As fitness enthusiasts know, spinning is an excellent workout choice for building your endurance, burning calories, blasting away fat and toning your lower body. What you may not know, however, is how important it is to choose the correct shoe for indoor cycling. Running shoes or trainers are not designed for fast pedaling or for supporting the foot and ankle, so wearing these types of shoes during your class can lead to increased pressure and strain – not to mention increased chances of slipping off the pedals. If you bought an indoor spin bike during quarantine and need some shoes to go with it, here’s everything you need to know about the best spinning shoes to purchase.
Spinning shoes are typically designed with a stiff sole, with less padding than other athletic shoes. The sole is also constructed with rubber to prevent slippage, and to keep your foot and ankle secure while pedaling. The most important aspect of a spinning shoe, however, is the type of cleats attached.
Cleats are generally sold separately because there are two different types that correspond to one of two primary pedaling systems: the Delta system and the SPD system. It’s best to check which ones your indoor spin bike requires before making a purchase. Peloton bikes, for example, use Delta-compatible cleats.
So why should you purchase a shoe specifically for spinning? Investing in a pair of indoor cycling shoes will be a game-changer for your favorite workout for a couple of reasons. First, they will allow you to transfer more energy from your legs to the bike because it won’t be absorbed by cushioning in the shoe. In turn, this results in your muscles working harder, which means your lower body is getting a better workout.
Second, wearing cycling-specific shoes will help prevent injury and lessen muscle soreness post-workout. Plus, whenever we can return to fitness studios like SoulCycle, you’ll save yourself the $3-$5 rental fee cost.
Cleats and shoes for spinning are typically sold separately, and while there are numerous brands and styles to chose from, these are a few trusted brands that we feel out-perform their competitors. If you’re looking for the best shoes for your indoor cycling bike, Peloton, NordicTrack or otherwise, these are them.
1. Tommaso Strada 100 Dual Cleat Compatible Spinning Shoe
BEST OVERALL
These spin shoes from Tommaso are compatible with all cleats and combine comfort and performance with that versatility to create one of the best spin shoes your money can buy. The cleat area is compatible with both Look Delta and SPD bindings and will create the stable, secure platform you’re looking for no matter what pedals you prefer to ride with. This brand offers a 2 year’s manufacturer’s warranty along with their products and have a fiberglass reinforced sole that provides the stiffness and maximum power transfer from legs to pedal you’re looking for. The hook and lock Velcro straps keep a low profile and make this shoe feel even more secure. These shoes are designed to enable you to ride longer and faster while using less energy, and include durable synthetic leather and ventilated mesh portions to keep you cool.
Buy: Tommaso Strada Dual Cleat Spinning Shoes $124.95
2. TIEM Slipstream Women’s Indoor Cycling Spin Shoe
MOST STYLISH
With over 85% of Amazon users awarding the TIEM Slipstream Indoor Cycling Spin Shoe a five-star review, you can be sure it’s doing something right. The SPD-compatible shoe is available in a range of colors, allowing you to pick the right one to match your workout gear. The slip-on shoes feature an upper made from high-quality mesh, which works to keep your feet cool during workouts. The shoes also feature a recessed SPD cleat fitting which means they are more comfortable to walk around in when you aren’t on the bike. Unlike most spin class shoes, the TIEM Slipstream are designed to look like modern running shoes while still providing support to your feet and ankles. These indoor cycling shoes let you avoid the awkward Velcro that you’ll find on most of the other shoes on this list. If style is a factor when selecting your workout wear, then these are the best shoes for spin class you’ll find.
Buy: TIEM Slipstream Indoor Cycling Spin Shoe $130.00
3. Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes
BEST VALUE
The affordable Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes sport a sleek design with a triple carbon fiber hook and loop Velcro straps for a secure fit around your feet. The sole has two-bolt cleat compatibility, meaning SPD, Crank Brothers and MTB pedals can all be attached. Plus, these spinning shoes sport a perforated insole that’s lightweight and quick drying, which is ideal for high intensity and sweaty workouts.
Buy: Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes $64.95
4. Santic Cycling Shoes
MOST VERSATILE
With their anti-slip properties, effective ventilation and impressive reinforcement, the Santic Cycling Spin Shoes tick all the boxes. Add the three attractive color options of red, green and grey, and buying these shoes guarantees you look great and stay comfortable throughout class. For maximum security on your feet, the uppermost buckle includes an added clasp to prevent unwanted movement.
Buy: Santic Cycling Shoes $84.99
5. Shimano AM5 Mountain Biking Shoes
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING SHOES
If your weekly spinning workout is often accompanied by a weekend romp through the wilderness on your mountain bike, then the Shimano AM5 Mountain Bike shoes are a great pick. They’re made of durable synthetic leather and mesh that provides protection while still being breathable. They’re SPD-compatible with a pedal channel that keeps you stable in the saddle. They’ve got hook and loop straps that protect your laces from coming undone, and they’re easy to walk in through the high-grip rubber outsoles and reinforced heel and toe traction.
Buy:
Shimano AM5 Mountain Biking Shoes
$110.00
6. Venzo SPD-Compatible Cycling Shoes
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN
These spinning shoes from Venzo sport an award-winning design with technology engineered for performance. They’re quick-drying with highly breathable mesh built in and synthetic lining that features a removable sock liner. They’re low cut on your foot and ankle for a light fit that’ll move fast with you on those hill sprints, resistance intervals and heavy climbs. They’re also compatible with a wide range of pedal systems including SPD, SPD SL and Look KEO.
