Best Indoor Cycling Shoes For Men For Efficient Workouts
Indoor cycling is one of the most popular methods of exercise in the modern day. Especially when we’re forced to work out at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic or harsh weather, the idea that cycling from the comfort of our own home is an option that appeals to a great many people. One of the best accessories for this spinning is the specific type of shoes that people wear while they work out on the bikes. Of course, regular running shoes do work fine on many bikes. However, for those who truly want to take their cycling game to the next level, they will want to take a look at our newest list of the best spin shoes with SPD for men specifically as we have a separate list for the best spinning shoes for women.
This specific list will be looking at the best spin shoes for men in the United States you can buy for yourself or as a gift to a friend who loves to workout. Whether it is the comfort, price, ability, compatibility or any other feature that comes with these shoes, we’re going to see just what sort of ceiling the potential of these shoes have. Once we’re done with the list, we’re going to look at some of the features that we looked at to come up with our list and go over just why you should look at them for your own spin shoe hunt. Now, with all of that out the way, let’s get right into our list of the best indoor spin shoes for men!
Best Indoor Spin Shoes For Men
Sidi Swift Air Carbon Spin Shoes For Men
Coming in first on our list are the Sidi Swift Air Carbon Cycling Shoes. These cycling shoes are designed to fit 2-bolt cleats. A jolly piece of news is that, while these are the cheapest pair that Sidi offer, they still put their Italian love and quality into the shoes all the same. These shoes are made with Sidi’s Competition Sole that delivers efficient pedaling and walkability. Sidi even decided to give the shoe a reinforced heel cup. That means that it has improved power transfer and a superior fit that resists deformation over time.
The uppers are made of synthetic Politex material. That means that any rips, tears, lacerations, stretching, fading and other general deterioration is much less likely. Even those who use them frequently find them some of the most durable shoes available. These uppers are also perforated, giving them an extra sense of breathability that many other shoes don’t have. The Swift Air Carbon Cycling shoes come with a 1 year manufacturer warranty, which is a nice bonus for those who want a guarantee that they will last. The major holdup that many people might find is their price. Because these are such quality spin shoes, they can range from $90-$170 depending on the size. Depending on how seriously you are invested in cycling, this could be absolutely nothing. However, if you are simply looking for some devoted cycling shoes on the cheap or are somewhat financially strained, it might be a riskier deal
The Pros:
- The Sidi material that makes up these indoor cycling shoes is excellent.
- They are most certainly durable, breathable and deliver exactly what is expected when on the bike.
- The fact that these shoes also offer bonuses like the reinforced heel cup only serves to bring them to the top.
The Cons:
- The only possible downside here is the cost.
- The warranty could also be better, but that’s an extreme nitpick.
Pearl iZUMi Men’s Select Road v5 Studio Cycling Shoe
In second place is the Pearl iZUMi Men’s Select Road v5 Studio Cycling Shoe. This shoe seeks to take the clean and modern aesthetics of Pearl iZUMi’s Road shoes and adapt it to the indoor cycling market and environment. We’d say that it succeeds rather impressively at that task. It has an anti-microbial upper mesh to help resist odor-causing bacteria and fungus. Meanwhile, the synthetic leather collar lining and closed cell foam padding help shed any sweat or other sort of water that might form on the shoes during an exercise session.
For those who are concerned about the breathability of the v5 shoes, then we’ve got good news. There are added ventilation holes in the lasting board for enhanced breathability. The PE sockliner with Silvadur antimicrobial top sheet material has been updated for added durability and bacterial resistance. Clearly these shoes are concerned about the bacterial resistance, which is certainly welcome. The v5’s are SPD-compatible, which is another piece of news that we’re glad to hear. Similar to the Sidi shoes, the quality of these shoes do push the price up to $110. Fortunately, that price remains regardless of the size. The maintenance of these shoes should be noted. It’s important to regularly clean off any mud and stuff the inside with tissue in order to absorb moisture. Meanwhile, extreme direct heat can cause the material to crack or dry out. After all, these shoes are meant to be worn indoors.
The Pros:
- The v5 is a breathable shoe that will last a good amount of time thanks to the durability that is built into it.
- There is no need to worry about any bacteria on it so long as you don’t drag it through a mud field without cleaning it every other day.
