13 Best Cycling Shoes Reviewed and Compared

Design

SHR065 Road is sleek, stylish, and features a dual hook-and-loop strap closure. It has synthetic leather uppers with mesh layers. It also offers an integrated air-intake and exhaust design for moisture control and breathability.

This is a good option for any foot due to its flexible sole. Furthermore, It is compatible with 2- and 3-bolt cleats. With this wider cleat range, it fits nicely with a range of pedals

Comfort

The Shimano SHR065 is loaded with cushioning and offers a flat insole with a pillowy feel. This is one cycling shoe that ranks high in comfort when compared to others. This is also ideal for beginners.

Loop straps also secure the shoe, which is usually more comfortable than the dials. Furthermore, with the ventilation system this cycling shoe offers, you get a cool, arid ride with little sweat build up.

Adjustability

Because of its dual hook-and-loop straps, you can easily make adjustments. This system does keep the foot thoroughly secure, although precise micro-adjustment dials usually are the pros-choice, these are working well for consumers.

Power Transfer

These perform surprisingly well for what they cost. They have fiberglass reinforcement in the soles and are nice and stiff while still offering flexibility.

The exhaust system ensures a more energy-efficient stroke as well. This makes for a smooth transition and ride. For its affordable price, cyclists are shocked by how well these perform when it comes to pedaling efficiency.

Design

R5B has a Microfiber upper that is sleek and durable, meeting the demands of racing while still being flexible and lightweight. This microfiber material has tiny, diamond-shaped perforations, providing effortless ventilation for a more dry ride.

Micro straps at the bottom make for a more snug fit to the pedal, assisting the Boa pedal controls. They also added reflectors to the heel for low visibility cycling or weather changes.

Comfort

These offer ample padding and a soft smooth liner that hugs the foot. Moreover, it is aerodynamical with the Boa dial on the side to eliminate pressure points. The insole has a sculpted footbed and supportive heel.

Due to the sole not being fully carbon, it is slightly heavier than other options. However, it isn’t heavy and the weight is a fair trade for its amount of cushioning and flexibility that puts comfort in the forefront.

Adjustability

Designed with a 4-anchor dual Boa Dial, along with a velcro toe strap, the Boa iP1A closure works for quick adjustment, making the foot feel more secure. Turning the dial adjusts the shape volume-wise, calling for a more custom fit.

Power Transfer

With its carbon-reinforced nylon outer sole, you get the maximum amount of power transfer. It is stable and stiff but flexes appropriately, which makes it great for sprinting it out on the bike.

Along with its rigidness, it provides great support, keeping the heel securely in place to reduce lifting and shifting. This means more power and energy directed to the pedals for a more efficient. It also has a low stack height, putting your foot closer tot he pedals.

Design

This option can be used with road or mountain bikes, it just depends on what pedal system you have. They are compatible with SPD, SPD SL, and the LOOK KEO systems.

Comfort

Users liked how these best cycling shoes conformed to their feet and found them to run true to size. These are well-designed and wearable on long rides. The removable sock-liner is a nice touch that enhances this factor.

Adjustability

A couple of users noted that before using them you should be sure to adjust the release tension which comes from the factory set to the lowest setting.

Power Transfer

Like most clip-in shoes these best cycling shoes will enhance your pedaling power and performance, and also allow you to develop a better cadence and rhythm.

Design

It is composed of quality materials that hold up quite well over the years, and it has a few key features to help you perform at your very best. Plus, it comes in at a more approachable price point.

Comfort

The feature that everyone loves the most about this design is that it has a heat-molded interior that contours to the shape of your foot. Place it in the oven at 70C or 160F for 20 minutes (we know, it sounds strange), and then place your feet inside once they cool a bit. The material on the inside contours to the shape of your foot to ensure that it fits like a glove right out of the box!

Adjustability

If you are on the market for something that is composed of quality materials that hold up well over time, this is a great choice. Users love that heat-activated materials ensure that there are no annoying rubbing points and that it also comes in at a price point that is slightly more affordable than some of the more expensive options out there on the market.

Power Transfer

Our favorite feature of the Riot Road+ BOA is that it has a carbon composite sole. This means that the sole is incredibly stiff for a seamless power transfer as your pedal, but it is made of a carbon composite material that is incredibly lightweight so it won’t weigh you down.

