Shoes are one of the most important cycling clothing as your feet will determine how you ride. You will need the best road bike shoes to have a comfortable riding experience.
While high-quality shoes are essential to cyclists, the best shoe will vary from person to person. Depending on the type of cycling and your foot shape, you can choose the most suitable pair.
Among the 10 best road bike shoes below, I suggest three great models for you:
Important note: Some products may be out of stock due to the high demand. You can choose other products on the post or wait for the next few months.
Best Road Bike Shoes Comparison Chart In 2021
Before reading the reviews, check out the comparison chart of the top 10 best road bike shoes in 2021 first.
Top 10 Best Road Bike Shoes In 2021
Are you looking for the best cycling shoes? Now let’s read my comprehensive reviews of the best road bike shoes in 2021.
1. Venzo Road Bike Shoes
(Best Overall)
Key Features
- Low-cut construction
- Quick-drying, highly breathable mesh
- Synthetic upper
- Running shoe beveled heel
- Velcro strap with a BOA dial closure system
Award-winning technology
The Venzo road shoes are designed with award-winning technology to provide high performance. Specifically, this road bike shoes features a synthetic upper with breathable mesh to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
In addition, it comes with a low-cut construction for a light fit and feels. You will feel as if wearing nothing since the shoe puts little pressure on your feet.
The Venzo shoes also come with textile lining and a removable sock liner.
A high-quality set of cleats
When you buy the Venzo road shoes, you will receive a high-quality set of Look Delta cleats. These cleats with a 9-degree floating will guarantee a more comfortable riding experience than fixed cleats.
As an added perk, the cleats also offer adjustable floating resistance.
That is why Venzo cycling shoe is popular for spin bikes such as Peloton, as well as road riding and commuting. This cycling shoe is a perfect blend of comfort and performance.
In short, this cycling shoeis one of the best cycling shoes overall.
Product Specs
FAQs
Are these good for a beginner peloton rider?
Absolutely.
Do they come with sock liners?
Unfortunately no.
Do I need a special tool to screw in the delta cleat?
You will need an Allen wrench.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!2. Tommaso Strada 100 Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Beginners)
Key Features
- Durable synthetic leather upper
- Ventilated mesh portions
- Low profile hook and lock Velcro straps
- High visibility rear reflective strip
All accessories included
The manufacturer had beginners in mind when designing this shoe. It comes with everything you need to start cycling right away. Specifically, the bundle includes shoes, Look Delta cleats, and the installation wrench.
In fact, these Tommaso shoes are compatible with all cleat types. They will provide the perfect platform regardless of the pedals you ride.
You can wear the Tommaso cycling shoes for indoor cycling class as well as road biking and touring.
Simple design
As a pair of entry-level shoes, these cycling shoes have a relatively simple design. These cycling shoes feature a fiberglass reinforced sole to improve efficiency. In that way, you can ride longer and faster with less energy.
Meanwhile, the synthetic leather upper will hug your foot snugly for all-day comfort.
Its closure system is pretty simple as well with three Velcro straps.
Although they are the best road cycling shoes, they can fit mountain bike riders during mountain biking. Note that you can easily find the best road cycling shoes at a local bike shop.
Product Specs
FAQs
Will these work on the FlyWheel bike?
Yes, these cycling shoes will.
Are these shoes good for a triathlon?
Yes, these cycling shoes are good triathlon shoes.
How can I get the cleats for the shoes?
You need to order SBD cleats separately.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!3. Shimano SH-RP1 Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Comfort)
Key Features
- Glass-fiber outsole
- Synthetic leather upper
- Loop-and-hook fasteners
- Reflective heel cups
Dynalist™ technology
The Shimano SH-RP1 cycling shoes use the Dynalist™ technology to improve the efficiency with each pedaling upstroke.
More specifically, such technology allows the toe-spring section to provide you with more support for efficient strokes. Then your riding session will be less exhausting than ever.
Glass-fibre outsole and synthetic leather upper
This model has a lightweight fiberglass outsole with a synthetic leather upper. Such a combination will offer the perfect blend between performance and comfort.
Synthetic leather makes the upper more durable. On the other hand, the fiberglass outsole provides optimal stiffness and shoe-to-pedal power transfer.
Other great features include reflective heel cups and hook-and-loop fasteners.
For your information, this shoe is compatible with both 2-bolt SPD and 3-bolt SPD-SL cleat/pedal systems. Also, Shimano offers a wide cleat adjustment range.
Product Specs
FAQs
Do these shoes come with an SPD cleat?
No, you will need to purchase it separately.
Is this compatible with Look Delta cleats?
Absolutely.