The Cons:
- Again, the cost might be a barrier to some.
- There have also been reports of sizing issues on the shoes.
Louis Garneau Actifly Men’s Indoor Cycling Shoes
In third place, we have an entry from Louis Garneau. One of the main differences between outdoor and indoor cycling is the amount of sweat produced. That’s why these shoes seek to focus on breathability and how much moisture they can absorb. There are multiple air channels located in the outsole for constant airflow. In fact, the entire shoe is covered in a mesh fabric that allows air in and out of the inside. These shoes were meant to dry out fast. There is a stiff nylon/fiberglass ventilated outsole, which allows the cyclist to have an easy and efficient stroke of the bike’s pedals without losing any energy that might be lost with a regular running shoe.
The Actifly is reinforced in key, strategic areas in order to provide good, powerful strokes, with a hook and loop fastener system. Garneau have also made sure that these shoes are compatible with most road and SPD cleats for those who are thinking of using them on outdoor bikes. The adapters that come with the shoes allow for easy connection with SPD cleats, while also allowing for easy dismounting of the bike. Along with the breathability aspects, Garneau has placed emphasis on making sure that these shoes don’t smell. The synthetic leather and mesh has anti-bacterial and anti-odor treatments, allowing the cyclist to be spared of what’s being generated down below.
The Pros:
- The breathability is definitely the highlight of these shoes.
- They are made to keep moisture away, all while guarding the rider from the smells of the feet.
- The shoes themselves are also comfortable while maintaining the SPD-compatibility that is beloved by many.
The Cons:
- The price might be an issue. It can range anywhere from $76-$110, which means you might have to search to find a good deal.
- It also isn’t the most durable shoe you’ll ever find.
Fizik R5 Road Men’s Indoor Spinning Shoes
Up next is the Fizik R5 Road Cycling Shoe. As the name might indicate, this shoe is designed for cycling on the road. However, we found that it works spectacularly indoors as well. The shoe is designed in an asymmetrical way, with the throat of the shoe curving over the foot from its outside to its inner side. This is so that it more accurately matches up with the natural curve of our feet and ankles. The closure of the shoe is controlled by a micro-adjustable BOA IP1 dial and a Velcro strap. This actually makes for a quick and secure closure, which is certainly a good aspect.
The outsole of the R5 is made of nylon and is supply and comfortable, but most certainly built to last without sacrificing any pedalling efficiency. These shoes are meant to fit like a glove and they most certainly look like it. A slick and smooth design, while the aforementioned closure of the shoe actually does make it fit quite smoothly. The combination of materials allows these shoes to be so incredibly light you’ll forget you’re wearing them. They aren’t the flashiest shoes ever but are slick. They are also available for anywhere between $95 and $150.
The Pros:
- This is certainly a shoe to show off to cycling friends.
- Able to be used both indoors and out, the R5 is slick, comfortable and can be put on in a flash.
- It works with your foot to maximize the pedaling efficiency on any bike you ride.
The Cons:
- The durability of these shoes is somewhat under question, especially after intense use for multiple months. For a price of anywhere between $95-$150, you’d really want them to last longer.
Giro Republic R Knit Men’s Indoor Cycling Shoes
Midway through the list, we have the Giro Republic R Knit cycling shoes. These shoes are interesting in that they are almost more of a sock than an actual shoe. The upper is DWR-treated for water repellency and easy cleaning while using the “Xnetic Knit Upper” design. A fancy name for “feels like a sock”. Meanwhile a rubber toe guard and bonded TPU heel increase durability and abrasion resistance. The Xnetic Knit Upper is also DWR-treated for water repellency and easy cleaning.
The outsole of the shoe isn’t carbon, but rather nylon and rubber that have been moulded together. This provides improved durability and better traction for stable footing on roads and sidewalks when you’re off the bike. They even do well when you walk on rougher surfaces like gravel. It doesn’t have any sort of replaceable sole that you might find on other shoes, but it shouldn’t really need one. Despite being sock-like, these shoes have an impressive level of durability.
The Pros:
- These shoes that act as socks can turn in an impressive performance whether they are used on an outdoor bike, indoor cycle or you simply want to walk around.
- It’s comfortable and will provide an efficient platform for increasing your cycling capabilities.
