Best Cycling Shoes Australia (2023 Buyers Guide) (2024)

You need durable, comfortable, and secure bike shoes that won’t let you down (and ideally look decent). But how do you decide which ones are best for you?

When it comes to finding the best cycling shoes, you have already noticed how there are different shoes in nearly every type of price range. Some cost as much as normal shoes, while other bicycle shoes seem to cost you more than your actual bike.

Finding the best pair for you and your cycling routine can be difficult. But we got you (and your feet) covered. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of cycling shoes for you, from a road bikes to multi-purpose clip-in cycling shoes. Below, you’ll find the definitive list of available best cycling shoes in Australia.

How we tested the best cycling shoes?

We put a lot of thought into what goes into the best cycling shoes, and we came up with a few key factors. First and foremost, they need to be comfortable. There’s no point in having a great pair of shoes if they will hurt your feet after a few hours in the saddle.

They also need to offer good power transfer, so you’re not wasting any energy when you’re pedalling. And finally, they should look good because, let’s face it, we all want to look good on our bikes!

We took all of these factors into account to find the best cycling shoes and tested a wide range of shoes from different brands. We rode with them for hundreds of kilometres, both on and off the bike, to see how they performed.

And we talked to other cyclists – both beginners and experts – to get their opinion on what makes a great cycling shoe.

After all of this testing, we’ve come up with our list of the best cycling shoes for 2022. Whether you’re looking for your first pair of shoes or an experienced cyclist looking for an upgrade, we think you’ll find something on our list that’s perfect for you.

There are a few things to consider when purchasing cycling shoes. First, you’ll need to decide what type of cycling you’ll be doing. Then, you’ll need to determine what kind of closure system you prefer and, finally, consider the fit.

So, are you ready to find yourself a new pair of cycling shoes? Then let’s dive in!

Top 3: Best cycling shoes of 2023

Image	Name	Features
Best Overall Best Overall	SHIMANO SH-RP1 Cycling Shoe	Available colours: Black or neon Shoe closure type: Velcro Material: Synthetic leather and fibreglass reinforced sole	check price
Best Budget Best Budget	Speeding Road Bike Cycling Shoes	Material: Synthetic, nylon sole Available colours: Black and white Compatibility: Peloton, SHIMANO, SPD, Look Delta	check price
	Fi’zi:k R5 Road Bike Shoes	Compatibility: Not specified Material: Microtex, R5 nylon composite sole Shoe closure type: Velcro and adjustable twist lock (BOA system)	check price

When shopping for cycling shoes, you don’t just need shoes that look good. It’s about maximum comfort, extreme durability, and high breathability. As arguably the most important contact point between you and your bike, you need to ensure that your feet are in tip-top shape. And you need great shoes for that.

The list below contains the three best cycling shoes available today. Below the list, you’ll find some additional tips and information on what to pay attention to when buying new bike shoes. All you need to know is to find your new favourite shoes.

As a cyclist, you’ll be well aware of the status of the brand SHIMANO has. They are world leaders for anything cycling, so buying from them means buying from cycling experts. And with their SH-RP1 cycling shoes, you get durable, comfortable shoes that give you all the support you need while pedalling.

These bike shoes are compatible with SPD / 2-hole and SPD-SL 3-hole cleats and clip-in pedals, which means you can use them on most indoor or outdoor bikes.

The shoe itself is made of durable synthetic leather to survive even the most arduous tour. The small punctures throughout the shoe allow for maximum breathability to prevent overheating.

The stiff yet very lightweight sole is reinforced with fibreglass to allow for as much force as needed. Finally, these shoes are a comfortable fit and easy to close up with velcro strips.

These shoes get an average 4.5-out-of-5 star rating on Amazon from hundreds of satisfied customers! Oh, and they’re very reasonably priced as well, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your bank.

Best suited for?

Cycling enthusiasts and professional racers alike. These cycling shoes perform really well on all fronts.

Next up is the budget option on our list. If you want cheap-yet-good cycling shoes for around $100, then we highly recommend these Speeding bike shoes.

The shoes consist of very breathable synthetic material with many punctures to allow for air to pass through easily. The strong sole is made of nylon to resist any force you might these shoes through.

The inside is quite comfortable (although the shoes are a bit stiff), and you can easily slip these shoes on in a second. The double closure system includes a velcro strip and an adjustable twist lock (or BOA) to ensure maximum security and fasten the shoes just as they fit you best.

These shoes are highly versatile as they are compatible with most systems, including peloton, SHIMANO, SPD, and Look Delta.

Best suited for?

People on a budget and the occasional rider don’t need the absolute best cycling shoes on the market.

If you’re specifically looking for the best road cycling shoes, you can’t go wrong with these high-quality shoes from Fi’zi:k (or Fizik).

The elegant design straight away stands out, but these shoes are much more than that. It has an over-curve, asymmetrical construction, which ergonomically fits the anatomy of your foot.

This means these shoes will fit around your feet, giving you maximum comfort and making these shoes feel like an extension of your feet rather than a hindrance that separates your feet from the pedals (as so many poor-quality cycling shoes do).

