Best cycling shoes 2024 rated and reviewed

Wearing the best cycling shoes will make every ride more enjoyable, with improved pedalling efficiency and greater comfort.

Female cyclist putting on a pair of the best cycling shoes.
(Image credit: Future)

 

As the interface between your legs and the pedals, the best cycling shoes transfer all the power you produce to the bike. Having efficient, comfortable shoes is vital for an enjoyable ride but exactly which shoes are right for you will depend on the riding you do and the shape of your foot.

All the shoes below have been tested and rated by Cycling Weekly’s experienced testers, and range from race-ready models to some more budget-friendly options. The best road bikes will benefit from these premium shoes whilst gravel bike riders will need a pair of the best gravel bike shoes. Regular commuter bike users will want to look at our best cycling shoes for commuting suggestions.

Be wary of choosing shoes based purely on discount - good quality shoes that fit you well will be a far better buy in the long run than a pair of half-price shoes that are uncomfortable or unsuited to your riding. 

What you'll find on this page

This guide is broken down into four sections; best entry-level cycling shoes, best performance cycling shoes, best cycling shoes for wide feet and a comprehensive guide on what to look for and how to choose the best cycling shoes for you.

The quick list

Best budget cycling shoe

Image shows DHB DORICA ROAD shoes

The dhb Dorica shoes offer high performance in a budget package

(Image credit: Paul Grele)
Best cycling shoes on a budget

Specifications

Sizes: EUR 39-48
Colors: 1
Weight: 510g (pairsize 44)
Fastening system: Laces

Reasons to buy

+
Carbon sole
+
Lace closure for exacting fit
+
Comfortable for long rides
+
Lightweight shoe 

Reasons to avoid

-
Heel cup needs tightening 
-
Color choice limited 

We were really impressed with the retro race shoe blend of laces and carbon sole, especially at the price point that these dhb Dorica road bike shoes come in at.

On test, we found the power transfer to be excellent, and on par with other shoes at three times the price. The heel cup wasn't as snug as more expensive options, but heel slip wasn't too noticeable when out of the saddle climbing.

The insoles are on the thin side, and the fit of the overall shoe is relatively wide and flat, so riders with stability issues might want to consider aftermarket footbeds or insoles.

At this price point, there is some stiff competition in the form of the Shimano RC3 shoes and the Specialized Torch (see below), but the carbon sole, low weight and overall looks make the dhb Dorica shoes hard to beat and a perfect cycling shoe for anyone no matter the size of their budget.

Read more: dhb Dorica Carbon full review

For more low-cost models, check out our best budget cycling shoes guide.

Best mid-range cycling shoe

Image shows Shimano Cycling shoes

The Shimano RC5 shoes provide all day riding comfort

(Image credit: Future)
Best mid-range cycling shoe

Specifications

Sizes: EUR 35-50
Colors: 4
Weight: 550g (pair size 45)
Fastening system: BOA dial and Velcro strap

Reasons to buy

+
Adequate stiffness for multi-hour rides
+
Simple, single BOA retention
+
Good looking aesthetics
+
Broad size range including wide fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Fiddly to get tongue to sit comfortably

Shimano has trickled down the tech of its range-topping S-Phyre, (featured below as another, if pricier, great cycling shoe) to give a happy equilibrium of low cost and high performance.

To reduce the price, one of the BOA dials has been swapped out for a Velcro strap and the dials are the L6 model which only ratchets tighter, unlike the IP1 dials on the S-Phyre which allow you to loosen the tension in 1mm increments.

However, this has not been at the sacrifice of functionality. The comfort of these shoes was impeccable, with no hotspots forming on our long rides outdoors or indoors. The cooling effect of the many perforations that pepper the upper is certainly palpable; you can really feel the air flowing in.

Whether the extreme breathability of these shoes counts as a good or a bad thing will, of course, depend on when and where you are riding.

There are multiple sizes available and men's and women's fit options as well as wider fit versions, but colors are limited to just two in each range, white or Shimano blue for the men's and white or navy blue for women's.

