Depending on the type of bike you ride and the style of cycling you prefer, choosing the right shoe for you is as paramount to your performance as the bike frame is.
Whether you’re a road bike user and prefer clipless cycling shoes with cleats to lock yourself in or enjoy freestyling it through the trails on a mountain bike, there are further footwear considerations to take onboard with a variety of features, tech and price points to choose from.
With their stiffer soles and extra support, cycle shoes will give you much better power transfer from the energy of your legs into the pedal strokes enabling you to push on further than if you stick with a standard softer shoe or garden variety trainer.
Road bike shoes offer the stiffest soles and widest cleats (compatible with a 3-bolt cleat and pedal set up). They are ideal for longer distances with a low number of stoppages. Once you’ve gotten used to being locked in and have mastered releasing yourself from the pedal, the advantages are truly phenomenal. Avoid walking on them though as the cleats stick out from the sole and not only will you cause them damage, but you’ll look pretty daft too.
Mountain bike shoes have a stiff and rugged sole and are ‘lugged’ which provides better traction on rough ground. They’re easier to walk in compared to road shoes due to the recessed 2-bolt cleat design.
An alternative if you don’t want to use cleats of any kind are flat-soled shoes – just ensure you use an anti-slip platform pedal or a toe clip pedal.
Below are a range of great options to choose from – each of which have been tested by our ES cyclists on both road and MTBs using both 2-bolt, 3-bolt and platform shoes.
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Rapha Powerweave Shoe
Style: SPD 2-bolt cleat system for MTB off-road fast-paced ride
Standout feature: Purpose-built for power
When it comes to cycling, Rapha is a byword for quality. These Powerweave shoes are no different. Purpose-built for fast-paced off-road riding and with an upper made from ‘Powerweave’ - a pioneering 3D-woven technology, the latest BOA Fit System, a strong but lightweight carbon footplate for a really efficient power transfer and a sculpted heel cup with an adjustable arch support for a really secure and comfortable fit, I felt like a soldier going over the top confidently equipped with the best armoury.
These shoes really do empower you to push harder and faster across various terrain; my ride out on my mountain bike took in some gruelling trails and hills – as well as some road straights which these performed equally as well on – but such was my confidence in these shoes, I was able to effortlessly power along. The carbon footplate is incredibly stiff and is also shortened to allow some flex in the toe and heel when you unmount and walk on the ground and the high-traction rubber sole protects the footplate and gives you grip when walking along.
The reflective heel is a nice touch for increased visibility in low-light conditions. Aesthetically, these are rather stunning and ooze class, with their signature woven toe strap and iconic logo emblazoned on the heel side. I almost didn’t want to take them off and wanted to show them off as a regular shoe.
Buy now £280.00, Rapha
Rapha & Paul Smith Pro Team Shoes
Style: 3-bolt cleat. Racing and training in all conditions
Standout feature: Paul Smith branding
These shoes are a special edition collaboration between two iconic stylish brands - Paul Smith and the revered Rapha, and they're a marriage made in heaven. The cycling essentials are made up of Rapha’s advanced technology and pioneering 3D woven Powerweave upper for breathability and flexibility. There's also the micro-adjustable BOA Fit System and a padded tongue to ease the lace pressure to make sure they feel as snug as a tailor-made Paul Smith suit.
The lightweight carbon fibre sole footplate offers enhanced energy transfer and with the water-repellent treatment, thermoplastic heel tread and reinforced toe are added to ensure you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride. But it’s the all-over bunny motif, Paul Smith signature woven strip on the upper and logo embossing on the sole and heel that really make this shoe stand out.
Buy now £295.00, Rapha
Ferox Carbon Pas Normal Studios x fizik
Style: Li2 BOA Fit System
Standout feature: Lightweight off-road racing shoe for technical cross-country trails or all-day gravel events
A fusion of the Italian craftsmanship of Fizik and the aesthetic and technical interpretation of Danish brand Pas Normal Studios, this is a strong start to a relationship that looks set to change the landscape in performance off-road cycle shoes. Let’s start with the aesthetics. From the chunky black strap to the bone-white upper construction, this shoe screams style. But these elements are not just for fashion, the strap gives you much-needed instep foot containment when you’re pushing your pedal rate, while the upper combines a polyurethane-laminated tear-resistant translucent material that reveals the perforated mesh which controls temperature, breathability and moisture.
