The best shoes for spin class you can buy
The best spinning shoes for women
The Pista 100 is marketed as an entry-level shoe designed for women. However, it's also a durable and versatile shoe that will serve you well beyond your basic cycling needs. In terms of compatibility, the shoe works with the popular Shimano Pedaling Dynamics (SPD) clipless pedal system. The SPD system has a two-hole metal cleat. The Pista 100 is also SPD-SL compatible. This SPD-SL system has three holes. In contrast to the SPD system, which is used for casual riding as well as mountain biking and touring, SPD-SL is primarily designed for road riding and racing. Other compatible cleat systems include Look and Speedplay.
Most spin classes involve a combination of standing and sitting. Whether you're grinding it out on a seated climb or are powering through a standing sprint to the finish, you need shoes that are comfortable and supportive.
"I would have quit cycling if it wasn't for these shoes," said one Amazon customer. "I used the wrong ones previously and my feet were killing me." Another customer "felt a tremendous difference in these vs. the ones supplied by the cycling studio...I didn't feel as much muscle strain nor did I feel like I used as much energy when I increased the resistance."
In fact, these shoes have a fiberglass reinforced sole that specifically increases power on the bike. In addition, the shoes are stiff enough for optimal power transfer, which results in faster rides that don't require as much energy expenditure over time.
If your top picks come down to fit and looks, you're not alone. Even the smallest details can make or break a shoe for some riders. The Pista 100 comes in three color combinations, each of which features a solid exterior with hints of colorful details on the outside and inside. In terms of sizing, many women prefer to size up if they are between sizes. Having a slightly larger shoe also allows you to wear thicker socks if you prefer.
"I wear a thicker sock when I ride and fit is great, feels a little wide for me if I wear a thin sock, even though length is right," said one customer. Many women with wider feet say that the Pista 100 is spacious and comfortable.
Pros: Several color choices, fiberglass reinforced sole, compatible with many cleat systems
Cons: Cleats stick out, which can make walking uncomfortable, cleats sold separately, runs a bit small
Buy the Pista 100 on Amazon for $69.95The best spinning shoes for men
Some shoes only work with a single cleat pattern, which can limit their usability to a single pedal system. The Giro Treble II works with both two and three-bolt cleat patterns, making it compatible with a wide range of indoor and outdoor bikes. You can use the shoes to power up the rankings in spin class or enjoy an off-road ride on your mountain bike.
Comfort and support are paramount when it comes to cycling. Whether your ride is 30 minutes or over an hour, you don't want to be dealing with sore arches by the time class ends. These spinning shoes have medium arch support, which works well for many riders.
PodiatryToday called insoles "the foundation of the shoe." Even though you're not pounding out the miles directly on your feet, you need ample foot and leg support when cycling. According to the same source, firmer midsoles result in stiffer and heavier shoes. In comparison, softer midsoles provide greater shock absorption but tend to wear out faster.
The shoes "have totally changed the way I ride and the comfort of my feet during long rides," said one Amazon customer. Another said the shoes are "nice and stiff without being uncomfortable."
Seemingly small details can make the shoes more appealing to cyclists. One example is the Aegis antimicrobial treatment. Not only does the treatment potentially keep bacterial build-up at bay, but it also keeps shoes smelling fresh for longer.
You can also choose between several different colors. One of the more popular choices is the combination yellow-and-black shoe, especially among cyclists who also ride outdoors. "Neon adds safety at night," said one customer.
Pros: Compatible with two and three-bolt cleat patterns, moderate arch support, available in several colors
Cons: Runs a bit small, some wish the Velcro strap across tongue was longer, higher tongue can be bothersome
Buy the Giro Treble II at Amazon for $39 to $99.95The best value for women
The RP2 isn't the most technically advanced shoe in the Shimano lineup, but its overall comfort and durability make the shoe a top choice among indoor cyclists. Once you factor in the affordable price tag, it's no wonder the shoe is particularly popular among beginners and women searching for the ideal shoe for spin class. Cleat compatibility is crucial, especially if you plan to use the shoes indoors and outdoors. This Shimano cycling shoe is compatible with two- and three-bolt cleat systems.
Comfort is always a priority, even if your spin class isn't. This indoor cycling shoe is outfitted with a glass fiber reinforced nylon sole for optimal power transfer and comfort. One Amazon customer found the soles "appropriately stiff," adding that "my toes have plenty of room and I'm able to cinch the shoes pretty tightly with the straps." Another said, "They are a bit stiff on the ankle and a little roomier than I thought they would be." Shimano gives the shoe an outsole rating of six on a scale of one to 10, placing the shoe somewhere in between comfort and competition wear.
