Best women's cycling shoes reviewed and rated (2024)

With so many choices of bike footwear on the market, it can be a tough job finding the best women's cycling shoes for you. Designed around a female 'foot last', with the ultimate goal of providing a comfortable and effective base from which to power the pedal stroke, a women's specific option could be the perfect option for you.

It's well documented that opting to use a pair of the best clipless pedal system will allow you to maximise the cycling strength you have available, improving pedal stroke pattern and making climbs significantly easier as the lower leg muscles are more able to engage.

If you're totally new to the concept of being attached to your bike, then head over to our page on how to cycle in clipless pedals for some great hints and tips for how to transition to a pair and get confident to use them on every ride.

The choice of what makes a good cycling shoe really varies for each individual rider. Each style, will come at a range of different price points - the overall cost being most affected by weight, sole material, and fastening system (which in turn affects weight).

Below are some of our favourite cycling shoes on the market for both outdoor riding and indoor workouts - read on after the product picks for more advice on what to look for...

Best women's cycling shoes - Road

We have loved just about every iteration of the Giro W Empire, finding them the one of the best Giro cycling shoes in the entire range. This version takes all the best bits of the ACC that we reviewed and spruces them up with a low 6.5mm stack, but doesn't scarifice comfort for out and out performance, making these a great option for all sorts of road riding.

The major advantage with lace up shoes is the ability to adjust themto the perfect fit, making them more like a regular trainer for riders who like a perfected fit.

The Empire shoes from Giro feature a female specific design with a narrow ankle, carbon sole and adjustable arch support. There's plenty of ventilation in the upper, and maintenance is easy with a wipe clean surface.

Having levelled up, we're now at Specialized S-Works 7 cycling shoes. The outgoing S-Works 6 shoes impressed us no end and these claim to be even stiffer. So stiff in fact, that it's probably too stiff for a lot of riders, as there is absolutely no give in the sole what so ever.

This does make it an awesome performance shoe, and when you're revving up for the finishing line, you can be assured that not only every millimetre of power is being used for forward propulsion, but also although there is zero risk of your foot getting pulled out

Two precision fit Alloy Boa® S3-Snap dials create a perfect fit and Specialized uses its Body Geometry foot bed which aims to increase efficiency and decrease injury. This is a racing shoe that creates a notably stiff and speedy-feeling power transfer.

Unlike previous models (including the S-Works 6's) these come only in a 'unisex fit'. In the past Specialized based its women's shoes on a female foot last, now they've done a 180 and say it's not necessary. These are available from a size 36 though, which is a UK 3.5.

If you hadn't guessed by now, we're big fans of all Giro shoes, they really do seem to keep nailing the best women's cycling shoes, so there's no apologies for this buyers guide looking a lot like a Giro shoe guide!

The Giro Regime Women's Road Cycling Shoes fill the gap between stiff high end performance shoes (think sprinters) and the more comfortable all day foot wear (think Audax). The stiff snappy sole provides a great foot to bike connection, but while a pair such as the Specialized S-Work 7 performance pair let you know it's all about performance, the Giro Regime's rebalance the comfort with an interchangeable foot bed.

This means that they are a great option for anyone wanting to perform over a long distance, especially if there is any climbing involved - with every single pedal revolution gaining you forward momentum. Just ensure you team with lightweight socks if you're out on a hot day, as these aren't the most breathable shoe on the market.

The Specialized Torch 3.0 or the Shimano SH-RC7 are probably on a par price wise, but don't get quite as high finish with the solid sole or the higher grade Boa® L6 dials closure system, making this a great pair of women's specific shoes.

Giro's "race capable mid-level carbon soled shoe,” these kicks come with an Easton E70 carbon sole, and Boa dial combined with velcro at the toes. The sole of the Giro Espada Boa cycling shoes means they're more than ready to race, but there's some nods to comfort you won't find in top end models, such as extra padding around the ankles. Mesh sections will dispel heat, too.

These have been around for a while now, and are becoming overshadowed by new comers to the beloved women's cycling shoe range from the brand, but while the Giro Espada are on the market - there's no reason not to include them, especially if you can get a good deal.