Buy: Venzo SPD-Compatible Cycling Shoes $125.00
7. Tommaso Pista Women’s Cycling Shoes
BEST VEGAN OPTION
You can’t really go wrong with this pair of cycling shoes from Tommaso. They’re a best-seller on Amazon, with a four-star rating from tons of happy customers, and they come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty that lets you return the shoes if they don’t fit perfectly. Construction-wise, these shoes are made from a comfy and flexible synthetic leather (great for riders who are vegan and prefer their shoes to be cruelty-free). They also have thoughtful mesh cut-outs that let your feet breathe without trapping sweat. The most unique part: the shoe’s fiberglass reinforced sole, which provides optimal stability and traction, allowing users to ride longer and faster using less energy.
Buy: Tommaso Women's Cycling Shoes $109.95
8. Pearl iZUMi Tour Road Cycling Shoe
BEST LACE-UP
The Pearl iZUMi Tour Road Cycling Shoe boasts a modern design with a classic lace-up closure to ensure a secure fit. These indoor cycling shoes are constructed from a high-quality synthetic upper and include a padded lining for a comfortable feel when you’re peddling in spin class. Also, to help you stay cool in class, you’ll find Direct-Vent technology built into the sole. Plus, these shoes are compatible with both two and three bolt cleats and are available in either black or white.
Buy:
Pearl iZUMi Tour Road Cycling Shoe
$130.00
9. SANYES Men’s Cycling Shoes
MOST COMPATIBLE
This sleek spinning shoe is designed with compatibility in mind. They’re unisex and work with two or three bold cleat and pedal systems including SPD, Look Delta, SPD-R&SPD-SL. The unibody construction has large mesh inserts that reinforce the shape and stability while staying breathable. The upper part of the cycling shoe has a portable rotating buckle that’s easy to put on and take off. These cycling shoes are comfortable to wear on long outdoor rides as well as indoor training sessions.
Buy: SANYES Men's Cycling Shoes $57.77
10. Venzo Spin Riding Shoes
MOST BREATHABLE
This is another similar Venzo spin shoe design that features SPD & Look ARC Delta-compatible cleats for all of your indoor cycling ventures. The cleats have a 9-degree float which ensures a comfortable ride on your bike as well as adjustable resistance you can use to tailor your experience. They have a flexible forefoot and a beveled heel similar to a running shoe for comfort. They’ve also got quick-drying breathable mesh built in and have that same low-cut construction that’ll give you the light feel you want in a shoe that also provides a secure, well-constructed base for you to pedal with.
Buy: Venzo Men's Women's Cycling Shoes $125.00
11. Santic Cycling Shoes With Buckle
MOST DURABLE
These shoes from Santic are built to last with a precision buckle and Velcro straps that’ll secure it onto your feet for an ergonomic fit with comfort and security. The inside features padding that’s non-slip as well as hygroscopic perspiration build into the exterior fabric so your foot can breathe during your workout. The heel has a thickened cup for protection and the sturdy nylon bottom has a three-hold Calta design making it compatible with a variety of spin bikes. You can take these shoes from the Saturday morning spin class to a Sunday ride on the mountains and trust that they’ll keep up with you and your speed the entire time.
Buy: Santic Spinning Shoes $83.99
12. SH-RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe
BEST ROAD SHOE
The road shoe is the most important out of only three contact points on the bike and therefore must be comfortable, durable and high-performing. Thankfully this SH-RC9 S-PHYRE cycling shoe checks all three boxes and has received solid feedback from World Tour racers who’ve tested it and then some. This shoe is comprised of Dura-Ace parts that make up the stiffness you want from this shoe combined with the weight balancing, reliability and impressive fit. This updated version of a shoe that’s been dominating the roads for a while features more perforations for ventilation, drainage holes for wet conditions and a few striking new colors that’ll make sure you stand out alongside your Sunday AM cycling crew.
Buy:
SH-RC9 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe
$425.00
13. Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes
BEST UNISEX SHOE
These spinning shoes are made for male and female feet with a perforated insole that’s lightweight and quick-drying for comfort. These shoes are cleat compatible with SPD, Crank Brothers and MTB pedals and have carbon fiber hook and loop straps for keeping your foot secure and in place. They also have a sturdy heel cup for a solid fit and foot stability, and are built to be as light as possible for transporting to and from class. Note that the cleats for these shoes are sold separately from the shoes themselves, so be sure to pick up a pair of those as well.
Buy: Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes $64.95
14. Sidi Kaos Carbon Cycling Shoe
BEST SPLURGE
If spin class is the highlight of your week, why not deck yourself out with a pair of these top-quality Sidi Kaos Carbon Cycling Shoes? The snug-fitting shoes sport a ratcheting buckle and Techno-3 wire for a secure hold around your feet, which lets you focus on putting everything you have into your spin session. The Millenium 4 outsole provides additional support for your feet, and the sole fixture is compatible with all three-hole cleats. The all-black design gives these shoes a sleek appearance which will make you look as good as you feel with them on your feet.
Buy:
Sidi Kaos Carbon Cycling Shoe
$259.95
The Best Compression Shirts For Men (And Why You Should Be Wearing Them)
#AthleticShoes #SoulCycle #Health #Fitness #SpinClass