Do I need clips for the shoe?
Yes, you will.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!4. Tommaso Strada 200 Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Flat Pedals)
Key Features
- Supple synthetic leather upper
- Ventilated mesh portions
- Fiberglass reinforced polyamide sole
- Ratcheting buckle system with Velcro straps
Reinforced fiberglass outsole
Tommaso reinforced the fiberglass sole with polyamide so that the Strada 200 can offer maximum power transfer. Whether you are cycling on a rough trail or in your spin class on flat pedals, these shoes will not let you down.
Ergonomic closure system
The fit system is also upgraded with two Velcro straps and a premium ratcheting buckle system. Therefore, the lower part and toe box are easier to adjust. Meanwhile, you can make micro-adjustments to the top for a secure fit every time.
Such a fit works great with inserts or padding. Hence, the Strada 200 is perfect for all long and short rides.
Tommaso Strada 200 is also a favorite choice of safety-conscious commuters since it features a rear reflective strip. You will feel more confident when cycling in low light conditions then.
Product Specs
FAQs
Is this shoe compatible with the Peloton bike?
Yes, these Tommaso Strada 200 work great.
Is there a size 49 or 50?
Unfortunately, the largest size is 48 EU.
What size is for an American shoe size 13?
It is either Euro 48 or UK 12.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!5. Santic Cycling Road Bike Shoes
(Best Under 150)
Key Features
- Anti-slip thermoplastic elastomers sole
- Nano-high mirror PU upper
- Handy magic bandage
- Velcro straps and precision buckle top
Efficient ventilation system
This Santic race shoe features a nano-high mirror PU upper with large holes for breathability. More notably, the whole ventilation system is strategically placed to improve efficiency.
Thus, wearing these shoes will increase the airflow and prevent your feet from sweating. No worries about stinky feet from now on.
Anti-slip wear resistance
Besides, these cycling shoes are also carefully engineered to enhance the overall security. It boasts an anti-slip outsole with a road lock, allowing you to enjoy your cycling life.
In addition, the heel cup is thickened for more heel protection. For an ergonomic fit, these road cycling shoes provide Velcro straps and a precision buckle top.
The three-hole cleats are universally compatible with all cleat types and pedal systems. Therefore, this Santic shoe is excellent for road biking and spin class.
Note that the shoe itself does not come with cleats.
Product Specs
FAQs
Do you need cleats for a Peloton bike?
Yes, you do.
Can these shoes be used for indoor cycling?
Absolutely.
Are these compatible with SPD?
They only readily work with the three-bolt type large cleats called SPD-SL.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!6. Fizik Tempo R5 Overcurve Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Wide Feet)
Key Features
- Nylon composite outsole
- BOA IP1-B dial closure system for a good power transfer
- Reflective heel cup
- Carbon soles for high-quality cycling shoe soles
Ergonomic asymmetrical construction
This Fizik Tempo R5 cycling shoes are excellent for wide feet due to the slightly atypical design. Specifically, these cycling shoes feature an asymmetrical design to conform to your foot ergonomically.
Even if you have oddly shaped feet, cycling shoes can serve you well.
Also, its design is intended for all paved roads, from the smoothest tarmac to the most demanding ones.
Microtel upper and nylon sole
Speaking of construction, the Fizik R5 consists of a Microtel upper along with a nylon composite sole. Both features will leave you with a comfortable fit and great pedaling efficiency.
Instead of traditional laces, these shoes are fitted with the BOA IP1-B closure system of steel laces and a mechanical reel.
And like most cycling shoes, they have a reflective heel cup for added visibility and security. This model is one of the best cycling shoes for wide feet with a carbon sole.
Product Specs
FAQs
Do they squeak while you ride?
No, they don’t.
Are the sizes US or EU?
They are European but you can convert them to the US sizing easily.
Do these work with Look type pedals?
There should be no problem.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!7. Gavin Elite Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Flat Feet)
Key Features
- Nylon fiberglass outsole for a good power transfer
- Artificial microfiber leather upper
- Adjustable buckle with a ratcheting system
Nylon fiberglass sole and microfiber upper
Riders with flat feet will want to look for some shoes that contour to the foot shape and support the arch. And the Gavin Elite cycling shoes are exactly what you want.
It boasts a nylon fiberglass sole and microfiber upper. Hence, it is lightweight and feels soft on the foot. More importantly, it can adapt to your foot shape with ease.
Furthermore, the artificial leather is handy in supporting the arch for flat feet cyclists.
Micro-adjustable buckle
For a more contoured fit, Gavin cycling shoes provided two straps and an adjustable buckle. The buckle is even fitted with a ratcheting system so that you can tighten or release it more easily.
