Best Indoor Cycling Shoes For Men In The UK – Top Picks
Enjoy a safer and more comfortable ride with a great pair of spinning shoes
When it comes to indoor cycling, your shoes can either make your workout a “thrilling spin” or a “ride in to forget”. As insignificant as they may seem, cycling shoes are the key to a great and comfortable workout, any astute cyclist can confirm this. The bottom line? You need good or even the best cycling shoes for an all-around enjoyable spinning exercise. For our readers, we have put together an essential and delightful list of the best spin shoes for men in the UK.
During cycling, your shoe-clad feet does the bulk of the work — it transfers your cycling force from the bike’s pedals to the crank. Some spin bikes provide cages that you can slide your feet into, but the best types of spin bikes are those that give you room to “clip in” (to attach your shoes to the bike for full support and pedalling efficiency), so you can ride securely and comfortably. The shoes that are tailored for this pedalling system also called “clipless pedals” (which is ironic, considering you actually clip in to pedal) are the clip-in shoes with the most common being the 2 bolt and 3 bolt cleats such as the SPD and SPD-SL shoes for spinning.
On the whole, a good indoor cycling shoe should be stiff and comfy. It should be tight but not too tight to squash your feet, so you can focus on driving pedalling force without your shoes getting in the way. A good number of them also provide laces and straps such as the popular BOA wire-laces — for proper alignment and adjustment. But to identify the best of the best in Britain, you would have to take a good look at our detailed review of the best men’s indoor spin shoes in the United Kingdom.
Best Spinning Shoes For Men In The UK
Pearl iZUMI Men’s Select Road V5 Spin Bike Shoes
The monochrome beauty that is the Pearl iZUMI cycling shoes is not just easy on the eyes, but it is firm on the feet as well. Being a product of a reputable brand (Pearl Izumi), you should expect nothing less than comfort and practicality. With an Eva foam insole and a rubber heel bumper, comfort and stability are just a ride away.
Variety they say, is the spice of life and this spinning shoe bears testament to this mantra as it offers cleat and pedal versatility; It is tailored to suit both the SPD pedal system and the three-cleat delta system. What this means is that you have the option to wear these shoes in any biking condition, where or whenever. However, you will have to fix the cleats yourself, which is a teeny-weeny inconvenience considering the robust advantages.
To keep the heat away and for a better “foothold”, the 3-strap velcro fasteners are at play. They serve to eliminate pressure from the instep, thereby getting rid of hot spots. But the advanced 3-layer seamless composite upper design does the all-important job of eliminating hot spots even better; it offers breathability that is second to none. To top it all, the composite power plate is layered with nylon for durability and added stiffness —and no, it doesn’t make the shoes any thicker than it should be, in fact the shoes are surprisingly lightweight.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Durable
- Affordable
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Velcro design makes it slightly uncomfortable for men with narrow feet
Giro Empire E70 Knit Spin Shoes For Men
Who would have thought that knit cycling shoes will make such a big impact? How Giro came up with this mind-boggling and practical invention, we might never know, but one thing we know for sure is that the Giro empire knit cycling shoes is a refreshing change of pace (or is it shoes) from what we are used to, plus it is a beauty to behold.
The upper is made with a supple one-piece knit material, and it features an empire lace-up closure for the perfect fit and breathability. Cleaning the upper is as easy as drinking water because even if you get mud on them, the durable water repellency (DWR) treatment makes sure it comes off easily. The laces are easy to dial in and adjust. Cycling efficiency is taken a notch up by the EC70 carbon composite outsole that can withstand even the most rigorous workouts without presenting any discomfort. And for an even greater feet support, the internal TPU skeleton says hello.
The supernatural fit kit insole with the adjustable arch is the ultimate definition of foot and pedalling comfort— it is like wearing a pair of comfortable slippers as it is flexible and easily deforms with the feet, and the anti-microbial fibre top sheet banishes odor to the land of no return. Talking about cleat compatibility, the Giro shoes can easily adapt to 3-bolt cleat systems like Shimano SPD-SL and LOOK. So if you’ve been looking for the best spin shoes for men in the United Kingdom; you can bring the search to a close, because you just found an incredibly good one.
Pros:
- Good ventilation
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Excellent comfort
- Good heat management
Cons:
- Yellow laces are hard to clean and tend to fade with time
Shimano RP100 SPD-SL Spin Shoes For Men
One look at the Shimano men RP100 cycling shoes, and you can’t help but think, “this shoe looks like it will stand the test of time”. Yes, durable is the word you are looking for. You can’t talk about quality cycling shoes and not mention Shimano. In the cycling world, Shimano is the king of quality cycling shoes.