Read more: Shimano RC5 cycling shoe full review

Best value high-performance cycling shoe

Image shows the Specialized S-Works Lace road cycling shoes

The S-Works Lace shoes lose weight with their laced construction

(Image credit: Andy Turner)
Best value high-performance cycling shoe

Specifications

Sizes: EUR 39 to 49 (half sizes from 39 to 46)
Colors: 3
Weight: 484g (pair size 45)
Fastening system: Laces

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Highly adjustable 
+
Super stiff
+
Look great

Reasons to avoid

-
Material can rub on ankle
-
Difficult to really tighten the fit for sprinting

The lace model of the S-Works line is the most affordable in the range - and also notably comfortable.

Laces are excellent for distributing pressure evenly to achieve a comfy fit for all-day rides. Plus the shoes also benefit from the superb FACT Powerline carbon sole, which is one of the stiffest platforms on the market. 

That said, the S-Works 7 Lace also suffers from the same problem as all lace-up shoes - there's no scope for adjustment on the fly and it is difficult to get them really tightened down for sprint efforts. Our tester found that his feet would still end up moving a little inside the shoes, no matter what. But for long rides and anything that doesn’t involve maximal sprints, the 7 Lace is even more comfortable than the regular S-Works 7, and makes an excellent choice.

Overall, these are stylish, supportive and lightweight shoes that combine a stiff sole with all-day comfort. They’re comparatively good value for a premium shoe, too, being cheaper than both the Giro Empire SLX and the DMT KRSL.

Read more: Specialized S-Works Lace road cycling shoes

Best high-performance cycling shoe

Image shows the Shimano S-Phyre RC903 shoes

Shimano S-Phyre RC903 shoes major on foot support

(Image credit: Andy Turner)
Best high-performance cycling shoe

Specifications

Sizes : EUR 38-48, half sizes 41.5 - 46.5; wide fit 40-46
Colors: 4
Weight: 450g (pair size 42, claimed), 504g (pair size 45, measured)
Fastening system: BOA dials

Reasons to buy

+
Firm heel retention
+
Quality instep support
+
Plenty of sizes and wide fit options

Reasons to avoid

-
Standard fit might be too narrow

Shimano's top-of-range S-Phyre RC 903 is an upgrade to the RC902 that has reduced the weight a little, altered the lower BOA Li2 dial's lacing, integrated the heel cup more and increased ventilation. 

Shimano makes the shoes in two widths. We found the standard width a little narrow, but the wide fit, although only 3 to 4mm wider, worked better for us. BOA's Li2 dials provide micro adjust meant in both directions, so the shoes could be tightened or loosened whilst riding as conditions changed.

The arch support is adjustable and supports the foot well and the quite narrow toe box and secure heel cup mean that feet feel planted when sprinting with no heel lift or foot movement. 

Read more: Shimano S-Phyre RC903 cycling shoes full review

Best heat mouldable shoe

Bont Vaypor S road cycling shoes

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for getting a perfect fit

Specifications

Sizes: EUR 36-50 (in half sizes), 4 standard and 2 special order widths
Colors: 4
Weight: 460g (pair claimed size 42)

Reasons to buy

+
Huge range of sizes
+
Incredibly stiff
+
Low stack height
+
Mouldable to improve fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Sizing process is difficult
-
Only slight changes in fit possible through moulding

Bont uses a bathtub design for the unidirectional carbon sole of its Vaypor S road shoe, meaning that it slightly cradles your foot rather than just being underneath. This adds increased stiffness to the shoe which is then continued in the anti-stretch fabric of the upper. 

Reliable and hugely adjustable fastening is provided by two BOA Li2 dials, with precise adjustment available even on the move. Despite their stiffness, we found them incredibly comfortable on the bike thanks to the support of the sole. 

The Bont Vaypor S is available in a massive range of sizes with half sizes from 36-50 and then four standard and two special order widths. On top of that they are heat mouldable in your home oven so you can tweak the fit for comfort (that being said, we found this process only allows small changes to fit).

