Most cycling shoes are pretty sharp, but they’re also decidedly sporty. As cycling becomes an increasingly popular mode of transportation, shoe manufacturers are offering up more products that pedal well, walk comfortably, and look great.
The key is pairing a cycling-smart upper – breathable and durable – with a stiff, but walkable sole that includes recessed cleats so you’re not forced into the usual clickity-clackity, toes up penguin strut you perform in standard road shoes. Add a pop of streetwise style and you have a comfy commuter shoe that allows you to pedal to wherever and leave the spare shoes at home.
You’ll find that many of these shoes feature a slightly more relaxed fit than your typical super snug cycling shoe. Look for closures that allow you to adjust the shoe to hug your feet firmly and comfortably. Popular lace up cycling shoes work well for most foot shapes. We also like simple strap closures, though they offer slightly less fine adjustability.
To help you find the perfect pair, we scoured the latest offerings from our favorite brands and interviewed in-house commuters to compile a short list of the hottest dress cycling shoes on the market right now.
Best Quiver Killer: Giro Empire VR90 Limited Edition Camo Cycling Shoe
Inspired by the bright flowy swirls of a lava lamp, these high-end lace up shoes are not only a statement piece, they’re also a pro-level performance shoe for gravel and cross-country races. They’re ultra light and stiff for putting pure power into your pedals, while the Vibram Mont rubber lugged outsole is rockered for scrambling through rough stuff on the trail and walking about town. And if you happen to hang out till the sun goes down, the black back field on the camo print is actually a brightly reflective surface to keep you safe.
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