As a gym rat, I use 3 pairs of shoes. One pair with high cushioning for my cardio. A second pair with a flat sole and minimal cushioning for lifting weights. The third pair with a completely flat sole and no cushioning for the dead-lifts and leg day.
It’s no surprise that to get the best out of an activity, you have to use the most ideal apparel to compliment it.
Using spin shoes rather than sneakers can have a massive effect on your comfort level and how efficient your strokes are.
Are you a newbie to the world of spinning?
Fear not! This guide is going to make sure you’re a pro by the end of it.
Expert spin master?
Read on to find out our 8 best women’s spin shoes.
Table of Contents
The first shoe on our list is designed by the renowned Italian brand Tommaso. Marketed by Tommaso as an entry-level shoe for women but will serve a wide category of riders from experienced road bikers to new indoor cycling enthusiasts.
When it comes to cleat compatibility, the Pista supports both SPD and DELTA cleats. The soles are fiberglass reinforced and are stiff enough for optimum power transfer making the ride faster and pedal strokes more efficient.
The shoe can easily be fastened using 3-straps rather than laces and allows for sufficient ventilation thought the mesh portions.
Available in sizes 7 – 11.5 ( US)
KEY FEATURES
• 2 Year warranty
• Compatible with many cleat systems.
If you’re not new to the cycling world, I’m sure you’ve heard of the brand Shimano. From Gears to everything bicycle-related, Shimano is a renowned name. Don’t be surprised if they hit bulls’ eye with this shoe, giving you the best of both worlds.
The sporty sneaker-like cycling shoes is a great versatile option. With recessed cleat holes and a rubber sole, you can wear this pair from the time you leave home to the studio, hit the weights, and then to get your groceries right after.
With a larger surface area of mesh on the top, this shoe provides plenty of ventilation to keep your feet dry. It also uses the BOA L6 dial to conveniently tighten the shoe with a turn of a dial.
I think we’ve got a winner over here!
KEY FEATURES
• Highly versatile
• Recessed cleats
• BOA L6 dial
If you have sweaty feet, this will be perfect for you.
With a specially engineered XNETICTM KNIT UPPER surface, this shoe provides all-around ventilation and is most certainly a winner in terms of comfort. Giro gives the material a durable treatment for water resistance and guards the heels and toes with rubber reinforcement. These are the first knitted shoes that offer great performance for cyclists similar to the kicks available for runners.
In terms of cleat compatibility, this pair supports a 3-hole system with a carbon fiber sole providing adequate stiffness and being light at the same time. This makes it ideal for longer spin classes.
The only downside to this pair of kicks is the laces which can be a nuisance if not tied up properly.
KEY FEATURES
• Great Ventilation
• Carbon Fiber Sole
This comes from a major sports shoes and apparel manufacturer, New Balance. They’re a trusted name in all things sports.
This durable pair is made of synthetic leather along with a greater proportion of mesh for ventilation. The insides of the shoes are lined up with New Balance Fresh, which prevents unwanted odors.
Just like the Shimano IC3, this sneaker-like versatile pair has a recessed 2-hole cleat system with a lightweight soft EVA midsole and a synthetic stiff outsole.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate is a popular material used for soles of running shoes to boost softness and flexibility. While spinning can be quite an exerting activity on your foot, the EVA sole can absorb much of the impact.
Additionally, this pair comes with a 3 hook and loop straps for a secure fit.
KEY FEATURES
• Recessed cleat system
• Versatile
• EVA midsole
These shoes are made with breathability as a top priority. This is accomplished by using a variety of technologies such as the super-punctured uppers and mesh toe box to keep feet dry and to allow sweat to escape. It has an odor-fighting mesh that prevents unwanted odors.
Along with a synthetic sole which makes the shoes stiff for greater acceleration, this pair supports a 2 and 3 hold cleat system.
A 3-strap closure system removes pressure from your arch while providing a snug fit.
An EVA foam and rubber heel bumper provides stability and makes it easier to walk in.
KEY FEATURES
• Supports multiple cleat systems
• Punctured Upper providing greater ventilation
Another great addition by Giro to their product line.
