Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (2024)

If you’re looking for a decent pair of cheap cycling shoes due to a limited budget, then look no further.

We’ve rounded up a selection of cheap road and mountain cycling shoes priced under £100, to help you find the right pair for your performance requirements and budget.

  • Cheap cycling clothing
  • Cheap cycling socks
  • Best overshoes
  • Wiggle Black Friday deals

If you’re not limited by budget, discover the best cycling shoes and mountain biking shoes worth buying this year, as rated by our expert testers.

Cheap cycling shoes, 10 budget choices

  • Giro Techne Women's Road Shoes: £89.99
  • Giro Berm Ladies Cycling Shoes: £57
  • Van Rysel Sportive Road Cycling Shoes 500: £49.99
  • Bont Riot Buckle Road Shoes: £99
  • Triban Reflective SPD Cycling Shoes RC 520: £64.99
  • Triban RC 500 SPD Road Cycling Shoes: £44.99
  • dhb Dorica Road Shoes: £60
  • dhb Troika MTB Shoes: £60
  • Shimano ME3W Women's MTB Shoes: £42.74
  • Specialized Recon 1.0 MTB Shoe: £90

Giro Techne Women’s Road Shoes

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (1)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: EU 36–42
  • Colours: Black, white/silver
  • Features: Three strap fastenings with hook and loop closings, molded EVA footbed
  • Cleat compatibility: Universal (two or three-bolt)

This pair of women’s cycling shoes have a universal cleat mount for fitting two-bolt or three-bolt systems, making them suitable for road bikes.

Along with three Velcro straps for security and quick adjustment, they have a moulded EVA foam footbed that should offer cushioning and support.

Giro Berm Ladies Cycling Shoes

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (2)
  • Discipline: Mountain
  • Sizes: UK 5–7
  • Colours: Grey
  • Features: Cushioned insole, reinforced heel and toe, deep lugs
  • Cleat compatibility: None

Secured by two large touch-tape straps across the forefoot, these women’s cycling shoes also have two deep lugs in the moulded rubber outsole for grip, rather than cleat mounts.

Because of this, they should allow for powerful pedalling without being clipped into pedal mounts and help you hit the gas when you need some quick acceleration.

Van Rysel Sportive Road Cycling Shoes 500

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (3)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: UK 3–12
  • Colours: Black, snow white, navy blue, lime yellow
  • Features: Three fastening straps, ventilated sole
  • Cleat compatibility: Look Delta, Keo, Shimano SM-SH and SPD cleats

Toe and heel stiffeners have been added to this pair of Van Rysel bike shoes to provide foot support, while three rip-tabs should allow for quick and easy adjustment and tightening mid-ride.

Two ventilation openings and quick drying mesh inside the shoe have been added to the design in a bid to boost ventilation and breathability.

Bont Riot Buckle Road Shoes

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (4)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: EU 38–48
  • Colours: Black/white
  • Features: Velcro fastenings and adjustable buckle
  • Cleat compatibility: Three-hole Look cleat/Shimano standard configuration

Claimed to deliver a competition-level fit and take beginner road cycling shoes to the next level, this pair should be ideal for someone looking for their first clipless shoes.

The design might not be to everyone’s taste, but feature-wise they keep things simple with a micro-adjustable buckle and Velcro retention system to keep your foot secure.

Triban Reflective SPD Cycling shoes RC 520

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (5)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: UK 6.5–12
  • Colours: Reflective silver
  • Features: Reflective and water repellent PU design
  • Cleat compatibility: SPD cleats

The reflective PU coating on these cycling shoes is not only designed to be water-resistant but should offer added visibility on the road by reflecting sunlight and headlights.

A combination of laces and buckles are used for fastening. The sole is also made of fibreglass to provide stiffness and aid the efficiency of your pedalling.