The outsole is furnished with glass fibre reinforced nylon for improved stiffness. The outsole material makes it qualified for both outdoor and indoor cycling, so you can switch locations whenever you feel like, without worrying about the make of your shoes. Rest assured, your feet will breathe easy because the synthetic leather upper in combination with the nylon mesh panels and vented insole will provide good air circulation and return moisture back to where it belongs — outside your shoes!!
As expected, the Shimano spin shoes are compatible with two and three cleat systems that include SPD, and SPD-SL. But that’s not all, Shimano takes it a step further by adding a reflective print on the heel cup, which works to increase visibility by reflecting light in poorly lit rooms. To close it up, the double strap closure design does a perfect job. And tell you what, the RP100 is a particularly good pick for beginners.
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners
- 2 and 3-cleat compatible
- Lightweight and durable
- Repels moisture
- Provides efficient air circulation
Cons:
- Smaller than other Shimano models; might be a small fit
Giro Unisex Adults’ Savix Indoor Cycling Shoes
If you don’t have the patience for shoe straps that takes “twists” and “turns” to fasten, then you should be on your way to getting the Giro Savix cycling shoes. Why? the single BOA dial and the “set-and-forget” front straps will have your feet in your shoes faster than you can blink your eye. Want to kick off your shoes after a long spin without fiddling with knotted straps? Again, the Giro shoes say “not a problem” —and we have the 1mm Boa adjustment increment dial and the macro-release function to thank for this.
The upper is a breath of fresh air as it is made with a breathable microfibre fabric. The outsole is made with injected nylon, and it is compatible with both two and three-bolt cleat systems, but you will have to purchase the cleats yourself, and you may need adapters for some of the systems — a little bit of a compromise there.
The die-cut Eva foam insole is sure to give your feet a comforting warm hug. Giro polished off the “fit” with a lace-up closure that keeps your feet securely locked in place and gives you the confidence to ride without stopping now and then to re-tie your laces. Now that it has been established that the Giro Savix is an awesome indoor spinning shoe for men in the UK, nothing should hold you back from giving it a try.
Pros:
- Cost-efficient
- Quick strap and release BOA control
- Stylish
- Super light
- Mesh provides good breathability
Cons:
- Cleats are to be purchased separately
Sundried Men’s Shoes To Use For Spin Bikes
Sundried is a renowned British activewear brand, and they have lived up to their “quality” reputation with these men’s cycling shoes. State of the art technology is at the forefront of the sundried shoes, and it is featured across all levels, from upper to insole.
It sports a unique two-way edging that goes all the way to the heel cup. This serves to firmly lock your foot in place and to keep slipping at bay. The upper features a laser-cut design that provides ample ventilation. The insole is lined with a soft, breathable fabric that keeps your feet dry and ensures that the shoes are moisture-free. It is also integrated with TPU for maximum transfer of pedalling force.
You can fasten the sundried shoes with ease through the dial. The dial gives you the liberty to make tiny micro-adjustments until you achieve your desired fit. And best of all? You can stop mid-spin to quickly operate and readjust the dial if you feel the need for it. The shoes are compatible with LOOK and SPD-SL pedalling systems. In all, if you are looking for a great pair of spinning class shoes, you shouldn’t stray further from the sundried men’s cycling shoes.
Pros:
- Crafted with quality materials
- Classy look and feel
- Affordable price point
- Vegan-friendly
- Fits snugly
Cons:
- Smaller than the advertised size
Fizik R5 Tempo Indoor Cycling Shoes For Men
Italian shoes are known for class and understated elegance, and the Fizik R5 cycling shoes is no different except that it merges elegance with functionality—it isn’t a case of fashion over function. For one, it features a wrap-around collar that enfolds the ankles called “over curve”. This configuration is aimed at correcting the incongruous alignment of the ankle’s bony protrusions.
The nylon composite outsole bridges the gap between cycling stability and comfort. The microtex upper is nothing short of supple. It is perforated along both sides, without reaching the toebox. The soles also lack vents. This might promote hot spots and moisture during hot weather conditions. Nonetheless, the over curves have a solid heel and toe bumper that increases sole durability and makes walking easier.