Read more: Bont Vaypor S road cycling shoes full review

Best for wide feet

Image shows the Lake CX403 cycling shoes

Lake CX403 cycling shoes are built to last

(Image credit: Future)
Best for wide feet

Specifications

Sizes : EUR 39-50
Colors: 4
Weight: 630g (pair size 39.5)
Fastening system: BOA dials

Reasons to buy

+
Heat mouldable 
+
Very stiff
+
Wide fit options available

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be uncomfortable if you make changes
-
Not as light as other shoes at this price

The Lake CX403 shoes are heat mouldable, a popular feature on many higher-end cycling shoes. They're designed as a race shoe rather than an all-rounder and we found them a bit stiff and with a low volume for everyday use but perfect for shorter blasts where the efficient power transfer really shines.

A mix of soft leather and stiff carbon fiber in the uppers aims to provide comfort along with support in all the appropriate places. Two independent BOA dials allow the instep and forefoot to be adjusted separately for improved personalisation of fit.

They're easy to mould both at a dealer and at home and you can repeat the process multiple times, making them a good option if your feet are an awkward shape for off-the-peg cycling shoes.

Read more: Lake CX403 shoes cycling shoes full review

Best for cooling

Image shows Specialized S-Works Vent Cycling Shoes.

With plenty of perforations, the Specialized S-Works Vent shoes help keep your feet cool in hot weather 

(Image credit: Andy Turner)
Best for cooling

Specifications

Size: EUR 36 - 49
Colors: 2
Weight: 546g (pair size 45)
Fastening system: Dials and Velcro strap

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Supremely comfortable
+
Stiff
+
Well ventilated

Reasons to avoid

-
Some of the ventilation is lost with an arch support fitted

Excellently ventilated and wonderfully comfortable to wear, the Specialized S-Works 7 Vent builds upon the very popular S-Works 7 shoes which have been ever-present at the top of the world tour podiums, and among the amateur peloton too. 

The shoes lose some weight compared to the regular 7s and although they also lose a little bit of stiffness this is not noticeable. 

The upper is the same non-stretch Dyneema but with mesh panels that not only deliver better ventilation but also provide additional give in the upper for increased comfort around areas prone to hotspots. 

We certainly noticed the extra ventialtion when riding, and so expect to get cold feet on chillier rides or wear light overshoes on cooler days. However, the big game changer is the mesh panelling which allows for foot expansion in heat and improved comfort when riding hard!

Although they come at a very premium price, they are readily available online at a discount which makes them very good value.

Read more: Specialized S-Works 7 Vent road cycling shoes full review

Best for arch support

Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon

(Image credit: Future)
Best for arch support

Specifications

Sizes : EUR 36-48, half sizes 37.5 - 46.5
Colors: 4
Weight: 454g (pair size 42, claimed), 540g (pair size 43.5, measured)
Fastening system: Two BOA dials

Reasons to buy

+
Arch Support 2.0 system cossets feet
+
Good ventilation
+
Very stiff

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as light as some competitors

The Vento Stabilata Carbon is Fizik's top road shoe. Using Fizik's Dynamic Arch Support 2.0 system, it's designed for durability, but at a measured 540g for a pair of size 43.5 it is not quite as light as some competitors. 

The mid-sole arch support system uses mesh, adding some extra ventilation to the carbon sole which Fizik claims is the stiffest in its range. As with its other shoes, Fizik has shifted the cleat bolt holes rearward, but not so much as to stop more forward cleat placement if you prefer this.

The synthetic upper feels robust and is easier to clean than fabric models. It's closed by two BOA Li2 dials for excellent micro adjustment and feels moderately wide.

Our tester doesn't suffer from any problems with arch pain, so the arch support system didn't provide any tangible benefits beyond a more cupped feeling, but we still rated the Vento Stabilata Carbon as an excellent pair of racing shoes.

Read more: Fizik Vento Stabilata Carbon full review

Best for sprinting

Image shows the Specialized S-Works Ares cycling shoes.

Specialized S-Works Ares cycling shoes povide plenty of foot comfort

(Image credit: Future)
Best for sprinting

Specifications

Sizes : EUR 39-49
Colors: 6
Weight: 450g (pair size 44)
Fastening system: BOA Dials

Reasons to buy

+
Very lightweight
+
Firm hold on the foot

Reasons to avoid

-
Don't suit all foot shapes

If you're heading into the money-no-object realm of cycling shoes, the Specialized S-Works Ares shoe is designed for the pro-level sprinter. It sits on the same carbon sole as the S-Works 7 shoe but comes with an upper that includes a deep, rigid heel cup. There's no separate tongue either, the upper fitting like a sock to avoid overlaps and shave a little weight. 

