Cycling Experts Swear By These Peloton-Compatible Shoes

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Upping your Peloton game starts at the bottom. That’s right—changing up your indoor cycling shoes enhances how you’ll feel (and perform) during your indoor spin sessions.

While you can wear any of your sneakers for a cycling workout on the Peloton bike, legit cycling shoes can help keep your hips, knees, and ankles in line while you’re pedaling. They also contain less absorbent cushioning, so when you pedal, all that power is going right back into the bike, explains Schuyler Simms, indoor cycling instructor at CYCLED! Studios.

See some of the best Peloton-compatible shoes below:

Factors like the fit, foot width, closure systems, and sole material all contribute to how you'll feel during your cycling workouts. "When your feet are comfortable and supported, you will be better able to tap into and build strength in your workout," says Peloton instructor Christine D'Ercole. "You will also be able to work harder when needed with a more efficient transfer of power, which will better serve your fitness goals and enjoyment of the ride overall.”

Meet The Experts: Schuyler Simms, indoor cycling instructor at CYCLED! Studios, Christine D'Ercole, Peloton instructor, Jadi Collado, fitness instructor, Beth Linder-Moss, certified health and wellness coach, Kristina Earnest, fitness trainer, Olivia Amato Waldron, Peloton bike, tread, and strength instructor

Before you decide on a pair of shoes, make sure you double check which pedal clips they're compatible with. "Cycling shoes attach to your bike via a cleat system, the most popular cleats being Delta and SPD cleats," says fitness instructor Jadi Collado. "The Peloton bike comes equipped with Delta-compatible cleats, also known as Look cleats, which have three holes and a wider platform design." She adds that it is possible to switch out the pedals to accommodate for SPD cleats—these have a two-hole, smaller, and recessed design—if that is your preference.

Luckily, there are great options (and colors) worth buying for every size, cost budget, and preference. Read on to see the top-rated Peloton shoes for women, according to experts and customer reviews. Hint: you can buy most of them on Amazon.

Elite Cycling Shoes

At $30, these shoes are quite the bang for your buck. Designed with a stiff, rigid sole, they fit snugly around a wide variety of feet and offer extra support thanks to synthetic microfiber leather. These shoes also come with a micro-adjustable buckle, so you can achieve a more fine-tuned fit.

Gavin's Elite Cycling Shoes are compatible with Look, SPD, SPD-R, and SPD-SL cleats (the cleats are all sold separately). While they can be used on a Peloton, these shoes are convenient if you’re traveling or like to try out different studios, you can always carry them with you.

Rave Review:"I bought these shoes because I take a cycling class. I also have issues with plantar fasciitis and was having flare-ups with my regular sneakers. My doctor recommended these cycling shoes because they're harder on the bottom, so they have better support. It definitely helps."

Pista Cycling Shoes

If you're looking for a roomier shoe, you've met your match. This shoe is supportive and designed with ventilated mesh portions that help keep your feet cool. They don't constrict the feet, so if you have a wider foot or bunions, these should definitely be in the running.

They're also designed for indoor and outdoor cycling, so you can get the most out of them. Made with no-flex fiberglass, you'll be able to ride longer, faster, and with more control on both your Peloton bike and out on the roads.

Rave Review: "I thought my old cycling shoes were comfortable until I got these. If you have wider feet, bunions, etc., these fit perfectly in the toe area and are true to size."

SH-RC100 Road Shoe

Suitable for wider feet, these cycling shoes feature a wraparound upper and velcro straps to accommodate a broader fit. The upper is made of a perforated synthetic leather fabric for long-lasting, non-constricting performance. One 80 year-old reviewer said these are his go-to shoes because they're wide enough to fit around the bunions on his feet without hugging them too tight. "I'm able to ride 30 to 40 miles in them daily," he says.

The shoes also feature heel pads that provide stability when you get off the bike, so you don't feel like you're slipping and sliding on the hard floor.

Expert Review: "These shoes have a triple velcro closure system, which makes it incredibly easy for any level of cyclist to adjust the fit to their foot. The perforations on the top of the shoe allow for ventilation, which is an awesome perk when taking a sweaty indoor cycling class. Side note, this was the first shoe I used when teaching indoor cycling, so it will always have a special place in my heart. If you are leaning towards a more traditional, beginner-friendly shoe, this is the one for you." —Jadi Collado, fitness trainer

Cycling Shoes

Ulitant's cycling shoes are some of the most supportive on this list, and reviewers can vouch for that statement.