The microtex upper part of the shoes is both durable and supple, giving you comfort and protection. The cycling shoe review shows that the R5 nylon composite outsole allows you to use as much force as possible without hurting your feet, shoes, or bike.

Although slightly pricier than the other shoes on this list, we think they are more than worth the money.

Best suited for?

Road cyclists like to spend all weekend and most of their weekdays glued to the tarmac. Great for professionals and the more advanced road cyclists.

How to choose the right bike shoes for you?

It’s not easy to shop for cycling shoes. Prices are highly varied, and so is quality. But there are a few simple tips you can follow when looking for new cycling shoes.

Brand

Buying from a reputable brand is a good idea with any type of product, but we believe it’s especially important when it comes to something as essential as cycling shoes.

Think about it, there’s a good chance you stick to well-known brands you know when buying normal shoes, and those shoes you only need for walking. Cycling shoes need to endure hours of intense power, force, and (depending on where you ride) the harshest elements.

Brands like SHIMANO, Fizik, and Giro are reputable, established brands in the cycling world that have created quality cycling products for years.

Check out this brand Sidi cycling shoes also.

Shoe closure type

Your cycling shoes need to be fast and secure. You don’t want your shoes to come undone if you’re cycling at high speed. This can be extremely dangerous. And with the number of cycling-related deaths rising recently in Australia, taking the lives of about 50 cyclists every year, it’s incredibly important to do everything you can to stay as safe as possible while riding your bike. Properly closed cycling shoes can help with that.

There are generally three types of cycling shoe closure types.

1. Laces
   Shoelaces have a nice, retro look, and they do help you secure your shoes properly. But it takes a bit more time when putting on your shoes, and it’s not as easy to adjust as the other types. In most cases, we don’t recommend shoelaces.
   
2. Velcro
   Velcro straps are super easy to use and wrap comfortably around your feet. You simply slide your feet into the shoes and adjust the velcro strap. It is arguably the best fastening system there is.
   
3. Twist lock (BOA)
   The BOA system has taken the cycling world by storm over the past years, and for a good reason. Just like with velcro, you simply slide into your shoes first. Once in, you twist the locking wheel of the BOA system to fasten your shoes. The advantage of the BOA system is that you can very easily make slight adjustments to your shoe while riding by just giving the button a little twist.

We advise you to go for shoes with either velcro or BOA or, ideally, both.

Cycling Type

There are three main types of cycling – road, mountain, and BMX. Each type requires a different type of shoe. Road cycling shoes are lightweight with smooth soles for pedalling efficiency. Mountain biking shoes have more aggressive treads for traction and walking comfort off the bike. BMX shoes are similar to mountain biking shoes but often have extra padding for protection during extreme riding.

Fit

Cycling shoes should fit snugly with no slippage in the heel. They should also be comfortable with adequate ventilation for long rides. When trying on shoes, wear the same socks you’ll be wearing while riding. And finally, always walk around in the shoes before purchasing to make sure they’re comfortable.

Price

When it comes to cycling shoes, you generally get what you pay for. More expensive shoes will be lighter weight and have better ventilation. They’ll also often have higher-end fasteners like ratcheting buckles or Boa dials. If you’re just starting out, spending a lot of money on shoes is unnecessary. Just be sure they’re comfortable, and the fit is good.

FAQS

How important are cycling shoes? Do I need them?

Cycling shoes are not essential, but they can make a big difference in your comfort and performance. If you do a lot of riding, or if you want to get the most out of your cycling experience, we recommend investing in a good pair of shoes.

What are the different types of cycling shoes?

There are three main cycling shoes: road shoes, mountain bike shoes, and indoor cycling shoes. Road shoes are designed for use on pavement and tend to be lighter with thinner soles. Mountain bike shoes are sturdier with thicker soles and usually have more aggressive tread patterns for traction on dirt and mud. Indoor cycling shoes are similar to road shoes but often have Velcro straps instead of laces and a smooth sole for indoor cycling studio floors.

What should I look for when buying cycling shoes?

When purchasing cycling shoes, it is important to consider the type of riding you will often do. If you plan to do mostly road riding, you will want to focus on lighter-weight shoes with thinner soles. If you anticipate spending more time off-road, mountain bike shoes with thicker soles and more aggressive tread patterns would be better. And if you plan on using your shoes primarily for indoor cycling classes, then indoor cycling shoes would be the best option. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the shoes you select are compatible with the pedals you will be using. Most road pedals will work with mountain bike shoes, but mountain bike pedals may not work with road shoes.

Do I need to buy special socks to go with my cycling shoes?

You do not need to purchase special socks to wear with your cycling shoes. However, we recommend wearing socks made from moisture-wicking material to help keep your feet dry and comfortable.

How do I care for my cycling shoes?

To extend the life of your cycling shoes, we recommend storing them in a cool, dry place when they are not in use. Additionally, if your shoes get wet, we recommend drying them in the air rather than using a hair dryer or other direct heat source. Finally, we recommend periodic cleaning your shoes with a mild soap and water solution.

I’m having trouble getting my cycling shoes to stay on my feet. What can I do?

If you have difficulty keeping your cycling shoes on your feet, we recommend trying a different size or model of shoe. Additionally, some shoes come with adjustable straps or buckles that can be used to customize the fit.