The pandemic brought spin fanatics together even if it divided us—we found ourselves debating whether Echelon or Peloton had the better bike. But if we agreed on anything, it was that spin classes are a fantastic workout (even for runners like me). You can do them indoors, stay warm in winter (very relevant for us Northeasterners), and walk away with that high-intensity afterburn.
That era is now further in the rearview, allowing us to head back to the gym in person and consider investing in the best spin shoes. Now, the debate rages on: Which pair is best? While we already reviewed cycling shoes in general, we wanted to tackle the topic of indoor cycling shoes. Yes, one can be the same, but the keyword here is breathability. And, for some—comfort. And remember: You don't always need the stiffest, lightest shoe to get a great workout because it's not like you're actually going anywhere!
We scoured the internet, did our due diligence, and came up with the best spin shoes, arranged by category. If you're lost as to what even to look for, then skip ahead to our quick guide below.
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The Best Spin Shoes - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Spin Shoes: adidas Indoor Cycling Shoe
- Best Budget Spin Shoes: Shimano SH RP1
- Best Spin Shoes for Wide Feet: Lake CX302
- Best Spin Shoes for Beginners: Pearl Izumi
- Best Spin Shoes for Peloton Users: FotGoat Cycling Shoe
- Best Spin Shoes for Indoors: Shimano RC3
- Most Breathable Spin Shoes: Shimano IC1
- Best Spin Shoes for Walking: Tiem Slipstream
Best Overall Spin Shoes - adidas Indoor Cycling Shoe
SPECS
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: Sole - Fiberglass reinforced midsole plate, Upper - Mesh
- Sizes: Standard - M 3/ W 4 - M 14.5/ W 15.5
adidas does not disappoint with its spin shoes. Wick sweat in the breathable, lightweight upper. Or, transfer power seamlessly with the stiff, fiberglass-reinforced midsole plate. We like that you can ride in style with the sleek design, plus these shoes are sustainable, too—half the shoe is made with recycled materials. Velco may be a turnoff for diehards but we think it's easy to adjust to and keeps the profile slim.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Great value for the price
- Comes in multiple colorways like neon pink and mint green
What We Don't Like
- Velcro may be a turnoff for some
- Not the lightest or stiffest on the market
BUY: adidas Indoor Cycling Shoe
Best Spin Shoes on a Budget - Shimano SH RP1
SPECS
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: Sole: Glass fiber reinforced nylon. Upper: Synthetic Leather
- Sizes: Standard - 36-48
You can't beat these shoes when you're on a budget. For about the price of dinner and drinks you can get these all-around performance road cycling shoes, and since they're breathable and SPD cleat compatible, you can use them indoors. The simple hook and loop velcro is simple, and we like the snug heel cup.
What We Like
- Stellar value for the price
- Sleek, minimal design
- Durable synthetic leather upper
What We Don't Like
- May run a bit tight and small
- Not the stiffest or lightest on the market
BUY: Shimano SH RP1
Best Spin Shoes for Wide Feet - Lake CX302
SPECS
- Closure: Dial (Dual side mounted Push/Pull Li2 BOA® Fit system)
- Material: Upper - Clarino Microfiber (High-end Synthetic Leather) Sole - Carbon Fiber
- Sizes: M 42.5-48
Founded in Evanston Illinois in the Eighties, Lake quickly became a household name for cycling shoes. The CX302 may not roll off the tongue but when you look at its sleek form you can almost see just how lightweight it is. Made of synthetic leather, this shoe weighs in at 6.8 ounces in a size 10.5 (195 grams in a size 44), all without sacrificing snug comfort thanks to the dual BOA dial. Transfer power swiftly with its carbon fiber sole.
And while this pair isn’t technically classified as “spin shoes”, these cycling shoes promote a ton of breathability for cyclists.
What We Like
- Breathable
- Road and indoor compatible
- High-end synthetic leather upper
- Stiff and light carbon fiber plate
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Won't be comfortable to walk in
BUY: Lake CX302
Best Spin Shoes for Beginners - Pearl Izumi Quest
SPECS
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: UPPER: Rubber, plastic and textile. SOLE: Nylon Plastic
- Sizes: 39 - 50
If you've ever been to SoulCycle and used their comfy rentals, then you've basically already worn these shoes. Pearl Izumi's Quest offers great value for those looking to get their first spin pair. Their focus on breathability, moisture, and microbial control is great for the price. Even the sole features ventilation for airflow underfoot. The triple velcro may be one too many but you may like just how much you can fine-tune it, albeit with some loud yanks.
What We Like
- Breathable, even underfoot
- Rubber heel bumper allows for a bit of walking
- Great value
What We Don't Like
- Velcro doesn't adjust easily on the fly
- Not the stiffest or lightest on the market
BUY: Pearl Izumi
Best Spin Shoes for Peloton - FotGoat
SPECS
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: Microfiber upper, plastic sole and plate
- Sizes: Standard - 5 W/ 4 M - 14 W/ 13 M
Built to be compatible with Peloton bikes, the Fotgroy comes with proper cleats included and sells at a great price. You'll feel secure and powerful on your next workout given their structured support. The plastic sole is not the stiffest but that's what makes it more comfortable for everyday workouts. The upper is made with a high-density microfiber that's breathable and wicks moisture. Plus, the three velcro straps are a cheap yet effective way to adjust your fit.
