When it comes to riding your bike, it is important that you protect your feet at all times since it is the most used part of your body. Finding the right shoes to wear can be overwhelming and daunting since there are plenty of choices out in the market for you. As long as you know what factors to look for, then the choices will not be as difficult and challenging.
| Product | Pros | Cons |
| Under Armour Charged Assert 8 | More than 20 colors available Unisex Comfortable Lightweight but durable Breathable Loops are easier to put on | Weak arch support Not made for demanding trails |
| Nike Air Zoom Pegasus | Great support for cycling Lightweight materials Snugly fit Padding is soft and comfortable Color options are attractive | Shoe leaves the ankles out in the open Tongue is unnecessarily long |
| Addidas Men’s Sleuth | Top-quality brand Sizing is correct and fits perfectly Uses high-quality leather Padding is enough for cycling and walking activities Lightweight yet durable | Padding may not be enough for high-intensity sports |
| Nike Air Max Bella TR 2 | Wide range of colors Very breathable Flat soles with holes great for platform pedals Comfortable Moderate arch support Available in standard and wide feet Loops for easier putting on | Not great for hiking and trekking |
| Addidas Cloudfoam Pure | Available in a wide variety of colors Lightweight and breathable Comfortable Loops for easier putting on Good arch support Available with kids size | Not suitable for hiking or trekking |
| Tommaso Milano | Price is affordable but delivers quality Rubber sole has plenty of grips Excellent introductory shoe to using cleats for cycling Insole is comfortable and fits snugly Two years of manufacturer’s | Not great for wide feet Have to buy the cleats separately |
| Vans Atwood | Plenty of styles available Flat sole with holes great for platform pedals Iconic design | Weak arch support Not as ventilated as running shoes Not suitable for hiking and trekking |
| Merrell Moab 2 | Durable, waterproof Breathable Moderate arch support Good ankle support Comfortable Loops are easy to put on | A bit heavy Too warm for hot weather conditions |
Under Armour Charged Assert 8: Great for Men and Women
Our first choice is the Under Armour Charged Assert 8, which was originally designed for men but also sold in colors that are great for women. These shoes are well-ventilated, and you will definitely appreciate them on your cycling trips in the summer and during hot seasons.
Aside from using the Under Armour Charged Assert 8 for your bike rides, they are also flexible enough for walking. However, they are perfect if you have flat pedals since the soles of these shoes are roughened, so they won’t slip off while you are pedaling.
For easy pedaling, they have a low weight of 0.62 pounds so that you won’t get tired easily during your bike rides. This feature is also great when you plan to have long rides on your bike. It also has an attractive design that is perfect for communicating or for just your daily use.
The best part about the Under Armour Charged Assert 8 is you can choose from different colors. It is available in more than 20 colors, so you can ensure that you will get a color that will match your personality, style, and preference.
Now, the Under Armour Charged Assert 8 is not best to use on rough terrains such as trails, demanding hikes, etc. It is not designed for these conditions and will break easily when used in them. It is also not as safe to use for these purposes.
The main disadvantage of this shoe is it has weak arch support, so it is best to use them with insoles whenever you ride your bike.
You can purchase the Under Armour Charged Assert 8 on Amazon for $62.96 to $189.00, depending on the size and color that you choose.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus: Not Only for Running But Also for Cycling
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is all about speed and responsiveness. It is the perfect feature pair to use for non-clip bike shoes. This shoe is considered to be one of Nike’s smoothest performing footwear in the industry. The design is perfect, and it is not just for running but also for cycling.
Whenever you are riding your bike or any sport for that matter, comfort always comes first. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 has a Flymesh fabric on its upper fulfills that provides high points. The material is breathable and lightweight, which is perfect for bike rides.
When you want light gear as much as possible during your rides, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is the perfect shoe for you. It also has flywire cables along the shoe length that will provide you with security and support that you may need while you are riding your bike.
It has a great design with a beveled heel that allows you to transition from touchdowns and releases quickly as well as smoothly. The midsole of this shoe is also soft so that you can feel the cushioning to the fullest degree. With this feature, you will also feel less pressure on your toes.
The sock liner of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 curves to the shape of your foot so that you can have enough underfoot support. Also, this shoe comes in different and very attractive colors that you can choose to match your style.
There are two downsides to the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35, which are the shoe leaves the ankles out in the open, and the tongue is unnecessarily long. Aside from these downsides, this is the perfect shoe for you to bring on your cycling adventures.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 is available on Amazon for $120.00.
