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Cycling is not only a past-time activity, but it is also officially and adored sport. Many people are eager in starting cycling, but they lack suitable gear. Road bike shoes are an indispensable part of bike riding and are recommended for both beginners and pro alike.

So, what makes a great pair of cycling shoes? Let’s find out with us on this top 17 Best Road Bike Shoes in 2021!

Why You Need a Road Bike Shoes?

A pair of road bike shoes is necessary for any ride on the bicycle, it would help your pedalling much more comfortable and less chance of getting swollen feet. Good road bike shoes will also treasure your feet at best, so there would be no harm even after a long journey.

Bike riding can take several hours or entire day, so you will have to pedal and wear the shoes for such a long time. Good road bike shoes will alleviate any stress on your feet, and make your ride even more enjoyable.

Best Road Bike Shoes Comparison Chart 2021

Apart from size, you have to consider other factors when choosing a pair of road bike shoes. We understand that it may be confusing and hard to pick up one among those various choices, so we hope that this chart can help you. All the best aspects and ratings from other riders are included for each model, so you can check this out before making the final decision.

What Are The Best Road Bike Shoes To Buy?

If you are still wondering about which pair of road bike shoes is the best for yourself, you can check this list out. These are the best and most frequently recommended choices for bike riding shoes that you could find on the market right now:

• Best Overall: Vittoria Zoom Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best Cheap Price: Giro Men’s Treble II Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best Under 500$: Giro Imperial Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best Under 200$: Fizik R1 Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For The Money: Pearl Izumi Select V5 Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Wide Feet: Lake CX176-X Wide Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Narrow Feet: Giro Women’s Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Beginners: Gavin Elite Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Walking: Gavin Velo Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Commuting: SIDEBIKE Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Racing: Fizik R4B Uomo Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Comfort: SHIMANO SH-RC701 Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best Lightweight: Louis Garneau Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best For Winter: Giro Men’s Apeckx Road Bike Shoes
  
• Best Without Cleats: SHIMANO SH-RP1 Road Bike Shoes
  

Top 17 Best Road Bike Shoes Reviews In 2021

Road bike shoes are essenstial for all type of bike riding, for both beginners and pros alike. So, don’t hesitate to purchase one. If you are still unsured on which one is the best, this revies of the top best 17 road bike shoes will be a good start.

In this review, all the models are well asserted and tested, so we can tell the good and bad points of each. Furthermore, there will also be useful information at the end of this review, so let’s keep on reading!

Giro Men’s Treble II Road Bike Shoes

If you are fed up with all the strings and straps in your road bike shoes, welcome to the new age. The Giro Men’s Treble II Road Bike Shoes feature a different mechanism to secure: the velcro strap will keep you comfortable all the time.

The materials are synthetic and well-ventilated, providing a soft and comfortable feel for the rider. However, it is not specifically suitable for people with wide feet since the width is just of standard, nothing extraordinary. But the soft heels do make walking and pedaling easier and smoother.

Another good point of this pair of shoes is that it is compatible with both road bikes and mountain bikes, so the versatility is quite high. Nevertheless, the durability of this model is not good. But for such a cheap price, starting cycling with this pair is not a bad idea.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Giro
Product Dimensions	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight
Color	Black, white

Giro Women’s Road Bike Shoes

Coming from the same brand, the Giro Women’s Road Bike Shoes is another choice worth mentioning. This reasonable pair of shoes will be a great option for female bikers with fitting and lightweight design.

The heels of these shoes are well padded, you can hardly feel any impact from the road or pedals. The width of them is quite large for women’s feet, so you don’t need to worry about the size. The flexibility of these items scores high too, both amateur and professional riders can enjoy them.

The color schemes of these shoes are not colorful, in fact, they are only available in basic colors. But this feature makes them look more classy and sleek, a good thing actually. However, this one does not work well with mountain bike and rough ride, so you’d better consider it before buying.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Giro
Product Dimensions
Item Weight
Color	Titanium, black, white

Pearl Izumi Select V5 Road Bike Shoes

Moving to a mid-end option, the Pearl Izumi Select V5 Road Bike Shoes is highly recommended with such outstanding specifications and features.

