If you’re new to spinning or just a regular who's worn out their kit you need to know the best shoes for Peloton bikes.
Stationary bikes have been around for decades, but the popularity of public spin classes kick-started the Peloton trend, which offers high-energy, subscription-based workouts in the home. Buying a Peloton bike isn’t a cheap affair though, so it’s worth doing your research to make sure you purchase the perfect shoes to suit your needs.
Just like higher end road bikes, Peloton bikes have special pedals that you can clip cycling shoes into, which gives you a constant connection to the bike and a little more power as a result. It’s not essential to have clip-in shoes for your Peloton bike (you can buy toe cage pedals for the machine) but they should make the experience a little more comfortable.
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If you want to clip into your Peloton bike then you’ll need shoes with something called a Delta cleat, which secures to the bottom of your cycling shoe. While all of the shoes in this guide are compatible with Delta cleats, not all of them come with them, so be aware that you may need to buy your cleats separately.
Still torn on whether or not to take the plunge on a Peloton? Have a read through our full Peloton bike review – or flick through our round-up of the best exercise bikes, to see all the alternatives.
Best shoes for Peloton bike
The official Peloton shoes are available via the Peloton website, and can be bought in a bundle with your Peloton bike or on their own.
Independent customer reviews are hard to find for the Peloton shoes. However, users on Reddit have mixed opinions. "I have over 1500 rides in mine and they are still very comfortable," says one user. However, another says "personally, I think the Peloton shoes are a bit expensive for what they are."
These shoes only come in black, and it’s surprising that there aren’t more options for design and color on offer, given that there are now many brands with suitable shoes for Peloton that are far more eye-catching. Like many cycling shoes, when you receive them the Delta cleats (which attach to the pedals) don’t come already attached – although they are simple enough to screw into place.
With a look and feel that echoes classic bike shoes, the black Peloton bike shoes have two velcro straps and a third top ratchet clip, which allows you to tweak the tightness of the shoe. The design also includes a breathable upper mesh fabric, while the tongue is attached to the last clip which should help it stay in place while you’re riding. However, like many traditional road bike shoes, the soles and the material used in the shoes are both quite stiff. This should increase power output, but can also take some getting used to.
The Venzo cycling shoes have a basic three velcro strap and come complete with cleats that are compatible with SPD and Delta pedals.
The Venzo cycling shoes fared very well on Amazon with numerous positive reviews and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from customers. Many customers cited that the shoes were great value for money, due to their comfort and loved how the cleats were provided. Others said that they are perfect for wide feet. One disappointed customer was annoyed, however, that he had to attach the cleats himself and others said that the shoes are noisy when you workout.
This makes them a great choice for Peloton bike users. They’re lightweight and designed to be easily washable, with a removable sock liner, and a highly-breathable mesh and synthetic upper.
This shoe has a sloping heel and a low-cut construction around the back of the heel to allow for flexibility, but also gives the foot a secure feeling as you ride. The tongue of the shoe is also attached to the middle strap, so it shouldn’t ride down when you get on the bike. The Venzo shoes are priced at just over $100, so they aren’t the cheapest available, but with the cleats included there is extra value included in that price tag.
Perfect for road cycling and for use on the Peloton, these shoes are designed to be light, breathable, and comfortable.
Amazon users gave the shoes an average rating of 4.4 out of 5, while there was a 64% five-star rating from happy customers. Most reviewers who left positive comments concluded that the shoes were great quality for the mid-range price, while others loved how comfortable and lightweight they were. Negative reviews cited the size issue, with some having to size-up their purchases.
The lightweight shoes have a stiff glass fibre sole, to allow for stability, while they also have a 3-bolt cleat compatibility. The upper material is made from synthetic leather, meaning they’re not too stiff and give your foot room to move around. Meanwhile, they also feature mesh - allowing your feet to breathe while sweating.
The shoe is finished off with three adjustable velcro straps that hold your foot in place. The only two cons are that the cleats have to be bought separately and attached to the bottom of the shoes by the user. Meanwhile, they also come up smaller than normal shoes - so be mindful that it’s best to order them in either a half or full size bigger.
These Nike clip-on shoes have a quirky design and come in an array of fun colours - such as pink and green.
