5 Best Road Cycling Shoes You Should Consider

Are you looking for a value for money (not cheap, value) cycling shoe which has all the features of the high-end brands without the hefty price tag?

The Strada Elite cycling shoe from Tommaso is a high-performance road shoe which will give you all you’re looking for in terms of comfort, power, maximum compatibility, and a precision fit at an affordable price.

Optimised for road, commuting or touring, the Strada offers elite race-level features such as 100% carbon fibre cleat plate inset in the nylon sole.

This creates a rigid cleat area for maximum power transfer and efficient pedal strokes. The cleat area is compatible with SPD-SL, SPD, Look, and Speedplay cleats so you’re good to go whichever pedals you’re riding with.

The ultra-comfortable upper is made from microfibre with mesh inserts for breathability around the entire foot. The footbed is a moulded, breathable and removable EVA insert.

The fit is perfect to your foot, and the Reel Knob dialled speed lacing system remembers your perfect fit every time. A separate toe box Velcro strap keeps your toes secure as well.

In terms of sizing, go with the Size Guide and your foot measurement as these shoes will adjust to your foot within a few rides.

And the shoes look pretty rad made from pleather and sporting all black with venting and silver details.

The SELECT road shoe from PEARL IZUMI, a brand well known for its sporting apparel, features a re-engineered upper for a fully bonded construction.

The thinking behind this was to provide instant comfort. They also created an improved and stiffer nylon plate for better acceleration and longer foot support on long rides.

So, the upper is now a 3-layer seamless composite construction with mesh throughout the entire upper which offers exceptional ventilation around the entire foot and eliminates any hotspots in the foot by moulding to your foot shape after a few rides.

The mesh flows through to the inside of the upper as well for additional breathability. They have thoughtfully included an odour-resistant treatment inside the shoe as well.

There is a removable insole for aeration and odour elimination

The shoe has an anatomic 3-strap closure which applies no pressure to your instep, thereby avoiding any pain or discomfort in that area. The Velcro-strap closures are quick and easy to slip the shoe on and look good too.

The composite power plate features a nylon forefoot insert for a lightweight stiffness (rating 6) and durability.

The shoe also has an EVA foam and rubber heel bumper for comfort and stability when walking.

And there is a 3-bolt road cleat. It is SPD compatible.

Coming in four different colour variations the PI cycle shoes are also stylish good-lookers.

Coming in as a budget-friendly and perhaps an entry-level road cycling shoe is the Zol Stage shoe.

The shoes are made from a combination of synthetic leather and mesh in the upper for breathability and ventilation. The insoles are perforated as well for additional drainage of perspiration and rainwater. They are easy to clean as well – simply wipe down with a damp cloth.

The sole is a fibreglass-injected nylon which is a rigid platform for riding. The sole has two drainage holes as well. It also features rubber tips on the front and heel for anti-slip when walking.

There are three strong Velcro closure straps to safely secure the foot while on the bike.

The cleat has 3 bolts and is compatible with Look, Shimano SPD-SL, Shimano PD, Speedplay Road, Time Road, and all road pedals.

Although the Zol Stage is primarily a road shoe there is a bonus 2 bolt cleat for compatibility with SPD, Crank Brothers, and all MTB shoe pedals.

The shoes do run large in size so go down up to a full size. They weigh 286gms.

These are great shoes not only for road cycling but also for gym cycle classes and workouts and indoor spin classes. And they look pretty sharp in the white on black!

The Sonic 2 bike shoe from Northwave is a budget-friendly bike enthusiast's accessory with a lot to offer a new entrant to the scene.

The sole is made from NRG air carbon and fibreglass reinforced materials with a stiffness index of 8.0. This means that all the energy that you’re putting into the pedals will be transferred through to the bike’s wheels. The sole also features 5 vents for ventilation and drainage of perspiration and rainwater.

The upper is a thermo-welded layer construction of multiple layers without overlap to provide a lightweight and breathable yet highly supportive and moulded shoe.

The closure is a unique SLW2 which is a dial closure plus extra strap, with a full release by a single button, making it super easy to get on and off. These three asymmetrical closure straps avoid creating hotspots and pressure points across the top of your feet.

The shoe also features an integrated heel system for efficient heel retention in the shoe and prevention of unnecessary and undesirable heel lift.

The shoes are compatible with SPD clipless pedal systems. They are stiff yet still light, comfortable and responsive.

The shoes come in a cool black with fluoro yellow accents to add a bit of style to your ride.

From Shimano, the world’s largest manufacturer of bike components, comes the RP1 bicycle shoes in black. These shoes are at the low-price end of the bike shoe market and are ideal for first-timers who are perhaps still working out what they like in a bicycle shoe, or perhaps don't ride a lot and don't want to spend a fortune on accessories.

The shoes have a sturdy synthetic leather upper which is both lightweight and durable. They have a low profile for good ankle mobility. The mesh lining provides optimum ventilation for your feet while you’re riding.

These shoes have a lightweight reinforced fibreglass/nylon sole. The closure is a dual hook and loop Velcro strap system for a reliable and secure fit every time. The reflective highlights on the heel cups ensure good visibility to other road users.

The shoes are ideal for indoor cycle workouts as well as road cycling, but there is no sacrifice of performance wherever you choose to wear them.

These shoes do run small so going up a half size is recommended.

They are compatible with SPD and SPD-SL cleats.

Overall, they are a very comfortable fit and supportive shoe for pedalling.