Comfort and security are assured with the Li2 BOA Fit System on the forefoot that, alongside the power strap, provides a tailored fit. But perhaps the most impressive feature is the sole with a high stiffness-to-weight ratio that actively transfers power to your bike. Despite its stiffness, it is surprisingly easy to walk in when off-bike, perhaps due to the outsole studs and rubber coating across the whole surface area.
Buy now £289.00, END.
Specialised Recon ADV
Style: 2-bolt cleat Gravel shoe
Standout feature: Style and substance
‘Look good, feel good, ride good’ – the three requirements in choosing the right cycle shoe. The Recon ADV from Specialised scores 10 out of 10 in all departments. Not only do they look superior to other options on the market, with their taupe, dark moss green/purple orchid colourway and vibrant lace-ups, but they also fit impeccably and remain comfortable throughout your ride.
Built ‘from the inside out’ using Body Geometry Technology and with nearly twenty years of development behind them, there was no discomfort, chafing or toe numbing. In fact, these shoes even performed well off-bike as an all-day shoe during a walk around Richmond Park. That’s down to the built-in STRIDE Toe-Flex Technology which also helps on those steep inclines when you have to dig deep.
The combination of the Varus Wedge, Longi-tudinal Arch and Metatarsal Button ensures your foot remains consistently in the optimal position when pushing the cranks and your hips and knees inline. The mudguard also shields you from those annoying stone strikes common on gravel rides but also on the road. The upper is laser perforated with a microfibre backing that helps to regulate moisture and temperature.
Buy now £200.00, Sigma Sports
Rapha Pro Team
Style: Fast rides
Standout feature: Whatever the weather, optimal power transfer guaranteed
For an all-rounder shoe, you can use in all conditions, then this is the cycling shoe for you. They will keep your feet cool in clement conditions or dry and snug in inclement weather, all with the style and tailored superiority that we have come to expect from Rapha.
Designed using advanced technology for racing and with a lightweight, full-length carbon sole for optimal power transfer, the cycling brand’s revered Pro Team shoes will have you rolling along the road in record time. The 3D woven Powerweave upper offers a flexible fitting, is highly breathable and boasts a durable water-repellent treatment for when the rain threatens to ruin your ride.
They’re also extremely comfortable – the BOA Fit System sees to that with its precision-fit micro-adjustable dials, along with the padded tongue and grippy thermoplastic heel tread. The toe and heels are reinforced for additional durability. The signature Rapha woven toe strap and iconic logo on the heel seal the deal for me – a shoe where aesthetics and function combine impeccably. Three-bolt cleat compatible.
Buy now £210.00, Rapha
Fizik Tempo Artica GTX
Style: Road riding in extreme cold and wet conditions
Standout feature: Fleece-lined snugness
Looking for a road shoe that will keep your feet warm during the coldest winter months? This latest offering in the Tempo series from Fizik keeps the warmth in with a soft-brushed fleece lining and the cold and wet out thanks to its waterproof GORE-TEX Koala technology membrane that also allows your feet to breathe.
The combination of the fleece, high-density PU upper and the single L6 BOA dial with the Velcro ankle strap makes for the most comfortable of fits and enables you to adjust accordingly – even if you have your thick winter gloves on. The R5 nylon outsole has a moderate stiffness and an optimised cleat position (slightly set back for better pedalling efficiency in winter mode cycling) so you can head out in the harshest of freezing weather conditions knowing that your feet and toes will be warm and snug and able to function impeccably.
Buy now £249.99, Wiggle
Specialized S-Works 7 Lace Road Shoe
Style: 3-bolt cleat road shoe
Standout feature: The non-stretch laces
Lace-up cycling shoes have more of a classic aesthetic than boa dials or Velcro. But this shoe also ticks the box for Tour de France wannabes. The rock-solid soles use the famed Specialized Body Geometry technology to give you maximum support to keep your foot, ankle and knee aligned, whilst maximising power output. Box ticked.
We’re also now familiar with the term marginal gains. The laces take the weight on a size 44 to around 236g - last year the same shoe with Boas came in nearly 15g heavier. And with the non-stretch laces, you’ll get a consistent hold around your foot however long the ride is. Box ticked.
