The Best Spin Shoes for Studios and At-Home Cycling
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Quick Links: The Best Spin Shoes to Buy Right Now
More from Rolling Stone
Joni Mitchell Returns to the Charts Following Poignant Grammy Performance
Grammys Livestream: How to Watch the 2024 Grammy Awards Online Free
Knicks vs. Lakers Livestream: Here's Where to Watch the Basketball Game Without Cable
Editor’s Pick: Nike SuperRep Cycle 2
Budget Spin Shoe: Shimano SH-RP
Best for Peloton: Peloton Cycling Shoes
Great for Beginners: Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes
Great for Walking: Tiem Slipstream
Velcro Closure: Pearl Izumi Quest Studio
Clips Included: Tommaso Strada Indoor Cycling Shoes
Indoor cycling is here to stay. Since the pandemic, spinning has become a go-to workout for seasoned athletes and casual people alike. If you’re just getting started on an indoor bike, or you’re a seasoned spinner, we recommend investing in some of the best spin shoes before your next workout.
Now that we’re returning to spin studio classes, we think it’s especially important to get your own spin shoes. No one wants sweaty, ill-fitting rentals from the studio, and, if you’ve been wearing the same pair on your at-home bike through quarantine, it’s likely time for replacement (regular riders should replace their spin shoes every year or so, as the clip mechanisms wear out with use).
Read on for some of the best spin shoes and tips for choosing the right pair.
What Are the Best Spin Bike Shoes?
If you’re looking to up your performance and get a better workout, the best spin shoes can help do just that. Here are some of our favorites to buy right now.
1. Nike SuperRep Cycle 2
Designed specifically for indoor cycling, Nike’s SuperRep Cycle 2s are the best spin shoes for most riders. The shoes tackle ventilation better than most with a mesh upper and ventilation on the soles for airflow on the bottoms of your feet (this can’t be found in most road bike shoes). This translates to comfortable breathability throughout your whole workout. The SuperReps also feature a three-hole cleat design and, in classic Nike style, the SuperReps are some of the best-looking spin shoes around, coming in a couple of bold colorways as well as low-key black.
$130
2. Shimano SH-RP
You can get a great pair of spin shoes without breaking the bank; these budget-friendly Shimano RPs prove it. The outsole is made of durable synthetic leather with venting holes on the sides and mesh at the toe for airflow. The dual velcro strap is easy to take on and off or make tightness adjustments mid-ride. You also get excellent power transfer thanks to fiberglass reinforced soles, and the cleat mounts work with either two- or three-bolt systems.
$64.00 $80.00 20% off
3. Peloton Cycling Shoes
If you’re just using a Peloton bike at home, the brand’s own shoes are (unsurprisingly) a great choice. They also come with Peloton-compatible Delta cleats included, making it easy to start riding right away. The kicks are very lightweight and breathable thanks to mesh ventilation all across the top. Amazon customers are pleased, overall, saying the shoes feel very comfortable.
$125.00
4. Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoes
If you’re just getting into indoor cycling, these Torch 1.0s (also from Specialized) are a great option. You get high-end components like a BOA dial closure, great ergonomics to encourage proper form, and a three-bolt setup for Delta cleats. They’re slightly less stiff than more intense shoes, which is great as you start to get a feel for cycling shoes and riding in general. Plus, they’re not too pricey either.
$59.99 $119.99 50% off
5. Tiem Slipstream
While wearing most cycling shoes, it’s very tricky to walk around the studio, to and from your car, or just to the bathroom. These Slipstream cycling shoes from Tiem aim to fix that. You’ll notice right away that they look like sneakers, not spin shoes, but they also feel a lot like sneakers when you’re off the bike. The cleat mounts (which are SPD compatible) are recessed in a rubber outsole, so no clicking around when you walk. When you’re ready to ride, a stiff EVA midsole ensures ample power transfer. Still, they’re not the stiffest spin shoes, so we recommend that serious riders opt for a different pair.
For the guys, note that these are women’s shoes. Plenty of men use (and love) them, but be sure to go up two sizes.
$135.00
6. Pearl Izumi Quest Studio
Another great spin shoe is the Pearl Izumi Quest. SoulCycle actually teamed up with Pearl Izumi to create their comfortable branded rentals, so, if you like those, you’ll probably like the Quests as well.
Designed for indoor use, the Quests focus heavily on breathability and moisture control. The upper is an antimicrobial mesh and the sole features ventilation holes for all-around airflow. They also do a great job of minimizing sweat with closed-cell foam padding. Compatible with three-bolt systems and two-bolt SPD cleats, you should be ready for any class or at-home bike. Plus, we like the triple velcro straps: they’re comfortable and easy to adjust, especially if you want less pressure on certain areas.
$82.48 $110.00 25% off
7. Tommaso Strada Indoor Cycling Shoes
Most cycling shoes require you to buy your own cleats separately, but these Tommaso Stradas come with Delta cleats included, letting you hop right on a Peloton bike immediately. Included clips aside, the shoes are still very solid. They feature a fiberglass-reinforced sole that maintains energy through each pedal, as well as moisture-wicking liners and plenty of ventilation to reduce sweat and blisters.
$69.99
Are Indoor Cycling Shoes Worth It?
Dedicated cycling shoes sometimes seem superfluous to beginners, especially when toe clips are available. But the truth is, the best spin shoes make a big difference.
When you’re firmly attached to your bike’s pedals with stiff cycling shoes, you’re able to transfer far more power to the bike throughout the whole pedal rotation. When you push down, the stiffness of the sole helps transfer all that power from your legs to the pedal. And when you rip the pedals upwards, your hamstrings also come into play. With sneakers, you’re only exerting power on the push, and much of that energy is lost in your shoes’ cushioning.
In other words, the best indoor spin shoes not only help you go faster but also lead to a better workout.
How to Choose the Best Spin Shoes
Just like the best stationary bikes, you’ll want to look around a bit to find the best spin shoes for your needs. Below are a few things to consider while shopping.
Compatibility: Most indoor bikes have either an SPD clip system (two-bolt) or a Look Delta system (three-bolt). Peloton bikes, for example, use a Delta system, while bikes in SoulCycle studios feature pedals with an SPD clip on one side and a Delta system on the other. If you know what kind of bike you’ll be riding, be sure to get shoes that support the right cleat system. Cleats are sold separately from the shoes, but not all shoes support both types of cleats.
Comfort: The main difference between indoor and outdoor bike shoes is comfort. While outdoor shoes need weather protection, the best spin shoes are lightweight and breathable, accounting for the lack of breeze. They should also be snug throughout to prevent rubbing in any areas.
Closure: Most spin shoes have either a Boa or velcro closure. Boa closures replace laces with wires that are tightened using a knob, allowing for micro-fit adjustments and a snug fit. Velcro straps can sometimes be lighter, and they also let you make some areas looser than others (for example, you can make the toe area looser than the upper foot). Some shoes also use a combination closure with a Boa system and one velcro strap near the toe.
How We Chose the Best Spin Bike Shoes
To make this list, we tested spin bike shoes on a variety of rides, seeing how they faired in everything from interval workouts to long rides to easy recovery sessions. We made note of pain-points throughout the ride, if any, as well as our feet’s moisture level and odor after the ride. After testing ourselves, we compared our experiences with those of experts and customers alike to see which were the best spin bike shoes overall.
Best of Rolling Stone