Customers who bought the Nike SuperRep Cycle shoes in Nordstrom gave the shoes an average score of 3.8 out of 5. Positive reviews cite how comfortable the shoes are and worth the investment, while others commented on how fun the colors are. However, negative reviews concentrated on the bottom of the shoe and how quickly the plastic can break when the delta clips are attached. Others did warn that the sizes come up half, or sometimes a whole size, too small.
Breathable and lightweight, down to the shoes perforated footbed, its synthetic and textile upper and lining means it adds to their comfort. Online reviews suggest that the shoes do seem to come up small, but once you have the right size they should hug your feet while also giving you room to move while you’re exercising.
The shoe design also includes a cross-over velcro buckle, plus one that reaches over and supports the ankle - a plus when you’re out of the saddle and need extra support. Compatible with both Delta and SPD cleats, it means you have an option when using these shoes, however, they also have to be bought separately. At the higher end of the market, they’re just below the cost of the original Peloton shoes, but these do come with cleats.
If you’ve got a bigger budget and want some seriously stylish shoes for your daily Peloton rides then these shoes could be just the ticket.
The Rapha Classic Cycling Shoes have great reviews on the Rapha website, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 and high scores for style and performance. Positive reviews concentrate on the high quality of the shoe and also the snug fit - which is comfortable and not constrictive. There are very few negative reviews, however small niggles or warnings from customers say that you do need to go up half a size and the cleat markings can sometimes be hard to see.
Their style is a cross between running trainers and golf shoes - with their sculpted heel and their dotted hole design. Available in three colors, we love their silver design, which gives the shoes a real edge. Unlike most shoes, they have laces instead of velcro fastenings, with one velcro strap located at the bottom.
Inside, these shoes for Peloton have arch support and a wide toe box, making them perfect for anyone with wider feet. The heel also acts to keep your foot in place, so there’s no slipping as you change positions on the bike. Perfect for both the Peloton and road racing, these lightweight shoes have been used by professional cyclists for years. At over $200 they are the most expensive shoes on our list, so it’s an investment.
These Giro Regime Cycling Shoes might be the right shoes for you if you don’t think your Peloton obsession is going to wane any time soon.
Amazon customers who bought the Giro Regime Cycling Shoes gave the shoes a 4.6 average out of 5, with many saying that they were never disappointed with shoes from the brand. Other positive reviews said the shoes were good for wider feet and were true to size, while others loved the arch support on the shoe. Negative reviews concentrated on the design, believing they could be more inventive, while some customers complained that the upper portion of the shoe was slightly stiff.
If you want to invest in a good quality pair of cycling shoes, then these Giro shoes not only look the part but are also designed for high comfort. Its unique shoe design is thanks to a one-piece Synchwire upper, which gives it a molded effect, but also keeps the shoe lightweight and allows airflow throughout it.
There’s no velcro in sight with these shoes, instead, they rely on Twin BOA L6 dials, which help to adjust the laces. Inside the shoe, you’ll also find a 3D molded footbed with medium arch support - great for anyone who is prone to injury on the bike. Compatible with 3 bolt or pedal systems, they’re perfect for the Delta cleats, which Peloton uses. However, at over $200, they really are an investment, so you’ll have to be on your bike a lot to get the most out of them.
We love the unique straps for these cycling shoes.
Amazon customers give the Fizik Tempo R5 shoes a 4.6 out of 5, with 80 percent of the review being 5 stars. Happy reviewers commented on how well the unique velcro straps worked, allowing their feet to feel secure. Other happy customers believe that they are good value for money. Negative reviews mentioned they were disappointed with the breathability of the shoes, especially in the summer, while some say they scuff easily.
The two bottom straps act like laces and wrap around the bottom of the foot, keeping them as tight as you desire while the top velcro strap secures your instep. The white design with black straps also reminds us of golf or bowling shoes, with the breathable hole design on the sides made with a comfortable Microtex material.
The bottom outsole of the shoes is made with R5 nylon - meaning they should feel comfortable while also remaining secure when you ride. The tongue of the shoe is also attached to the final strap so it stays in place as you ride. These aren't the most expensive shoes on the market, coming in at just under $100. However, it’s worth noting that they come without cleats, so these will have to be purchased separately.
Coming in an array of colors, including metallic blue and green, these trainers are sure to get the attention of your fellow cyclists.
The Santic Cycling Shoes average 4.3 of 5 from customers of Amazon, happy that the shoes are compatible with their Peloton bike. Other positive reviews concentrate on their comfort and affordability, while others like how the shoes don’t come up too big or small. Negative reviews cite how the holes on the bottom of the shoes can be too small to attach the delta clips, while one also mentioned that the ratcheting system needs work.