For adjustment and closure, the Fizik cycling shoes utilize a single Boa dial and front-foot velcro strap for quick adjustment. It is also compatible with all three cleat systems, but the cleat markings are not legible enough and maybe difficult to identify. All-in-all, the Fizik R5 is a decent indoor cycling shoe for men in Great Britain. And what more, they come in different colors for the color-specific individual.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Easily adjustable straps
- Perfect finishing
- Narrow and easily adapts to the feet
Cons:
- Soles lack vents
Scott Comp Lace Men’s Spinning Shoes
The Scott Comp Lace bike shoes look way more expensive and feel more comfortable than the price suggests — a typical case of affordability is not synonymous to subpar. With the Scott comp shoes, comfort overrides stiffness, but notwithstanding, it is a great pair of men’s studio cycling shoes in the UK.
Scott uses a “wrap fit” design for the upper, which is a layered structure that wraps around the foot as you tighten the lace. The polyurethane upper is soft and pliant, so when you tie the laces, they accommodate the foot without limiting mobility. However, the laces may not secure your feet tightly as a Boa or rachet closure would. For ventilation, the upper is perforated, and a mesh vent is strategically positioned under the toes.
The injected nylon and fibreglass outsole is a 6/10 in terms of stiffness, as reported by Scott. This means that these shoes are not all that flexible. The cleat area is cushioned with plenty of material and several webs, Scott calls this “torsionfork,” and it is designed to provide more pedalling stability. There are ergonomically shaped and removable arch supports within the insole, which adds to the comfortability.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Very soft upper
- Budget-friendly
- Prioritizes comfort above anything else
Cons:
- Not flexible enough for intensive exercises
Dilwe Men’s Cycling Shoes For Spin Class
Good spinning class shoes can be a hassle to find sometimes. You may want a cycling shoe that is comfortable, breathable, durable, and easy to use, the good news is, the Dilwe shoes fit this description. Let’s start with the slip-resistant soft pad that lines the insole and the light reflective detail that makes the shoes conspicuous in low-light conditions.
The breathing holes on the upper and on the heel takes comfort to another level, plus it keeps those pesky hot spots far away from your feet. The velcro toe fasteners and wired lace-ups make for a good sole stiffness and grip. In all honesty, this is a solid pair of cycling shoes for spinning class and for indoor cycling in the United Kingdom.
And because safety is top priority, Dilwe equipped the shoes with a PU hard plate that repels shock while you pedal. The rubber soles and “teeth design” saves you a ton of cycling labor — you don’t have to expend so much energy to navigate the shoes while you are spinning.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Stable and secure
- Constructed with good – quality materials
- Equipped with an anti-shock mechanism
Cons:
- Velcro fasteners may not be convenient for wide feet
VeloChampion Elite Men’s Indoor Cycling Shoes
A fusion of traditional and contemporary technology, the VC elite shoes are the shoes you need for your spin classes or for your at-home cycling sessions. Also, performance tops the chart for this pair of cycling shoes, which makes it an ideal men’s shoes for spinning.
The upper part is made with a soft but durable, high-quality PU material; it is as light as a feather but as flexible as elastic. And are they so easy to clean and maintain? The gloss finish serves the dual purpose of reflecting beauty and repelling water and grime. You can adjust these shoes on the fly — thanks to the ratchet closure system with micro-adjustment and the two lower velcro straps.
Cycling in hot and sweaty shoes is an absolute nightmare, but thankfully the VC elite shoes are well-ventilated; They are perforated in all the right places and have mesh panels that dissipate heat and boost air circulation. To further boost the breathability, the composite polymer outsole is equipped with air vents, and the insole footbed is crafted like a “waffle” to provide a cozy cushion for your feet. Lastly, the VC shoes are compatible with 3-bolt cleat and SPD pedal systems.
Pros:
- Easy to slip on and off
- Easy to clean
- Sleek looking
- Comfortable fit
- Comes with tactical socks
Cons:
- Not comfortable to walk in
Sidebike Men’s Indoor Cycling Shoes
The Sidebike cycling shoes is an ideal choice for those looking for an eye-catching pair of clipless men’s shoes for spin class or for indoor cycling. There is no denying the attractive red and white color or the black and green combinations. However, it offers much more than just colors.
The outsole is a combination of nylon and TPU, which improves traction, comfort, and cycling precision. The insole is lined with a lycra slip for added comfort and to restrict slippage. It is also antimicrobial and quite breathable —It bars the entry of pathogenic microbes and gives your feet room to breathe.