The Cons:
- There have been complaints of foot pain that can be relieved by replacing the insole of the shoes.
- The cost might also be a barrier for people, ranging from $150-$160.
- Certain higher than any so far, bar the largest size of the Sidi’s.
Terra Powerstrap X4 Indoor Spin Shoes For Men
The Terra Powerstrap X4 certainly has the advantage of having a powerful name. These shoes actually were not intended for indoor use, but rather fall in the realm of mountain biking. However, this does not take away its value as an indoor cycling shoe. The X4 comes in three different colors – Black, Mud/Caramel, or Anthracite/Grape. Overall, it’s a sharp-looking shoe. Perhaps the first thing that anyone can possibly notice about these shoes is their large Velcro straps. Combined with the zig-zag pattern underneath, your feet will most definitely be secured here. Whether it is too tight is generally decided on what size your foot is and what size shoe you get.
The Powerstrap has a rubber tread on the outsole, aiding the traction of the shoe. It was obviously meant for rough ground or a bike going over rough ground, but will certainly work for the smooth indoor bikes as well. The nylon sole should be comfortable for most of the people, most of the time. It’s not perfect, but it certainly isn’t bad. In terms of the upper-level, it is made of smooth material that breathes reasonably well, though not quite the best ever made. The tongue of the shoe is moderately padded, with a Velcro dot hidden out of sight to help the wearer keep track of where it is supposed to be located.
The Pros:
- It’s designed for the outdoors, but that makes it quite durable for the indoor bike.
- The strap system should fit for most people, most of the time, though it might be good to check explicitly what the sizes measure out to be.
The Cons:
- The fact that it has some trouble being comfortable for some people might be an issue, especially because it isn’t always a size problem.
- For a shoe that can cost between $95-$160, you generally want a guarantee of its comfort.
Giro Savix Men’s Road Spin Bike Shoes
If you want your pick of colors, then the Giro Savix Road Bike Shoes might just be the place to go. With a solid 11 different color combinations to choose from, you will be able to get just about any type of look you feel you need. The Savix also takes the approach of the Fizik R5’s by using a Boa dial to allow for different size adjustments. There is also a Velcro strap in the middle of the shoe, though it is a little redundant with the Boa dial. The soles of the Savix is plastic, though it doesn’t seem to make too much of a difference in how comfortable they are. For those who prefer to cycle with cleats, the Savix is compatible with just about all types, SPD or otherwise.
The breathability of these shoes are also top notch, thought probably not quite as good as the Sidi’s. An issue that the Savix does have comes in the form of their soles. As mentioned, they are plastic. However, they also have plastic pads that are irreplaceable and can wear out rather quickly. There are also conflicting reports on how they fit. Some reviews say they run true to size, while other reports say that they run small. This makes it much more complicated to figure just how it will fit onto your foot. For a shoe that can range between $115 and $300, it seems that this is not a great issue to have.
The Pros:
- The Giro Savix bike shoes are quite the nice pair for riding.
- They can be easily adjusted thanks to their Boa dial.
- They have a host of different colors and are fairly breathable.
- Their cleat compatibility must also be praised.
The Cons:
- The soles that these shoes have are irreplaceable and can wear out quite quickly.
- They are also apparently not very consistent when it comes to sizing.
- Toss that in with their extremely wide and potential giant price range and they look a little less appetizing.
SHIMANO SH-RP301 LSG Series Men’s Spin Shoes
The SHIMANO SH-RP301 LSG Series offers solid performance for anyone who is seeking a new cycling shoe. It is made from a high-density synthetic leather that offers a good fit and quality breathability. Meanwhile, the reverse mount buckle ensures that this shoe will not be slipping or coming loose anytime soon. In fact, this might be a weakness of the shoe. According to the common review, the shoe appears to run small and can even cause pains due to its tight fit around the feet. Something to keep in mind when looking at the size chart.
The sole of the SH-RP301 is reinforced with glass fibre, which gives it quite a bit of flex. There are cleat holes for both two bolt and three bolt cleats, with the two bolt version being pre-built into the sole unit. It’s not a perfect shoe, though it is cheaper than many of the others found on this list. It can be found for as cheap a price as $80. Certainly a better deal for those who are hunting on a bargain.
