Cycling has come a long way, and equipment has changed significantly in recent years. We have noticed it’s gotten very casual. With Bikepacking and gravel cycling becoming a new hobby for many, cyclists are looking for equipment that is a little more relaxed.
One of the most asked for items is casual-looking SPD Clip in shoes. In this article, we will show you some of the best currently on the market.
Top 7 SPD Shoes that look like normal Shoes
The Garneau Multi Fly Cycling Shoes
The Garneau Multi Fly shoes are great looking SPD shoes and definitely on the relaxed, casual side.
They come in at about $100 and are of high quality. The X-Comfort system makes these lovely to wear, and T-Flex rubber outsoles make them easy to walk and ride with. They are Unisex shoes and look great in midnight blue.
Shimano SD5 Mens Cycling Sandals
Yes, it’s been done by Shimano. They listed and made an SPD clip-in set of cycling sandals. These are very popular among many touring cyclists for long trips. They have a rubber bottom and a synthetic top and have been made with comfort in mind over everything else. They come in a single color, black, and are easy when it comes to walking as well as riding.
Tommaso Capri Knit Women’s Casual SPD Shoes
Tommaso is a brand you might have heard about when it comes to bikes and cycling equipment. They make an amazing value for money product which is very highly rated. The Capri Knit is a lovely looking shoe.
Excellent for indoor cycling and often used outdoor by many recreational cyclists. We think the design looks great and we’re really impressed when seeing them up close. The ventilation is excellent, and they are built to last.
Giro Rumble VR Mens Cycling Shoes
Giro is a big name in cycling apparel and has made some incredible shoes in recent years. The Rumble VR is one of the most popular models they have made. They come in various colors, blue, brown, and black.
They are comfortable, breathable, and have a solid nylon injected plated base to make power cycling easy on the feet. They lace up and are a very comfortable fit. We love how much they look like proper shoes and feel you could get away with them in day to day life.
Tiem Slipstream Cycling Shoes
The Tiem is an excellent looking shoe with a huge variety of designs. We love the eight different color choices and a huge amount of different sizes.
They have an elastic strap which makes taking them on and off really easy and also holds your foot nice and snug. They have excellent ventilation and look great on and off the bike.
Five Ten Hell Cat Pro Shoes
Five Ten make incredible mountain bike shoes, and they are used by some great riders. One of the best of their current range is the Hell Cat Pro Shoes. They come in a stealthy black and red, which looks great. Unlike many other shoes, you get not just laces but also a velcro strap too.
Your feet are going nowhere apart from further into the pedal. They feel great to use, and the Sole is made of Five Ten’s stealth rubber.
Santic Unisex Cycling Shoes
We are saving the best until last. The Santic cycling shoes look great and come in many different colors, such as pink, white, black, blue, and grey. They have a rubber sole which makes them great for walking and cycling in.
The Velcro straps keep your feet very secure, and the mech keeps a great airflow when you’re riding. The best thing though, is the price. They are incredible value for money and very high quality.
Buying Guide
When it comes to cycling shoes, there’s a lot to think about, and in this next part, we’re going to tell you what are the most important aspects when it comes to buying the correct shoes.
Cleat Fitment
The first thing you need to consider is the correct cleat fitment today, we have been speaking about SPD clip in shoes, but you also have SPD-SL, Look, Speedplay, and many more. Before buying, double check they are compatible with the pedals that you are going to be riding with.
Looks
Looks are also a very important part of getting the right shoes. You should absolutely love what they look like, so when you go out riding, you look forward to wearing them. Many people like them to match their cycling kit or even their bike, and we think this is an excellent way to go.
Sole and Base
You need your shoes to be pretty solid, and getting a solid sole will make a lot of difference. The energy you transfer from your legs to the pedals can be a lot, so you need a solid base to work with on the bottom of your shoes.
The majority of companies use rubber soles, but on very high-end shoes, these will be carbon fiber.
Ventilation
Another thing you need to think about is ventilation. A lot of companies, when it comes to cycling shoes, don’t offer enough ventilation on their products. When looking for cycling shoes, getting a shoe with some form of ventilation is good. It keeps your feet cool and can stop various foot problems.
Brand
Going for a better brand will typically get you better quality when looking for new shoes. Brands like Giro and Pearl Izumi, you know they will cost a little more, but they will last so much longer, and you will find they have a lot better sizes and colors.
Conclusion
Cycling shoes are a very personal thing, and we highly recommend going for something you really like, and if you have to wait and spend a little more, it’s worth the wait. We hope you enjoyed our list and highly recommend every shoe for your cycling.
Robbie Ferri has spent years working in a bike shop, has worked with industry leading brands on product creation, has been a semi pro athlete, and is a fully qualified strength and conditioning coach. He has broken World Records, bikepacked all over the World and raced ultra distance at a top-level.
