Top 10 road cycling shoes: Complete buying guide
Introduction
We're delighted to present our selection of the 10 best road cycling shoes for 2023. Whether you're a beginner or an expert cyclist, choosing the right pair of shoes is crucial to maximising your experience and performance on the road. In this article, we present the best-performing, most comfortable and most stylish models on the market.
1. Sidi Shot 2
The Sidi Shot 2 is the top-of-the-range road cycling shoe from Italian brand Sidi. It is designed to offer a perfect fit, unrivalled comfort and maximum performance. The Shot 2 features a lightweight, rigid Vent Carbon Sole for excellent power transmission and ventilation.
2. Shimano S-Phyre RC902
The Shimano S-Phyre RC902 is a high-performance, comfortable road cycling shoe. It features an ultra-light, stiff carbon outsole for excellent power transmission. The one-piece, seamless upper offers a perfect fit and optimum comfort.
3. Fizik Infinito R1
The Fizik Infinito R1 is a top-of-the-range road cycling shoe designed for demanding cyclists. It features a lightweight, rigid UD carbon outsole and a dual Boa closure system for a precise, customised fit.
4. Giro Empire SLX
The Giro Empire SLX is a lightweight, high-performance road cycling shoe. It features an EC90 SLX2 carbon outsole for excellent stiffness and optimal power transmission. The synthetic Evofiber upper is lightweight, breathable and offers a comfortable fit.
5. Specialized S-Works 7
The Specialized S-Works 7 is a premium road cycling shoe designed to deliver a perfect fit, exceptional comfort and maximum performance. It features a lightweight yet rigid FACT Powerline carbon outsole and a dual Boa closure system for a precise, custom fit.
6. Bontrager XXX
The Bontrager XXX is a high-performance, comfortable road cycling shoe. It features an ultra-lightweight and rigid OCLV carbon outsole for excellent power transmission. The perforated microfibre upper offers a perfect fit and optimum comfort.
7. Mavic Cosmic SL Ultimate
The Mavic Cosmic SL Ultimate is a lightweight, high-performance road cycling shoe. It features an Energy Full Carbon SLR outsole for excellent stiffness and optimal power transmission. The Matryx upper, an innovative material made from Kevlar and polyamide, is lightweight, breathable and offers a comfortable fit.
8. Northwave Extreme GT 2
The Northwave Extreme GT 2 is a high-end road cycling shoe designed to offer a perfect fit, exceptional comfort and maximum performance. It features a lightweight, stiff Morph 10AAS carbon outsole and a dual Boa closure system for a precise, custom fit.
9. Bont Vaypor S
The Bont Vaypor S is a high-performance, comfortable road cycling shoe. It features a unidirectional carbon outsole that is ultra-light and rigid, for excellent power transmission. The microfibre upper offers a perfect fit and optimum comfort, while the Boa IP1 closure system allows for a precise, customised fit.
10. Scott RC Ultimate
The Scott RC Ultimate is a lightweight, high-performance road cycling shoe. It features an HMX carbon outsole for excellent rigidity and optimal power transmission. The Carbitex carbon composite upper is lightweight, breathable and offers a comfortable fit.
How to choose the best road cycling shoes
When choosing the best road cycling shoes, it is important to consider a number of factors, such as :
- Sole rigidity: a rigid sole means better power transmission and greater energy efficiency.
- The fastening system: Boa, Velcro or lace fastening systems offer different levels of fit and comfort.
- Comfort: a comfortable shoe is essential for long bike rides.
- Weight: lightweight shoes are more comfortable to wear and are more efficient.
- Ventilation: good ventilation is important to prevent overheating and excessive perspiration of the feet.
Conclusion
Here are our top 10 road cycling shoes for 2023. Each of these shoes offers an excellent balance between comfort, performance and style. Whether you're a beginner or an expert cyclist, choosing the right pair of shoes is crucial to maximising your experience and performance on the road. Don't hesitate to try out several models to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Happy riding!
