3 Best Indoor Cycling Shoes in 2023
![3 Best Indoor Cycling Shoes in 2023](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/buying_guide_primary/36/best-indoor-cycling-shoes-15275158-960.jpg)
You know that you are serious about results when you get your own pair of spin shoes.
Whether it’s a Peloton session at home or a new membership at a local spinning studio, a specialized indoor cycling shoe will help you get the most out of it.
We have tested and reviewed over a dozen of indoor cycling shoes to help you buy the best one. Whether you’re looking for a premium option, a budget-friendly one for beginners, or a solid all-arounder, we’ve got a top pick in each category.
And if you are still not convinced about the benefits of having a special pair of spin shoes, look over our guide.
Best indoor cycling shoes overall
![nike superrep cycle black 6d09 600](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/36151/nike-superrep-cycle-black-6d09-600.jpg)
zapatillas de running Merrell hombre entrenamiento talla 40.5 | What makes it the best?
Pros
- Visually appealing
- No hot spots or blisters
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- High-quality materials
- Kurt Geiger London metallic-effect heeled sandals Pink
- zapatillas de running Merrell hombre entrenamiento talla 40.5
- casual shoe that I wear
Cons
- Can feel the cleats
Today's best price
![White (CW2191100)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/36151/nike-superrep-cycle-white-e23d-60.jpg)
![nike superrep cycle black 6d09 60](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/36151/nike-superrep-cycle-black-6d09-60.jpg)
![Blue (CW2191484)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/36151/nike-superrep-cycle-blue-void-copa-total-orange-df0a-60.jpg)
![Green (CW2191348)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/36151/nike-superrep-cycle-green-c34a-60.jpg)
Indoor cycling shoes with the best comfort
![adidas indoor cycling shoes core black cloud white cloud white b60c 600](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-indoor-cycling-shoes-core-black-cloud-white-cloud-white-b60c-600.jpg)
zapatillas de running Merrell hombre entrenamiento talla 40.5 | What makes it the best?
Pros
- Comfortable for long rides
- Easy-to-adjust Velcro
- New Balance 210 Sneaker in Burgunder
- Walkable for an indoor shoe
- Very lightweight
- Excellent breathability
- Well-constructed
- Boys Clarks Natural Desert Boot
- Good-looking
Cons
- New Balance Cypher v2 Ladies Running Shoes
- East Stone Boots
Today's best price
![Off White/Shadow Maroon/Bliss Pink (GX1669)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-indoor-cycling-shoes-off-white-shadow-maroon-bliss-pink-ec35-60.jpg)
![Turbo/Cloud White/Acid Red (GZ6343)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-the-indoor-cycling-shoe-men-s-pink-size-9-5-turbo-cloud-white-acid-red-c800-60.jpg)
![adidas indoor cycling shoes cloud white silver metallic grey two 805c 60](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-indoor-cycling-shoes-cloud-white-silver-metallic-grey-two-805c-60.jpg)
![Core Black Ftwr White Ftwr White (GX6544)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-indoor-cycling-shoes-core-black-cloud-white-cloud-white-b60c-60.jpg)
![adidas indoor cycling shoes linen green core black beam yellow 2e85 60](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/38204/adidas-indoor-cycling-shoes-linen-green-core-black-beam-yellow-2e85-60.jpg)
Best indoor cycling shoes with laces
![Black/Black](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/pearl-izumi/34739/pearl-izumi-men-s-tour-road-bike-shoes-black-black-black-black-5724-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Satisfactory comfort
- Adorable retro design
- Budget-friendly
- Secure fit
- Excellent ventilation
- Premium quality
Cons
- Unreplaceable rubber pads
- Needs recessed cleat area
- Uncomfortable during the first few rides
Today's best price
![Black/Black (15181903027)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/pearl-izumi/34739/pearl-izumi-men-s-tour-road-bike-shoes-black-black-black-black-5724-60.jpg)
Comparison of the 3 best indoor cycling shoes
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What are indoor cycling shoes?
Like Sneakers New Balance U327CP Rose, indoor bike shoes, or spin shoes, connect your foot to the pedal. This way, you not only push the pedal but also pull it, which engages your feet and legs more effectively.
Spin shoes are a mix of road and mountain bike footwear. Khrisjoy Puff quilted high-top sneakers Yellow:
- more walkable than road shoes
- less rugged than MTB shoes
Why choose spin shoes over trainers?
