Spin Shoes That Look Like Sneakers

Best Lightweight: Nike Superrep Cycling Shoes

• Comes in a variety of colors

• Velcro straps

• Cleats sold separately

• Runs small

Lightweight and sleek, this cycling shoe from Nike excels in both function and design. The external plate and user-provided cleats provide a secure, solid connection to the bike, while the stiff internal plate helps you get the most power out of each pedal. With lightweight mesh on top and vents on the sole, the shoe is designed for good airflow.

The adjustable Velcro straps offer a snug, supportive fit that keeps the shoes in place. They also feature rubber-tipped studs built into the bottom plate, making it easier to walk to and from your bike. Available in sizes 5 to 15 and in several eye-catching colors, these shoes will boost your performance and enjoyment at spin class.

Closure: Velcro straps | Cleats: Not included | Compatibility: Delta and SPD

The 4 Best Women’s Spin Shoes

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

For dedicated cyclists, a good pair of shoes is an essential investment to ensure comfortable rides. The best womenâs spin shoes fit your bike setup and your foot, with enough support through the midfoot without being too tight. Although serious cyclists maintain itâs best to have two sets, one for indoors and one outdoors, it is certainly possible to find outdoor cycling shoes that are compatible with your favorite exercise class if you donât want to shell out for two pairs.

After determining the right cleat for your bike the next consideration will be the fit and closure. Wirecutter reported that spin shoes should fit tightly starting at the heel through the middle of the foot, but need a little extra room in the toes. Feet swell naturally during exercise, and the last thing you want is to be distracted by shoes you thought fit perfectly. Thatâs where closures come in. Having an adjustable upper you can tighten, whether thatâs Velcro straps or the Boa lace-up system, lets you reach down for quick adjustments without missing a beat. If you prefer a tighter fit, opt for the Boa style, which provides more support.

Our Pick: Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex

The Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex met all our criteria better than the other shoes we tested. With lots of ventilating mesh, these shoes topped our test for breathability, an important attribute for indoor cycling, where you dont have wind resistance to keep your feet cool. The rail-like lugs run nearly the entire length of the soles and are more level than those of some MTB shoes, which slant somewhat steeply from the toe down to the heel. The three Velcro straps cinch over a nicely plush tongue and hug the foot cozily, while the padded heel collar locks the rear of the foot in place, with no up-and-down slippage while youre pedaling. As the name suggests, these Garneau shoes did feel more flexible than other shoes I tested, but not so much that they didnt provide a solid pedal stroke. In fact, in my estimation, their flexing just made them feel more comfortable. And Im not alone in recommending the Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex for indoor cycling: Shoppers on and the Dicks Sporting Goods site rave about these shoes comfort and style.

The Multi Air Flex comes in a womens version with four color options and in a mens version with three color options. Larger- or wider-footed women and smaller- or narrower-footed men, respectively, may be able to choose shoes across the genders.

Recommended Reading: Golden Goose Sneakers Leopard Star

Louis Garneau Ruby Ii

Cons:

• Long tongue can rub against skin
• Not the best choice for cyclists with narrow feet
• Sole could be stiffer

An integrated comfort zone, complete with Spandex, gives this shoe more stretch than your average cycling shoe. The result is an indoor cycling shoe for wider feet that can accommodate B to D+ foot widths. You can use the Ruby II with two- and three-bolt cleats.

In addition to giving your feet more room to expand on rides, the material also boosts arch support and power transfer so you can rock every ride. A combined Boa fastening system, complete with a hook and loop strap closure, ensures a more secure fit.

If youre tired of feeling like your heels are slipping out with every upstroke, youll appreciate the integrated heel cup to keep heels locked in place. Mesh panels allow for breathability during rides, while the stiff fiberglass and nylon sole keeps feet stable whether youre sitting or standing.

These Are The Most Comfortable Spin Shoes On The Market

Traci Copeland is a fitness trainer based in New York. She specializes in yoga, fitness, dance, and running and is a Nike Training Club Master Trainer.

• EMAILSHARE

Getty/Design by Cristina Cianci

If youve caught the indoor cycling bug or are interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, youll need the gear to optimize your workouts. And perhaps most important of all will be picking out the right pair of shoes. Though you can cycle in your regular sneakers, there are benefits to lacing up shoes specifically designed with pedaling physics in mind. We reached out to the experts to learn how to choose the best spin shoesfor every budget.

Meet the Expert

• Ashley Calloway is an instructor at SoulCycle based in Washington, D.C.
• Von Collins is a cycling writer, coach, and the founder of Complete Tri.
• Jonathan Frey is CMO of Urban Bikes Direct.
• Marisella Villano is the owner of and a cycling and group trainer with over 20 years of experience.

