The 10 Best Cycling Shoes For Men
This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in October of 2019. If you like to get out on your bike on a regular basis, you'll find that an investment in a good pair of cycling shoes will give you a significant advantage, whether you're racing with friends or just trying to get to work on time. We've included a wide variety of models for men, ranked here by their breathability, performance, versatility, and durability. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Giro Imperial
2. Mavic Cosmic Elite
3. Lake Winter CX237
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...
4. Giro Empire VR90
5. Giro Gauge
6. Shimano LSG Series Enduro Trail
7. Tommaso Strada Elite
8. Venzo Bicycle Riding
9. Santic Road
10. TriSeven Premium Nylon Triathlon
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).