The Sidebike shoes feature a convenient combination of twin velcro straps and a ratchet closure for easy adjustment. Although it lacks a “dial in” strap configuration, it is still able to firmly lock and contain the feet. The soles have 3 bolt holes, which means you can pair it with either SPD-SL or LOOK pedals.
Pros:
- Good value for money
- Comfortable to cycle with
- Secure and firm straps
- Rigid soles
Cons:
- You will need to buy a size larger than the advertised size
BUYING GUIDE: How to Shop For Indoor Cycling Shoes in Uk
Buying the wrong pair of indoor cycling shoes can literally hurt really bad — no jokes. It can be a waste of hard-earned money and good old precious time. To avoid falling into this “quagmire “, you should look out for these 5 things before you bring that cycling shoe back home with you.
Gender
No, indoor cycling shoes have no gender but they are mostly gender-specific. Most are designed to cater to either men or women while a few can simultaneously serve the cycling needs of both genders. The disparity in design is mostly due to the difference in foot anatomy between men and women. Women typically have smaller feet and narrower heels than men, hence their cycling shoes are specially crafted to accommodate these traits.
The point is, you can’t be caught dead with a women’s indoor cycling shoes when your gender says you are a man— that’s putting a bit harshly, but joking apart you need to be sure that you are getting men’s spinning shoes or a unisex model at best, so you don’t get stuck with shoes that are way too small for you.
Cleat type
Generally, there are about two to three types of pedalling systems but when it comes to indoor spinning shoes for men, the Shimano cleats (SPD and SPD-SL) are a popular choice. The SPD cleats have two holes and are suitable for mountain bikes and indoor spin shoes, while the SPD – SL have a third hole for enhanced functionality. However, SPD cleats are easier to walk in.
You should ensure to check the shoe specifications to see what style of cleat it is compatible with. You should also check your spin bike or the bike at the gym to see what pedals they operate with. Most gym bikes use the SPD pedal system, and some may also sport a Look Delta pedal on the bottom.
Sole
The soles of good spin shoes are usually made of either plastic or carbon fibre material. The difference is pretty obvious, carbon plated soles are lighter and stiffer than their nylon cousins. They also tend to be more expensive. The extremely stiff nature of carbon soles makes for a better and stronger transfer of pedalling force, but it is not as comfortable as a plastic sole.
The verdict is pretty straightforward — carbon soles prioritize performance while plastic soles give comfort the upper hand. So, if you rank performance before comfort or vice-versa, you know which to pick. On the plus side, some companies use a hybrid sole design of both carbon and plastic to cater to both comfort and performance. Also, most shoes are assigned a stiffness index number, the higher the figure, the stiffer the shoe is.
Breathability
This is a top-class priority. In fact, you can’t overlook this feature. The most comfortable spin shoes are breathable. A poorly ventilated shoe is a breeding ground for hot spots, which invariably translates to hot, sweaty and smelly feet. Gross and uncomfortable, right? Fortunately, most indoor cycling shoes provide air vents in the soles that help to suppress heat and sweat. This is true of most of the shoes on our list. Some others utilize a lightweight mesh around the upper to increase airflow.
Fit
To ride comfortably, your indoor cycling shoes need to fit like a glove. The tighter and stiffer the shoe is, the better the pedalling efficiency. And tight shouldn’t equate to discomfort, it should be roomy and comfortable too. The best spin shoes stick to these criteria by providing adjustable options in the form of buckles, straps, and dials. You should also be wary of size malfunction, which is common with online selling outlets. Sometimes you need to buy a size or two larger than the advertised size.
Final Verdict
The Shimano Rp100 men’s cycling shoes made it to the top of our list. It tipped the scales in terms of durability, quality, comfort, and breathability. It is so easy to wear that it is even recommended for beginners. Plus it doesn’t cost a fortune to own.
The Pearl iZUMi shoes offer excellent value for money. It is lightweight and well-ventilated, and it is comfortable to use. For shoes that give you a quick fix and adjustment option, the Giro savix unisex shoes are the best choice. If you place comfort above performance, the Scott comp lace shoes are the one for you. For vegans, the sundried cycling shoes are the perfect kicks.
Truth be told, all the indoor cycling shoes on this list will give you a good run for your money. Whether you are looking for easy to use, easy to clean, budget-friendly, quick-adjust, performance-boosting or the most comfortable shoes, you are sure to find your choice among the incredible array of spinning shoes that we have listed.