The 10 Best Cycling Shoes For Men

Editor's Notes

November 08, 2019:

A big divide in a category like this is going to exist between so-called clip-in shoes and their more conventional counterparts. Now, to be clear, the cleat technology of the day is a lot safer than older clip-ins, as it's now significantly easier to get out of the pedal if a hairy situation were to arise, but the vernacular has largely carried over into the modern system. Riders of fixed-gear bikes in particular, as well as track racers and the occasional mountain biker, are going to want to opt for some form of clip-in. More casual riders or those intent on performing even the simplest tricks will prefer the freedom of movement provided by more traditional kicks.

Knowing your riding style and any of your intended destinations is going to be an important factor here, as well. Top-tier riding shoes like the Giro Imperial are designed with exceptionally stiff soles, often made from carbon fiber. The intent here is to minimize the amount of energy that might get absorbed into the shoe itself as you push (and/or pull) on the pedal. The only problem is that these shoes tend to be miserable to walk in. If you know you often ride to destinations where you'll be dismounted and on-foot for an extended period of time, it'd be smart to look for a hybrid sole (often made from nylon or partially from carbon fiber) that has some give to it. Two-cleat shoes are also often more comfy to walk in than three- and four-cleat options, so keep that in mind. Of course, you could always toss on a backpack and lug around another pair of shoes...