What We Like
- Great price
- 3 velcro straps for adjustments
- Ventilation underfoot
What We Don't Like
- Upper could be more breathable
- Manufacturer lacks a website
BUY: FotGoat
Best Spin Shoes for Indoors - Shimano RC3
SPECS
- Closure: Single Dial
- Material: SOLE: Fiberglass infused nylon
- Sizes: 32-48
A tier up from the entry-level RC1s, the RC3s take some cues from the pro-level RC9s with a high-end look and feel that's totally sleek but a sole stiffness aimed towards comfort. That just might make these perfect for casual spinners. And while they're cycling shoes, we thought they'd work well indoors given that they're breathable. They tend to fit to size, and also come in wide.
What We Like
- Super low-profile, tongueless design
- Very comfortable, including the rather flexible plate
- Comes in wide sizes
- Good price
What We Don't Like
- Just one dial for the whole enclosure
- Not stiff enough for performance-oriented cyclists
BUY: Shimano RC3
Most Breathable Spin Shoes - Shimano IC1
SPECSo
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: SOLE: Fiberglass reinforced nylon. UPPER: TPU mesh
- Sizes: 36-41 EU
You can tell Shimano's sock-like IC1 was designed for indoor cycling: It's easy to slip on, well-vented, and even comfortable enough to wear without socks. The cross trap design works well enough for most casual workouts and their sole has only a mild stiffness which makes them a little easier on the feet for beginners even if they do sacrifice some power transfer.
What We Like
- Socklike comfort
- Breathable mesh and ventilation underfoot
- Moderate price
What We Don't Like
- Not the most secure fit
- Not stiff enough for best power transfer
BUY: Shimano IC1
Best Spin Shoes for Walking - Tiem Slipstream
SPECS
- Closure: Velcro
- Material: EVA Footbed, Mesh Upper
- Sizes: W 6-11
If you've ever wanted to roll out of bed and put on just one pair of shoes you could also spin in, well then the Tiem Slipstream might just be your speed. Well—not literally. What they give up in pure power transfer they give back in versatility and comfort. But that never stopped anyone from getting a great workout. To be fair, the midsole is much stiffer than your average running shoe.
The cleats are well-recessed, so no clicking as you walk back from class. And they're breathable enough to wick away most sweat. Also, please note that while these are women's shoes, men can and do wear them—just go two sizes up.
What We Like
- Super walkable
- Fun color options
- Comfort with just a bit of stiffness
What We Don't Like
- Won't help you hit a PR
- No ventilation underfoot
BUY: Tiem Slipstream
What to Look for in Spin Shoes
While there are certain road cycling shoes that can be used indoors with stationary bikes, spin shoes are made for the breezeless, sweaty huddle that is a spin class (Hot spin class, anyone?). That's why they're typically more breathable. When it comes to sole stiffness, they vary, with some being as solid as a road cycling shoe while others have a bit of flex and can be worn more easily off the bike. Remember, the stiffer the shoe, the more power you can drive into every part of the stroke (not just downwards).
Here are some other considerations as you shop for your first, or next, pair.
Fit
There's no use in "breaking in" a pair of cycling shoes, so you want a pair that's comfortable from the start. Now, if it's your first time, don't expect the comfort of your favorite sneakers. If you're going for power transfer, you'll have a rock solid sole underfoot. But once on the bike, your feet adapt, especially after a week or so. But you want the right size, for sure: They should hug your arches and your toes shouldn't feel confined. If your heel is sliding around, especially out of the saddle, you probably need a half-size smaller. When it comes to wider feet, check customer reviews and ask a fellow wide-foot cyclist for recommendations. Most bike shoes do run a bit small and narrow so try a half-size up, first. And that brings us to the next factor.
Closure
Spin shoes feature several fastening systems, from common laces to dial closures. Velcro is the cheapest option, but it's fast, simple, and lightweight. It just might take a few tries to dial in your fit. Ratchet closures offer a bit more precision while remaining affordable. Common laces are still the most comfortable option but there's no mid-workout fine-tuning. Finally, dial closures offer the highest level of precision and security. They're easy to adjust on the fly and add little bulk to the shoe.
Use
Are you looking for a casual pair that you can wear to and from the gym? Opt for a comfy laced variety, for example, in a style you like to rock. On the other hand, if you're a diehard spin master, you'll likely want the snuggest, stiffest, lightest pair you can find.
FAQs About Spin Shoes
Do spin shoes make a difference?
Is it worth buying a pair of spin shoes? You can give your road cycling shoes a try, but unless they're super breathable, a dedicated pair of spin shoes will make your workouts more enjoyable. If you spin indoors with any regularity, you should invest in a solid pair of spin shoes.
And if you've been spinning in sneakers, boy do we urge you to give these sleek and sturdy, locked-in shoes a try.
Do you need spin shoes for a spin bike?
Most dedicated indoor cycling gyms will use bikes that require cycling shoes, but they often offer rentals. You can also use regular road bike shoes, as long as the cleat is compatible. However, some gyms have bikes with conventional pedals so you can see if you like this type of workout. But if you're ready to commit and you want to save money on rentals, then you should buy a pair.
Is spin good for losing body fat?
Spin classes can be a great way to burn fat. That's because sustained cardio and “high-intensity interval training” combine to burn up to 400 to 600 calories per class. Remember to take diet into account when planning your weight loss journey. To kickstart (or restart) your commitment to the sweaty throngs of spindome, we have an 8-week plan for that!
How many times a week should I spin?
Healthline recommends you attend classes three to six times per week to see results when it comes to weight loss and fitness gains. But even one or two classes a week can have a positive impact on the body and mind.