This upper provides the extra 'locked in' feeling that benefits pro-sprinters without impeding the movement of the tendons on the top of the foot and causing discomfort for the preceding 150km of the race.

Our tester found that they had to be put on more carefully than most shoes, ensuring that the 'tongue', sock liner and BOA straps were all sitting correctly, but once on, he found them comfortable to wear. However, the Ares shoes don't work for everyone - your feet need to be the right shape and they work best if your arches are high.

Read more: Specialized S-Works Ares cycling shoes full review

The best cycling shoes: buyer's guide

Cycling shoes are a critical element to ride comfort and there's a lot to think about when choosing the best cycling shoes for your needs. Our buyer's guide helps you to decide. 

How should I choose cycling shoes?

Beyond the obvious shoe size, there's a lot to think about when choosing cycling shoes. Even sizing isn't straightforward, as you want a cycling shoe to hold your foot steady to pedal efficiently, so you might need a shoe that's a half size down from your normal.

Carbon soles will be stiffer and increase pedalling efficiency, which is great unless you're expecting to walk in them when a little more give will prove useful. Likewise, they don't have any sole grip. 

You also need to make sure that you have the correct cleat holes in the sole for your intended pedal system; either two or three (or sometimes four for Speedplay cleats).

Think too about the closure system. BOA dials are efficient but expensive and single dials may not distribute pressure as evenly as dual dial systems. Ratchets and Velcro are cheaper and can be as efficient. Laces look smart and save weight, but you can't adjust them while riding.

A highly ventilated pair of cycling shoes or shoes with woven uppers will keep your feet cooler in hot conditions, but won't be so good if it's cold and damp.

Finally, there's the price: how much are you prepared to spend? There's no substitute for trying before you buy.

What are the important features of well-fitted cycling shoes?

Cycling is a forefoot sport. Whilst the foot itself doesn’t generate any power, all of the watts produced elsewhere pass through your feet. So not only do poorly fitting shoes create pain, but they can also limit performance.

A former British Cycling physiotherapist and bike fitter at the eponymous Phil Burt Innovation, Phil Burt told us: “If you’re in a wrongly fitted shoe it would manifest as rubbing around the little toe, pain underneath the first and second toe where a lot of people get numbness or pins and needles.”

Touching on the performance element, he added: “The foot and ankle don’t generate any power. All the power comes from your quad and your glute. But you can lose a hell of a lot through badly fitting shoes – for example, if your foot is moving around or over pronating, you can waste a lot of energy.”

The key variables when it comes to cycling shoes are the fastening system, the sole, the cleat style, and of course the fit, although that does depend on whether you've teamed with a pair of good cycling socks.  

What are the best cycling shoe fastening systems?

There are basically four different systems used to tighten cycling shoes: Velcro, ratchets, laces, and dials.

Almost all budget cycling shoes use Velcro straps for fastening, basically because it's a cheaper option. For the rider, Velcro straps do a good job of holding the shoe firmly in place but can be difficult to adjust on the move and it can also be a little tricky to get the precise fit you might want.

The other benefit of Velcro straps is that they are light. This means that they can also be found on very expensive lightweight shoes designed specifically for climbers. Over time, the Velcro can lose its effectiveness though, so that the hold on your foot can diminish.

The next step up in the fastening system food chain is ratchets, so look out for some of the great cycling shoes that offer these at a lower price point. A ratchet offers more precise adjustability than Velcro straps, gives a really secure fit, and can also easily be tightened while riding. However, loosening a ratchet is not quite as easy, often requiring two hands. Ratchets are generally found on mid-price shoes and are usually combined with a Velcro strap or two further down the shoe.