The velcro straps will keep your shoes fit your feet comfortably, they are also effortless when securing. The durability of these items is also quite high, it can endure through all the ups and downs on the road.

Another great thing about these shoes is that they are reflective, so it would be cool to ride with them at night. However, the sizing if them is a bit troublesome, you have to go up at least a size comparing to normal shoes.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Pearl iZUMi
Product Dimensions	14 x 9 x 4 inches
Item Weight
Color	Black

Vittoria Zoom Road Bike Shoes

Also on the mid-end range, the Vittoria Zoom Road Bike Shoes are great for starters and oldbies. The sleek and smooth design makes them stand out from other products.

This model resembles Adidas Predators a bit, so for the look, these ones score high. Minor sizing problem can be seen when they tend to be a tiny larger than the true size, but it can still be acceptable. The heel is well padded and the sides are ventilated thoroughly, providing an amazing experience for the riders.

These shoes are not exactly lightweight, but the tough materials pay off when it comes to a long ride. Moreover, these ones are quite large in width, so people with large feet can consider buying a pair.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Vittoria
Product Dimensions	12.9 x 7.8 x 4 inches
Item Weight
Color	White, black

SHIMANO SH-RP1 Road Bike Shoes

If you want a pair that is exactly true to the measure, we recommend this SHIMANO SH-RP1 Road Bike Shoes. Not only look fancy, but these shoes are also well fitted and true to size, so you can buy them even with trying on!

The velcro strap is quite long and reliable, you can tighten the shoes up easily. This model does not come with cleats, you have to get them separately, but it does well for leisure riding as well as spinning. The heels are soft and comfortable too, but if you have bigger feet, you may want to go for half a size large to get the best performance.

The design is quite simple and sleek, minimalist riders would love it. The durability of these shoes, with certain care, is decent for its price. All in all, this one is definitely a worthy choice for road bike shoes.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	SHIMANO
Product Dimensions
Item Weight	2.1 pounds
Color	Yellow

Gavin Elite Road Bike Shoes

For beginners in road bike riding, a cheap pair of shoes with decent quality will be better. The Gavin Elite Road Bike Shoes have it all – affordable, tough, and durable, ready to serve you!

These shoes not only feature velcro strap, but they also have belt buckles to help reinforce. The materials are quite tough, but they are still breathable, you won’t feel any stiffness after a long ride. Besides, they come with high-quality cleats to aid your riding.

The design of these items are great for the wide-feet rider, they feel so roomy and still true to size. However, it is not flexible and rather stiff, so it is more suitable for casual riding than racing long distances.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Gavin
Product Dimensions
Item Weight	2 pounds
Color	Silver

Fizik R4B Uomo Road Bike Shoes

You can’t go wrong with a pair of Fizik shoes. From racers to newbies, all fancy the Fizik. And especially this Fizik R4B Uomo Road Bike Shoes is an amazing choice for road bike riders.

The design looks lightweight and does feel so, the mesh material takes away most of the excess weight. The secure mechanism takes no effort too. The base is not super stiff, it still gives room for flexibility. You can wear this pair for such a long time without feeling any discomfort and sore.

The power transfer rate of these items are quite high, all your power for pedaling will be transmitted wholly. However, they are only available in limited choices of colors and at not really cheap prices – a small disadvantage.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Fizik
Product Dimensions
Item Weight
Color	Black, white

SHIMANO SH-RC701 Road Bike Shoes

Also falling in the mid-end range, the SHIMANO SH-RC701 Road Bike Shoes excels when it comes to ventilation. Say goodbye to sweating and stiffness, and say hello to a new age of well-aired ride.

The most prominent feature of these shoes, of course, is the ability of ventilation. Small perforations running wide across the body of the shoes, making it breathability go maximum. For summertime, this will be a benefit for a long ride, but in winter, this may lead to some coldness into your feet.

The ability for power transfer is decent, no major loss can be found. The roomy space also gives chance for wide-feet riders to suit this pair. However, they are mainly available in big sizes, so for people with smaller feet, you may not find a pair that fits you well.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	SHIMANO
Product Dimensions
Item Weight	2.2 pounds
Color	White

Giro Men’s Apeckx Road Bike Shoes

If loosely fit shoes are not your cup of tea, the Giro Men’s Apeckx Road Bike Shoes may impress you. The quality of these shoes exceed its price point, you can expect a smooth and comfortable ride with them.

