Best cycling shoes: how to choose road cycling shoes for summer 2020
Cycling shoes are unquestionably one of the most important accessories you’ll invest in. They’re responsible for all power transfer to the bike, and the difference between wearing a regular flat shoe vs a clip in shoe means you will add in the region of 10 per cent more power.
In this round up, we have chosen the best road cycling shoes. These all use the SPD-SL clip in system which is a three-bolt system, used by road cyclists almost universally. The alternative is a two-bolt system, known as SPD, typically used by mountain or off road bikers.
How to choose the right road cycling shoes for you?
One feature in particular to consider when choosing a pair of shoes is the fastening system. The more entry level will tend to be either laces or velcro. Next up from there is the ratchet which allows you to tighten the shoe further still, albeit this is still relatively rudimentary. Finally, with the top end shoes, you will nearly always find a dial adjustment system (such as BOA). This offers micro-adjustments of 1mm with each turn of the click dial so you can achieve the perfect level of tightness for you.
Rapha Pro Team Shoes
Rapha’s flagship shoes are sheer joy. Fitting like a glove, the seamless upper is made from a woven fabric which offers good breathability - comfort comes in spades and the carbon sole is very still with a little flex still too which is welcome. Fitted with two BOA dials, adjustability is spot on.
Weighing around 500grams, albeit they’re not in the super lightweight category, but they should be sufficiently lightweight for all but the real gram counters. For added durability, the toe has some integrated reinforcements and the heel is fitted with a very sturdy thermoplastic external cup (so you can heat up as well as adjust) which also helps with power transfer. They are DWR treated (a hydrophobic finish) and thereby offering some level of protection to water, the woven upper is susceptible to rain, so if you’re expecting wet conditions, best wear an overshoe. Yes, they’re not the lightest, but they strike the right balance of price, comfort, performance, oh and they’re great looking too.
Le Col Pro Carbon Cycling Shoes
With their high gloss, almost patent leather style finish, these would look just at home on the red carpet as on your sleek racing bike. The premium artificial leather upper is not only soft and supple - further accentuating the glove like super comfortably feel these shoes offer - this also makes them durable and easy to clean. Micro adjustments come via the two Atop (nb not BOA) dials meaning you can find the perfect level of tightness. Build quality all round is very high indeed, they weigh 535grams so as expected they’re nice and lightweight, and the sole is very stiff without being uber rigid. All in all, a top end shoe at a justified price point.
Giro Savix Road Shoe
Ideal for the commuter, the very comfortable Savixs are a more entry level option whilst still benefiting from the BOA adjustment system. Fitted with a plastic sole, they’re durable but there is of course a sacrifice in stiffness when compared to carbon, meaning some power would be lost. The upper is a breathable microfiber construction with nice padding around the heel too, and they’ll also happily accommodate a wider foot too. Not really suited to racing or performance due to their plastic sole, however they’re ideally placed for pleasure or commuting type rides - good looking, hardwearing and comfortable.
Shimano RP4 Cycling Shoesâ
Despite being at the sub £100 level, these sleek looking numbers cross the threshold into a more performance orientated road shoe. They are remarkably light at 516grams, and stiffness is good by way of their glass fibre reinforced nylon sole. The upper is a synthetic leather with perforations for breathability, and you’ve got the benefit of BOA dial for micro adjustments, plus two velcro straps. These fit really nicely, and with their heel pad, walking about in them is less cumbersome.
Specialized S-Works 7 Road Shoes
As expected from this top brand, their flagship model live up to expectations. A smidgen under 450grams, they’re one of the lightest, yet probably the stiffest out of this article line up. With minimal stitching in the upper, there’s next to zero chance of an irritating hotspot developing, and combined with the non-stretch upper material your foot is kept nice and snug transferring all power. However the toe box is roomier meaning they should work too if you have slightly wider feet. They are fitted with two especially developed BOA dials which look and act the part - yet another feature attesting to the immense attention to detail.
DHB Dorica Road Shoe
Perhaps you’re starting out, or looking for an occasional use shoe, or daily commuting in all weathers and want something that you don’t need to worry about hammering - the Dorica is ideal. It’s a good looking shoe, and if you’re on a tight budget, these lace up options from Wiggle’s own brand are perfect. They’ll happily fit feet of all shapes and sizes, and the synthetic upper looks the part too and offers a great level of comfort. The sole is nylon, therefore quite flexible meaning you’ll lose some power, but that’s not a problem for the users they’re intended for.
Fizik Vento Powerstrap R2 Aeroweave
A cutting edge shoe made for racing, and ideal in hot weather, weighing in at super lightweight 410grams for the pair. This weight saving is largely thanks to the innovative mesh-like upper material which is comprised of a series of interlacing woven fabrics with nylon fibres and thermoplastic support inserts. The result is that they are semi-opaque so when held up to the light you can see through them, hence their very high breathability. They are very comfortable too and are secured using two velcro straps, the lower of which wraps around twice giving a decent snug fit. Needless to say, the sole is an extremely stiff carbon which rounds off a pair of super capable top end racing shoes.
Bont Bont Riot Buckle
Bont are well known for their high end heat moulded shoes, and these benefit from this same feature. The sole is made from a heat moldable Expoxy Thermoset Fiberglass which, heated in the oven for 20 minutes, can then be adjusted to suit your foot and it will then keep that shape. They are very stiff and comfortable and have a great eye catching and striking aesthetic. The ratchet closing system doesn’t offer the same level of adjustment as the dial version and they’re not super light at 590grams, but these don’t overly detract from this still being a great shoe entry level performance shoe.
B'Twin Van Rysel Sportive Road Cycling Shoe 500
Decathlon’s own cycling brand B’Twin are always a great option to turn to for really affordable and decent gear. Needless to say they’re not the lightest at 610g, but they’re built to a decent level, and the nylon sole is adequately stiff for more casual rides or those starting out. Fitted with three velcro straps, adjustability is good and the PVC upper means they’re durable and low maintenance too. There’s added peace of mind too, via a 2-year warranty should you have any problems.
Verdict:
If money is no object, the S-Works 7 is a fantastic shoe that is durable, high performance and comfortable. If you’re just starting out or perhaps looking for a pair of shoes you don’t mind hammering in bad weather or for daily commuting, the Shimano RP4 with their BOA dial, rugged build quality and sub-£100 price tag make them a great option.
However, on balance considering performance, build quality and price, the Rapha come out on top. They look and feel so smart and will be your trusty companions on many long rides.
