Cycling shoes

Cycling shoes are made to match the type of pedals you use. Road shoes generally work with three-hole cleat systems, commuter shoes and MTB shoes usually work with 2-hole systems, and flat-bottomed shoes without cleats work with platform pedals. To learn more, check out our article on how to choose bike pedals and cleats.

Road cycling shoes

For recreational roadies or racers, road riding shoes have very little flex. The rigid platform is designed to transfer all your power through to the pedal. The narrow profile and snug fitting buckles or straps make them aerodynamic and speedy, but not very comfortable for walking.

Road bike shoes should fit snug, but not too tight. Choose a pair that has a little room for your toes, offers support under your arch and prevents your heel from slipping. Triathletes should opt for road shoes that are easy to slip on and off to help speed transitions. Pearl Izumi

and Shimano are popular brands among road riders.

Hybrid and commuter cycling shoes

Shoes designed for bike commuting blend flexibility and stiffness to balance pedalling efficiency with walkability. More comfortable than pure road shoes, they work for daily riding, light trail riding and bike touring on paved roads. Many shoes in this category work with SPD or 2-hole clipless pedals, making them a good option for spin class as well.

Mountain biking shoes

Depending on your preference, mountain biking shoes can be flat-soled shoes that provide good contact with platform pedals, but don’t have cleats that clip in. The rubber sinks into the pedal teeth, so you can quickly move your foot off the pedals to regain control.

If you prefer to ride with SPD pedals for extra pedalling power and to maintain contact and control on your bike, choose a shoe that fits well, is compatible with your pedals and has a stiff, but walkable sole. If you expect to be walking over rough or slick terrain, look for soles that have lugged outsoles that offer traction. Crankbrothers and Fox Racing make some of the best-selling MTB shoes at MEC.

Waterproof shoe covers for cyclists

Designed to go over your cycling shoes, with openings that line up with your pedal cleats, bike shoe covers are great for commuters and road riders who log training miles in wet, cold weather. They should fit snugly so there’s no danger of straps or fabric catching in your cranks or chainrings. MEC, Showers Pass and Castelli make popular styles. If you wear street shoes when you ride, waterproof socks that fit inside your shoes are another method to keep your feet dry as you ride.

Cycling socks

The fabric blend used for most cycling socks wicks moisture to keep your feet dry. Sedate or wildly patterned, they also show off your allegiance to a cycling tribe.