Whether they are home cyclists or studio regulars, many SoulCycle devotees choose to invest in their own cycling shoes for their classes or use them with the SoulCycle bike launched in 2020. While the shoes sold on their site can cost you hundreds of dollars, there are many great options that will work for your SoulCycle workouts without costing that much. The best cycling shoes for SoulCycle, and the type SoulCycle recommends, have Look Delta cleats, although the SPD cleats are also compatible with their bikes. If you plan to ride non-SoulCycle bikes, you might prefer one choice over the other. Look Delta cleats are the best shoe for Peloton bikes as well as Flywheel courses, while SPD cleats are found on most bikes you might find in your gym or fitness center.
A Little Background: Unlike many other popular cycling bikes, the SoulCycle has a reversible pedal with one side for Look Delta clips and one side for SPD clips. For this reason, you can easily flip the pedals and tie the pair you own. Since SoulCycle recommends Look Delta, you’ll mostly see shoes with Look Delta clips on this listing. But, there are a few pairs of cycling shoes here that are compatible with both Watch the Delta and SPD clips (purchased separately), so you can change them to suit your needs. These will be the most customizable if you want to cover your bases.
Beyond the clip style, you’ll want to treat your indoor cycling shoe purchases the same as any other shoe you would buy. Cycling shoes with a mesh upper breathe well when you sweat, and strappy over laces designs are largely a matter of preference (although designs without laces may be the safest for high-speed cycling sessions. intensity).
Confused About Which Cycling Shoes You Should Buy? Here’s a look at some great options to choose from.
1. The best overall, all things considered
- Clip type? Look Delta clips included (other options are available with SPD clips)
This popular pair of cycling shoes has won over many SoulCycle riders, with a writing that they are “better than [the] SoulCycle Shoes. These shoes feature a synthetic leather upper that hugs your feet and three straps to keep your shoes in place during your ride. They’re also designed with multiple mesh panels to allow for breathability when you start to sweat. With a reinforced fiberglass sole, these shoes offer excellent power transfer for a faster ride. This pair comes with Delta Look clips included, making it ideal for SoulCycle, Flywheel or Peloton bikes, but you can also go for the version that comes with the SPD clips, if that’s the style of clip that suits the better for your needs.
Positive review on Amazon: “I love it and have worn it to two SoulCycle classes so far and it works great, easily attaches and snaps in without any issues. I love the pink color and the reliability of the shoes. J I also love that the cleats were already attached to the shoe. I can’t wait to try the shoe on a variety of other spin classes that use LOOK Delta cleats.
2. The best SoulCycle lace-up shoes
- Clip type? Look Delta clips included (other options are available with SPD clips)
Unlike the straps of the similar Tommaso cycling shoes above, this pair of knit shoes has a lace up design. They also feature a flexible knit upper that provides better airflow than the ones above, and a bit more stretch if your feet naturally swell during a workout. They also have a fiberglass reinforced sole for top notch power transfer when you’re on your bike. This pair is also available with Look Delta or SPD cleats (or neither, if you already have cleats), but I’ve linked the pair to the Look Delta clips above, per SoulCycle’s recommendation. These are a bit more affordable than the pair above, but the closure style can make them a bit more prone to loose laces that interfere with your ride. That said, they will still do the job and are great for sweaty feet or those who prefer to lace up their indoor cycling shoes.
Positive review on Amazon: “These are great. […] I bought them in 11 for women and am happy to say they are perfect! My feet breathe much easier and more painfully after going out. These shoes took away all the issues I had and my feet didn’t feel that cramped.
3. A Reddit favorite
- Clip type? Compatible with both, neither is included. Many reviewers use these Look Delta clips (which several reviewers confirm are compatible, despite brand information) or this pair of Shimano SPD clips.
These Shimano cycling shoes are highly recommended by SoulCyclists on Reddit. According to Reddit user huddie1231, “I actually called a [SoulCycle] studio and asked if they wear the shoes in store and they told me to save my money and buy the shimano brand. Most instructors personally own shimano, so don’t waste your money on branded soul spin shoes. ” This pair has two straps on the top for a secure fit and mesh panels and built-in ventilation for air circulation. Similar to the two pairs above, these cycling shoes have fiberglass reinforced soles to let you pedal powerfully during your workout. And, while they’re more affordable than the ones above, you’ll have to purchase your Look Delta or SPD clips separately, which means they may end up being more expensive depending on the clips you use.
According to one reviewer: “I bought these shoes for Soulcycle classes. […] I have no problem wearing them to class. They feel good.
- Sizes available: 5 – 11.5
4. The best economical cycling shoes
- Clip type? Compatible with both, neither is included. Many buyers also buy this pair of Look Delta clips (which reviews confirm are compatible), or you can invest in these compatible two-hole SPD clips.
These affordable cycling shoes are ideal if you’re new to SoulCycle or aren’t ready to jump into a more expensive pair. They feature a mesh upper for ventilation and a supportive nylon sole. [[Note how this isn’t as good as the first 3, and a drawback for the price?]] Although they have a narrow fit, they’re also flexible, so they won’t feel constrained for the most part. [[Might not be the best pick for wide feet?]] These shoes are also easy to take off and put on, and the buckle and bottom strap keep them from slipping during a run. They are also compatible with Look Delta and SPD cleats, but the cleats themselves are sold separately. These have a hybrid lace and strap design, with a single strap on the bottom that’s secure, but stretchy laces that don’t tighten your feet as you ride.
Positive review on Amazon: “I needed shoes for my new SoulCycle bike. They don’t come with clips, but my bike comes with extra clips which fit the shoes perfectly. The shoes are comfortable and have a good fit.
- Sizes available: 6.5 – 15