At the top of the tree you have dial closures, the fastening system used on most high-end shoes. In general, these are very secure, are easy to adjust, and can be dialled in (excuse the pun) to give a very precise hold. However, there are differences between different brands of dials. BOA dials offer the current gold standard with higher-end Boas providing incremental tightening and loosening, while those from other brands and lower-spec BOAs can't always be loosened quite so easily. 

The other option on a few other high-end shoes such as the Giro Empires and Specialized S-Works Sub 6 shoes (as well as a few retro-style shoes) is laces. For those interested in marginal gains, laces are very aerodynamic but are also generally very comfy as there's a wider distribution of pressure across the top of the foot and the laces self-adjust to help even it out. However, of course, laces are nigh-on impossible to adjust on the move.

best cycling shoes - Boa dial closures

Boa dials offer precise fine-tuning of fit

What are the best cycling shoe soles made from?

As with the fastening systems, different types of soles come on different cycling shoes, and of course the more you pay, the more you get.

The main thing that you are looking for with the soles of your cycling shoes is for them to be stiff. This means that when you press down the sole won't bend, meaning that all of the power that you generate is transferred through the sole and into the pedal. The second consideration is weight, with more expensive shoes coming with lighter soles.

Entry-level cycling shoes will generally come with nylon soles, but if you pay a bit more you will get shoes with carbon composite soles (i.e. a mixture of carbon and plastic), while at the top of the scale, you will find carbon-soled shoes. The only thing with some high-end shoes is that some people will find that the ultra-stiff sole may cause discomfort on longer rides, so it's worth reading some reviews before parting with your cash.

As ever, weight is also important, with top-of-the-range carbon shoes often being much lighter than entry-level models.

best cycling shoes cleat positioning on the sole

Most road cycling shoes are designed to fit three bolt cleats only

Which cycling shoe cleats are best for me?

While you're looking at the material of the soles of your prospective new cycling shoes, it's worth looking at the type of cleats that they will accommodate, as some will take two-bolt cleats while others will take three-bolt cleats. Some, particularly lower-priced models, let you fit either. Your choice really depends on what type of riding you're doing.

If you're riding off-road or want to have a pair of shoes that are easy to walk in, then go for a pedal system that uses two-bolt cleats such as Shimano SPDs or Crankbrothers Eggbeaters.

However, for most road riding, you want three-bolt cleats which will give you a wider platform for improved power transfer through the pedals. For that reason, mid and high-end shoes will only come with a three bolt pattern.

What should I do to look after my cycling shoes?

Even if you're riding in warm, dry conditions, your cycling shoes are likely to get sweaty inside. Once you take them off, don't just leave them sitting in a plastic bag, but put them somewhere dry where they can air and dry out. It's a good idea to pull out your insoles too, to make sure that the inside of the sole unit dries out fully. Many more expensive cycling shoes will come with a net storage bag to keep them in.

If your shoes get wet, you should take out the insoles and pack the inside of the shoes with scrunched-up newspaper to help soak up the moisture.

Most cycling shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth, but don't try anything more aggressive to clean them unless the maker's care instructions advise this.

If you're regularly riding in poor conditions, a pair of the best cycling overshoes will help keep your shoes clean. Overshoes tend to wear quickly though; a dedicated pair of winter cycling shoes like the Gaerne Icestorm boots might be a better bet for bad weather. They will have a fully enclosed, waterproof upper and sole, usually with a breathable membrane and insulation, to help keep your feet dry and warm.

Heel support and heel lift are often an issue with this type of winter boot though, so make sure that the fit is good if you go this route with space for some warm socks. Also, consider swapping to winter boots and pedals with two-bolt cleats for their better walkability in the wet or when it's icy so that you're less likely to take a spill on a tile floor at the coffee stop.

Do brands make cycling shoes to fit wider feet?

When brands create cycling shoes, they will typically cater for the “average” individual to accommodate the largest segment of the market. However, with cycling shoes being both incredibly rigid and fixed in place via cleats and pedals, those who fall outside the norm can struggle to find shoes that fit.

Several brands do offer ‘wide fit’ options - these include Sidi, Bont, Shimano and Lake. Lake provides wide toe boxes as well as custom moulded heel cups to ensure a good fit all round for those with a wide forefoot and narrow ankle.

