The 25 best cycle shoe brands
Shimano, SIDI and Specialized lead our ranking of 25 cycle shoe brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Cycle Shoe brands, ranked
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1
Shimano
Carbon soles and a broad sizing range make Shimano's road and SPD-compatible shoes a dependable mid-to-premium choice.
Top products: S-Phyre RC9· RP2· Dynalast
Website: shimano.com |Brands like Shimano
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
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3
Specialized
Body Geometry footbeds and BOA dial closures run across road, gravel and mountain shoes at mid-range prices.
Top products: Torch 3.0· Recon 3.0· 2FO ClipLite
Website: specialized.com |Brands like Specialized
Popularity 6.8/10
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4
Fizik
Dial-closure road shoes with a sculpted, arched sole that racers favour for stiff, efficient pedalling.
Top products: Tempo Overcurve R5
Website: fizik.com |Brands like Fizik
Popularity 6.5/10
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5
Lake
Wide-fitting winter and MTB boots with insulated uppers for riders who keep going in cold weather.
Top products: CX161· MXZ176· CXZ176
Website: lakecycling.com |Brands like Lake
Popularity 5.4/10
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6
adidas
Adi Dassler had the goal to provide athletes with only the best. In 1949, he registered a shoe that later became one of the precursors of modern Adidas shoes. In 1954, he introduced the screw-in studs for lightweight football boots that propelled the German football team to victory in the World Cup. Adidas became a household name and gained the trust of athletes. Today, Adidas enjoys global acclaim as it continues to provide premium-quality equipment.
Website: adidas.com |Brands like adidas
Popularity 5.3/10
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7
Giro
Affordable road and MTB shoes with BOA and ratchet closures, popular with recreational riders.
Popularity 4.7/10
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8
Vittoria
Retro leather-upper SPD shoes and carbon-soled MTB models, with Italian craftsmanship across the range.
Website: vittoria.com |Brands like Vittoria
Popularity 4.4/10
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9
Pearl Izumi
Walkable off-road shoes and BOA road models, with the X-Alp line popular for trail riding.
Top products: X-Alp Canyon· Race V5· Quest
Website: pearlizumi.com |Brands like Pearl Izumi
Popularity 4.0/10
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10
Northwave
Road shoes with carbon soles and enduro models for technical trails, built for riders who want a secure fit.
Top products: Fighter· Enduro Mid 2
Website: northwave.com |Brands like Northwave
Popularity 3.5/10
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11
Venzo
Budget-friendly Look Delta-compatible road shoes with triple-strap closures for indoor and outdoor riding.
Website: venzobike.com |Brands like Venzo
Popularity 3.1/10
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12
Louis Garneau
Chrome-series shoes with hook-and-loop straps and a 3-bolt sole, suited to casual road riders.
Top products: Chrome II· Course Air Lite 2
Popularity 2.9/10
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13
Nike
Low-cut lace-up SPD shoes with a two-bolt cleat, suited to commuters rather than racers.
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 2.6/10
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14
Gaerne
Motocross boots and carbon road shoes, both with a narrow last and buckle-and-strap closures.
Website: gaerne.com |Brands like Gaerne
Popularity 2.6/10
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15
Mavic
Mavic produces wheels and wheelsets for road, track, mountain and e-bike riding, and is a French company. The wheel line targets riders focused on speed and handling. Cycling shoes and parts round out the range for complete setups from one...
Website: mavic.com |Brands like Mavic
Popularity 2.5/10
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16
Diadora
Diadora has created a world of fashion and comfort on its website. You can find active clothes and footwear categorized into neat little tabs there. People who tend to live an active lifestyle and are always on the move need...
Website: diadora.com |Brands like Diadora
Popularity 2.1/10
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17
SCOTT
Scott Brand produces paper towels in assorted textures for all purposes at affordable rates. Use them anywhere – in your kitchen, bathroom, or workshop! Shop towels and rags can clean and clear out messes at your workplace and are highly...
Website: scottbrand.com |Brands like SCOTT
Popularity 2.0/10
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18
crankbrothers
Crankbrothers is the top manufacturer of sophisticated mountain bike components in the world. They design mountain bike components tested by some of the world's finest athletes, engineered to help you achieve your goals, constructed to last, and backed by their...
Website: crankbrothers.com |Brands like crankbrothers
Popularity 2.0/10
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19
Giant
Giant is the place to go if you love the thrill and adventure of bike riding! Giant is a leader in making professional bicycles widely used in racing and triathlons. They sell Road and Mountain bikes made for riding on...
Website: giant-bicycles.com |Brands like Giant
Popularity 2.0/10
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20
Bont
Bont cycling is a brand that manufactures shoes fit for cycling while ensuring grip, excellent fit, and best performance. The company blends technology with style, making a difference on the inside. Usage of the world's best carbon fiber in Bont...
Website: bontcycling.com |Brands like Bont
Popularity 1.6/10
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22
Exustar
Exustar has been in the industry for 25 years. They have focused on being the leading supplier of bicycle pedals, shoes, and other accessories that riders need. Exustar has been dedicated to researching and developing new riding technology since 2002....
Website: exustar.com |Brands like Exustar
Popularity 1.5/10
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23
Serfas
Ray and Domino decided to bring Serfas to life more than 20 years ago. Serfas is a general bicycle accessories company. The general outlook of the company is to make more people take up on the eco-friendly means of transport...
