Indoor cycling is a great way to squeeze all the benefits of riding into a busy schedule in a fun, weather-proof environment. A pair of cycling shoes can enhance your workout—but for many, borrowing the studio’s shoes is essentially the sweatier equivalent of renting bowling shoes. Here are a couple of tips for buying your own.
Walkable Road Shoe
Look for a shoe with a cleat recessed into the shoe base. This will allow you to walk around the studio or your home in comfort, without slipping or scratching the floors.
When you’re trying on a pair for the first time, be sure to walk around in them. Indoor cycling shoes should feel secure, slightly stiff, but overall comfortable enough to walk in.
We recommend
Bontrager Vella Women’s Shoe
Dedicated Road Shoe
Typically, stationary bikes at indoor cycling studios are equipped with pedals to support a two-bolt SPD system, traditionally used for clipping in when mountain biking.
However, some studio pedals do support the 3-bolt system, traditionally used for road cycling. If you aren’t sure what system the studio uses, call ahead to ask.
We recommend
Bontrager Velocis Women’s Shoe