The punctured synthetic upper with mesh allows for a comfortable fit and ventilation. This too has the BOA lace system just like the Shimano IC3. Apart from the BOA, this pair has a redundant Velcro strap, which doesn’t contribute much to the fit.
The sole might be a downside to this pair of kicks. The injected nylon (plastic) soles are quite soft and flexible. This can be an issue depending on the intensity of spinning. When intensity increases, flex can be a problem in terms of converting power and efficiency.
Nevertheless, it supports both cleat systems.
Ideal for entry-level rider but might not fit the MOST powerful riders.
KEY FEATURES
• BOA lace system
• Compatible with multiple cleat systems
Everybody knows Reebok, right?
Louis Garneau?
Maybe not.
Louis Garneau, the Canadian road racer and track cyclist, has been in the industry for a while. The company named after him has been manufacturing bikes and all related apparel for over 35 years.
So, what happens when a cycling expert collabs with a major sports apparel manufacturer?
Simple, a winner is born.
They might not look aesthetically pleasing but what they lack in looks, they make up for in venting and comfort. Most of the upper part is made out of mesh material making this task a breeze. Velcro straps are used to fasten the shoe and give a comfy fit.
Even though the outsole is Nylon Inject (plastic), it is reinforced with fiberglass making it stiff enough for an intense spin class. It supports both cleat systems.
KEY FEATURE
• Well ventilated
• Fiberglass reinforced outsole.
Another trendy pair of kicks, competing closely with the Shimano IC3 in terms of looks and aesthetics.
At first glance, they don’t look like your average cycling cleats. This pair is highly rated by the global spin community not only for its looks but also in terms of performance.
The mesh on top allows ample breathing space and uses a single Velcro strap to fit the shoe in place.
Tiem slipstreams support the SPD cleat system and the rubbery soles neatly tuck the cleats in making it easy to walk around the studio.
KEY FEATURES
• Versatile look
• Several colors available
Just like any other pair of shoes, women’s spin shoes have a narrower width and less volume around the heel and toe area ideally made to fit a woman’s foot last.
A perfect fit is a must for a comfortable session. Hot spots and numb feet can be some minor consequences of ill-fitting shoes with major issues related to muscles and joints occurring later on.
It should be comfortable at the heel, (you should feel the heel cup hug your rearfoot) with even pressure applied on the arch of your foot.
Your toe should have little space, and not too much to wiggle around making it unstable and should hold the front part of your foot cozily without pinching.
Spin experts suggest that you don’t.
Let’s have a quick look at the different types of cycling shoes to better understand them:
1. Road Cycling shoes: The sole of a road shoe can be super stiff and the cleat bulges from the bottom. You’d be super awkward walking around and look like a penguin wobbling around the studio.
2. Mountain Bike shoes: These look like your normal trainers but are much heavier and bulkier making your pedal strokes slower. The cleats are buried in the sole making it less awkward to walk around but still not so ideal to maximize your spin potential.
3. Indoor Cycling shoes: Ideally a hybrid between a road shoe and a mountain bike shoe. Lighter and sleeker than ab MTB pair and not as stiff as a pair of road shoes.
Also known as clips, these holes on your sole help to ‘clip’ your shoes to the bike, making your pedal strokes efficient.Ideally making you and your bike one.
There are 2 main types of cleats:
1. SPD/2 hole cleats
2. Delta/3 hole cleats
The differences between them are subtle and doesn’t affect your ride.
Most gyms use SPD cleats and some bikes even offer both options.
But it’s always recommended to check which type is available at your local studio before making a purchase.
Cleats are sold separately, so you need to buy an SPD or DELTA compatible shoes and fit the cleats on.
Usually the sole of a cycling shoe is made of plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass or a combination of materials.
Plastic soles are the lowest on the price scale but are prone to more flexing. While carbon fiber can rack up a huge bill, these soles are the lightest and stiffest.
Laces can be a nuisance if not tied properly. Therefore experts suggest that straps rather than laces be used because it can be difficult to adjust them once the shoe is clipped onto the pedal.
Since you won’t be enjoying the outdoor breeze, your feet won’t be either. So, the more ventilation the more comfortable you’ll be in terms of keeping your feet dry.
You’re now a cetified spin shoe expert.
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of ‘Best Women’s Spin Shoes’. We hope you found all the information you were looking for.
