to multiple options for resistance. Some recommend a sole that is made of plastic or fiberglass, although you may see other products used as well. Some of them might be of interest! There is little in the mid range price … Price. These shoes are unisex and can be worn by men or women. The main issue—echoed in a number of Amazon customer reviews—is that the Multi Air Flex seems to fit smaller than expected. The other important element related to fit involves the positioning and installation of the cleats. The Myx Plus is a complete home-gym kit anchored by a Star Trac stationary bike with a 21½-inch color touchscreen that rotates 180 degrees … In fact, the pair I got in size 40, chosen based on a conversion for 7.5/8 on the Giro size chart, has “8.5” printed inside the shoe—yet these shoes felt among the snuggest of the group we tested. On the right, check out a few of my most popular posts of all time. For additional opinions on fit and comfort, I also enlisted several other women (including a cycling instructor) who wore the same size shoe as me to try on and pedal in the various shoes. Fast delivery, and 24/7/365 real-person service with a smile. The stiffer the sole, the less likely you are to feel cramping or soreness in your feet as you pedal. If you're willing to DIY, place the cleat under the widest part of your foot, directly over the spindle of the pedal (for more guidance, see the “How to Clip in” section in “The Spinning Guide to Cycling Shoes and Cleats”). This particular shoe is made for men, although iZUMi does offer women’s shoes as well. Sturdiest. This isn’t my first foray into writing about cycling for Wirecutter: I’ve reviewed the Peloton indoor cycle as well as folding bicycles for commuters. *At the time of publishing, the price was $82. Without having to worry about slipping, you can throw your all into your workout. Because of that, you want a fit where your toes still have some space at the end of the shoe. Giro Apeckx II Cycling Shoes Review. 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 you’re pedaling. Pros: Material stretches enough … Jennifer Sage, president and founder of the Indoor Cycling Association, Vail, Colorado, phone interview, March 5, 2018, Josh Taylor, global senior advisor and master instructor for Spinning, Los Angeles, phone interview, March 7, 2018. Cycling-shoe companies principally use the European size scale for their shoes, which typically comes only in whole sizes. Their stiff … C4 Pre-Workout Review: Pros, cons, and results explained, (Normal shoes are fine for more casual workouts), Be snug, but with a little extra room in the toe box. All Spinner ® bikes have adjustable toe cages and straps so that riders can use any kind of athletic shoe or sneaker when they ride. Biking offers and efficient, low-impact cardio workout, and having your own exercise bike … Search Catalog. “Many of these shoes are made by outdoor cycling companies, who get it … but they don’t,” he said. But for anyone who rides indoors regularly, investing in your own pair of dedicated cycling shoes can offer benefits in spades. As Taylor urged in our interview, you should have a cycling-shop professional assess your pedal stroke in-store and install the cleats at the proper location and angle under the balls of your feet. In ventilation and fit, these shoes were on point, and during our tests the stiff sole provided good leverage on the bike. I tried on and walked around in each pair of shoes across tile, carpet, and concrete pavement, evaluating their fit and comfort as well as their traction (or lack thereof) on the various surfaces. The toe box should be roomy enough for your toes to barely or not touch the end of the shoe at all. All of the shoes I received, in sizes 39 and 40, fit well enough for testing, though some ran larger or smaller than I expected. That said, if you order online, you should probably order a size larger than the chart indicates. Reviewer rave: "Overall, I'm very satisfied with it for the price. Stationary bikes, exercise bikes and bike trainers help you reach your fitness goals, minus the pricey gym membership. They offer breathability and durability, even during long, intense workouts. Secure and sturdy, these Pearl Izumi shoes fit snugly for powerful pedaling but may be too tight for wider feet. Sports & Fitness. These shoes offer a fiberglass-injected nylon sole. Exercise bikes — especially Peloton’s — can be expensive, so one way to save a little bit of money is by picking up less expensive cycling shoes. © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, The best women’s shoes for indoor cycling, The Spinning Guide to Cycling Shoes and Cleats, president and founder of the Indoor Cycling Association, Vail, Colorado, global senior advisor and master instructor for Spinning, Los Angeles, Peloton Review: What to Know Before You Buy, Jennifer Sage, president and founder of the, Josh Taylor, global senior advisor and master instructor for, the overall comfort of the shoes, including breathability, any pressure points or hot spots I felt during cycling, how comfortable and safe I felt in the shoes when I was standing or stretching off the bike. Stationary bikes often have two sides to the pedal. For this guide, we’re assuming that this purchase may be your first pair of cycling shoes, though we think our picks should satisfy anyone—including experienced cyclists—looking for a good, affordable option specifically for indoor use. For curiosity’s sake, we tested the Shimano SH-RP2, a best-selling road shoe (men's and women's) that the Shimano public relations team recommends for indoor cycling. But with the right shoes, you can have a more effective and comfortable cycling workout. Exercising