Designed for road biking but also compatible for Peloton riders, they are a mid-range price, hovering slightly below the price of Peloton’s own shoes. They also have two velcro straps towards the bottom of the shoe and a top ratchet clip with a precision button, which allows you to adjust how tight you want the shoes around your ankle.
The shoes also benefit from large-area ventilation holes on the side of the shoes for enhanced breathability and anti-slip material inside the shoes. Meanwhile, the heel has thickened protection to support the back of your foot when riding. The shoes don’t come with cleats, but with a three-holed delta design on the bottom of the shoe, they will be compatible with Delta or SPD cleats, which can be attached.
Specifically designed for track racing, these super high-tech stiff racing shoes are a little different from your standard cycling shoes.
Reviews on Sigma Sports give the Shimano S-Phyre RC9 shoes an average of 4.7 out of 5, with multiple five-star reviews. Positive reviews from customers cite how well they fit, with some mentioning how easy they were to get on and off with the BOA dial format for the laces. Negative reviews did cite just how stiff the shoes were and one customer noted how the midfoot wasn’t as wide as the rest of the shoe.
However, if you’re planning to do a little bit of both then these could be the perfect pair. Made with a carbon composite sole, this could make the shoes feel very stiff, but this should also equally make them great for track racing when you’re pedaling fast.
The top of the shoe is made from a stretch-resistant microfibre, along with mesh that stops your feet from overheating. The shoes also benefit from both BOA dials, for the laces and velcro straps - meaning you can quickly make small adjustments mid-ride. At nearly $300 they are one of the most expensive shoes we’ve featured, so if you’re using them for both the Peloton and for racing they could be worth splashing out on. However, if you’re solely looking for the best shoes for Peloton, then you might be worth purchasing a different pair of shoes.
How to choose the best shoes for Peloton
If you’ve just bagged a great exercise bike deal on a Peloton, or are on the hunt for shoes for both your road bike and to use on indoor rides, you’ll need to consider a few important factors when choosing the best shoes for your Peloton bike. Comfort and price are probably the most important, but do bear in mind that sometimes it’s worth stretching your budget a little to get the perfect-fitting shoe.
If you’re looking at a low-cost option, bike shoes for Peloton can still set you back $80 to $100, while the higher-end shoes can come in at $300. However, even the cheaper shoes should last you a decent amount of time.
"Even the budget options should last for a couple of years, cleats and heels can be changed or mended, but most shoes that are well made should last for at least a couple of years," Yarwood said.
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Yarwood recommends that it was worth looking at breathable shoes if you’re intending to ride indoors, as otherwise you can feel a bit “suffocated” by them.
He said that the sole of cycling shoes should be really stiff and rigid: "Older cycling shoes used to be made out of leather, which gave no real support. These days they are made out of carbon — this type of material means they can't be bent, so they’ll support your feet when you're moving. You also need a relatively stiff upper and a very secure fastening system so when you're pedaling your foot stays secure — when you are pushing and pulling during your pedal strokes."
While cheaper shoes and older designs usually fasten with three velcro straps, pricier shoes tend to use a more sophisticated system. "BOA wire system locks are becoming more popular now with your more high-end shoes and they feel much more secure," Yarwood said. "The cheaper models have a plastic ratchet fastening or velcro straps — which are fine, I used them for years to ride and they still feel secure."
Finally, Yarwood advises that you ensure the heel of your foot fits perfectly in the shoe: "You need the heel to be snug, but you don't want to feel any real pressure points otherwise that could cause problems when you ride."
The benefits of using the best shoes for Peloton
Clip-in shoes have been popular for exercise bikes for years and Peloton adopted this system as it helps users feel comfortable and secure when riding out of the saddle and at different speeds. Being able to pull up a pedal as well as push down on it can greatly increase your exercise performance.
Yarwood explains that clip-in shoes for Peloton help you to transfer your power into the bike efficiently, and they are an added security. "The shoes are primarily a mask for your foot, meaning better power transfer from your legs into the pedals, which drive the bike."
He added, "It's more comfortable for your foot, which means you can enjoy your ride more, for longer and harder."
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
This article was updated on Apr. 29, 2022, by Live Science contributor Rosee Woodland.