You May Like: Women’s Waterproof High Top Sneakers

Who This Is For

Indoor cyclingoften referred to as Spinning, the trademarked brand of the company that popularized the exerciseis having a moment, if the proliferation of boutique cycling studios across the country is any indication. For footwear, many indoor cyclists use their own sneakers, strapped into toe cages affixed to the bike pedals. Those who go to such boutique studios as SoulCycle, Flywheel, or CycleBar can rent or borrow proprietary shoes with plastic cleats screwed onto the soles that click into the pedals. But for anyone who rides indoors regularly, investing in your own pair of dedicated cycling shoes can offer benefits in spades. For the sneaker wearer, switching to shoes with cleats that attach to the pedals yields a much better workout because your pedal stroke, both down and up, becomes significantly more efficient. And for the studio cyclist in the second scenario, having your own footwear eliminates the ick factor of shoving your feet into shoeshowever disinfectant-sprayed they may bewhere many, many other sweaty feet have gone before.

Further, having your own shoes with your own cleats aligned in the right spot under the ball of your foot is much better for your body mechanicsit reduces the risk of injury to your hips and knees, which can happen with overuse if your alignment is off.

Benefits Of Cycling Shoes

Buying some proper indoor cycling shoes will change the quality of your spin workout.

When you pedal with normal sneakers you push down with each foot in turn, so your quads, glutes and calf muscles do all the work.

When using cycling shoes, as well as pushing you also pull up with the pedals.

This means youll be able to work all the other leg muscles much more.

Toning not only your quads, but also now your hamstrings at the back of your thighs, and flexors in both the hips and lower front of legs.

Being able to pull with the pedals also makes your pedal stroke more fluid and much better for your knees.

The fact you clip your feet to the pedals will stop the play often found if using a toe cage, making it easier on climbs.

Cycling shoes have stiffer soles than regular sneakers. This means they transfer much more power to the pedals. These stiffer soles will also stop your feet from arching around the pedal and going numb.

Benefits of cycling shoes

• Work all leg muscles by pulling the pedals as well as just pushing
• Stiff soles stop your feet wrapping around the pedals, transferring power more efficiently and preventing your feet from going numb
• Provide fluid cycle strokes reducing knee injuries and making it easier to climb

Read Also: How Can I Join Silver Sneakers Without Insurance

Nobull Black Cycling Shoe

• Delta compatible
• Ventilated upper with wide holes
• Lace and Velcro fastening

When it comes to breathability, NOBULL’s cycling shoes are definitely the winner. These lightweight shoes have wide holes in the upper, giving your feet all the ventilation they need during a tough hill climb.

Niren also loves the nylon and carbon fiber bottom because it makes the shoes extra sturdy and supportive. And the Velcro strap and lace system keeps your feet and ankles secure for the entire ride.

“I like that they come with two pairs of laces, which make me feel like I’m getting a good bang for my buck,” she says. “In my opinion, the comfort level of these surpasses many in this category and their durability does, too, making them worth the price.”

Buy it: NOBULL.com NOBULL.com Price: $179

Quoc Pham Urbanite Mid

The Quoc Pham Urbanite shoes are much more classic in styling than the rest of the shoes on this list. They will suit everything from casual, right through to dress. As they are finished in leather, they are definitely not vegan. Theyre available in three different leather colours brown, tan and black, as well as a low top version.

You May Like: Vince White Slip On Sneakers

Tommaso Pista Cycling Shoe Bundle

$125

One of the most common gripes about cycling shoes, especially for women with narrow feet, is a boxy heel cup that doesnt stop the heel from sliding. The fix: these Tommaso Pista shoes, which are designed with a firm, no-slip heel back that is supportive and snug.

With more than 800 five-star reviews, five attractive color variations, and three carefully placed Velcro straps, they are earning raves from female cyclists.

Ive been spinning for almost a year and have torn up 2 pairs of regular shoes using the toe cages on my bike. After monster blisters, I finally said enough is enough and ordered actual shoes for my bike. These fit so perfectly! cheers one five-star reviewer, of the No. 1 ranked womens cycling shoe on Amazon.

Ventilation is very important when choosing a bike shoe, notes Jones. The reason: Unlike outdoors where the wind is whipping by or in a spin studio equipped with fans and a commercial-grade air conditioner, you may find your feet sweating, slipping, or rubbing after a ride in your living room.

Fortunately, these shoes from cycling company Shimano, which are specifically designed for cycling indoors, feature an entirely mesh upper for superior ventilation.

Fizik Tempo Overcurve R5

Cons:

• Not compatible with two-bolt SPD cleats
• Runs a bit wide for narrow feet
• Could use more ventilation

The Fizik R5 comes in two styles: Overcurve, which features a form-fitting staggered collar, and the Powerstrap, which has a unique ribbon-like Velcro closure system for extra security as you ride.

Both versions feature a durable carbon-reinforced nylon outsole. The Overcurve features a Boa IP1 dial system so that you can make micro-adjustments as needed for a more comfortable and secure fit.

Both shoes are designed in Italy and are compatible with three-bolt cleats.

