If you’ve spent much time road cycling, you know that cycling shoes are a necessity. But they can also be incredibly expensive on the high end, costing $350 or even more for a pro level pair. Sure, shoes at that price range are lightweight and stiff, but not everyone wants to spend that kind of money. And it probably isn’t necessary for most of us who aren’t Cat 1 racers or ultra endurance cyclists who are wearing them for 24 hours or more at a time.
We’ve put together this list of top quality road cycling shoes under $100, to help you find a pair of comfortable cycling shoes without having to “foot” an excessive bill. These shoes might also make a good choice to take to spin classes in the off season, or to use riding Zwift on the trainer.
Giro Techne Road Cycling Shoes
Giro’s Techne Shoes feature three Velcro straps for better fit. It also has a nylon outsole with universal 2- or 3-hole cleat mount and mesh upper fabric. Although primarily known for their helmets, Giro makes very good quality and comfortable shoes. Multiple color options.
https://www.giro.com/p/techne-road-cycling-shoes
Find them on Amazon.
Shimano SH-RP1 Cycling Shoe
With nylon and glass fiber soles, a synthetic leather and polyurethane upper fabric, and 2- or 3-hole cleat compatibility, you’ll be ready for on or off-road action with Shimano’s SH-RP1 Cycling Shoes. They feature a dual hook and loop strap dial closure for quick fit adjustments. One drawback is they only have 2 Velcro straps.
Find them on Amazon.
Louis Garneau Chrome Cycling Shoes
These Chrome Cycling Shoes from Louis Garneau have nylon/fiberglass outsoles, synthetic leather and mesh upper fabric. They have 3 hook and loop fasteners for easy adjustments.
https://garneau.com/us_en/chrome-cycling-shoes-1487243
Find them on Amazon.
Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoes
With a full nylon sole and mesh upper fabric, Pearl Izumi’s Quest Road Shoes are ready to hit the road. With three straps, you’ll have an easy time getting the right fit.
https://www.pearlizumi.com/US/en/shop/men/cycling-shoes/road/mens_quest_road/p/15182004
Find them on Amazon.
Specialized Torch 1.0
Torch 1.0 shoes from Specialized have a nylon composite sole and are 3-hole compatible for all major cleats. The Boa dial to tighten the shoes is a nice touch on shoes at this price level that are usually velcro only. Several color options for these shoes.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/torch-1-0-road-shoes/p/172702?color=272309-172702
Serfas Paceline Cycling Shoes
Surprise! Serfas not only provides your favorite bike accessories, they also have a shoe line. These shoes from Serfas are an excellent value! Serfas’s Paceline shoes feature a wider toe box and lower ankle collars for improved comfort. They have three straps for easy adjustability.
https://www.serfas.com/shop/products/shoes/road-shoes/smr-401b-smr-401w-mens-road-paceline-3-strap/
Find them on Amazon.
Lake CX 1 Road Cycling Shoes
Lake is known for high end shoes, but don’t scroll past these shoes thinking they are outside your budget. These CX 1 shoes from Lake are about $100. With fiberglass-injected nylon soles, lace closure, and 3-hole compatibility, they’ll get you where you need to go comfortably. This pair also comes in a wider option if you happen to have wider feet.
https://lakecycling.com/collections/road/products/cx-1?variant=2373453905929
Find them on Amazon.
Scott Road Comp Cycling Shoes
Another pair that are cost-effective for you, Scott’s Road Comp shoes are made with a nylon/glass fiber composite outsole and Velcro and three anatomic fit straps. Three velcro straps hold your feet in place comfortably.
https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-road-comp-shoe
Find them on Amazon.
Lace up or strap down with a pair from this low-budget cycling shoe list and you’ll be ready to hit the road! Did we miss your favorite inexpensive pair of shoes? Let us know in the comments.
The fit is the thing. I find a couple of brands fit me well and others quickly become a foot-vise while riding. I had to change a brand I really liked when their last changed a few years ago after being perfect for me for maybe 15 years.
Perhaps this is my age talking, but after decades of slipping, carrying cleat covers, breaking cleats etc I switched to low profile SPD pedals. I am never going back. I can walk around easily, I don’t have to own 4 pairs of shoes, different kinds of spare parts and so forth.
Good point, Will. SPD pedals and a nice pair of shoes can be had for less than $100. And because the cleats hide up inside the shoes and the shoes have grippy rubber soles like sneakers, you can walk in the shoes without any issues with the cleats.. It’s a popular way to go for lots of roadies in the know. They even make sandals for cycling that work with the SPD pedals. Thanks!
Jim
Will, kind of new at this stuff, what brand of shoes did you end up buying? I need a new pair of riding shoes and am thinking now is the time to switch out to SPD
I haven’t used my Sidi road shoes/Look pedals in years. SPD is the way to go.
Also switched to flush cleats about 5 years ago. Got tired of rebuilding or replacing Speedplay cleats. I use Crank Bro’s since I already had them on my Surly crosscheck. Didn’t think many others were doing it.
Crank Bro pedals and cleats for me too, with mountain shoes!