The design is quite bulky, but it looks cool actually. The velcro straps and buckle are stable and secure, you can be sure that your shoes will stay on perfectly. These shoes fit well, no room left so you will feel the curves clearly. It may not be good for people with wide feet, since there may be some issue with sizing.

This pair is stiff and tough, it won’t get soften through time so the form will stay perfectly. But for people who prefer a softer touch, it may not be the one.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Giro
Product Dimensions	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight
Color	Black, white, red

Gavin Velo Road Bike Shoes

If you prefer the sleek design, the Gavin Velo Road Bike Shoes is a better suit. The uniform outer part is all in streamline and classy, bringing a more professional feel to the riders.

The material made for these shoes are breathable and well-ventilated, the mesh keeps them light and well aired. This model is compatible with both road bike and mountain bike, you can enjoy riding both with them.

Another great thing about this model is that it is slipping-resistant, so pedaling under bad weather won’t be a challenge anymore. They are made for both genders, so you should check out the sizing chart to get the most fitted to your feet.

Product Specs

Brand	Gavin
Product Dimensions
Item Weight	1.65 pounds
Color	Black

SIDEBIKE Road Bike Shoes

Next, we are having these flashy, modern-looking shoes, the SIDEBIKE Road Bike Shoes. This one provides a skinny fit and streamlines design, upgrading you to a higher level.

The microfiber materials promote breathability, alongside with the mesh make them become even lighter. The heels are well made with anti-slipping mechanism, so they can be used under all kinds of weather.

The securing part includes two velcro straps and a buckle, a standard set for comfort and assurance. However, these shoes do run small, you should choose one size larger to your normal size.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	SIDEBIKE
Product Dimensions
Item Weight	1.32 pounds
Color	Black

Louis Garneau Road Bike Shoes

If you concern about the lightweight feel the most, we highly recommend these Louis Garneau Road Bike Shoes. The unified design with high-quality materials makes them one of the lightest pairs of road bike shoes on nowadays market.

Retailing at a mid-end price, these shoes are more than you can ask for. The durability and stiffness are incredible, they can accompany you to farther miles. The power transferability is great, but there is no discomfort when wearing them for a long time.

And the lightweight is something so appealing about this model. The materials are denser and thinner, but the toughness and strength remain the same. However, the lacing part is what we don’t like, you can mess them up pretty easily if not taking good care of them.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Louis Garneau
Product Dimensions	8.5 x 5 x 2.75 inches
Item Weight
Color	Black, white, yellow, blue

Fizik R1 Road Bike Shoes

Also share the lacing problem, but the Fizik R1 Road Bike Shoes still score high among the top road bike shoes. The smooth design and excellent performance have set them apart from ordinary shoes.

The high-grade materials promote better ventilation and airy feel, you won’t feel any discomfort even when wearing it for a long time. The fitting design also hugs your feet well, enhancing power transferability to the max. Moreover, they can be adjusted simply and effortlessly to fit your feet, making them the choices of many pro riders.

Besides, the durability of these items are just outstanding, they can withstand hazardous conditions for years and still stay in good form. However, the price of this pair is not quite sweet to the wallet, but this is a worthy investment, to be honest.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Fizik
Product Dimensions	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight
Color	Various color

SHIMANO Sh-RC9 S-PHYRE Road Bike Shoes

Not your lightest road bike shoes out there, but indisputably one of the best performers on the road. The SHIMANO Sh-RC9 S-PHYRE Road Bike Shoes are one of the most praised road bike shoes on the market thanks to its magnificent work on your feet.

This is one of the latest models from the SHIMANO, with all the upgraded features. The materials are stiff and durable, they will last for a long time with you. Besides, the power transferability of this model is quite decent, you can get a firm step on your pedals without too much effort.