One Amazon reviewer reported having dysfunctions in her lower body, and she started feeling the effects while cycling. Instead of continuing towards injury, she bought these shoes, which she said were super sturdy and supportive. "I didn’t think cycle shoes would make such a difference but they definitely do," she adds. This is due to the lightweight microfiber synthetic upper in the shoe.

Rave Review: "Excellent shoes for bike workouts. I was apprehensive at first about using these over the generic toe baskets. But I've been using them now for about six weeks and I'll never go back."

Cycling Shoes

Many personal trainers the WH team interviewed told us that Peloton's own cycling shoes were their favorites, and there's no questioning why. Designed specifically for the Peloton bike, they're made with Delta-compatible bike cleats that allow you to quickly clip in and stay in place throughout the entirety of your ride.

Weary of foot sweat? Not to worry—these shoes are made with breathable, woven, and jacquard mesh so your foot gets proper air flow as it moves. To make matters even better, there's an ultra-soft toe and heel pad, so your feet aren't jamming into the front and back of the shoe as you pull and contract throughout your ride.

Expert Review: "Both myself and everyone I've spoken to uses these shoes on their Peloton bike. They're super comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. They also keep my foot super secure, helping me to achieve stronger strokes and a smoother ride. This security also helps me keep my bike at the right height, so I am able to get the proper knee extension because my foot is fitted correctly into the clips." —Beth Linder-Moss, certified health and wellness coach

SuperRep Cycle 2

If you want something fun and colorful while you get a sweat in, search no further than these Peloton bike-compatible shoes (pssst, the OG version of this shoe is also super cute and comes in a slew of colors and sizes). Their biggest claim to fame? Ultra-lightweight mesh and sole vents that keep the tops of your feet cool and allow air flow in from below. They also boast easy-to-use straps to help adjust the fit and the closure opens up super wide to help you slide the shoe on and off.

People love that this shoe is super flexible compared to others they've tried. The common thread among five-star reviewers: They're super comfortable to wear for long rides both indoors and outdoors (yes, they're compatible on many different bikes!).

Expert Review: "The upper design of these shoes has breathable vents, a hook and loop strap, and lightweight fabric. They are also compatible with Delta clips (which you need for Peloton) and SPD clips for outdoor biking, so you could take these shoes on the road as well. —Kristina Earnest, fitness trainer

Unisex Cycling Shoes

Coming in hot with one of the highest ratings in the mix (they have 4.4 stars) are these cycling shoes from Kescoo. They're not only loved for their price point, but reviewers rave about them because they amp-up any 'fit and look super sleek while you're riding.

Built with a high-strength synthetic material, these indoor-only shoes are built to last a long time, and they offer a light foot feeling while they're at it.

Rave Review: "I got a second pair of shoes so that my daughter can also ride my Peloton. I wasn’t sure how the quality would be, but they’re excellent and I’m a little bit jealous because the white is so cute. My daughter commented that it’s awesome that they won’t ever get dirty since she’ll only ride with them on indoors."

Slipstream Shoes

Simms loves a shoe with a recessed cleat (a cleat that's smaller and secured to the shoe by two bolts), like these ones from Tiem. With the cleat set into the sole, you’re able to walk from the locker room to the cycling studio without worrying about damaging them or feeling like everyone can hear you coming. You can also wear these out and about after your class, so you don't have to change into a different shoe for your commute home.

The style of this shoe is also super unassuming, so they look more like a tennis shoe versus a cycling shoe, which reviewers love. Plus, they're available in seven super fun shades.

Expert Review: "Slip on, clip in, and walk out. It's as easy as that. Modern and stylish, these shoes feature a slip-on design with an adjustable strap closure. Not to mention they're also constructed with breathable mesh and a cushioned insole. The recessed cleat design on these make it incredibly easy to go from your cycling class to your next activity without the need for switching shoes (incredibly clutch when taking Peloton's bike bootcamp classes, which are both on and off the bike). I have fully switched to using these as my shoe of choice and if you want to prioritize style without sacrificing comfort, these are the ones for you." —Jadi Collado, fitness trainer

SH-IC100 Cycling Shoe

What makes these cleats stand out is their unmatched comfort. The adjustable single strap covers the center of your foot for a tight hold that makes you feel secure while pedaling. Adaptable arch support also adds to that super customized and flexible fit.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the upper part of the shoes are made from breathable mesh so your feet have ventilation when it starts to get hot. they're lightweight, breathable, and hold your foot in place—I have to be real, they sound like a winner to me.

