Finding the perfect cycling shoes can significantly impact your comfort and performance on the road or trail. This comprehensive review dives deep into seven of the best cycling shoes available in 2024, analyzing their key features and highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, choosing the right footwear is crucial for optimal power transfer, efficient pedaling, and overall riding enjoyment. We'll explore a range of styles, from lightweight racing shoes prioritizing speed and breathability, to more robust options designed for comfort and all-day riding.This detailed analysis examines factors crucial to your decision-making process, including weight, stiffness, ventilation, adjustability, and fit – particularly focusing on width options for various foot shapes. We’ll cover a variety of closure systems, from Boa dials offering precise adjustments to traditional laces providing a more customizable fit. From premium high-performance models to more budget-friendly choices, this guide provides the information you need to select the ideal cycling shoes to elevate your riding experience. Let's find your perfect pair!
Pros And Cons
- Combines high performance with stylish aesthetics
- Microtex uppers and dual BOA dials for secure fastening
- Overlapping design reduces pressure points and seams
- Extensive range of sizes and widths
- Excellent sole stiffness and comfort
- Relatively heavy (484g per pair)
- Higher stack height
- Narrow fit in the forefoot
- Breathability and lightweight design (398g per pair, size 41)
- Lace-up system provides customizable fit
- Extremely thin and stiff EC90 carbon soles
- Excellent power transfer
- Breathability can be a drawback in colder weather
- Lack of on-the-fly adjustability
- Exceptional performance
- Widened by 4mm compared to predecessor
- Redesigned upper optimized for different foot areas
- Excellent foot retention
- Body geometry design enhances pedal dynamics
- One of the lightest options available (21g per shoe, size 40.5)
- Impressive power transfer
- Ideal for mid to high volume feet
- Alloy dials do not offer quick release
- Steep price ($450)
- Improved ventilation
- Reduced weight
- Enhanced heel cup integration
- Available in two widths
- Excellent adjustability and support
- BOA Li2 dials allow for micro-adjustments
- Narrow toe box and secure heel cup
- Adjustable arch support
- Standard width may feel narrow to some
Read more: 5 Best Vibram Cycling Shoes: A Buyer's Guide
Specialized S-Works Torch
The Specialized S-Works Torch is a premium racing shoe, a favorite among professional cyclists. Its features include two Boa S3 dials for precise fit adjustments, an exceptionally stiff sole for efficient power transfer, and an asymmetrical heel cup for superior foot retention. The wider 4mm design compared to its predecessor enhances comfort.
This shoe prioritizes performance with its lightweight design (21g per shoe, size 40.5) and Body Geometry design for optimal knee and ankle alignment. However, the lack of a quick-release feature on the Boa dials can be a minor drawback. The high price point of $450 is also a significant consideration.
Fizik Vento Infinito Carbon 2
The Fizik Vento Infinito Carbon 2 blends high performance with a stylish aesthetic. It's a popular choice among professional athletes, featuring Microtex uppers and dual Boa Li2 dials for a secure fit. The unique overlapping design eliminates pressure points and seams.
While stylish and well-regarded, the shoe is relatively heavy (484g per pair) and has a higher stack height due to its ventilated stepped layers. The fit tends to be narrow in the forefoot but wider in the midfoot and heel. Fizik offers a wide range of sizes and widths to accommodate various foot shapes.
Giro Empire SLX
The Giro Empire SLX is celebrated for its breathability and lightweight design (398g per pair, size 41), making it perfect for warm weather riding. The monofilament mesh upper combined with TPU overlays provides excellent ventilation. The lace-up system offers a customizable fit, evenly distributing pressure across the foot.
The extremely stiff and thin EC90 carbon sole from Easton enhances power transfer. However, its breathability may be a disadvantage in colder conditions, and the lack of on-the-fly adjustability might be inconvenient for some riders.
Shimano S-Phyre RC9003
The Shimano S-Phyre RC9003 is an upgrade from the RC9002, offering improved ventilation, reduced weight, and enhanced heel cup integration. Available in two widths, it provides excellent adjustability and support. The Boa Li2 dials allow for micro-adjustments during rides.
The narrow toe box and secure heel cup provide a firm fit, preventing unwanted movement. While the standard width may feel narrow to some, the wide fit option caters to broader feet. The RC9003 offers a balance of performance and comfort, making it a top contender.
Bontrager Vapor S
The Bontrager Vapor S features a unique bathtub carbon sole that cradles the foot for superior stiffness and support. The anti-stretch fabric upper further enhances rigidity. Two Boa 2 dials provide precise adjustments, and the heat-moldable construction allows for a customized fit.
While offering an exceptional fit, the molding process can be challenging, and the fit adjustments are relatively minor. Available in a wide range of sizes and widths, it caters to various foot shapes. It excels in delivering a perfect fit and support.
Lake CX4003
The Lake CX4003 is a top choice for cyclists with wider feet, featuring heat-moldable features. The combination of soft leather and stiff carbon fiber in the upper provides both comfort and support. Dual Boa dials offer independent forefoot and instep adjustments.
While slightly heavier than some competitors, the heat-moldable design ensures a tailored fit, excelling in short, intense rides where efficient power transfer is crucial. It may be too stiff and low in volume for everyday use.
Specialized S-Works Torch Lace
The S-Works Torch Lace shares many features with the Boa-equipped S-Works Torch but at a more affordable price. The lace closure provides a comfortable and highly adjustable fit. The lightweight design (372g per pair, size 40.5) enhances performance.
Its flexibility and lack of structural anchor points for Boa dials result in fewer pressure points and lighter weight. However, the inability to adjust laces on the fly can be a drawback during long rides. It delivers excellent performance and value.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cycling shoes is crucial for comfort and performance. This review covered seven top contenders, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Factors to consider include fit (especially width), weight, stiffness, ventilation, and adjustability. Price also plays a role, with some premium models commanding a higher cost.
The Specialized S-Works Torch stands out for its performance and stiffness, but the high price is a factor. The Giro Empire SLX is ideal for warm weather, and the Fizik Vento Infinito Carbon 2 offers a stylish option. The Lake CX4003 excels for wide feet. The Shimano S-Phyre RC9003 and Bontrager Vapor S both offer great adjustability and fit. Ultimately, the best shoe depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider your riding style, climate, and budget when making your choice.