Design

Lightweight, thin and a favorite among many professional riders, the Cosmic Ultimate II has an upper section that swaps stitches for bonding to provide for ventilation. It has a supportive instep, with dials on the side to avoid hot spots. It is equipped with a full carbon sole that is super stiff and has a 3-hole design.

Comfort

Comfort is at the forefront with this option because of its high-quality Ortholite insole that provides ample cushioning. It has Ergo Fit 3D + with padding on the tongue. Overall, there is ample breathability throughout the shoe.

Adjustability

This model has two Mavic Ergo Dials that fall off to the sides (with the top one connecting to the padded tongue) that allows for two-way micro adjustment with precise retention. It also has a Smart Release function that makes the dials easy to release. This all adds to a tight fit that is firm and secure.

Power Transfer

The Mavic Cosmic Ultimate II has an Energy Full Carbon SLP outsole that is ultra-stiff, performing the best on the Index Energy Transfer scale for optimal power transfer. This is thanks to the think sole that keeps the feet has close to the pedal as possible, while the frame keeps that foot in place, with ample support to lock down the heel.

Design

The design of the Five Ten is really where it shines. Not only does it have some of the best grips out there, but it supplements itself with some really important attributes. The whole upper of the Five Ten is weather-resistant, so moisture is less of an issue. The Five Ten also has a reinforced toe box so you can avoid injuries or stray rocks while on the go.

Comfort

The Five Ten is not only reported as having an extremely snug and comfortable fit, but it also has a sock liner. Including a sock liner in their design means they are a great transition option for a triathlon and you can avoid the discomfort of slipping or ill-fitting socks.

Adjustability

Other than its lightweight design contribution the Five Ten being a maneuverable shoe, the Five Ten doesn’t have much working towards its overall adjustability.

Power Transfer

The Five Ten’s are especially sticky and snug which is great if you are looking for serious power transfer. If your feet are flush to the pedals and aren’t slipping then each push and pump is conveyed entirely to moving the bicycle.

Design

What makes this style stand out from the rest is that the construction and materials used for the sole are much lighter than other options out there. The treads on the soles host an aggressive pattern which ensures that your feet stay locked in place as you start to really pick up speed.

Comfort

The upper is also packed with features to keep your feet comfortable and tightly in place. The upper is composed of Technomicro microfiber that allows your foot to really breathe and keeps the air circulating.

Adjustability

If you are in the market for something that comes from a trusted brand with years of experience under their belt, the Dominator 7 SR from Sidi is a great choice. It is composed of lightweight and breathable materials that won’t weigh your down and will keep your feet nice and comfortable.

Power Transfer

The inclusion of velcro straps along the top of the foot improves lockdown to prevent your foot from slipping around inside.

Design

This pair of the best cycling shoes have a lace-up design that was originally made for Taylor Phinney for the 2012 London Games. It has an overall sleek appearance that just looks like it performs well, and this is so true. The Empire ACC is a lightweight option at about 18.8 oz. It features an Evofiber upper that is light as a feather and breathable, as well as a low-profile outsole.

Comfort

Lightweight and ideal for road racing, this pair is flexible because of its microfiber upper, and as a more evenly tight fit because of its lace system. The collar is padded for added comfort. These aren’t the best when it comes to its level of comfort but doesn’t cause discomfort in any way.

Adjustability

Because of its laces, adjustments can’t be made during a race or right before a starting to climb. However, it does feature a SuperNatural Fit Kit in the insoles that allow the athlete to customize support.

Power Transfer

The Empire ACC are very stiff thanks to its Easton EC90 ACC Carbon Sole. It has 6.5 mm stack height that makes it one of the press for power transfer since the feet as so close to the pedals. And while its power transfer is impressive, it does lack behind the Fi'zi:k R5B Uomo Boa in this category mainly because the heel can slip a bit.

Design

This footwear is in a league of its own design-wise because of the use of its unique Xnetic Knit upper, which consists of a TPU skeletal system that is bonded to a knit material that process support, comfort, and breathability. It also has other fun features like water repellent DWR-finish and heel guards for added durability. It has a molded EVA footbed, replaceable heel pads, and an overall great “sock-like” look.

Comfort

They have a stiff sole that isn’t overly rigid, making walking in them comfortably possible. The amount of ventilation here is a major selling point. They have comfortable, resembling more of a sock and feels great on.