on a stationary bike is a great way to improve your health. Is it impressive? Major Pros: If you’re looking for a great shoe for stationary bike use, consider the following benefits: Major Cons: While there are benefits to the Pearl iZUMi Cycling Shoes, there are a few downsides as well: Get the latest price & read real customer reviews of the Pearl shoes on Amazon. Major Pros: If you’re considering buying Shimano cycling shoes, think about these major benefits: Major Cons: Although these Shimano shoes have their benefits, there are also some downsides to consider: Get the latest price & read real customer reviews of the Shimano Commuter shoes on Amazon. The Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex (men’s and women’s) met all our criteria better than the other shoes we tested. This could be a design issue, or it could be the result of Garneau’s US-to-European size conversions being off. Most stationary bikes have two-sided pedals: one side is a platform with an attached toe clip — or cage — and adjustable strap; the other side has a mechanism that fits a cycling shoe outfitted with an SPD clip. Although both are designed to be multipurpose MTB shoes, this Pearl Izumi pair definitely has a more durable, rugged feel. Exerpeutic 250XL Upright Bike with PulseFinally, if you’re looking for the bare minimum in terms of a … Like most of the other options on this list, the Giro Apeckx II … 99 Indoor cycling—often referred to as Spinning, the trademarked brand of the company that popularized the exercise—is having a moment, if the proliferation of boutique cycling studios across the country is any indication. PYHIGH Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary Exercise Bike, Comfortable Seat Cushion, Ipad Holder with LCD Monitor for Home Cardio Workout Bike 4.4 out of 5 stars 2,472 $314.99 $ 314 . This well-vented Garneau pair fits snugly yet comfortably, transfers power to the pedal well, and is safe to walk in. In fact, in one Amazon review, an owner complains that the straps are too short and don’t close fully across the foot, leaving a lot of exposed Velcro after the straps end. I’m also a New York City–based certified personal trainer (NASM) and group fitness instructor (ACE). However, cycling shoes can provide a lot of value. 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. In addition, I read a slew of articles on cycling shoes, and indoor-cycling shoes in particular, from the websites of Cycling Weekly, REI, Spinning, ClassPass, and Calories Burned HQ. The 2-bolt cleats are compatible with a variety of pedals, from MTB to SPD. And I’m not alone in recommending the Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex for indoor cycling: Shoppers on Amazon and the Dick’s Sporting Goods site rave about these shoes’ comfort and style. I’m a dad and 30-something-year-old fitness enthusiast. The most common type of cleats is compatible with the Shimano Pedal Design (SPD), a two-hole system that is designed to fit on pedals on most stationary bikes. Still, its three straps seem shorter than those on the other shoes we tested, so folks with wide or high-volume feet might find that these shoes fit too snugly. Men's Road Bike Cycling Shoes Riding Shoes with Compatible Cleat Peloton Shoe with SPD and Delt… Learn more. As a result, my toes kept lifting up into the stretchy mesh. Louis Garneau Ruby II (Women) Shop now at Competitive Cyclist. In fact, in my estimation, their flexing just made them feel more comfortable. But I always stand by the research and recommendations that I provide here. They are designed with both cycling and walking in mind. The robust, full-length lugs yield an even flatter, almost horizontal sole than on the Garneau pair, making these shoes feel almost normal to walk around in. How? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For a good stationary bike workout, it is imperative that you have a grippy and stiff sole. These shoes come without cleats, but are compatible with SPD cleats (get some from Amazon here), and optimized for SPD and CLICK’R pedals. But to get the benefits, and reduce the potential for injury, you need durable, stiff-soled shoes that are made from high-quality fabric. Personally, I would spring for the Gavin MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes. So we took a dozen indoor cycling classes and conducted multiple interviews with experts and laypeople alike, and we concluded that the Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex cycling shoes (available in men's and women's versions) are the best shoes for most people to use in spin classes. Cyclace Exercise Bike. I started this site to share all of the best information and products I could find on my way to better health and a stronger body. These shoes are the same as the women’s model, in men’s sizes. This means that you can maximize energy efficiency in your pedaling, therefore increasing your power. Larger- or wider-footed women and smaller- or narrower-footed men, respectively, may be able to choose shoes across the genders. Additionally, most shoes come in only one width, which in our experience also varied quite a lot from brand to brand, both in the width of the footbed and in the height or volume of the shoe (that is, its ability to accommodate thicker or more highly arched feet). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Although cycling is relatively low-impact, it is important to make sure your foot is supported to avoid unnecessary pain or injury. This design translates to a stable, almost normal-feeling walking experience off the bike. