All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Peloton is no longer just a company that sells bikes — it’s taking the entire fitness industry by storm. If you’re one of the countless people who recently got your own Peloton Bike (or maybe you upgraded to the latest version) you’re probably also on the market for the best indoor cycling shoes. Unless you opted for one of Peloton’s pairs, you have a ton of options to choose from.
How to find the best spin shoes for Peloton bikes
Spin shoes for your Peloton bike should, of course, be Peloton-compatible. Peloton requires compatibility with Look Delta cleats (more on this later) so first and foremost, ensure your pair has these. Beyond the type of cleats, you want to pay attention to what the shoe is made of — with the sole materials being especially important, says Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole.
“I recommend getting the firmest-soled shoe within your budget,” notes D’Ercole, who recommends looking for carbon fiber soles. “Unlike running shoes, which are designed to absorb impact, you want a cycling shoe to be as stiff as possible. Cycling shoes with cleats are also going to help you get more out of your ride by enabling you to stay connected to the pedals through the entire pedal stroke without slipping off.”
Watch on FN
According to podiatrist and Kane Footwear advisor Dr. Dan Geller, some people may need a shoe made out of softer materials if you have any problems with bunions, bone spurs or wide feet. “Women may require a narrow heel for further stabilization in the shoe, which also helps prevent slippage,” he says. “The base of the shoe should be rigid and clip into the bike pedals to provide appropriate transfer of energy for a better workout.” Dr. Geller advises replacing your spin shoes about every one to two years, depending on how well they hold up with sweat or breakdown from frequent use.
“Feet are often neglected in cycling, and good shoes can make or break form,” says Alex Lyons, a CPT, spin instructor and founder of The WorkUp. “For the shoe, it’s very important to me to have material that breathes so my feet don’t get too hot, as well as a wide toe base so I can really feel my whole foot through my pedal stroke,” Lyons says. “I also wear insoles in my shoes to avoid complications from my plantar fasciitis, as I have very high arches that need extra support.
SPD vs Delta Clips for Peloton bikes
Peloton Bikes are compatible with Look Delta cleats, which you’ll want to make sure you have installed on your shoes before you ride (they have the three holes). You’ll also want to make sure your shoes are compatible with Look Delta cleats before you purchase them. Not all shoes will come with cleats, so be sure to also purchase a set of those if your shoes don’t come with them.
SPD is another type of cleat that is popular for spin bikes, but they won’t work for a Peloton Bike.
Ahead, the 20 best cycling shoes for Peloton bikes, according to our experts and enthusiastic customer reviews.
Specialized S-Works 7 Spin Shoes
D’Ercole says the Specialized S-Works is one of her favorite pairs of shoes for Peloton bikes from all the brands she’s tried. At $425, the style isn’t exactly a budget find, but with Specialized shoes, you can expect quality over a deal. The S-Works 7 has the lightest and stiffest carbon outsole out of all previous models, plus a Padlock Heel feature that ensures your heel won’t slip out.
Shimano Sphyre Indoor Cycling Shoes
Lyons says she wears Shimano brand shoes while riding. “[They] look nice and are very sturdy with a moderate price point,” she adds. She wears them with insoles for extra support and mentioned that she was professionally fitted for her pair. The Shimano Sphyre — also another favorite of D’Ercole — is a stiffer-soled shoe, which the brand says helps you peddle faster since you can utilize more power from your legs.
Venzo Cycling Shoes
Venzo cycling shoes are approved by Dr. Geller, and they’re a top-seller on Amazon. This style is made of breathable mesh that dries quickly, keeping your feet dry. Again, the stiffness of spin shoe soles are key for performance, and Venzo promises a stiff and tough sole that is also insulated for heat, which is produced by the friction from the cleats.
Peloton Cycling Shoes
Peloton’s own cycling shoes are a solid choice, since they’re designed specifically with a Peloton Bike in mind. They come with the cleats you need, so all you have to do is buy them and you know they’ll work for your bike. The breathable mesh and vent on the base of the shoe help keep your feet dry while you ride.
Tommaso Pista Women’s Aria Elite Spin Shoes
Another brand that Dr. Geller recommends for Peloton bikes is Tommaso. The label’s Pista Aria Elite spin shoes for women feature a knit upper for extra ventilation and breathability. They also feature a quick-lace closure that you can adjust with a knob on the side. The Look Delta cleats come pre-installed, which is a nice perk if you’ve never done that before.
Nike SuperRep Cycle Shoes
Dr. Geller recommends Nike’s Super Rep cycling shoes, and Lyons says she’s a fan as well. “They’re very light and breathable and look great, but lack some arch support (which is fine with my insoles),” she notes. Many reviews say that The Nike Super Rep runs small, so size up to be safe. Also note that these don’t come with cleats, so you’ll have to purchase those separately and install them yourself to use these on your Peloton Bike.