Adjustability

This option has empire lace. This means the ability to customize the fit doesn't have much as other options. It also means that adjusting on the fly isn’t possible. However, it does have a secure fit so this might be a major concern.

Power Transfer

The Giro Empire E70 Knit has an Easton EC70 carbon composite outsole, and a TPU-reinforced toe and heel that provides the support needed when in motion on the pedals.

Design

This option has a sleek appearance that just looks like it performs well. And that it does. It has a seamless upper for comfort, is lightweight, breathable and a secure fit. It has an asymmetric closure with an off-center Boa closure system, as well as a unibody construction.

Comfort

This is a comfortable pair thanks to small features that go a long way. First is it is seamless upper that eliminates all stitching. This means it is smooth on the feet. The dials are off center so they don’t rest on the top of the foot that can be sensitive. There is also a replaceable heel bumper.

Adjustability

The Pearl Izumi Pro Leader v4 has a zonal Bi-direction closure that has a great git that is secure and keeps that foot in place. While this is important for power transfer efficiency, it also allows for a semi-custom fit. More importantly, is its dual Boa IP1 dials that allow for 1 mm micro-adjustability.

Read also about pearl izumi running.

Power Transfer

This option has a 1:1 insole system that allows for the independent arch and forefoot varus canting adjustment. It has an integrated carbon power plate that is stiff, while still being lightweight. With a stiffness rating of an impressive 13 for the soles, the overall unibody construction proves super low stack height which enhances pedaling efficiency. It also has a 3-hole design.

Design

It is great for road biking, indoor and mountain biking. The cleat has a 2 and 3-hole design, and buckle closure. The upper is made of synthetic leather with a nylon mesh that makes it durable, strong, stable and breathable. It is lightweight and has an EVA footbed.

Comfort

It has a padded tongue to add to its level of comfort. There is added support at the instep, and it features a smaller toe box made with women’s feet in find. Plus there is enough air circulation that helps to keep feet dry and comfortable.

Adjustability

Along with buckle closure, the Shimano SH-RP2 has three asymmetrical straps to reduce pressure and hot sports. As it is specifically designed for women, it has a more secure and narrow fit that feels nice and snug.

Power Transfer

It has a fiberglass reinforced nylon sole with a direct connection to the pedal that enhances power transfer to the pedals—with a more efficient upstroke. It is stiff with a low profile, and has SPD and SPD-L compatibility to wear to spin class or when road riding.

Design

There is no need for the awkward duck walk after jumping off of your ride at the end of class. The cleats on this design are recessed into the shoe, which means that you can walk like a normal human after dismounting. It is important to note, however, that the cleats are not included with purchase.

Comfort

Another thing that uses love about this design is that it is incredibly lightweight and keeps your feet cool. The upper is composed of a mesh textile that promotes the circulation of air.

Adjustability

If you are in the market for something that hosts smart features to keep your feet comfortable on and off of the bike, this is a great choice. Plus, it comes in at a price point that costs about the same amount as a good pair of running trainers.

Power Transfer

The velcros straps across the top of the foot make taking them on and off quick and easy and boost lockdown.

Design

This pair is designed to be worn when riding, commuting or getting around on the bike. It's upper includes synthetic leather and mesh that aids in breathability. The EVA insole also offers ventilation, so expect the feet to stay nice and dry without sweat or causing overheating. The bottom is SPD cleats that fit all major MTB pedals. It also has a reflective heel for visibility in low light situations and when night riding.

Comfort

The outsole of this shoe provides some flexibility, making it not too stiff to be able to walk. This flexibility is a great feature for those who do triathlons or who want or need to walk around comfortably off their mountain bike. And its nylon fiberglass outsole also prevents heel pressure. This all calls for one comfortable footwear.

Adjustability

The Multi Air Flex’s closure system consists of three velcro hook and loop fasteners straps that not only provide enough support, but it also allows for a more adjustable fit.

Power Transfer

They have stabilized heel that keeps it down and in place. This means less lifting to not reduce power transfer. The stiffness isn’t as important here since it is a shoe for mountain biking and the consumer needs to be able to walk. That’s where its nylon. fiberglass sole domes in. It is stiff enough for bike riding and without hindering walking.