Don’t Miss: Windsor Smith Lux Sneakers White

The Best Shoes For Peloton And Indoor Cycling You Can Buy Today

Reasons to avoid

After riding for a few months with a number of models, we think the best indoor cycling shoes overall are the Shimano RC1. It’s a reasonably priced spin shoe that comes in both mens and women’s models. These shoes are lightweight and feature synthetic leather uppers with mesh texture to promote a comfortable fit. They also have three durable hook-and-loop straps across the top of the feet for easy wear and removal.

During our time, we found them to be breathable, comfortable, and easy to wear. They were light but not overly stiff, and three Velcro straps made it easy to get the fit I wanted. Unlike Pelotons shoes, Shimanos shoes dont include clips, which must be purchased separately for $20. The RC1s are designed for Delta cleats, but you can also purchase an adapter so they’ll work with SPD cleats, too.

Reasons to avoid

The Venzo cycling shoes are compatible with both Delta and SPD clips if you order the shoes with the former, the clips come bundled, but if you want SPD cleats, youll have to purchase them separately.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

This past spring, Nike came out with the Nike SuperRep cycling shoes, which feature an adjustable hook-and-loop strap allowing you to adjust how tight you want your shoes to fit. The Nike SuperRep shoes are lightweight, have breathable vents, and are compatible with both Delta and SPD clips like many other spin shoes, you have to purchase the clips separately.

Reasons to avoid

Best For Wide Feet: Pearl Izumi Women’s Vesta Studio Cycling Shoe

• Lacks stiff sole

• Heel may slip for some

Finding indoor cycling shoes that accommodate wide feet can be a challenge, but this pair from Pearl Izumi is a solid choice. With a recessed-cleat design and sneaker-like style, you can easily go straight from your workout to running errands without stopping for a shoe swap. A single strap and mesh forefoot lock allow you to find the perfect fit while giving your toes room to breathe.

These shoes have the right amount of stiffness in the sole to give you plenty of power when pedaling, yet provide enough flexibility in the upper for a comfortable ride. Theyre available in three different colors and in women’s sizes 5 to 13.

Closure: Single strap | Cleats: Not included | Compatibility: SPD

• Runs small

• May not work for wide feet

If you need a cycling shoe that works for both indoor and road cycling, check out this sleek choice from Shimano. The shoes mesh lining and footbed keep feet dry and fresh. Adding to the overall comfort are a padded collar, roomy toebox, and two hook and loop straps that distribute the tightness evenly to eliminate pressure points.

The shoes are available in women’s sizes 5 to 9.5 and don’t come with cleats. Some users say they run small, so you may want to size up when you order.

Closure: Two Velcro straps | Cleats: Not included | Compatibility: SPD

Also Check: Designer White Sneakers For Women

Feel Confident To Perform Your Best On The Bike While Protecting Your Feet

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Whether youre cycling at home or in a spin studio, wearing the right pair of shoes can make a huge difference in your performance and comfort. With a stiff, firm sole, cycling shoes with cleats allow you to lock into the pedal, ensuring proper alignment, a smoother ride, and more controlreducing your risk of injuries.

With your feet locked in, youll maintain a nice sturdy base and lower the risk of kicking yourself with the pedal as your shoes won’t slip, says Brooke Emory, fitness consultant and master trainer at Motosumo, a live, interactive platform for at-home cycling classes. Youll also get a much smoother and more powerful pedal stroke allowing you to pull upwards with your hamstrings and glutes instead of always pushing down and relying on your quads.

Here are the best spin shoes on the market.

• Comes with SPD or Delta cleats

• Very comfortable

• Mixed reviews on Peloton compatibility

• Runs small

Whether you want to try out a new indoor cycling studio or just got a Peloton bike, the versatile Tommaso Pista is an excellent choice for a high-performance, durable spin shoe. It comes with either pre-installed SPD or Delta cleats, so you can choose the option that you need for your machine.

Which Are The Best Men’s Spinning Shoes

Our list contains more women’s spinning shoes than indoor cycling shoes for men, but you can still find plenty of options. Some of our favorites include the Fizik R5, which is compatible with three-bolt road cleats and works just as well for serious road cycling, and the Shimano SH-RP1, which features a lightweight yet durable sole and is SPD and SPD-L compatible.

Also Check: Mens Sneakers Size 12.5

Which Type Of Cleats Do I Need For My Shoes

The type of cleat you need for your shoes depends on both the shoe and pedal. Certain shoes and pedals can accept more than one type of cleat, but others are only compatible with a single type. For example, some pedals support SPD shoes on one side and Look/Delta on the other, while others only work with SPD or Look/Delta cleats.

Picking the right cleats for your indoor cycling shoes can be a dizzying task, especially if you’re new to the world of indoor cycling. We’ve summarized the most popular types of cleats, along with typical uses for most cleat types.

SPD cleats feature a two-hole design and are most commonly found on road and mountain bike shoes. While SPD pedals are popular for their versatility, SPD-SL pedals have a three-hole design and are designed more for road riding and racing. The Look/Delta pedals also have a three-hole design and tend to be especially popular among cycling studios. Many cycling studios have dual-sided pedals that allow you to ride with two-hole or three-hole cleats, so you don’t have to buy a separate pair of shoes.