12 Best Road Cycling Shoes [Tested and Reviewed]

The S-WORKS TORCH from Specialized is the go-to choice for racers focused on speed. It excels in nearly all key performance areas required for fast riding.

For rating for power transmission efficiency, it showcases high sole rigidity, minimizing power loss and enabling efficient pedaling. The lightweight design, at approximately 16 oz. for both shoes, enhances speed and reduces fatigue after long rides.

The fit is exceptional. The knit upper offers excellent stretch, conforming to the foot's shape. Both the toe and ankle closures use dial systems, allowing millimeter-level adjustments for a snug fit. The closure system ensures the fit remains consistent throughout the ride. The availability of half sizes and wide sizes is a bonus for finding the perfect fit.

The knit upper also provides excellent breathability, with ventilation holes in the sole and toe areas to prevent overheating, even in summer. Although there is only a small amount of reflective material on the back, it is sufficient for visibility during rides.

Durability is another strong point. The toe and heel areas are reinforced for added toughness, and both the heel and dial closures are replaceable, allowing for extended use by replacing worn parts.

With its lightweight design and efficient power transfer, this shoe is ideal for those striving for speed. Whether competing in races or aiming for record times on mountain passes, the S-WORKS TORCH is a top choice for serious cyclists for whom every millisecond counts.

The Shimano RC9 is highly recommended for cyclists who prioritize speed. As the flagship racing shoe from Shimano, one of the world’s leading bicycle component manufacturers, it promises comfort and lightness.

It received top marks in tests for power transmission efficiency. When subjected to one ton of force, it deformed only 5.74 mm, ranking among the best. The high rigidity of the sole ensures that your pedaling power is effectively transmitted to the road. Weighing approximately 17 oz. for the pair, it also excels in lightweight performance, reducing strain on your feet.

The RC9 also stands out for its fit. The dial-based closures at both the ankle and toe allow for precise, millimeter-level adjustments. They can be easily loosened with a single touch, making them convenient to put on and take off. Finding the perfect fit is straightforward, with half sizes and wide models available.

Durability is another strong point. Reinforced toe and heel areas ensure the shoes hold up to frequent wear. The heel tips and dial closures are replaceable, allowing for long-term use even if some parts wear out.

Regarding breathability, the entire upper part of the shoe is designed to allow airflow, and there are ventilation holes at two points on the sole, ensuring comfort even in summer. The only downside is the lack of reflective material, which may affect visibility at night, but this shouldn’t be an issue for daytime rides.

With high ratings in all speed-related tests, these shoes are perfect for those who seek both performance and comfort. Experience the premium quality of the Shimano RC9.

The Giro Regime is a cycling shoe suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from professionals to amateurs. Its knit material offers a superb fit, flexibly adapting to the movements of your feet. The dial-based closures at both the ankle and toe allow for fine adjustments, ensuring the fit stays secure without loosening.

The Regime's breathability is also noteworthy. The knit upper prevents air from getting trapped, and ventilation holes at the toe provide added airflow, making these shoes comfortable even in summer. Reflective panels on the sides and back enhance visibility for nighttime rides.

The Regime excelled in tests for power transmission efficiency, deforming only 14.3mm under one ton of force. This ensures that pedaling power is effectively transferred to the pedals, reducing strain on your feet and enhancing efficient pedaling. At approximately 19 oz., it is also relatively lightweight.

Durability tests highlighted the high endurance of the dial closures, which are more durable than Velcro and can be replaced if needed. Although the lack of reinforcement in the toe and heel areas is a slight concern, the overall durability is sufficient for long-term use.

The Regime received high marks in most of the criteria essential for speed. Its excellent breathability and comfortable fit make it an excellent choice not only for those chasing speed but also for those who enjoy cycling for social or health reasons.

Fizik is an Italian brand beloved by the world's top professionals. It's not only known for superior performance, but also popular for its aesthetic design. The VENTO INFINITO CARBON 2 is one of Fizik's high-end models, developed in collaboration with professional athletes.

In addition to being a high-performance model, a key feature is the exceptional rigidity of the sole, strong enough to withstand pro-level pedaling. Even when riding intensely like in a sprint, there is no feeling of the sole warping.

 
Its breathability is also highly rated, with ventilation provided throughout the upper sole, and two ventilation spots on the bottom sole as well. The sole’s ventilation structure allows air to pass through, which should help keep the inside of the shoes comfortable, even in hot weather.

It's a durable shoe, with the added bonus of exchangeable heel tips and reinforcement at the toe. The adoption of the easy-to-repair BOA dial is another merit. As expected of high-end models, shoes are meticulously crafted down to the smallest details.

 
The weight is quite light, at 19.08 oz. for a pair of EU43. Although lighter shoes exist for those who focus solely on lightness, this model should sufficiently satisfy those wanting to ride at high speeds.

The only challenging aspect of this model is the fit. Although they offer half sizes and wider models, with dual BOA LI2 dials that allow for precise adjustments even when loosening, the upper part of the shoe prioritizes holding power over flexibility. So if it's not a good match with your foot shape, it might not fit well.