Adidas Men’s Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe: A Leather Variant
The best thing about the Adidas Men’s Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe is the high-quality leather that it has on the upper material. Also, it is stronger than other leather variants that you can find on the market, which makes it a very durable shoe to consider for cycling.
The Adidas Men’s Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe is much thinning, which makes it less bulky and more comfortable to use for longer rides. The material that is used for this shoe provides a better look and design.
Some parts of the upper shoe are made from suede which is perfect not just for cycling but also for everyday use. It has a broader opening that will allow the user to put it on easily, which measures around three inches. The tongue is also long enough so that it can provide all the coverage that you need for a shoe.
The Adidas Men’s Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe has an EVA midsole that is light and flexible. The benefits that you can get from this shoe are durability and support for cycling.
The only downside to this shoe is the padding may not be enough for other high-intensity sports. If you are planning to use it solely for cycling, then it would be great.
The Adidas Men’s Sleuth Mountain Bike Shoe comes in four colors for you to choose from, and you can purchase it on Amazon for $63.42 to $168.00, depending on your size.
Nike Air Max Bella TR 2: The Perfect Cycling Shoes for Women
The Nike Air Max Bella TR 2 is known for running shoes, but it can also be used for cycling. They are lightweight, only weighing 0.51 pounds, well ventilated, and comfortable to wear. It has a flat sole with holes so they wouldn’t slip off the bike pedals, which will ensure your safety and confidence while riding a bike.
There is a loop placed on the back that will make the shoe easier to put on. They are perfect during warm days since they provide enough ventilation to prevent your feet from overheating. It has an attractive design that is suitable for not only running but also cycling.
Aside from that, it is also a great shoe for the gym, spin classes, or just walking around in the city. Now, using the Nike Air Max Bella TR 2 is not recommended for rides and walks on rough terrains since they are not as durable as the MTB shoes for platform pedals.
If you just have a casual ride, the Nike Air Max Bella TR 2 is the perfect shoe for you to use. There is a wide range of attractive colors that you can choose from to match your style while riding your bike. These shoes are available for women with standard and wide feet.
The Nike Air Max Bella TR 2 is available on Amazon for $49.51 to $165.27, depending on your size.
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure: Iconic Design for Women
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure provides an iconic design for your shoe needs when it comes to sport-oriented women. These shoes are very comfortable, very lightweight, and provide excellent breathability. Now, depending on your shoe size, they weigh about 0.44 to 0.55 pounds which is very lightweight to wear.
Since they are low weight, flexible, and have a rubber sole, they are one of the best shoes to use for cycling on a regular basis. Another great feature of the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure is the Cloudfoam Memory which adapts to your foot so it will offer maximum comfort while cycling.
It is not only great for cycling but also for running and walking on paved roads. However, they are not recommended to use for highly demanding terrains. Aside from that, you can choose from a wide range of colors that will match your style and your preferences.
They also have sizes for kids, so if you are cycling with your little ones, these are the perfect shoes for them to wear. Also, you can have matching shoes for the entire family who loves cycling.
The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure is available on Amazon for $39.95 to $125.99, depending on the size and color that you choose.
Tommaso Milano Cycling Shoes: Made for Men
The Tommaso Milano Cycling Shoes is a regular shoe that can also function as bike shoes attached with cleats. It does both functions and is affordable as well, which is why this shoe is the perfect choice for you. The best thing about this manufacturer is they sell their shoes at factory direct value.
So, instead of selling them to intermediaries and increasing the price stag with every step, the brand will sell directly to the buyer, which will keep the cost as low as possible. Also, you can attach SPD two-bolt cleats on the Tommaso Milano Cycling Shoes.
The lace will make you feel like you are wearing a pair of comfortable tennis shoes, but as you may know, they are shoes that can enhance your performance whenever you are cycling. The insole is also comfortable and will fit your feet very snugly.
Now, these shoes are not meant for people with wide feet, so if you are, it is best to find another option. Also, you have to buy the cleats separately if you want to wear them with them. However, it is still functional even without the cleats.
Unlike the other shoes that are mentioned above, the Tommaso Milano Cycling Shoes are only available in one color. It is also available with laces or straps.
You can purchase the Tommaso Milano Cycling on Amazon for $69.99 (with laces) and $74.95 (with strap).
Vans Atwood: Skates Shoes That Are Great for Cycling Too
The Vans Atwood is an iconic shoe and is most popular among BMX riders, downhill, and mountain bikers. The sole of the shoes is flat but does contain holes where the metal studs on the platform of the pedal can basically stick. Thanks to this feature, you don’t have to worry about them slipping off, and it can provide you with an excellent grip.
