Cycling Shoes

(44 products)

Road, MTB and gravel cycling shoes for two-bolt and three-bolt cleat systems. Stiff soles transfer more of your effort into the pedals, but fit matters more than sole material, and getting it wrong costs you comfort on every ride.

Read more: cleat systems, road vs MTB, fit and sizing

SPD or SPD-SL: which cleat system

Two-bolt (SPD) is the mountain bike and gravel standard. The cleat is small, metal and recessed into the sole, so you can walk normally. Best for commuting, touring, gravel and anyone who gets off the bike regularly.

Three-bolt (SPD-SL and similar) is the road standard. A larger plastic cleat sits proud of the sole, giving a wider platform and better power transfer, at the cost of walking like a duck. Best for road riding, racing and long fast rides.

Your pedals decide this, not your shoes, so check what you already have before choosing. Not sure which system your pedals use? Ask TBA Guide, our chat assistant.

Road, MTB and gravel shoes

Road shoes prioritise sole stiffness and low weight. Carbon soles suit racing and fast long rides, while composite soles are more forgiving and easier to walk in. Triathlon shoes add a wide single strap and a heel loop for quick transitions. MTB and gravel shoes add tread and a recessed cleat, which makes them far more practical for everyday riding.

Getting the fit right

Cycling shoes should be snug with no heel lift, no pressure at the sides, and roughly a thumb's width at the toe. Feet swell over long rides, so a shoe that feels perfect in the shop can hurt at 80 km. Size by foot length in centimetres against the brand's own chart rather than by your street size. Brands vary considerably, and some Italian lasts run notably narrow.

If you have wide feet, look for models made in a wide fitting, which add volume across the forefoot rather than extra length. Unsure how sizes compare? Ask TBA Guide about sizing across brands.

Cleats and fitting

Cleats are usually sold separately and depend on your pedals. Positioning them properly is worth the time: badly set cleats are one of the most common causes of knee pain in riders who have just moved to clipless pedals. Start with the ball of the foot over the pedal axle and your natural heel angle, then fine-tune over a few rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SPD and SPD-SL cleats?

SPD is the two-bolt mountain bike and gravel system, with smaller metal cleats that recess into the sole so you can walk normally. SPD-SL is the three-bolt road system with larger plastic cleats that sit proud of the sole, giving a wider platform and better power transfer but making walking awkward.

Should I buy road shoes or MTB shoes?

Road shoes with three-bolt cleats give the stiffest sole and best power transfer for road riding. Two-bolt MTB and gravel shoes are easier to walk in and better for commuting, touring, cafe stops and anything involving getting off the bike. Many Indian riders are happier on two-bolt for everyday use.

How should cycling shoes fit?

Snug with no heel lift and no pressure on the sides, and about a thumb's width at the toe. Feet swell on long rides, so a shoe that feels tight in the shop will hurt at 80 km. Check the brand's size chart against your foot length in cm rather than assuming your street size.

Are there cycling shoes for wide feet?

Yes. Several brands make wide-fit versions of their road and MTB shoes, which add volume across the forefoot rather than extra length. If standard shoes press on the sides of your feet or cause numbness, try a wide fitting in your usual length and check each brand's size chart, as lasts vary considerably between makers.

Do cycling shoes come with cleats?

Usually not. Cleats are generally sold separately because they depend on your pedal system: two-bolt for SPD-type pedals and three-bolt for road systems. Fit them carefully, with the ball of your foot over the pedal axle and your natural heel angle, as badly positioned cleats are a common cause of knee pain.