Triban RC 500 SPD Road Cycling Shoe

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (6)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: UK 6.5–12
  • Colours: Fluro orange, navy blue, Bordeaux red, charcoal grey
  • Features: Toe stiffeners for protection, rigid nylon sole, perforated upper with mesh over the forefoot
  • Cleat compatibility: SPD cleats

This road cycling shoe is compatible with SPD cleats and has a fibreglass-filled nylon sole for extra rigidity when pedalling.

A perforated upper should offer some breathability during warm rides, while the lace system can be tightened to keep the shoes fitted snugly against the foot.

dhb Dorica Road Shoe

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (7)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: EU 39–48
  • Colours: Autumn glory, black, grey, white
  • Features: Lace up system, semi-perforated upper for breathability
  • Cleat compatibility: Three-bolt Look/SPD SL road cleats

The dhb Dorica road shoe design features a lace-up system for an adaptable fit and includes robust sides to help protect feet from knocks. Half way down the shoe is an elastic lace retainer to help keep them secure on the foot.

Although the upper is synthetic, it’s semi-perforated for breathability during hot or tough rides. The cleat mounts make this shoe compatible with any standard three-bolt standard pedal system. Wiggle recommends buying these shoes in one size smaller than your usual size.

dhb Troika MTB Shoe

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (8)
  • Discipline: Mountain
  • Sizes: EU 39–48
  • Colours: Black, grey
  • Features: Rigid nylon sole, hook and loop closing
  • Cleat compatibility: Two-bolt cleats / SPD cleat mounting system

This is a two-bolt addition to the dhb cycling shoe range. Much like the Dorica, this pair have perforated tongues and synthetic uppers for breathability. But instead of laces, the Troikas are secured using a Velcro strap system, allowing for what’s potentially quicker and easier adjustment.

Shimano ME3W Women’s MTB Shoes

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (9)
  • Discipline: Mountain
  • Sizes: EU 36–38
  • Colours: Grey / mint
  • Features: Cushioned insole, glass-fibre reinforced midsole, wider cleat adjustment
  • Cleat compatibility: Two-bolt

The Shimano brand has given this shoe its TORBAL (Torsional Balance) sole technology and a reinforced insole, with the aim of striking the right balance of stiffness, support and comfort for long rides.

Its adjustable low-profile reverse buckle should offer additional security.

Specialized Recon 1.0 MTB Shoe

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (10)
  • Discipline: Road
  • Sizes: EU 36–49
  • Colours: Aqua, rocket red, black
  • Features: Two-bolt cleat pattern, toe flex technology
  • Cleat compatibility: Two-bolt

Claiming to be perfect for dirt-focused adventures, the Specialized Recon should be a durable but comfortable addition to your cycling kit.

The nylon outsoles and forefoots are shaped to provide both a natural feel off the bike and enough stiffness for efficient pedalling.

Three Velcro straps act as closures, while the two-bolt cleat pattern should fit all major mountain bike pedals.

Cheap cycling shoes: 10 to buy in 2021 (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to size up or down in cycling shoes? ›

It's suggested to size up if you're between sizes, it's important ot keep in mind cycling shoes are intended to wrap snuggly around the foot. Similar to how running shoes are created to help keep you comfortable and enhance performance, bike shoes were also designed with a specific purpose in mind as well: pedaling.

How do I know what cycling shoes to buy? ›

Go a little looser for casual/off-road shoes and tighter for road models. Arch support adds comfort and efficiency, and your heels should stay in place and not move up or down. You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably. Wearing cycling socks will help your shoes fit right and keep them that way.

How many miles should cycling shoes last? ›

As a general rule, if you take care of your cycling shoes and don't ride in the rain too much, they should last you around 10,000 to 15,000 miles.

Do good cycling shoes make a difference? ›

Good quality cycling shoes can have a huge impact on the quality of your ride and how much you enjoy it. The shoes you wear while cycling help you pedal more effectively and comfortably, for a better and safer overall ride.

Should your toes touch the end of cycling shoes? ›

A few millimetres of space in front of the big toes in the cycling shoe is completely sufficient. If the shoe is too long, the cleats cannot be mounted biomechanically. The result is a loss of power transmission.

