also, the toe area is well-padded and roomy, so your toes can move freely as you take pedal strikes.

Again, it features a medium-flex midsole to offer support while still maintaining that cycling shoes stiffness.

Lastly, the 510 Freerider Mountain Biking shoes fits true to size.

Verdict:

The Five Ten Mens Freerider MTB Bike Shoes are definitely worth buying. They offer the needed support, they grip well and are comfortable. Again, the insole is removable, so if you don’t find theirs supportive enough, you can always switch. They are also super stiff and your feet won’t be fatigued at the end of the day. The only thing that you might not like about them is the long fat laces, but you can switch them too.

Best For Road Cycling

3) Fizik R5 Road Cycling Shoe

Why we like it:

It’s a sleek designed shoe that performs excellently on road cycling. It’s also super comfortable, has a very stiff sole, and with an easy to use fastening system that makes it easy to put them on and take them off.

Comfort and convenience

Let’s start with the fitting. The Fizik R5 road cycling shoes fit true to size. Just use their sizing chart to get your correct size. If you are into competitive cycling, these shoes will help you keep the fire burning because they are built for speed racing.

Once on, these shoes fit snugly and the cushioning is spot-on. You will love riding in them because the thick inner walls will feel like they are pampering your feet.

Again, the upper part is made of a very expensively looking and feeling material, giving it that pro look.

They also have a boa locking system that works easily and quickly enabling you to adjust the fitting in no time.

Verdict:

As you would expect from this brand, these shoes are everything a cyclist would need. They fit perfectly, they are super comfortable and supportive, and they are stiff enough to make bike riding easier.

Popular Choice

4) Giro Manta R Women’s Cycling Shoes

Why we like it:

If you are looking for some comfortable spinning shoes, get the Giro Manta R Women’s Cycling Shoes. They look great and they perform very well. They are also available in four different colors.

Comfort and support features

A shoe’s comfort starts with its fitting, and the Giro Manta R seems to run half a size smaller. So, to avoid the shipping back hassles for exchange, go half a size up, but still use their sizing chart.

The second determinant of a shoes comfort is its materials and this shoe features smooth synthetic materials that give your feet a comfort feel when cycling. They are also well cushioned from inside while still maintaining the stiffness to ensure that you are not fatigued at the end of the session.

Third on comfort is the shoes’ breathability. These have breathable perforations all-around to ensure that your feet remain cool throughout. This is important for people who cycle or spin for longer periods.

Also, these shoes have adjustable ratcheting top strap that enables you have that precise fitting. In line with this are two hook-and-loop straps that also help with finding the perfect fitting while also saving you the laces trouble since they are easy and quick to adjust.

Furthermore, they have a removable foam insole that does well cushioning your feet, while the stiff rubber and nylon outsole ensures efficient energy transfer for better performance.

Again, these shoes have aggressive lugs that give them perfect traction to ensure that you are not sliding of the pedal as your cycle or spin.

Verdict:

There is no reason why you should not get these shoes. They perform very well, they are durable, and also very comfortable, and supportive. What’s more, they are very affordable and might even perform better than the most expensive options.

Best For Indoor Cycling And Spinning

5) TIEM Slipstream Indoor Cycling Spin Shoe, SPD Compatible

Why we like it:

You will find most spin instructors wearing these. The slip-on style is not only convenient but also unique for this category of shoes. It has a loop at the backside that allows you to use your finger and pull the back side up when wearing, which makes putting on and taking off the shoes a bliss. It’s the best indoor cycling spin shoe, very breathable and super comfortable.

The style

If you love sneakers, the TIEM Slipstream is here to give you that same style and comfort that you get from your sneakers so you can cycle in style.

When it comes to comfort, this shoe has all the necessary features. Starting with fitting, the manufacturers advice you order half a size down to get that secure fit, and it actually works!

Despite being a slip-on spin shoe, the Slipstream has a single strap that gives it that precise fit while also adding to its unique design. It’s also thick and cushiony while also remaining stiff enough for cycling purposes.

It also has a sturdy build and you can tell that it’s a durable shoe, plus it’s available in various colors.

Performance and convenience

You obviously want a biking shoe that will not only be convenient for the job, but also for when off the bike. Now, the Slipstream features a combination of a rubber sole and a recessed SPD cleat, all designed to help you get around with ease when not on the bike.

Secondly, when it comes to performance, this shoe is 2-bolt SPD system compatible even though it doesn’t come with the cleats. Again, it has a cycling shank underfoot that’s made of nylon thus durable.

Verdict:

These are the most stylish spin shoes. They perform very well, and are convenient all-around. They are totally worth buying. Best for indoor cycling and spinning. They fit like a sneaker, but they could be better with a removable insole for people who would like to switch theirs.

Final Words

With the best cycling shoes on, you will surpass what you thought was your cycling limit in no time and find yourself looking forward to the next adventure or that spin class. The list above comprises the top 5 biking shoes, and it’s our hope that you will find your best fit among them.

Cycling shoes fitting tips:

• They should fit comfortably from the word go since they have stiff soles and might not break in later.
• Your cycling shoes should have enough toe-box to allow your toes to wiggle slightly
• They should be designed to support your arch while also being snug
• With the shoe on, your heel should not be sliding up and down as that might cause blistering over time