The Pros:
- The SH-RP301 is cheaper than many others here while offering a solid riding experience.
- It is reasonably breathable and will remain securely on your feet regardless of the intensity of the workout.
The Cons:
- While the price is lower, that does mean that some sacrifices have had to be made.
- The SH-RP301 does tend to run small. Even when it does “fit”, it still seems that many people find it too cramped or tight on their feet. This can certainly get in the way of enjoying the cycling experience.
Giro Techne Indoor Cycling Shoes For Men
Another entry from Giro, these are the Techne Road Cycling Shoes. These shoes are generally designed as entry-level shoes with Velcro closures that are easy to adjust. You don’t even need to touch the toe strap after the initial tensioning. The heel cup is quite secure and very padded. This is both a positive and a negative. This makes it rather comfortable while at the same time making it extremely warm with the lack of airflow indoors. While the toe is better ventilated, the fact is that there might be some warm (and smelly) feet after workouts with these shoes. The finish is also extremely easy to mark, which is another downside to the shoe. The inside heel suffers from some pretty bad crank rub. Of course, this isn’t terrible for those who prefer the all-black version.
The nylon sole can deaden any sort of road vibrations if you intend on using them for both indoor and outdoor rides, but this shouldn’t be too big of an issue if you intend it for a solely indoor ride. However, it does feel a bit mushy when you are cycling at the highest and most intense speed you can muster. Fortunately, the shoes do not lack quality. There is some tough and accurate stitching over faux-leather panels and very neatly bonded soles. For a price of $64, these are a solid pair of cycling shoes, though do have their weaknesses.
The Pros:
- The Techne’s are made from a high-quality material that can be quite breathable in the region of the toe.
- The Velcro straps fit very well and it has a comfortable heel cup.
- For a price of $64, this is a good pair for those who are bargain hunting.
The Cons:
- These shoes can get quite warm indoors. That is definitely their main weakness.
- The sole feeling a bit mushy when you cycle faster, which is not exactly the most comfortable feeling in the world.
TriSeven Premium Nylon Men’s Shoes For Spinning
Finally, we have the TriSeven Premium Nylon Triathlon Cycling Shoes. As one might expect from the name, these shoes were primarily meant for triathlons, yet will do just fine for the indoor races. They are extremely light, weighing just 285g (1.7 lbs) each. They are also designed to be extremely ventilated, allowing air in and out at all times. The shoe itself is made of cool synthetic, microfibre, and nylon materials. It also has a carbon sole to toss on top of all that.
However, you can tell that these shoes are meant for more than simply cycling. Their main focus appears to be on the transition phase of triathlons, so they don’t really have many other cycling-specific features. This would be a boost to those who use indoor cycling as a means to train for triathlons, but otherwise a negative. For a price of $95, there are better options dedicated to cycling.
The Pros:
- These shoes know how to breathe and are absurdly light.
- The materials that make up the shoes also have their own top qualities.
The Cons:
- The shoes were clearly not intended for indoor use alone and do not have many of the features you might want.
- For the price, there are definitely better options on the indoor cycling shoe market.
Buyer’s Guide
That concludes our list of the best spin shoes for men. Now we’re going to go over some of the aspects that you should keep an eye out for in your own hunt for these shoes whether it’s for yourself or as a gift for a friend indoor cyclist.
- The breathability. Shoes that can breathe and allow for air to circulate in and out lead to less sweaty and more comfortable feet.
- The materials used. A bit general, but these materials can mean the difference between a comfortable shoe that lasts years or one that feels like you’re stepping on needles for months before it falls apart. Generally, it is wise to examine just what the shoes are made of before buying it.
- The fit. Obviously, how a shoe fit is going to determine how much you enjoy wearing it. Some shoes run big in their sizing, some run small. Some run true, yet still end up being tight on the edges. It’s wise to look at other reviews to see how the shoe trend.
- The price. Of course, the price is important for many people for many reasons. Those that cost more should generally be of higher quality, yet that is unfortunately not always the case. If you determine that you are going to invest in one of these shoes, you’ll want to make sure it is of the highest quality.
That’s all we have. As always, treat this more as a guide rather than an absolute law. If you find a pair that suits you and it makes your exercise better, then go ahead with that pair. Now get out there and get cycling!