The padlock heel has been loosened up a touch to keep comfort levels whilst still avoiding lift. Tick. A universal three-bolt cleat pattern fits all major pedals. Tick. The upper material is an engineered mesh combining no-stretch TPU zones – which also means they wipe clean exceptionally easily and hug your foot tight on every point. Tick. And aesthetically, this looks the part for any cycling catwalk - with a range of black, white or ‘vivid coral’ tie-dye effect. The latter is the final tick for us on our checklist.
Buy now £300.00, Tredz
Bontrager Flatline Mountain Bike Shoe
Style: Flat pedal mountain bike for harsh terrain
Standout feature: Flat shoe design that connects with your flat pedal, with a grippy outsole by Vibram
Another great option for durable mountain bike shoes for those of us who prefer a flat pedal. With a grippy Vibram outsole and a durable, reinforced toe box for protection, you’ll be ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws at you on your trail. We tested these out on an MTB along a more regular road cycle and were impressed with their versatility. The shoe offers a roomy, relaxed fit with laces with an integrated lace keeper which holds them securely and tight to the shoe, so they don’t get caught in the cogs when you’re cycling (we’ve all been there).
The synthetic uppers have perforations that allow your feet to breathe sufficiently and a shock-absorbing EVA midsole that dissipates force from any impacts. My trail ride was just after some rainfall and over fairly loose ground in parts, but at no point did I feel these shoes would let me down or not protect me as I persevered – in fact, they instilled more confidence in me to take it on.
Unmounting and carrying my bike over areas that weren’t cyclable over proved easy with these too – given the uniform tread pattern on the sole and at the toe and heel sections and with no irksome build-up on debris in the treads either. The aforementioned midsole also cushioned my foot whilst walking too. Overall, a very functional and durable, yet very comfortable, shoe.
It’s also worth remembering that all Bontrager kit comes with a 30-day non-conditional comfort guarantee.
Buy now £144.99, Trek Bikes
Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro Primeblue Mountain Bike Shoe
Style: Mountain bike platform shoe
Standout feature: Pedal-gripping rubber sole
If you prefer a flat sole and the freedom of not being locked into the pedal with cleats but still demand a solid cycle shoe that transforms the fire in your thighs to performance on the wheel, look no further than this offering from Adidas.
Made with ‘Primeblue’ – a high-performance recycled material made mostly with Parley Ocean Plastic, a ‘Stealth Dotty’ rubber outsole that is designed to create maximum grip on your pedal and a three-layer reinforced toe box, you can be sure of a sturdy ride. The cushioned inner lining adds to the comfortable fit with a lace closure system that ensures a snug fit. Aesthetically, this cycling shoe could be mistaken for a regular trainer with its textile upper and design that wouldn’t look out of place if worn with a pair of jeans or track bottoms.
We opted for the grey/mustard colourway but the solid grey with an accent of acid mint is an equally cool colourway option too. Will work well with a standard flat pedal with a cage.
Buy now £120.00, Adidas
Decathlon Van Rysel Sport
Style: 3-bolt cleat road shoe
Standout feature: Fully ventilated carbon sole for brilliant breathability while exerting maximum power
The Decathlon Van Rysel Sport are as stylish as they are comfortable. Featuring an extremely rigid 100 per cent carbon sole, these shoes allow for great power transfer, making them ideal for sprints and racing. This also keeps the weight down to an impressive 312g in a size 8½.
The sole is fully ventilated, allowing a steady air flow which keeps feet cool even during those heart-pumping charges. Inside the shoe is also a quick-drying 3D mesh, which guarantees to keep feet dry. This, along with the plush outer material makes for an ideal road shoe that will remain comfortable even on longer rides.
A brief word on the fit - the Van Rysel Sport comes up quite narrow. Featuring a high arch support, this makes them ideal for those with narrower feet or higher arches, but for the wide or flat-footed these could be a squeeze.
Available in a range of striking metallic colours, as well as a chic matte black, these shoes have a great look, enhanced by the two micrometric wheels used to fasten. In practice, however, these dials are a little fiddly and don’t easily allow for quick adjustments during a ride. In terms of cleat compatibility, these shoes are made for the road. They, therefore, won’t fit SPDs, but work a dream with Look Delta, Keo, or Shimano SM-SH cleats.