Website: serfas.com |Brands like Serfas
Popularity 1.4/10
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24
Forte
Forte Sportswear is obsessed with creating high-performance tailored clothes for cycling, triathlon, running, speed skating, and the active lifestyle. The highlights in their collection were some new materials, production processes, and unique advances in originality, quality, and design. The forte...
Website: fortesportswear.us |Brands like Forte
Popularity 1.4/10
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25
RIDE
Mountain cyclists that like performance and aesthetics may choose the footwear line Ride Concepts. Superior-performance boots and fashionable sneakers are among the types offered by the unique collection of footwear. Ride is the first business to release a distinct, patented...
Website: rideconcepts.com |Brands like RIDE
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano | shimano.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| SIDI | sidi.com | /SidiSport.Official | sidisport_official | @sidisport | SidiSport |
| Specialized | specialized.com | – | – | – | – |
| Fizik | fizik.com | /fizikofficial | fizikofficial | @fizikofficial | fizik |
| Lake | lakecycling.com | /67679796238138 | lakecycling | @Lake_Cycling | – |
| adidas | adidas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Vittoria | vittoria.com | – | – | – | – |
| Pearl Izumi | pearlizumi.com | /pearlizumicycling | pearlizumiofficial/ | @pearlizumi | – |
| Northwave | northwave.com | – | – | – | – |
Cycle Shoes Buying Guide
Having the right gear is important for any cyclist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete. One piece of equipment that often gets overlooked is cycling shoes. Investing in a good pair of cycling shoes can make a huge difference in your comfort, performance, and overall experience when cycling. Here is a guide to help you choose the right cycle shoes for your needs.
Types of Cycle Shoes
Not all cycle shoes are created equal, and there are different types of shoes for different types of cycling. Here are some of the most common types of cycle shoes:
- Road Cycling Shoes: These shoes are designed for road cycling and are typically lightweight with stiff soles for maximum power transfer. They often have a three-bolt cleat system for use with clipless pedals.
- Mountain Biking Shoes: Mountain biking shoes have a more rugged design and are often heavier than road cycling shoes. They typically have a two-bolt cleat system for use with clipless pedals and have more grip on the sole for better traction on rough terrain.
- Indoor Cycling Shoes: Indoor cycling shoes are designed specifically for use in spin classes or indoor cycling workouts. They often have a casual, sneaker-like design with a two-bolt cleat system for use with clipless pedals.
- Cyclocross Shoes: Cyclocross shoes are designed for off-road cyclocross racing, and have a more aggressive sole for better traction in muddy conditions. They often have a two-bolt cleat system for use with clipless pedals.
- Triathlon Shoes: Triathlon shoes are designed for use in triathlons and often have a quick-entry design to make it easier to put them on and take them off quickly during transitions. They typically have a three-bolt cleat system for use with clipless pedals.
Key Features to Look for in Cycle Shoes
Now that you have an idea of the different types of cycle shoes available, here are some key features to look for when choosing a pair:
Fitting
One of the most important things to consider when choosing cycle shoes is their fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause discomfort, pain, and even injuries. Cycling shoes should fit snugly, but not so tightly that they cut off circulation or cause discomfort.
When trying on cycling shoes, make sure to wear the socks you plan on wearing when cycling. The shoes should fit securely around your foot, with no slipping or sliding around. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle, but not so much that they move around inside the shoe.
It's also important to consider the width of the shoe. Some cycling shoes come in a wide width option for those with wider feet. If you have wider feet, make sure to try on shoes with a wider toe box to ensure a comfortable fit.
Cleat Compatibility
Another important feature to consider when choosing cycling shoes is their cleat compatibility. Different types of cycling shoes come with different cleat systems, so it's important to make sure the shoes you choose are compatible with your pedals.
Most road cycling shoes come with a three-bolt cleat system, while mountain biking shoes typically have a two-bolt cleat system. Some cycling shoes also have a four-bolt cleat system, so make sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
Sole Stiffness
The stiffness of a cycling shoe's sole is important for power transfer and overall performance. A stiffer sole will transfer more power to the pedals with each stroke, while a softer sole will absorb more of the pedal stroke and decrease power transfer.
Road cycling shoes typically have the stiffest soles, followed by cyclocross and mountain biking shoes. Indoor cycling shoes often have softer soles to provide more comfort during longer workouts.
Breathability
When cycling, your feet can get hot and sweaty, especially during longer rides. Choosing a cycling shoe with good breathability can help keep your feet cool and dry, improving overall comfort and reducing the risk of blisters and hot spots.
Look for shoes with mesh panels or vents to help promote airflow, and make sure the shoes you choose are made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials.
Retention System
The retention system is how the cycling shoe stays securely on your foot. Most cycling shoes come with a variety of retention systems, including:
- Velcro Straps: Velcro straps are easy to adjust and provide a secure fit. However, they can wear out over time and may not be as durable as other retention systems.
- Ratcheting Buckles: Ratcheting buckles allow for precise adjustments and are often found on more high-end cycling shoes. They are more durable than velcro straps, but can also be more expensive.
- Boa Lacing System: The Boa lacing system uses a dial to tighten or loosen the shoe, providing a secure and precise fit. This system is often found on high-end cycling shoes and is very durable.
When trying on cycling shoes, make sure to test out the retention system to ensure it is secure and comfortable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cycle shoes is important for any cyclist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete. Look for shoes that fit properly, have the appropriate cleat compatibility, a stiff sole for power transfer, good breathability, and a secure retention system. By investing in a good pair of cycling shoes, you can improve your comfort, performance, and overall cycling experience.