We’ve had one wide-footed tester - Cycling Weekly's Owen Rogers, put three pairs of the best cycling shoes for wide feet through their paces. However, former British Cycling physio Phil Burt advises that those looking to solve foot pain ensure they’re solving the correct problem before purchasing.

“You may not have wide feet. It could be that your foot is collapsing, and therefore splaying. A lot of people think they have wide feet, but given an off-the-shelf corrective insole, the problem goes away because they have the support their foot needs.”

You can buy arch-supporting insoles from your local chemist, and of course, there are many brands out there that will create you a custom version should you want something more bespoke.

If you're sure you do have wide feet, and not a need for an insole, then read on.

Do I need custom insoles in my cycling shoes?

Cycling shoes, even pricey ones, often come with fairly basic flat insoles. Since your feet are held in a static position, this can cause discomfort over time. It's worth considering an insole upgrade. Some aftermarket insoles will have an adjustable level of arch support, most will be made of more substantial material than the insoles that come with your shoes and often there will be other extra features like a less flat profile and a midfoot bump to help support your feet better. You can also buy bespoke insoles made to match your feet.

There are a number of different shoes on the market such as the Bont Riot and the Lake CX402 that can be customized through heat moulding to fit the shape of your feet. This means that the shoes should perfectly support the arch of your foot, ensuring that you should be very comfortable and power transfer should be improved too as your foot won't move around at all. If you have flat feet or arch-related problems, heat mouldable shoes could be the solution.

How do triathlon cycling shoes differ from road cycling shoes?

Triathlon shoes are different from road shoes. If you fancy the idea of doing some triathlons, it might be worth getting a triathlon-specific pair.

Tri shoes are designed to be put on and off quickly while cycling and consequently use an easy-to-open retention system. They often feature a loop on the heel that you can grab for easier access. However, if you ride in cold weather, be aware that tri-shoes often also feature drainage holes and mesh for wet feet so they don't offer much insulation from the cold. If you want road shoes and not triathlon shoes, be sure to check with the retailer that you're getting what you want.

Should I try cycling shoes on before I buy them?

The best way to check the fit of a shoe is to try it on in your local bike shop before purchasing (hopefully you'll make the purchase in the shop too!). It is better to do this in the afternoon or evening as your feet can expand slightly during the day.

Shoe sizing is pretty consistent across brands, particularly when compared to other pieces of cycling clothing – but just because your old and worn-out size 46 shoes were comfortable, it doesn't necessarily mean you can jump straight into a different brand in the same size.

Arch heights, shoe widths, and different fastening systems can all mean that you may find yourself going a size up or down when buying new cycling shoes. Flashier shoes usually come in half sizes, so you can get a good match for your feet. Lower-priced shoes, however, tend to be sold in whole sizes only - they are usually more roomy to start with as well. If your feet are between sizes, that can make choosing the right size tricky. If you're not sure, we'd suggest sizing down.

How we test

Cycling Weekly's team of testers has extensive experience in assessing and writing unbiased reviews of a wide range of cycling products. Since it all involves riding, shoes are central to this and we've tested literally hundreds of different pairs.

We have testers with large feet, small feet, narrow feet and wide feet, so you can be sure that we've taken account of the differences in fit and foot comfort for a wide range of riders and understand what makes for a good pair of cycling shoes.

All our reviews use the same 1 to 5 star rating system:

5 - Superb, best in its class and we couldn’t fault it
4 - Solid product, could be improved
3 - Fine, but a few niggles let this down
2 - Acceptable, needs improvement
1 - Extremely poor, barely worked

Stefan Abram
Tech features editor

After winning the 2019 National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Championships and claiming the plushie unicorn (true story), Stefan swapped the flat-bars for drop-bars and has never looked back. 


Since then, he’s earnt his 2ⁿᵈ cat racing licence in his first season racing as a third, completed the South Downs Double in under 20 hours and Everested in under 12.


But his favourite rides are multiday bikepacking trips, with all the huge amount of cycling tech and long days spent exploring new roads and trails - as well as histories and cultures. Most recently, he’s spent two weeks riding from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia


Height: 177cm

Weight: 67–69kg