Buy now £129.99, Decathlon
dhb Aeron Lab Carbon Road Shoe
Style: 3-bolt cleat, road race
Standout feature: Aerodynamic upper
This is dhb’s first offering into the premium cycling footwear arena and the two years of development and meticulous testing is apparent. Aimed at competitive road racers (something I’m not, but I found these shoes more than compatible with my mundane commute), these shoes are incredibly lightweight (266g/EU41) and supportive, with a real emphasis in every aspect of their design to aid that vital transfer of power to the pedal.
The upper consists of a one-piece aerodynamic skin with a duel ATOP dial closure system and a moulded tongue that gently grips your foot - it’s so supple, even the shoe marketing notes refer to it as a ’slipper’. The fitting system is also notably easy to adjust whilst on the move too which is a real bonus. The sole is incredibly stiff with a full carbon sole that’s covered in a slick, gel coating that ensures no energy is wasted in the power transfer, with the standard 3-bolt cleat system in place plus three vent holes to keep your feet cool as you turn up the heat.
The shoe incorporates dhb’s ‘Aeron Lab’ cutting-edge fabrics and construction techniques. Overall, a thoroughly comfortable and powerful option for any road rider. The textured outer skin – available in black or white – makes for a rather handsome shoe too.
We tested these shoes using SPEEDPLAY Comp pedals that offer dual-sided pedal entry which avoids that irksome pedal flip-fumbling about (technical term), and – due to its 15 degrees of ‘float’ (the amount the heel can rotate side-to-side before the cleat disengages from the pedal) – it creates a much more natural ride, especially for beginners as you don’t feel too locked in.
Buy now £108.00, Wiggle
Giro Regime Road Cycling Shoe
Style: 3-bolt cleat road shoe
Standout feature: The upper material makes them almost slipper-like
Giro has sadly discontinued their Empire cycling shoe range, which was always a firm favourite, but if you love this famed cycling brand, don’t be too down. The Regime is targeted at a mid-range budget and gives the Specialized lace-ups (reviewed here as well) a brilliant run for their money - and at £100+ cheaper too! From a comfort point of view, there really isn’t much in it.
The dual Boa L6 dials are a one-way micro adjustment with pop-release - slightly less of a faff than the laces if that does really bother you - and, along with the Synchwirer, thermal-laminated Teijin TPU upper, which give a non-stretch but breathable and supple casing around your foot, these slipper-esque feeling shoes are excellent for long and hot summer rides. The WorldTour-stiff Easton SLX2 carbon sole gives expert power distribution, along with the 3-bolt cleat system for all pedals.
There are three colours to choose from - black, carbon/copper, and white (our personal favourite). At around 270g for a 44, they are slightly heavier than the Specialized 7s, but still pretty featherlike. A really solid all-around road shoe.
Buy now £172.49, Wiggle
Boardman Road Cycle Shoes
Style: Road cycling shoe
Standout feature: Ideal entry-level road shoe
If you’re starting to increase your mileage and want better performance gains, these shoes are a great way to go.
The Boardmans have a glass fibre sole rather than the carbon fibre of some of the more expensive competitors, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference and they’re stiff enough to provide good power transfer. They clip in and out well and have the option for both 2 and 3-point connectors, something we’ve not seen before, giving you a great range of cleat options depending on your preference. The shoes are comfortable and have a rotating wire tightening system, common on a lot of cycle shoes as well as a Velcro strap to ensure a good fit.
The Boardman shoes are perfect for those Sunday morning summer rides, helping you to start improving your road cycling. The sole does mean that they are not the ideal shoe if you do need to do some walking on your ride such as on a commute. The vents in the upper as well as the sole increase the ventilation to the feet but will allow water ingress, so these are definitely a shoe for those balmy summer rides.
Buy now £55.00, Halfords
Verdict
The Rapha Powerweave shoe is not only a stylish addition to your cycling attire but is also an absolute powerhouse of a shoe for any mountain bike rider amongst us. We genuinely relished testing them out and the transfer of power was notable. Not only do they look great and function impeccably, but they also fit snugly and are super comfortable when out on a gruelling trail ride – both on and off the bike, with a sturdy grip on the pedal or ground. They also performed really well whilst cycling on the road.
For the road bike cyclists amongst us, the Specialized 7s performed outstandingly on every level. You would struggle to find a better road shoe, for every occasion. Just as happy on a gruelling 100miler in the Surrey hills or a leisurely 20-minute commute to the office. They offer brilliantly balanced power output and a snug and breathable fit - you’ll be the envy of the road.