 
The absence of reflective material may raise concerns for safety-conscious cyclists, but in terms of performance, the product is a top performer. 

BONT is a famous brand known for their heat-moldable shoes. The company started as a manufacturer of skating shoes but quickly gained popularity for their cycling shoes as well. Riot+ is their mid-grade shoe.

To heat mold the shoe, it first needs to be warmed up, so you will need to either purchase it in person and have the shop assist you or use your home oven to shape it. Be careful because microwaves are not suitable for this process. For more information, please visit the manufacturer's website.

Since the soles can be shaped to fit the exact contours of your foot, it earns high marks for its ability to achieve a precise fit. The sole before molding has a wide size with extra space, so they can be used on a wide range of foot types. They also offer wide models. Although the fit of the upper part of the shoe isn't as flexible or breathable as knit material, the advantage is that you can customize the sole to your liking.

The stiffness of the sole is high, and it captures all the power from pedaling, which is attractive. With a sole that perfectly fits your foot, you'll be able to pedal harder and longer than with other brands.

However, this brand is much heavier than average. With a weight of 19.8 oz., it falls behind other high-end models. There is no ventilation in the sole, and there is little ventilation in the upper, so it did not receive high ratings for breathability.

While various parts are reinforced and use BOA dials, the velcro strap on the toe side cannot be replaced when it wears out. Also, while the heel tip can be replaced, the fixing screw is on the outside of the shoe, increasing the likelihood of the screw head getting damaged. Be careful not to walk in extremely uneven areas or miss the time to replace the heel tip, as it may become irreplaceable.

This unique shoe that allows you to create a sole fitted to your foot shape through heat molding is a good option for those particularly struggling with the fit of their soles.

Bontrager is Trek's private brand for sports cycles, and they offer a variety of high-quality cycling gear. Circuit is a mid-grade shoe that uses knit material for the upper sole.
Knit material tends to be used in higher-priced items, but the Circuit adopts it on the front of the upper shoe even though it is a mid-grade shoe. It is less stretchy than the Giro's Regime, which also uses knit material, but it offers a flexible, comfortable fit.

The shoe is wide in relation to its length. While there is no wide model lineup, compared to other shoes, it seems to have more room around the toes.

The rigidity of the sole is not top-level, but its design is relatively efficient in power transmission. The sole is made of a nylon composite, achieving a nice balance of rigidity and comfort.

However, the shoe is a bit heavy, and it lacks sufficient ventilation. The nylon composite sole is heavy, and there is no ventilation in the sole.

The heel tip cannot be replaced, and there is no reinforcement in the toe area, resulting in unsatisfactory durability. The main closure is a BOA dial which is replaceable, but the toe end has a Velcro which cannot be replaced when it degrades – another point against it.

There are better options for those who prioritize speed and performance, but for those who value comfort and fit, this shoe could be an option.

Rapha's Classic Shoes are a great option if you prefer lace-up cycling shoes. These shoes are designed to be secured with laces, offering a familiar, sneaker-like feel. The key advantage is their high power transmission efficiency; the sole shows minimal deformation, even under significant force. This means that your pedaling power transfers efficiently, allowing for smooth riding.

The upper part of the shoe features comprehensive ventilation, ensuring good breathability. This helps keep your feet comfortable and relatively sweat-free, even during summer rides. The lace-up design also allows for easy adjustment around the ankle, ensuring a snug fit that doesn't come loose. However, the toe area uses Velcro, which might be prone to loosening.

In terms of durability, the shoes scored lower because the Velcro closures cannot be replaced or repaired if damaged. Additionally, the heel is not reinforced and cannot be replaced, which means the shoes may not last very long if any part breaks.

The shoes are a little heavy, weighing around 21 oz. for both feet. They also lack any reflective material, which reduces visibility during night rides. If you prioritize lightweight shoes or often ride at night, these might not be the best choice. However, if you need a lace-up shoe with high power transmission efficiency, these are worth considering.

Shimano, one of the world's leading component brands, also produces cycling gear, including apparel, with the RC5 being one of their mid-range shoe models.

Weighing in at 17.92 oz. for the pair, the RC5 is lightweight and comparable to high-end models from other brands. This lightness is an advantage in any cycling situation, as it reduces fatigue and makes climbing easier.

It also boasts relatively good ventilation, with air flowing in from the vents located in both the toe cap and sole. While these vents may not be as thoughtfully designed as those found in higher-end models, they still provide a sufficient level of breathability.

However, for racing use, the softness of the sole is a minus. The inner side of the nylon composite sole has large cutouts to reduce weight. As a result, the sole's rigidity is lower than other shoes, and when pedaling hard, there is noticeable flex.

During our "Proper Fit" test, the brand’s lack of wider models and minor difficulty in adjusting the upper shoe were drawbacks. Compared to other shoes we tested, the wider silhouette meant the feet were less likely to feel discomfort, but it's harder to achieve a perfect fit. Of course, this will highly depend on the shape of your feet, in general, these factors detracted from the fit rating.

