Fizik R5B Uomo
$149 1 of 13
Photo courtesy of Fizik
These Italian cycling shoes feature a cooling microfiber upper, carbon and nylon composite sole and a Velcro and Boa closure. Fizik road cycling shoes have reviewed well in our previous testing but note that fit can run slightly small. The Fizik R5B Donna is the women's version of this road cycling shoe.
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Your Next RideGiro Apeckx II
$150 2 of 13
Photo courtesy of Giro
The last time we tested the Giro Apeckx II, we were impressed with the durability and comfort of this affordable cycling shoe. The latest update to this shoe adds styling and design refinements to an already solid value. To be certain, the Velcro and micro-ratchet closures felt secure, even when we were climbing or sprinting out of the saddle, and the Giro styling is clean, simple and timeless.
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Your Next RideGiro Solara II
$150 3 of 13
Photo courtesy of Giro
The two-tone black color scheme of the Giro Solara II makes these mid-range cycling shoes look bold and strong. The vents in the reinforced nylon sole offer enhanced cooling, and the micro-ratchet and Velcro closures keep this shoe snug and free from pesky hotspots.
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Your Next RideLouis Garneau Cristal Cycling Shoe
$124 4 of 13
Photo courtesy of Louis Garneau
The Louis Garneau Cristal features a swappable footbed for either warm- or cold-weather cycling conditions. Like other Louis Garneau cycling shoes, the Cristal will run true to size for most cyclists.
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Your Next RideLouis Garneau Copal Cycling Shoe
$124 5 of 13
Photo courtesy of Louis Garneau
The budget-friendly Copal cycling shoe from this Canadian brand features well-ventilated soles and a mesh upper for temperature management while riding. Like the women's Cristal, the Copal has a footbed that's swappable to accommodate a wide range of temperatures. Multiple closures offset to the axis of the shoe keep feet secure and comfortable.
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Your Next RidePearl Izumi Select Road V
$100 6 of 13
Photo courtesy of Pearl Izumi
Our testers found previous versions of the Pearl Izumi Select Road V5 to be form-fitting but slightly on the snug side. We also liked the ever-so-slightly compliant sole and noted the non-slip heel pad to be "one of the best ever." This Pearl Izumi cycling shoe is also offered in a men's version.
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Your Next RideShimano SH-RP501
$150 7 of 13
Photo courtesy of Shimano
Shimano's affordable women's road cycling shoe, the SH-RP501, takes many cues from the top of the line model, including a one-piece upper and carbon-reinforced nylon sole. No worries if you're not a Shimano clipless pedal user; this shoe accommodates cleats that use a three-hole mounting system.
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Your Next RideLake CX1
$134 8 of 13
Photo courtesy of Lake
With a leather and mesh upper for breathable comfort, the Lake CX161 provides precise fit with a retro-style, lace-up closure. The fiberglass-injected nylon keeps weight—and costs—down without sacrificing stiffness.
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Your Next RideLake CX176
$119 9 of 13
Photo courtesy of Lake
The fun colorways of the Lake CX176 women's road cycling shoe caught our eyes. Multiple closure points offer precision adjustment to shoe fit. This cycling shoe may be best for those with moderate to high arches.
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Your Next RideSpecialized Torch 2.0
$150 10 of 13
Photo courtesy of Specialized
The Specialized Torch 2.0 cycling shoe features a full carbon sole—a unique feature at this price point. Expect the forefoot of this Specialized cycling shoe to offer roomy, but not overly voluminous, comfort. The Specialized Torch 2.0 is also available in a men's version.
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Your Next RideBontrager Circuit Road Cycling Shoe
$124 11 of 13
Photo courtesy of Bontrager
Rating 7:14 on a stiffness scale, the Bontrager Circuit road cycling shoe features a "power truss" down the centerline to enhance stiffness without adding weight or cost of additional material. This shoe is available in two colorways and can accommodate two- and three-bolt style cleats.
From experience, we know that Bontrager cycling shoes are slightly roomy for their size, so try before you buy.
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Your Next RideBontrager Sonic Road Cycling Shoe
$124 12 of 13
Photo courtesy of Bontrager
The women's-specific design of the Bontrager Sonic road cycling shoe means a good fit for smaller feet. However, our experience with Bontrager cycling shoes is that they are roomy and slightly long. The Trek house brand doesn't skimp on features when it comes to this affordable cycling shoe: a composite sole with a stiffening "power truss" down the centerline, two- or three-bolt cleat options and Boa and Velcro closures make this shoe a good value.
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