The 8 Best Indoor Cycling Shoes Of 2023 To Take Your Ride To The Next Level

These breathable cycling shoes Arndt’s go-to pair to coach in. “They've been great—very stylish and come in tons of cool colors!” she says. Even better, the SuperRep is made with up to 20% recycled materials from post consumer waste as part of Nike’s broader sustainability initiative. 

The mesh and ventilated insoles make for a super breathable design, with two adjustable velcro straps to help you find your perfect fit. These shoes are incredibly versatile and compatible with LOOK Delta and SPD pedals. However, cleats aren’t included, so you’ll need to purchase your preferred type separately. 

In addition to the seal of approval from Arndt, the Nike SuperReps have great reviews on Amazon. They’re praised for how breathable, comfortable, and well-made they are. Just keep in mind, almost every review says to order a whole size up.

An updated design from the brand’s original shoes, these streamline your experience by using one single hook and loop strap. The sleek design includes breathable jacquard mesh and all-over ventilation for a cooler ride. They also come with Delta cleats (which are compatible with the Peloton Bike and Bike+) and an installation guide to get you up and riding in no time. 

With 4.4 out of 5 stars from 174 ratings on Amazon, the Altos get great reviews from Peloton riders and even a few road cyclists who use these outdoors. One person writes, “The shoe feels solid on the bike and holds the heels well. I have been riding for three years and these are the best shoes I have tried.” A few more critical reviews mention that these shoes are more narrow than the original design (Peloton notes this, too, saying they’re best for “narrow to normal” feet). And, like most of the shoes on our list, some people recommend sizing up.

Shimano is a beloved brand for both outdoor and indoor cyclists. In fact, before boutique indoor cycling studios started designing and selling their own shoes, shoes like the SH-RC100 were pretty much the gold standard, thanks to their neutral fit and durability. With perforated synthetic leather and a lightweight-yet-durable fiberglass sole, these shoes have a roomy fit that makes them great for most foot types. 

Three velcro straps that make it a breeze to find your perfect fit—but they won’t fit with all bikes. These shoes are only compatible with triangular, three-hole cleats (such as LOOK Delta for indoor cycling or SPD-SL for road bikes), which are sold separately. 

Both Tsiumis and Arndt recommended these shoes. “I started riding in Shimanos, which lasted nearly 10 years,” Tsiumis says. Reviews mention the spacious toe box, comfortable fit, and easy adjustability. And, if this particular shoe isn’t a winner for you, Arndt says another Shimano shoe may fit the bill. “They come in lots of styles and models, from road shoes to indoor-specific. Sometimes it can be tough for me to find a shoe I like (I have wide feet) and Shimanos fit comfortably,” she adds.

If you like to take bootcamp classes that involve getting on and off the bike frequently, these shoes are a great pick. They’re designed similarly to a sneaker, with a hidden SPT cleat inside the sole—so you can transition from the floor to the bike with ease. Breathable, yet cushy, these also feature an adjustable velcro strap enclosure. Plus, they’re available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. 

Tsiumis is a huge fan of these shoes. “I love my Tiem shoes because they’re so easy to get on and off (they're velcro),” she says. “I can walk around in them with ease as the SPD clip is inverted into the bottom—but I only wear them around the house or studio, not outdoors.” 

While there’s a lot to love about the Slipstreams, there are two things to keep in mind: First, they have a more flexible sole, which you may or may not enjoy. Second, they’re only compatible with SPD cleats and pedals.

These sturdy, cushioned shoes are an impressive value for the price. The Denver-based cycling brand’s cycling shoes come with cleats already installed, and you can choose SPD or Delta. The wider fit accommodates most foot types, with half sizes available, too. With a vegan leather outer, mesh ventilation panels, and a stiff fiberglass sole, this shoe is well-made and breathable. One consideration, however, is that there are only two color options available: black or white, with either pink or blue detailing. Still, if design isn’t your main concern, these are a great budget-friendly option that come with a lifetime warranty. 

With over 3,800 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, Tomasso’s Pista cycling shoes are a hit with at-home cyclists. One reviewer writes, “Shoes fit true to size and the BEST part is the clips come pre-installed so you only need to make minor adjustments with the hex key that is provided. Great investment for people who want to level up their spin class experience.” There are some mixed reviews from Peloton users, including a few who say the cleats didn’t fit into their pedals properly and that they are too stiff.

One of the most reputable cycling brands on the market, Specialized makes great shoes for riding. The Torch 1.0 is a lightweight, strap-free design that utilizes a Boa dial instead of velcro straps. The dial is essentially a knob that allows you to get super specific with your fit and makes the shoes incredibly easy to put on and take off. They’re well cushioned, but well-ventilated too, with a sleek design that’s appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. Just make sure you’re aware of the cleats you need: these only work with 3-hole cleats, like LOOK Delta for stationary rides or SPD-SL for road bikes. 

This is a pick from yours truly (the writer)! I’ve worn these for countless indoor classes and multiple triathlons and can attest: They’re super comfortable. I love how easy they are to slip on and off, and the generous balance of cushion and ventilation.

These SoulCycle shoes are a collaboration with longstanding cycling company Pearl Izumi. The design includes ventilated panels, a sock-like fit, and the same Boa dial closure system as the Specialized model—which means they’re super adjustable and easy to slide in and out of. Note that while the SoulCycle bike (both in-studio and at-home) is compatible with both Delta and SPD cleats, these shoes come with Delta cleats. 

We weren’t able to find any reviews of these shoes from customers.

Another brand that is paying closer attention to sustainability, Adidas makes its indoor cycling shoes with up to 50% recycled materials. The design is available in 5 bright and funky colors, and is one of the more lightweight shoes on our list. It features a ventilated textile upper and a sturdy fiberglass-reinforced nylon sole, so your feet can breathe but will still be supported. 

For easy on-and-off, there’s a single velcro strap enclosure. Like a few other shoes on this list, this pair is only compatible with three–hole cleats, such as LOOK Delta.   

These indoor cycling shoes get great reviews from customers, particular for their generous ventilation. One reviewer writes, “Absolutely love them. Comfortable, breathable and cute!!” However, some say they’d prefer a bit more cushion for longer rides. Several reviewers recommend sizing up at least a half size.