Is it better for cycling shoes to be tight or loose? ›

Good cycling shoes are stiff, snug, and supportive. Unlike running shoes, a roomy forefoot isn't necessary since the foot does not roll forward while pedaling. About 1.5 cm of toe room should be plenty. Stiff soles and snug shoes stabilize the foot, but they should not be so tight that they pinch.

Do all cycling shoes fit all pedals? ›

Remember that you will need to have a compatible cleat, shoe, and pedal set-up in order for everything to work. For example, an SPD cleat will fit an SPD-compatible pedal and a two-bolt compatible shoe; however, an SPD cleat will not fit a Speedplay pedal, or onto a three-bolt compatible shoe.

How much of a difference do cycling shoes make? ›

With the right cycling shoes, you'll work out more muscle groups, and you'll feel more comfortable, powerful and less fatigued in the process. Make sure you're well-equipped to reap maximum benefits from every ride you take.

What kind of shoes are best for biking? ›

Best Cycling Shoes
  • Best Overall Road Shoe: Sidi Alba 2 Cycling Shoe.
  • Best Value Road Shoe: Specialized Torch 1.0 Cycling Shoe.
  • Most Secure Fit: Specialized S-Works Ares Road Shoe.
  • Best Shoe for Flat Pedals: Five Ten Freerider Pro Primeblue Cycling Shoe.
  • Best Off-Road Racing Shoe: Specialized S-Works Recon MTB Shoe.
Feb 21, 2024

What are the disadvantages of cycling shoes? ›

What are the disadvantages of cycling shoes? It takes practice getting in and out of cycling shoes. You're clipped into the pedal, making it more challenging to put your foot down when you need to stop.

What happens if my cycling shoes are too big? ›

Issues such as burning foot or numbness can be symptoms of a cycling shoe worn too big. Important to note is that trying on a shoe and walking about in the store isn't going to replicate the pressures experienced while seated and pedalling on the bike.

Can you walk around in cycling shoes? ›

Road bike shoes are not designed for extended walking due to their lack of traction on the sole, their inability to flex and, typically, cleats that protrude from the soles (and sound like tap shoes when walking).

Do you wear socks with cycling shoes? ›

Cycling socks should be thin because they must fit comfortably into your well-fitted cycling shoes. Don't stuff thick socks into your cycling shoes, and don't buy larger cycling shoes to fit thicker socks into. If your feet hurt while riding, you probably don't need extra cushioning, but better-fitting cycling shoes.

Are flat cycling shoes worth it? ›

Of course, when your feet are clipped in, they cannot slip off the pedals at inopportune moments. But you also get lots of security from flat pedal shoes, thanks to their super sticky soles. The material on the soles, combined with the tread pattern keys into the pins on your pedals.

Should cycling shoes be flat? ›

Differences in Cycling Shoes

Flat-pedal shoes are excellent if you're stopping frequently and walking, like you would on a tour. They're also great for downhillers who need to take their feet off quickly and then get them back on without a second thought.

Is it bad if cycling shoes are too big? ›

If you use a pair of shoes that are a size big, the cleat holes will be further forward, which often makes it harder to correctly position the cleat.

Is it better to size up or down in peloton shoes? ›

You should have a little room in the toe box area so you can wiggle your toes. If your toes are touching the front of the shoes, we suggest going up a size.

Do cycling shoes loosen up? ›

Buy comfortably snug, but don't buy overly tight cycling shoes expecting them to stretch. While a small amount of width stretch is possible in some shoes and materials, the length of the shoe should not be expected to change with time.

Is it better to wear shoes too big or too small? ›

As we all know, if you wear a shoe that is too tight it will hurt your feet and lead to foot ailments, such as blisters, bunions and calluses. But wearing a shoe that is too big will cause us to walk in an unnatural and dysfunctional way. This can lead to serious foot problems.

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