The toe and heel are reinforced for durability, but the shoe's design lacks a replaceable heel tip and uses a Velcro strap, which impacted the overall durability score.

Despite these points, if you want to choose shoes for their lightness, this might be an option to consider. For those looking for maximum speed for racing, we recommend other options like the upper model RC9.

Fizik is a popular shoe brand used by professionals. The TEMPO POWERSTRAP R5 is a mid-range product that adopts Fizik's unique POWERSTRAP closure system. It boasts an eye-catching design.

The POWERSTRAP is a system that threads a Velcro strap in a zigzag pattern for a custom fit. Its ability to adjust to the three-dimensional shape of the foot reduces the sensation of pressure, adding to its appeal. When you first put your foot in, there's less pressure on the top of the foot compared to dial or ratchet closures like BOA. However, the upper sole is somewhat thick and not very flexible, and it's difficult to adjust the tightness in specific areas of the foot.

The soles are made of nylon composite, and compared to the higher-end models, they lack rigidity. This might be sufficient for those who just want to enjoy cycling comfortably, but those racing for speed might find it lacking.

It also didn't score high in terms of lightness and breathability. The weight for a set of EU43 shoes is exactly 20 oz. While shoes employing Velcro tend to be lighter than those with dial or ratchet locks, this product did not follow that trend. The amount of ventilation is also lower than higher-end models, so you might feel stuffy when using them in the height of summer.

Since the closure system is only Velcro, you need to be careful as the fastening power may decrease over time. Unlike dials or shoelaces, they cannot be replaced, so you might need to replace them before the body breaks. Also, the heel tip cannot be replaced, so if it gets worn out, you won't be able to use the shoe.

We wouldn't recommend these for racing, but they could be an option for those prioritizing design or wanting to enjoy healthy cycling.

Venzo Bicycle is a brand primarily sold on e-commerce sites like Amazon. The Men's Road Cycling Riding Shoes are extremely affordable and rank among the best-selling products as of February 2024.

Weighing only 17.87 oz in EU43 size, they are lightweight and compare well to Shimano's RC9.

However, in other categories, we tested this brand came up short. The sole is made of a nylon composite and is easy to use, but those seeking speed might find it lacks rigidity.

Moreover, there are no half-sizes or wide models available, making precise fit adjustments difficult. More than half of the upper sole consists of mesh material, similar to that of sneakers or running shoes. As a result, the shoes lack stability on the top of the foot, which may cause discomfort during strong pedaling.

All closures are Velcro, and the heel tips cannot be replaced, so they lack durability. The mesh and synthetic leather on the upper part of the shoe are vulnerable to tears and punctures, potentially causing damage from unexpected incidents. While the mesh material is breathable, the lack of ventilation on the soles did not score high for breathability in our tests.

These products are captivating for their low price and lightweightness, but if you want to ride faster, you may want to consider other options.

Tommaso makes a variety of cycling shoes, selling them mainly on Amazon. They have gained popularity due to their affordable pricing and diverse lineup. Their Strada Ratchet Buckle and Straps product uses a ratchet buckle and Velcro fixtures.

Although the product has lightweight features and mesh upper material, its actual weight is 24.36 oz., making it a rather heavy product for road cycling shoes. Since the weight is directly linked to speed and fatigue resistance, it is not recommended for people who seek high performance.

The EU43 size is somewhat large for road cycling shoes, and the upper sole is structured like traditional sneakers or running shoes. Though they pose a low risk of pain when you put your feet in, it might be hard to get a comfortable, secure fit which is usually desired in cycling.

Although there are no notable issues with its ventilation and durability, their breathability is less than satisfactory. There are venting slits on both the upper and lower soles; however, they are inferior to the top-ranked models in terms of number and coverage area. Also, the heel tip cannot be replaced, and the closure uses Velcro and a unique ratchet buckle that is difficult to repair. It might be challenging to use the product over many seasons.

It earned high praise for features like large reflective material on the heel and sides, yet it is not advised for cyclists who pursue speed.

The Specialized Torch 1.0 is ideal for staying comfortable in summer but falls short for those prioritizing speed. When tested for power transmission efficiency, the sole showed significant deformation of about 23.8mm under load, indicating low rigidity and a tendency to lose power.

The upper material lacks elasticity, resulting in a lower fit rating. While the ankle closure uses a dial system for precise adjustments, the toe area uses Velcro, which is less adjustable. Weighing around 20 oz., it is not particularly heavy but may be more weight than speed-focused riders would want to carry.

Durability is also a concern. Although the toe is reinforced, the heel is not, and it cannot be replaced. The Velcro closures are also worrisome in terms of durability, potentially leading to part-failures for frequent riders.

On the positive side, the upper is made from a breathable material, earning high marks for ventilation. Ventilation holes in the toe area of the sole further enhance airflow, making these shoes less likely to cause sweating in summer. While they may be a good option for casual, comfortable rides, those focused on speed may find issues with power transmission, fit, and weight.