From road and gravel racing to mountain biking and urban riding, our experts have tested the best cycling shoes for every style and budget.
For athletes who don’t hit the ground like a runner, kick a ball like a soccer player, or jump and land like a basketball player, cyclists rely on wearing the best cycling shoes. . Riders often neglect new shoes in favor of a stylish new jersey or fancy eyewear, but they can be a rider’s most important investment in kit.
Cycling journalists Mark Bailey and Lawrence McJannett tested a variety of shoes, from speedy road racing to innovative gravel shoes, off-road winter boots, hybrid MTBs and commuter kicks. Find your perfect fit and start your new cycling journey. Color the season with style.
this is the best cycling shoe
Since our top shoe for 2024, the Le Col Pro Carbon Road Shoe, is no longer available, we think the best overall choice for 2025 is the Mavic Cosmic Elite SL. These are extremely comfortable yet efficient road riding and racing shoes, but they also have the added bonus of being surprisingly affordable.
Other cycling shoe recommendations
1. Mavic Cosmic Elite SL
The carbon-soled Disco Slippers from French wheel specialists Mavic are a real gem. With all the stiffness and light weight (255g / 9 oz) of shoes twice the price, this shoe is also a great choice for those looking to get into competitive riding or for those looking for more efficient power transfer. . I liked the wide forefoot, which was a pretty good fit for a race shoe, and the comfortable, even tension created by the single BOA dial. Even if you weren’t a whippet racer or hill climber before you wore these, you’ll probably start wearing them now.
2. Endura Hummvee Flat Pedal Shoes


If you’re a flat pedal fan rather than clip-on XC whippets, you could do a lot worse than these Endura Hummvee flat pedal shoes. The StickyFoot™ grip sole gives you the confident feeling of being firmly attached to the pedals.
They repel water and dirt and keep your feet cool thanks to the perforated panels. Hidden elastic laces prevent laces from wrapping around the drivetrain. Overall, a great performance shoe at a great price.
3.Shimano RX8R gravel shoes


The Shimano RX8R is also a carbon sole product, but this lightweight shoe is aimed at gravel racers. It uses 2-bolt SPD cleats instead of 3-bolt road cleats, but since it’s an every-inch race shoe, grip is minimal. Although not an option for the budget-conscious, you get a light and comfortable shoe that maximizes pedaling efficiency, and the soft knit ankle area reliably keeps gravel out. It has a Boa dial and cable system. It’s paired with a Velcro strap for security, and we’re big fans of its shiny gold look.
4. DMT KR4 Road Shoes




The DMT KR4 has a nylon composite sole rather than a carbon sole, but at 8 oz / 227 g it is lighter than most top-end race shoes. That’s mainly due to its minimalist, one-piece sock-like design that ensures a luxurious fit and eliminates pinch points. A single Boa dial handles the tightening duties and enhances the KR4’s streamlined look and feel. We think this would be a great choice for an avid road rider looking to up their game and look good while doing it.
5.FIZIK TERRA ARTICA GTX OFF-ROAD SHOES


If you’ve discovered the unique joy of winter off-road riding, you should turn to the Fizik Terra Artica. The GTX in the name stands for GORE-TEX, so you know it’s a sturdy shoe that can withstand the elements. A high collar helps keep the cold out, and a grippy outsole provides plenty of leverage when you can’t ride. We think Terra Artica is the perfect choice for MTB riders who don’t like the elements to affect them when riding.


6. Oakley Drift RC MTB Shoes
The Oakley Drift is a strong choice for riders who like to dabble in trials riding or tackle jumps at their local bike park. Equally suitable for mountain bikers who prefer the freedom of flat pedals, or who want a versatile shoe that can take them off the bike. It’s reasonably priced and has plenty of style appeal. We’re big fans of the SUP Traction outsole. You’ll be glued to the flat ground as you ride on the full tilt round berm as you run on rails.
7. Specialized Torch 1.0 Road Shoes


The Torch is the cheapest on our list, but don’t think that means low-priced specs. This shoe has all the benefits of Specialized’s Body Geometry fit found in higher-end options to help improve biomechanical efficiency. It also features a Boa dial and cable system, with a bottom Velcro strap for a snug fit. And we’re really impressed that this sub-$100 shoe weighs just 10.2 oz/290g.
Benefits of the best cycling shoes
Shoes play an important role in connecting your body and bicycle. Helps maximize power transfer and speed, as well as the bike’s handling ability. Provides essential grip, balance and control when riding. Shoes are also essential to your overall comfort and enjoyment on long days in the saddle, whether you need great ventilation in the summer or extra warmth in the winter.
A quality pair should also offer benefits tailored to your riding style and terrain. Road riders will benefit from a lightweight shoe with a stiff sole that increases power output. Off-road riders value durability in all conditions and good grip when scrambling over rocks and gravel. And for commuters, the everyday comfort and easy on-and-off pedal features will be welcome. There is no right or wrong shoe. But there is a right shoe and a wrong shoe for you.
How we tested the best cycling shoes
Our reviewers tested a variety of shoes, from speedy road racing and gravel shoes to off-road winter boots, hybrid MTBs, and commuter kicks. We tested these across the UK from the East Midlands to the West Country and overseas in continental Europe.
And for riding in related terrain, including muddy 20-30km off-road adventures on tracks and trails around Rutland Water and Wakerley Wood, and 80-100km fast road odysseys around Bath and Roubaix. We matched each pair. Our testers wore these shoes for at least two months throughout the year to monitor durability. We check all the boxes. All you have to do is find your perfect fit and start your new cycling season in style.
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