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. “If your legs are forced into the wrong position, there can be misalignment in the knees and hips, causing pain or even injury,” said Taylor. My name is Evan. Cleats may be sold separately from shoes, so if you are looking for a shoe with cleats, remember to check. Bontrager cycling shoes can take your riding to the next level. But there’s one accessory worth your consideration, especially if you’re going for a spin-style indoor cycling bike: cycling shoes. I could see this pair being great for a cycling instructor who spends as much time off the bike as on it (and an iCycle instructor I spoke with agreed). The other, potentially bigger quibble: These shoes, for all their sturdiness, offer a lot less ventilation than the Garneau pair, which could translate to some pretty soggy feet in a particularly intense or long indoor-cycling class. Also, you may eventually have to replace the cleats, as the metal wears down—typically you can tell this is happening whenever you start having trouble clipping in or out of the bike’s pedals. Proper cycling shoes can make a big difference in your ride. But with less ventilation than other models, this design just felt like too much shoe for indoor use. Finally, we didn’t test the Specialized Remix indoor-cycling shoe because it fastened with shoelaces (less easy to adjust mid-ride and a potential hazard, per our experts) and was available only in women’s sizes. We look forward to testing them, and will update this guide with our findings. … To have the optimal stationary bike experience, it is important for your shoes to fit snugly and comfortably. From reducing stress on your joints, to building muscle, and losing weight, you can adapt a stationary bike to your workout routine. $100 to $200 (3) $200 to … (See advice on this in How should indoor-cycling shoes fit?). These shoes are unisex and can be worn by men or women. Our only real complaint is that they run a bit small (or perhaps Garneau’s size chart is off), so you may prefer to go one size larger than usual. Two of those—the Louis Garneau Actifly for men and women, called “a collaboration with Reebok,” and the multiuse Giro Techne (men’s sizes) and Techne W (women’s sizes)—we nixed because they had no outsole, which made them unsafe on slick gym floors. Cardio Essentials: Exercise Bikes & Bike Trainers. I may receive a commission for purchases made through product links on this page, but I always stand by my opinions and endorsements! As for how a pair of cycling shoes should feel on the foot, they should be pretty snug, especially through the heel and midfoot, but with enough wiggle room at the tip so that your toes don’t feel constricted. If you are looking for shoes that are more of a mix of regular sneakers and cycling shoes, though, consider the Shimano cycling shoe above, or others in the Shimano brand. Ready for the Saddle: Cycling Shoes & Bike Shoes. The problem: Most of these indoor-specific shoes are based on a road-style shoe, with no deep tread in which to recess the cleat and make the design safe for walking around in the gym. We explore the machine’s dark past and brighter future. Because of the repetitive motion of cycling, as well as the strain it might put on your body, the fit of the shoe should include arch support. Select a Different Category. Whether you’re looking to pedal on the stationary bike in your home gym, or sweat out your frustrations at the new cycling studio downtown, having good spin shoes will take you to the next level! I will also add: It’s wise to keep your Allen wrench handy in your gym bag to tighten the cleats regularly—I do it before every class—so they don’t come loose (something that happened to me on two pairs of shoes because I didn’t check to confirm that they were bolted on tightly enough after I installed them). ... What are the best cycling shoes to use with the IC4 bike? In the end, if you’re not planning on using your stationary bike a lot, you may be able to get away with using regular sneakers. Meeting a sudden and unexpected spike in indoor cycling amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Nike launches the SuperRep Cycle, a shoe specifically designed to accommodate the demands of a stationary bike … Considering how fun a stationary bike can be, you may even forget that you’re working out! Part of a great spin session is keeping your feet light and moving during the entire class. For comparison’s sake, we also included one pair of popular road-style shoes as well as one indoor-specific model, available in women’s sizes only, that checked most of the boxes above. LA Fitness vs YMCA: Pros, cons & comparison, YMCA vs Planet Fitness: Pros, cons & comparison, Complete Guide to the Absolute Best Gyms (Reviews & Comparisons), Fitness & Workout Program Coupons or Promo Codes, The Best Workout Programs & Apps (Reviews & Comparisons), Perfect Male Body Measurements According to Height (and how to achieve them), How many calories does climbing stairs burn? If you’re using the stationary bike in your home or at the gym, you should definitely consider getting cycling shoes. We’ve also reviewed seven Peloton alternatives. A stiff sole also helps put all of your power into pedaling your stationary bike, rather than having your energy get sucked into the sole (hey, it happens)! The Giro Carbide R II (men’s sizes) and Giro Riela R II (women’s sizes) have attributes similar to those of our top pick in terms of ventilation and style. For many people, this is thought to be the easiest way to pedal. Going by the size chart, I chose a pair in size 39, though for some other shoes I tested, I ended up going with a size 40. That aha moment led us to ask the experts exactly what attributes they would recommend someone prioritize in choosing a pair of outdoor shoes for indoor use. Stationary Bikes.