Some cycling shoes have a unisex design. This Shimano cycling shoe specifically caters to female cyclists seeking a women's specific fit. In addition to lightweight construction, the glove-like fit will keep feet feeling secure and ready for even the most demanding indoor riding workouts. An external heel cup keeps feet planted firmly in place. Three hook and loop straps along the top provide an even more customized fit.
Several customers commented that the shoes also work well for wide feet. One said, "After one class with numb feet I reluctantly started searching for a pair that was not too expensive but seemed like it worked for people with 'wide' feet...and ordered the Shimano SH-RP2. The Velcro opens enough to get your foot in comfortably, you can loosen or tighten as much as needed, and the toe box is nice and roomy."
Pros: Compatible with two and three-bolt cleat systems, women's specific fit, glass fiber sole ideal for power transfer
Cons: Doesn't come with clips, can be hard to walk in with cleats installed, runs a bit small/narrow
Buy the Shimano RP2 (SH-RP2W) on Amazon for $79 to $129.99The best value for men
The Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex stays true to its name. You can use the spinning shoe for your favorite types of riding: indoor cycling, commuting, training rides, and more. The shoe also has a breathable material that allows for proper ventilation as you pedal. A combination nylon-and-fiberglass outsole is sturdy enough to give you plenty of support yet flexes enough to be comfortable when walking around. In terms of compatibility, the SPD cleats work with most major mountain bike pedals.
Comfort is crucial when it comes to cycling, so let's take a closer look at what makes these shoes so comfortable. The previously mentioned outsole not only provides plenty of flex in the toe and heel for walking, but it also keeps pressure off of the heels. Extra heel retention inside the cup holds the heel tightly in place, whether you're walking or riding. Convenient hook and loop fasteners allow for quick and easy adjustments, even when riding.
One Amazon customer wrote, "What I really like about this shoe is that the sole is stiff from the heel to the ball of my foot, but the toe will flex when walking. This provides good power transfer like a road shoe, but doesn't result in that awkward clunky gait that you get with stiff road shoes without recessed cleats." Another said, "The footbed is firm and energy transfer to crank is good, even in an off the saddle situation."
As any rider knows, breathability is also important. This is especially true when the weather gets warmer or the spin instructor mercilessly calls out one intense interval session after the next. These shoes are made with a combined synthetic leather and mesh upper. The insole is also breathable and well ventilated. The end result is ample breathability to help your feet stay cool without compromising comfort.
However, it's important to note that these shoes run a bit small. If you find yourself using a thicker sock when the temperatures drop, you'll want to size up accordingly.
Pros: Versatile, well ventilated, hook and loop fasteners allow for fast and easy adjustments
Cons: Not SPD-SL compatible, runs small, a bit narrow for wide feet
Buy the Louis Garneau Multi Air Flex at Amazon for $61.95 to $188.01The best unisex spinning shoe
Sometimes, it's just easier to be able to swap and share shoes. These cycling shoes have a unisex design, making them suitable for male and female riders. Aside from your local spinning studio, these cycling shoes work best for mountain biking. In fact, the two-bolt cleat system is compatible with SPD and most mountain bike pedals. They're also compatible with Crank Brothers pedals. If you're not familiar with the brand, Crank Brothers describes itself as "a globally recognized and leading brand of pedals" and other bike accessories.
Having a shoe that fits properly is essential for any type of riding. A shoe that fits properly "should not slip or have any wiggle room," according to Spinning.com. While the soles should feel stiff at first, they should "feel as cozy as a warm pair of gloves" once they are broken in after a few rides.
Certain features make these shoes more comfortable, including hook and loop straps along with a heel cup for more stability. "These shoes ... have totally increased my indoor cycling ability," said one customer, adding that the shoes are "comfortable throughout speed workouts and heavy duty hill climbs." Another customer said the shoes provide "good support to the arches" since the bottom flexes, especially when pedaling hard.
Once you have a shoe that fits properly, you'll want to ensure it's comfortable enough for your riding demands in other ways. Many riders appreciate the perforated insole, which adds a bit of support and cushioning without weighing down the shoe. Plus, it dries quickly, which helps keep your feet comfortable during even the most demanding rides. Cyclists also appreciate the Velcro straps for easy adjustments as needed.
One customer said, "When I first got them I thought they were a little tight, but after using them a couple of times they fit and work great." Another found that the shoes "made my ride much smoother, easy going and less strenuous on my legs."
Pros: Compatible with SPD and MTB pedals, unisex design, perforated insole
Cons: A bit narrow for wide feet, cleats not included, only comes in one color
Buy the Gavin Mountain Bike Mesh Indoor Fitness Cycling Shoe on Amazon for $$61.95-$188.01
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