The manufacturer also had breathability in mind when designing this footwear. It has vents on the soles to ensure you stay cool throughout the ride.
Product Specs
FAQs
Can these be used for indoor spinning?
Yes, you just need to get the correct cleats.
What SPD cleat can I use?
Any SPD cleat will do.
Are these for men or women?
These cycling shoes are unisex.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!8. Fizik Tempo R5 Powerstrap Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Narrow Feet)
Key Features
- Powerstrap Velcro closure
- R5 nylon composite carbon outsole
- Silicone gripper dots
- Medial longitudinal arch support
- Efficient pedalling platform and boa closure system
- Lower price point with premium price tag
Foot-wrapping Velcro closure
Fizik cycling shoe uses two Velcro closures shaped like a ribbon to wrap around your feet. Such a configuration will be both supportive and secure. You can adjust the straps to make the shoe snug and tight, even if you have narrow feet.
On top of that, the ribbon shape will distribute the tension across the whole foot evenly. In that way, you will feel less stressed.
Stiff carbon-reinforced nylon outsole
Unlike Fizik Infinito R1, this footwear has a stiff sole to provide efficient power transfer with every pedal stroke. As an added perk, such a material makes the shoe really lightweight.
On both sides of this carbon soled shoe, there are perforations to let your feet stay cool. Fizik cycling shoes also use silicone gripper dots at the back to prevent slipping.
Product Specs
FAQs
Do these fit wide feet?
You need to try them on to know. But generally, these Fizik are pretty snug.
Are the sizes European or American?
They are European.
Are these men’s or women’s cycling shoes?
The cycling shoes are unisex.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!9. Tommaso Strada Elite Road Bike Shoes
(Best For Long Rides)
Key Features
- Nylon mesh inserts
- Reel knob quick lacing system
- Carbon fiber cleat plate
- Breathable molded EVA insole
- Replaceable heel pads
- Carbon heel cup
- Excellent fastening system
Highest quality materials
The Strada Elite cycling shoes consist of a nylon composite sole along with nylon mesh inserts. Such a combination allows the whole shoe to last for many seasons to come. Also, these cycling shoes will be comfortable for you to wear all day round.
On the other hand, these materials keep the shoes surprisingly lighter than other performance cycling shoes.
A more notable feature is the 100% carbon fiber cleat plate, which will stand the test of time. It will not show signs of wear and tear even after years.
Reel knob lacing system
Like most road bike shoes, Tommaso also makes use of the reel knob lacing system to reduce the hassles of lacing the shoes for you. Just turn the knob and you will have a perfect fit quickly. Meanwhile, you can secure the toe box section with a Velcro strap.
At the heel, there are non-skid walking strips to provide extra security. These road cycling shoes are one of the best cycling shoes. These comfortable shoes are also popular shoes.
Product Specs
FAQs
Do these shoes work on wide feet?
The shoe fits pretty average for width.
What type of cleats do I need?
The shoes are compatible with SPD-SL, SPD, Look, and Speedplay cleats.
Are the cleats included?
No, you will have to purchase them separately.
Read Full Reviews At Amazon!10. PEARL IZUMI V5 Road Bike Shoes
(Best For The Money)
Key Features
- Synthetic sole with EVA foam
- Advanced 3-layer composite upper
- Nylon forefoot inserts
- Rubber heel pad
- Very stiff sole (stiff carbon sole)
- The replaceable heel pad and fair weather shoe
Seamless composite upper
When this performance shoes comes to budget cycling shoes, people often think of Bont shoes. But the Pearl Izumi V5 is also an excellent shoe for the money you should check out.
These high end shoes come with a durable full-carbon sole like expensive shoes. But the more notable feature must be the 3-layer seamless composite upper. It provides exceptional breathability and helps reduce the pressure points.
In addition, the composite plate and nylon forefoot inserts enhance the stiffness while still keeping the shoes. They are not the lightest shoes, but lighter than many competitors.
Ergonomic 3-strap closure
This V5 model also features 3-strap closure to adapt to your foot shape and eliminate hot spots. You can even cycle all day long without suffering from foot pain as with cheaply made shoes.
Meanwhile, the rubber heel bumper is useful in providing more stability and comfort.
Note that these shoes are compatible with 3-bolt road cleats and SPD-SL.
Product Specs
FAQs
Are they compatible with the Shimano SPD pedals?
Yes, they are.
Will these shoes work with Look Delta cleats?
Of course. They are made for road cleats.
Is this SPD or SPD-SL compatible?
This great shoe will only accept SPD-SL cleats.
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