These shoes have also earned popularity due to their comfort and sense of connection with the bike that you are riding. However, people with flat feet should wear them without the insoles since there isn’t that much arch support on this shoe.
The Vans Atwood is not recommended use for hiking or trekking. The sole is not built for rough terrain, and your foot can slip off rocks, especially during wet conditions. Also, this shoe is not as ventilated as the running shoes that are mentioned above, so expect that your feet may get hot when you are pedaling for a while.
These shoes are available in low cut and high cut versions. However, when you are cycling, it is best to choose the low-cut version of the shoe.
The Vans Atwood is available on Amazon for $52.12 to $85.00, depending on the size that you select.
Merrell Moab 2: A Durable Choice for Cycling
If you are the type of person that combines biking with demanding hikes, then the Merrell Moab 2 is the best choice for you. They are designed for hiking and trekking but can also be used to ride a bike with them. The main advantage of this shoe is it includes breathability and water-resistance as well.
You can expect your feet not to sweat too much, and you won’t be able to get wet when you are riding or trekking during the rain. However, even with the breathability feature, it is still not best to use during the summer months as the lining is pretty warm.
The Merrell Moab 2 provides moderate arch support and is also comfortable for people who have flat feet.
The downside to these shoes is due to the durable construction and solid sole. They are relatively heavy, which means that they will add some extra effort to you when pedaling. The shoe weighs about 1.75 pounds which is pretty heavy.
The Merrell Moab 2 is available on Amazon for $59.90 to $218.74, depending on the style and size that you select.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Non Cycling Shoes
There are different things that you need to consider before you go out and purchase your first non-cycling shoes. It is best to keep these things in mind when you are looking about in the malls or online.
Consider the Fit and Comfort of the Shoes
The shoes that you want to wear during your cycling should be comfortable. You should always try the shoes in person to make sure that you buy the right size and that they are the perfect fit. However, if you are not able to try them in person, all you have to do is measure your feet and determine based on the previous customer’s reviews. Here you need to determine if they are good for wide or narrow feet.
The show width ranges from narrow to the widest (AAA, AAA, A, B, C, D to E, EE, EEE). Now, these sizes may vary from brand to brand, so you need to ensure to always double-check the sizing recommendation. Also, check the size guide from the manufacturer at all times.
Ventilation and Durability
Shoes with proper ventilation are very important when you are riding your bike during the hot season. A great example is that running shoes provide breathable mesh that allows better airflow, making them perfect for riding your bike during the summer months.
The ventilation will help cool your feet so that you won’t sweat as much while you pedal. Your feet will feel more comfortable, and you will perform better since you won’t feel like your feet are burning.
Another thing that you should consider is durability, especially when you plan to ride them in the forest or similar environment. Riding on roads will not put as much pressure on the shoes as riding on terrains. For you to find out whether the shoes are durable or not, make sure that you check their construction.
If they have a reinforced toe cap, these shoes are probably great for rough terrain. When they have an upper mesh, they won’t be as durable, and this would mean you can use them for casual trips.
Remember not to hesitate to pay more for better quality shoes when your ride a lot. The investment will eventually pay off twice when you experience riding comfort, and it will last longer.
Check the Stiffness of the Shoes
Cycling shoes are usually stiff as possible since they would need to transform the energy you put in every pedal stroke that you take. This is especially true when you are road cycling. Regular shoes are usually much softer, and a great example is sports shoes usually have soles made of shock absorption foam to increase the impact absorption while riding your bike.
When the soles are too soft, you will then lose plenty of energy that you may miss during longer trips which means that you will get tired more quickly. Your shoes should have enough arch support for a comfortable ride. Feel free to use the shoe insoles whenever you ride. If these features are meant, they will increase your comfort and support on your arches.
FAQs That You Need To Know
Can You Use Cleats on Non-Cycling Shoes? There are some options on the market that allows you to attach cleats to the shoes if you please. Also, they will function as regular non-cycling shoes that you can wear for everyday use, such as walking or a quick shopping errand.
Can You Wear Cycling Shoes for Daily Use? Now, there is no rule that says you cannot wear running shoes for cycling. However, for you to reach the full cycling experience and performance, it is best that you get cycling shoes or non-cycling shoes for cycling.
What Should You Not Wear When Cycling? Shoes such as crocs, boots, slippers, sandals, and flip-flops are not suitable for cycling since you will risk damaging them. They also wouldn’t provide you with enough support and protection while cycling, which will result in injuries. Also, there are rigid types of shoes, so you won’t get the feeling when riding a bike.
