Road cycling shoes are a critical piece of equipment for persons who cycle for fitness, fun, commuting and more. Just like spending extra money on a great helmet, water bottle, socks or gloves, you should never take your pair of correct fitted cycling shoes off the list of priorities.
Getting the right pair of road cycling shoes can instantly make you feel and perform better when you ride your bike. It’s almost like getting a superior set of wheels for your bike that are lightweight.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Giro Apeckx II Shoes | Best Overall |  |
| Tommaso Strada 100 Dual Cleat Compatible Road Bike, Touring, Indoor Cycling Shoe | Budget Pick |  |
| Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes Men's | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Giro Apeckx II Shoes
Pros:
- The Apeckx has a look that will fit in on the country or city scene
- Suitable for long distance rides and day trips
- Very comfortable with the padded lining
- A good fit with all types of socks, including thicker ones
- Made of good materials and should last for a long time
Cons:
- The tongue does not stay in place
- Not suitable for wide feet
- The shoes may be hard to take off
The Giro Apeckx II Shoes for men are a very comfortable pair of shoes to wear on a long ride. There is a removable foot bed that keeps your feet supported and comfortable. You can adjust the Buckle closure to make sure the shoes fit well to your feet.
The welded and bonded upper results in fewer seams for reduced hot spots and improved comfort, and the fit is adjustable via the classic combination of a micro-ratcheting, low-profile N-1 buckle and two straps. You’ll also appreciate the supportive EVA footbed that optimizes comfort while reducing odor. Plus, the Apeckx II is built on the same last as our highest-performance shoes, so you get the same amazing fit.
2. Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes Men's
Pros:
- Regular fit, Lace closure
- Leather upper, Medium-flex midsole
- Textile lining
- One-piece molded cupsole
- Stealth S1 rubber outsole for unbeatable grip
- Classic dotty tread
Cons:
- Sizes run small
- Too narrow for wide feet
Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes are a perfect fit for enthusiastic bikers. These are high-quality leather shoes that offer great comfort. They are durable and they live up to the hype.
The Redlands, California-based company has been producing cutting-edge designs and proprietary Stealth rubber soles for nearly 30 years. With the help of top national and international athletes and guides, combined with a world-class rubber-testing and R&D facility, Five Ten is the shoe brand of choice for the world's most exciting athletes.
3. Tommaso Strada 100 Dual Cleat Compatible Road Bike, Touring, Indoor Cycling Shoe
Pros:
- Comfortable and durable synthetic leather upper
- Ventilated mesh
- 2-Hole and 3-Hole Cleat compatible
- Ideal road shoe for any cleat pedal system
- Pre-installed Tommaso delta cleats
- Wrench for safety and convenience
- Reinforced toe box
- Breathable mesh inserts
- Rear reflective strip for higher visibility
- 2-Year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- Half sizes are unavailable
- Doesn't work well without Look Delta cleats
Tommaso Strada 100 dual cleat cycling shoes are built for indoor cycling & peloton. Everything about the Tommaso Strada was specifically designed to offer riders the best performance and value possible, at a great price.
Durable synthetic leather upper hugs your foot for all day comfort, while ventilated mesh portions help to cool your feet with ease. Low profile hook and lock Velcro straps offer precision ergonomic fit, adding comfort and security to all of your rides.
Get the most out of every pedals stroke with the fiberglass reinforced sole, which provides optimal stiffness and maximizes power transfer. This breakthrough technology allows users to ride longer and faster using less energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cycling shoes do the pros wear?
Professional riders tend to have very custom requirements, so it can be difficult for even the largest manufacturers to have a shoe fit that works perfectly for everyone. However, each brand has a story to tell and a reputation to uphold.
You can learn a good bit about what distinguished and well-known racers wear by purchasing the products they endorse. Many of them also have shoe lines or clothing lines that are designed to meet their specifications.
Of course, there are others who monitor the performance of every gear they purchase so that they get the most out of their cash. Sticking with top brands helps assure that you’re getting a quality product.
The most common type of shoe for road racing is the road racing shoe. These are lightweight, airy and simple in design, typically with minimal bulk. They are the barebones of cycling shoes.
How much of a difference do cycling shoes make?
Cycling shoes primarily help with your efficiency and power. If you can improve your power and efficiency, you’ll be able to ride faster.
There are three different styles of road cycling shoes. These are the lacing system, weight, and price.
The more traditional three-strap shoe has been around for a long time. It’s also much heavier than other types of shoes. Of course, heavier shoes are less energy efficient, but they still offer a wide range of foot support and a very secure fit.
The next type of shoe is the slip-on. Slip-on shoes are lightweight and generally more affordable. They’re also more ideal for casual cyclists who are just getting started.
Are Bontrager shoes good?
The Bontrager Circuit Road Cycling Shoes are comfortable and well constructed, and suitable for most types of sporty riding. They're compatible with both two- and three-bolt cleats and offer a relatively wide fit that will be ideal for some.
At the more affordable end of the scale, the Bontrager road shoes deliver high-performance at a great price, look good, feel comfortable, and are compatible with both three- or two-bolt cleats. They are long-lasting and perform well throughout their lifetime.
Bontrager shoes are constructed around a synthetic mesh with a pretty low stiffness rating, lending themselves well to more everyday riding where some flex and comfort is needed.
Should you go up a size in cycling shoes?
It depends on the shoe brand, and on the shoe model. In some brands, you will need to go up by a full size. However, you should never go up two sizes.
The right shoe size mostly depends on your foot shape too. If you are one of the lucky few who has a size M foot, you will likely need to choose size M in most brands. For the rest, you might want to try on a few pairs before deciding which model you want to buy.
Finding the right fit for road cycling shoes requires a bit of patience. Most road cycling shoes have ratcheting clasps at the top as well as straps that go between your toes. In many brands, these can be adjusted on the fly.
Conclusion
There are a few key things we look at when considering the best bike shoes. They should look attractive, be of high quality, and have the characteristics that will help you perform better. You shouldn’t have to work hard to make your shoe work for you, but should be able to be comfortable right away. Here you’ll find 3 top candidates worthy of your consideration for the best Road Shoe of 2022.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Giro Apeckx II Shoes | Best Overall | |
| Tommaso Strada 100 Dual Cleat Compatible Road Bike, Touring, Indoor Cycling Shoe | Budget Pick | |
| Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes Men's | Upgrade Pick | |