Expert Review: "These shoes are comfortable and not too firm. They also have an adjustable velcro strap to accommodate multiple widths, and the upper fabric has a ventilation system. It's the closest you'll feel to riding in slippers!"—Kristina Earnest, fitness trainer

Altos Cycling Shoes

Launched in January of 2022, this sock-like Peloton cycling shoe was created to provide maximum comfort. They differ from the OG Peloton shoe as they have a single hook and loop strap instead of velcro as well as an inlet on the back that helps you strap into the shoe. They also slide on like a sock, so you feel like you have nothing on your feet.

The brand says they're ideal for people with regular to narrow-width feet. If your toes can wiggle within the shoe and your arch feels supported, that's how you know you've found the right style and size.

Expert Review: “These Peloton cycling shoes are a staple. Since they are made specifically for the Peloton Bike, they are comfortable, easy to use, and they have a super secure fit. I also love customizing my shoes—I’ve added sparkles to a pair of mine, which makes riding way more fun!" —Olivia Amato Waldron, Peloton bike, tread, and strength instructor

Cycling Shoes

These cycling shoes with pre-installed Delta cleats are ready to ride right out of the box. With a sturdy outer and a nonslip sole, they'll also be with you for both indoor and outdoor rides to come.

These bike shoes feature a hard nylon outsole, which makes them feel super sturdy—you'll never feel like your foot is floating around in your shoe while you ride. The non-slip sole also allows you to ride without worrying about your foot sliding back and forth inside the shoe.

Rave Review: "Perfect fit and no breaking in needed! These are the softest cycling shoes that I have owned and I am an avid cycler. You can literally take these out of the box and begin wearing them. Love them!!"

Cycling Shoes

Suitable for both men and women, these Peloton-compatible biking shoes come fully equipped with Delta cleats (score!). Aside from the convenience of these shoes, they're also super lightweight and built with a high-strength synthetic material, which doesn't make the feet feel congested.

Reviewers say these shoes fit most indoor cycling bikes as well as road bikes, a major plus if cycling is your favorite form of exercise.

Rave Review: "I got a Peloton bike in April and purchased these shoes to cycle with. After a full two months, I'm enjoying the shoes—they’re comfortable, easy to take on and off, and they fit nicely in the bike."

How Our Team Chose The Best Peloton Shoes

Over the past year, associate e-commerce editor Lily Wohlner, editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez have stayed up-to-date on thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best Peloton shoes for a wide range of needs and preferences. Our team also consulted six fitness experts to share their personal shoe recommendations and provide insight on what to consider before buying a new pair.

What should I look for in a cycling shoe?

Budget

There are plenty of good budget-friendly pairs out there, but if you’re looking to make an investment, you'll be happy to know that a good pair of cycling shoes should last you for years.

“Unlike sneakers that may wear down and you have to replace them, cycling shoes don’t have that need; you will replace the cleats though,” says Simms, who used one pair of cycling shoes for six years until she lost them at a studio she was visiting.

Speaking of cleats, you’ll likely have to purchase them separately from the shoes themselves. (And there are multiple types, so make sure you grab the ones that fit your Peloton bike.)

Fit

"You want to make sure you're finding shoes that you feel comfortable in—you don't want the toe box to be too tight and your foot should be able to move within the cleat," says Linder-Moss. "Since you're projecting forward on the bike, you might want to go up a half size in your shoe so your toes don't hit the front with every stroke." Your shoes should also be adjustable so they can adapt to your bike, she adds.

Strap and clip type

You can choose between several kinds of straps or traditional laces, but D'Ercole recommends investing in shoes with a locking mechanism that either ratchets with micro-adjustments or comes with a strong velcro closure to hug your feet. These will give you a supportive fit that prevents your shoes from slipping off.

"You also want to make sure your shoes have the Look Delta cleats, which are compatible with the Peloton bike," says Linder-Moss.

Upper and sole type

Look for a shoe with a stiff sole, D'Ercole suggests. “If your shoes are bending each time you press down on the pedals, the shoe is absorbing and dissipating your effort," she explains.

"When the shoe is flexing, the body compensates, creating unnecessary fatigue." (And you know Cody Rigsby works you hard enough already.)

For indoor cycling, breathability is a must, Simms adds. Your feet are going to sweat (gross but true) and the more airflow you can get to them the better off your foot health is.

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