1. Gavin Spin Class Shoes
2. Giro Men’s Treble II Spin Class Shoes
3. Pearl iZUMi Men’s Select Spin Class Shoes
4. Pearl iZUMi Men’s X-ALP Journey Cycling Shoe
5. Giro Carbide R II Cycling Shoes
6. Sidi Dominator Fit Cycling Shoe
7. Gavin MTB Mountain Bike Mesh Indoor Shoes
8. Zol White MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes
9. Northwave Women’s Escape Evo Indoor Cycling Shoe
10. Tommaso Pista 100 Women’s Spin Shoes
11. New Balance Women’s 09v1
12. Louis Garneau Women’s Multi Air Flex Bike Shoes
13. Tommaso Montagna 100 Men’s Spin Shoes
14. TIEM Slipstream Indoor Cycling Spin Shoe
15. SHIMANO SHRP3 Road Performance Shoe
Spin Class Shoe Buying Guide & FAQ
If you’re a spin bike novice, or simply looking to up your game, then entering the world of spin shoe buying can be a daunting task. Luckily for you, we’ve created our handy buying guide and FAQs section that will ease your worries, as well as increasing your performance on the cycle. Happy cycling!
How We Chose Our Selection Of Spin Class Shoes
We look at three key elements when deciding which spin cycle shoes we should show you, and all three are equally as important in making the right decision. There are lots of different brands out there and no single one is right for everyone, so make sure you find the brand that has all the features you desire. Popular brands don’t necessarily mean the best quality; it’s all about fit and comfort. With provided you with a range of different brands, so we’re not being biased towards one.
Have a budget in mind when thinking about buying your first pair of spin class shoes is important. There’s no point breaking the bank for a pair of shoes that you won’t wear everyday (unless you’re a cycle fanatic!), but you also want to invest wisely, so that your spin performance and feet don’t suffer. Give yourself a price range in mind and look around that. Above, you’ll find lots of different price points
Sometimes reviews can be a great way to see how a shoe will fit and perform and other times they’re just an opportunity for customers to complain. Take everything you read with a pinch of salt, but we’ve tried to list the best cycling shoes for spin class above that incorporate a fair amount of reviews, looking at both the good and bad points, so you don’t have to.
Features To Look For In Spin Class Shoes
We mentioned earlier that there are a number of features you should look out for when purchasing spin class shoes, whether you’re an expert spinner, or just looking to get started. Take a look at these below and see how they measure up against your next pair.
Outsole - The outsole really determines what kind of cycle shoe you’re buying. This is the bottom part of the trainer and differs depending on the surface you’ll be riding on. For example, some spin shoes are incredibly versatile and can be used across multiple surfaces, whereas other spin shoes are purely for indoor bikes and not much else. Outsoles on road shoes are normally the best for high performance, however, not great for much else i.e. walking! They grip the bike effectively, but you’ll struggle to do much else in the gym. If you’re looking for something a little more trainer like, but still with great grip, mountain biking shoes might be the best option. They're durable and robust, as they’re usually used by gnarly mountain bikers; however, they’re also heavier than the average trainer, which may affect your spin class performance. We would recommend indoor spin shoes, particular for beginners. The outsole incorporates both that of a mountain bike shoe and a road shoe and the cleat allows you to secure yourself into your regular spin machine.
Comfort - Because of the amount of pressure you’re putting on your feet during a spin class, you need to ensure that the shoes you purchase are as comfortable as possible, preventing any unnecessary injuries to your feet (we’re thinking bunions and blisters…). Spin classes tend to run from half an hour to an hour and your feet will thank you for it if you’ve chosen a comfortable pair of shoes. Ensure that your arches are supported and that the shoe comes in a tight fit so that you’re not slipping and sliding about.
Features - Laces are an important element in a good spin class shoe and for good reason too. They need to keep your foot secure in the trainer, as well as being easy to take on and off. For this, there are a few different options. Normal, traditional laces, that you’d find on your regular gym shoes, will need to be tightened often and can cause strain on the top of your foot. Velcro is a great alternative, allowing you to whip those shoes on and off, as well as tightening easily, even during a track. Boa lacing also offers this speed, with additional support to your foot. There are lots of different types of boa lacing setups, from hooks to Velcro; it’s all about finding the right type for you. If you are a fan of this type of lacing then you must check out our velcro shoes buying guide.
Durability - Spin classes can vary in duration, but they will always be intense sessions that keep your heart beating and makes you sweat. For this reason alone, your spin class shoes need to be durable and long-lasting, so you can keep spinning until your heart’s content. Spin class shoes do tend to be more expensive than regular trainers, so it’s important that they last and keep you going. If you’re a regular spinner, you should hold durability as the most important factor when purchasing, ignoring other elements such as style and fashion.
Spin Class Shoes FAQ
Q: Do I need special shoes for spin class?
A: No, you don’t - however, if you’re planning on becoming a regular spin class attendee, then it would certainly be worthwhile investing in a pair, as this can increase your performance and generally improve your stance. They allow you to grip more effectively to the bike, allowing you to put more into the class and therefore get more out of it. If you attend a specialist spin cycle class, they may even provide you with spin shoes to try out – but it’s always worthwhile getting your own pair, as well as being more hygienic.
Q: Do spin shoes make a difference?
A: Yes! Regular trainers will slide off the pedals, or you might find your laces aren’t tight enough during a session. Specialist spin shoes allow you to tighten on the go and won’t let you slip and slide everywhere. You’ll also keep your feet protected too, as wearing regular trainers can actually cause tiny fractures to the top of your foot, as the support of a tight shoe isn’t there. Spin shoes give you that durability and robustness that a gym trainer can’t.
Q: Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor cycling shoes?
A: If your cleats fit your normal bicycle, then yes, by all means wear them outdoors. However, if you are considering hitting the trails, you may want something a little more robust that an indoor spin shoe and it’s always best to keep them separate anyway, as you don’t want your spin shoes to become damaged. Outdoor cycling shoes and mountain biking shoes tend to be heavier and more robust, protecting your feet from flying debris and the harder ground below.
Q: Is there a difference between men's and women's spin shoes?
A: Men tend to have larger and wider feet than women, which means that spin shoes do differ for the individual sexes. Women do tend to have higher arches than men, which may mean that you don’t get the right support if you choose men’s spin shoes. However, it’s really about finding the right style and size for you, so shop around and see which fit you the best.
Sources:
- Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Spin Class But Were Afraid To Ask - Oprah
- 11 Things to Know Before Your First Spin Class - Total Women's Cycling