These shoes come in a wide variety of sizes, so you can find your suit easily. However, they are a bit smaller, so we suggest that you go up a size to get the best comfort. And for the price, they are retailed at the high-end range, so if you have a small budget, they might not be the one for you.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	SHIMANO
Product Dimensions	13 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight	2.5 pounds
Color	Yellow

SIDI SHOT Road Bike Shoes

Another pair that has a similar weight disadvantage is this SIDI SHOT Road Bike Shoes. Also a high-end choice, these shoes offer a smooth and comfortable ride in exchange for the extra weight.

The lacing mechanism, which can be confusing and messy for a beginner, provide better-securing ability, and better-looking appearance. The elegant design also enhances breathability and aesthetics, you can feel the smoothness from one touch.

These shoes are quite stiff, yet the interior parts are still great in providing support and comfort for the rider. The durability of this model is another thing worth mentioning, you can trust them to go with you all the way long.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	SIDI
Product Dimensions	13 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight	2 pounds
Color	Various color

Giro Imperial Road Bike Shoes

Going back to the lightweight line, we have this Giro Imperial Road Bike Shoes. They are one of a few models that can actually be see-through – the design of them is thin on the side with only a mesh.

The unique design means that ventilation is superb with this pair, the mesh allows the air to go in and out freely. However, it also becomes a challenge when wearing them under bad weather or in snowy days. But we just can deny the lightweight, stiff yet comfortable feel they bring along.

These shoes use the lacing method, so you should pay extra care not to mess up. The durability is acceptable, it does get scratch here and there but still, stay in form after all.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Giro
Product Dimensions	12 x 9 x 5 inches
Item Weight
Color	Black, white, red

Lake CX176-X Wide Road Bike Shoes

Finally, the Lake CX176-X Wide Road Bike Shoes concludes this best top 17 road bike shoes today. If you especially have broader feet, you should take a look at these buddies.

This model has a special design that allows a bigger feat to snug in comfortably, without any pressing or discomfort. Moreover, they are breathable with the side meshes running through the body part. These are also lightweight and tough, you can expect a long use time with them.

The hybrid securing method of both strap and lacing is an interesting combination, though it may take more time to set up these shoes. But for under 100$, this one is definitely a yes.

To find out more about this Road Bike Shoes, you can watch this video here:

Product Specs

Brand	Lake
Product Dimensions
Item Weight
Color	Black, white

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Road Bike Shoes In 2021

Choosing road bike shoes does not stop at the fitting, you may regret buying a pair later when actually wear them on the road. So, how to get the most suitable pair for yourself?

Size

Of course, sizing is the first thing we must consider. If you ave the chance, always try on them first to get the right size. In case you are buying shoes only, mind that some models might run smaller or bigger, so you can shift half or size to get a more fitting choice

Comfort

A good pair of road bike shoes will leave little to none impact on your feet after a long ride. If they are well fitted and leave no straining feel, they are for you.

Cleat type

Cleats may vary depending on your bike. So to choose the best road bike shoes, you have to make sure that your shoes and your bike are compatible.

Ventilation

When road biking, you will wear your shoes for a long time. Therefore, breathability is super important, little ventilation may even leave damage or injury on your feet.

However, it may depend on the weather traits where you ride. For the hot and humid places, mesh-featured shoes are recommended for better ventilation. But for all-year-round snowy places, you can sacrifice the ventilation to get a thicker, heat-retaining choice.

FAQs

How do I choose the road bike shoes?

You should choose road bike shoes that fit well and feel comfortable when riding with them.

Do road bike shoes make a difference?

Yes, they are more efficient for bike riding.

What shoes do pro cyclists wear?

Some of the picks from pro cyclists include:

• Fizik’s R1B Shoes
• Mavic’s Comete Ultimate Shoes
• Rocket7 Shoes
• Sidi Shot Shoes

What are the best road bike shoes?

Recommendations for best road bike shoes are:

• Giro Apeckx 2.
• Specialized Torch 3.0.
• Pearl Izumi Elite Road V5.
• Fizik Infinito R1.
• Giro Factor Techlace.
• Specialized S-Works 7.
• Sidi Wire 2.

Do I really need cycling shoes?

Yes. Cycling shoes will help you feel more comfortable when riding, enhance power transfer, and support your feet better.