What to Look For in Bike Shoes for Men

Bike shoes are a key part of any cycling setup. They help you connect to the pedals with stiffer soles than typical athletic shoes, which results in more efficient power transfer as you pedal. Cycling shoes usually have 2- or 3-hole cleats that clip into compatible pedals to hold your feet securely. Most of these shoes are designed to be ridden in (though they’re also often great for running errands or getting around town).

The most important features in bike shoes revolve around fit and stiffness, with more expensive shoe models typically having a stiffer sole. You should also consider what type of riding you want to do as different types of shoes are better for specific activities such as road and mountain biking or commuting and casual riding.

When shopping for shoes you’ll also need to decide whether you want a lace-up or a dial/ratcheting cable lace system. While hook-and-loop straps are easy to use and work well on lower-end shoes, ratcheting straps like Boa make it easier to fine-tune the fit of your shoe mid-ride. Laces are still common, particularly on higher-end shoes as some riders prefer the classic look and feel of a lace-up, but they’re harder to fine-tune mid-ride.

Some of the best bikes shoes have unusual woven materials, unique strap configurations or extra arch support. For example, the Fizik R2 Aeroweave is built with a fabric called Aeroweave that looks a bit like plastic lanyards kids wear around their necks and has a special stitch pattern that reduces weight while allowing the shoe to expand to accommodate wider feet.