Maxim Ankle Boots in Czarny Leather LIGHT KHAKI Marathon Running Shoes Khaki Low Tops Wear-resistant Breathable Non-Slip M576SE inside a special cage on the bike pedals. You can certainly do so if spinning is just a small part of your workout routine.
But those who mainly focus on cycling will find greater benefits in using a dedicated bike shoe:
Sneakers / Trainers | Indoor cycling shoes |
Muscles activated | |
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Сапоги crocs jaunt shorty boot:
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Why USE cycling shoes:
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3 steps to getting the right indoor bike shoe
You surely want to feel good and look good while spinning your miles. But unlike casual sneakers, cycling shoes are designed as a very technical type of footwear.
So, before you grab the most pretty-looking pair, do consider these crucial features for your biking performance:
- Choose the cleat system: SPD, Look Delta, or both?
- Check the upper material and its breathability.
- Consider the retention system: Velcro, laces, or BOA?
Learn more about each component in the sections below.
1. Cleat system
Find out what type of pedal system is used by your studio or the spin bike you purchased.
In most cases, it will be the two-bolt SPD cleat system. It is a common setup because it takes up a small area of the shoe, allowing you to walk and even do some other training exercises.
zapatillas de running La Sportiva constitución fuerte moradas más de 100 three-bolt Look Delta system.
But what is the difference?
SPD (2 holes) | Look Delta (3 holes) |
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todas las sneakers que salen al mercado universally compatible bike shoe. This category has holes for both SPD and Look Delta cleats.
PLEASE NOTE that indoor cycling shoes and cleats are sold separately
2. Upper material and breathability
A vast majority of indoor bike shoes are made of synthetic materials. The brands design all sorts of fabric variations to achieve a balance of support and breathability.
Perforations | Mesh |
Breathability |
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nike stick air max 2013 womens sale shoes 2017 | Tod's lace-up Oxford shoes |
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4. Retention system
When you are up on a bike, adjusting your shoe becomes more of a nuisance as you need to stop and dismount.
That’s why most spin shoes employ straps and other tricky mechanisms to allow for quick on-the-go adjustments. Find out the pros and cons of each one below:
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Some shoes also employ a combination of two closures to balance out the disadvantages of each and provide more fit regulation options.
Frequently asked questions
What are some of the indoor cycling models made for Peloton?
Mens sneakers x Patta x Experimental Jetset Chuck 70 A03173C the three-bolt cleat system (commonly called SPD-SL or Look Delta). However, it is worth noting that the brand also sells proprietary Peloton cycling shoes.
When to replace indoor bike shoes?
Like any other cycling shoe pair, there will be signs when you need to retire your trusty old spin shoe:
- Parts are starting to come off or break, such as hardware or upper materials.
- Materials start to feel inefficient, which hinders your performance or comfort. Maybe the sole feels more flexible than usual, or the upper no longer provides a snug fit.
How should spin shoes fit?
Indoor cycling shoes are modeled after road and mountain bike shoes. If your chosen spin shoe looks more like a road shoe, then the fit should be snug without any pressure points. If you chose an indoor bike shoe that resembles an MTB shoe, the fit is a bit more giving without compromising the supportive feel.
Here are a couple of reminders to guide you in your next purchase:
- When you first try out any bike shoe, it will feel rigid because of its stiff soles.
- Check if the closures cause any pinching or pain when tightened.
- Walk and make pedal motions while sitting to check if there is any moving or slipping action happening. If there is, try the next size down.
- Ensure there is a little room in front of your toes (around 5 mm) but not as much as you would have in running shoes.
How we test indoor cycling shoes
We are a very dedicated group of shoeworms (yup, bookworms but with shoes) who work relentlessly to figure out the hows and whys in footwear. We start by shopping for all the shoes we like to test. For the record, we pay for all these shoes. We adhere to this policy so we remain uninvolved with the brands, plus we remember to always be fair-minded in reviewing the shoes.
The next part is the fun part. We personally wear the shoes in our spin classes and in cycling using different types of stationary bikes. We acquire information from our real experiences so we can share what we actually felt and observed while wearing them for a great period of time.
We are also after the specifics of the shoes, like how flexible they are, what's the thickness of the insole and cushioning, or how plush is the midsole. We all measure these inside our lab. Another thing we do is break the shoe apart to uncover everything that builds the shoes.