Giro Regime Cycling Shoes
Dr. Geller also likes Giro, a brand that makes men’s and women’s cycling shoes. The Regime shoe features laser-perforated ventilation and a 3D-molded footbed with medium arch support. The lacing system with a knob adjustment also ensures a snug fit that you can quickly adjust on the go.
Gavin Cycling Shoes
If you don’t want to drop major dollars on your Peloton shoes, these Gavin shoes are a good value. At just $65, you’ll get a Peloton-compatible shoe with a molded heel cup for stability and a breathable upper that lets your feet get some air. You do have to purchase the Delta Look cleats separately, which is one thing to note if you opt for these.
Vittoria Hera Performance Cycling Shoes
Shoes with laces and a knob are usually the only ones you can adjust while you ride, but this shoe offers the same feature except with velcro straps. If you prefer a strap closure over the laces, this indoor cycling shoe features a clip that lets you adjust the fit easily. You will need to purchase your Look Delta cleats separately for these to fit a Peloton bike.
R Roydear Cycling Shoes
These budget-friendly shoes are highly-rated on Amazon, and they come in several color options. One rave reviewer said, “Everything about these shoes is better than my Shimano’s. They have a much higher heel for longer wear and the material on the top of the shoes is very pliable and softer.”
Mebike Cycling Shoes
MeBike cycling shoes come in fun print and color combos, and at under $100, clock in at a great price point. Be sure to budget for the Look Delta cleats, since these shoes don’t come with them. If you’re looking for Peloton bike shoes that you can customize the fit in several ways, this is a good choice, since it has a strap plus the rotary buckle to ensure you can adjust however you need.
Fizik Tempo R5 Powerstrap Cycling Shoes
For a more flexible-fitting shoe, try this style from Fizik. The Tempo R5 Powerstrap cycling shoe is designed to be customizable with an “enveloping” fit. You can adjust the shoe in several areas, including the instep and midfoot. The shoe comes in three different colorways: black, navy and white/black.
Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoes
The Pearl Izumi Quest shoe is a stylish choice for your Peloton. The shoes give you stiff support, but the fabric and plush collar gives your foot a nice feel when you slip these on. These don’t come with cleats, so be sure to purchase a pair so they work with your Peloton bike.
LakeRom Cycling Shoes
A breathable and stylish choice, the LakeRom cycling shoe won’t let you down. One five-star reviewer said, “Worth the money! Just takes time to break in like every other shoe. Perfectly compatible for the Peloton if you get Delta clips installed.”
Rapha Classic Cycling Shoes
For a lightweight, sleek shoe for your Peloton bike that doesn’t feel slippery, try Rapha’s classic cycling shoes. The toes and heels are reinforced for lasting durability and the perforated holes give you breathability. The shoe comes in a minimal black and white design.
SiaeBikno Cycling Shoes
At under $100, these shoes are a great pick for someone looking to buy a quality Peloton shoe without spending too much. The shoe features breathable, perforated upper material and an adjustable knob for easy on and off. One five-star reviewer said, “I’m currently using this pair with my Peloton bike. The fit is perfect and the shoe is also very simple to take off and tighten.”
Louis Garneau Women’s Ruby II Cycling Shoe
The Louis Garneau Ruby II shoes feature X-Comfort Zone technology, which allows the shoe to stretch to fit wider feet. The shoe is also made with breathable mesh to prevent your feet from getting too hot. Even though the inside can stretch to accommodate wide feet, the sole is stiff and will support you while you ride.
Santic Cycling Shoes
Santic’s cycling shoes are made with a U-heel cup to provide thicker support and protection for your heel and ankle. One rave reviewer said, “Excellent, cheaper alternative to the official Peloton cycling shoes. I had to size up half a size, but the quality of these shoes is superb and equivalent to Peloton.” Don’t forget that you’ll need to purchase cleats separately.
Bont Riot+ Spin Shoes
Bont Shoes are truly customizable, as they’re made with heat-moldable technology. This means if you get the shoes and they don’t fit quite right, you can place them in an oven to mold them to a better fit. To do this, follow the manufacturer instructions, but you basically heat up the shoe, let it cool a bit and then mold the fit to your liking.
Sidi Alba 2 Cycling Shoes
D’Ercole says Sidi shoes tend to run a bit narrow, so may not be the best Peloton shoes for people with wider feet. These have a hook and loop strap, plus a dial for adjusting the fit while you ride. The upper is made of Politex, which is meant to provide durability and hold up to many rides.