Full price though, and they're not cheap, with the Giro Regime pair coming in a little cheaper and to be honest, better value.

On test we found that the slight flex in the carbon/fibreglass sole of the Bontrager Meraj Women's cycling shoes actually added to their comfort, rather than taking away pedal propulsion. Teamed with a BOA® IP1 dial that works alongside Velcro closure at the toes, made for a pair of great women's cycling shoes, which were comfortable, yet secure, although probably better for the all day, long distant rides over a flat out crit race.

The ventilation is pretty high, so a great option for a hot day, but the down side is that we felt that the mesh panelling on the upper of the the Meraj shoes did take away from a high-end race shoe in the looks department.

On test we found the dhb Dorica Carbon cycling shoes to provide great value for money performance, thanks to the stiff carbon sole. Taking inspiration from the Giro W Empire women's cycling shoes with it's laces closure, also allows these to be tightened to perfection.

However, like the Specialized S-Works 7 cycling shoes , the dhb is a unisex shoe, but it does limit the smallest size to just an size EU39, which might be too big compared to rest of the best women's specific cycling shoes.

If the sizes do work for you, then we highly recommend these a brilliant pair of cycling shoes.

Best women's cycling shoes - indoor

Cycling indoors has been a popular pass time for years, but until recently, never really taken that seriously.

While many of us have just donned our road shoes for the hour max turbo time, specific shoes for indoor haven't really existed, with spin instructors often selecting mtb shoes with the stiffest soles.

With the advent of smart turbo trainers and on line racing, owning a pair of specific indoor cycling shoes is making much more sense. Suddenly finding ourselves in pools of sweat, the quest for highly breathable options is suddenly on.

Indoor shoes for spin class or on an exercise at the gym will still need to be compatible with two-hole SPD cleats to fit the pedals that come on these bikes, but even these have stepped up a gear.

Shimano's IC5 indoor cycling shoe is designed specifically for spin and indoor cycling with it's maximum breathability and reinforced plate in the sole of the shoe for stable power transfer during intense efforts.

The SPD compatible indoor shoe has a breathable, comfortable sock mesh upper to stay fresh during hard workouts and this brings the shoe's weight to a mere 292g (size 40).

A BOA dial delivers tightening ease and will ensure your foot stays firmly in place whatever the effort.

It's recessed cleat channel also makes these performance shoes easy to walk about in—which makes them practical for using on the spin and exercise bikes at the gym.

What's different about women's cycling shoes?

The best Women's cycling shoes are not drastically different to 'men's cycling shoes' or 'unisex cycling shoes'. The biggest differences are in the size. Some brands build a shoe on a women's specific 'last', which is generally slightly narrower,

The 'last' is the structurethat shoes are built around. Typically, a woman's last is narrower at the ankle, and lower in volume - resulting in a shoe morelikely to fit the average woman's foot comfortably.

In a cycling shoe, fit at the ankle is crucial - you want to feel the heel cuphug the back of your foot, so that it feels secure - but not squashed.

Women typically have smaller feet than men, too - so for many the biggest difference is that they come in much smaller sizes, a bit like the best women's road bikes, this means that you are getting the best women's cycling shoe to fit you.

Bear in mind that a women's specific 'last' is based on averages - so if you've always found that a pair of the best cycling shoes come from the men's or unisex range there's no reason to change your status quo.

If you are thinking of swopping over from not quite right men's cycling shoes, to a better fitting women's version, it's worth bearing in mind that the sizing is not as identical as you may have believed.

A bit like a pair of the best women's cycling shorts, the small will be fundamentally different to a men's pair.

As an example, for one brand, a women's UK 5 is a Euro 38, which measures 23.5cm. A men's UK 5 is a Euro 37.5, measuring 24cm. Baffling, we know. But at the end of the day, sizing varies between brands can require a trial and error approach, so a bit like shorts, or when purchasing one of the best women's cycling jerseys, always check the size guide before you purchase of you can't try before you buy.

Final point on how to find the best women's cycling shoe, make sure you invest in a pair of the best cycling socks at the same time. A pair specifically designed for teaming with cycling shoes will add significant comfort to your ride, with all the right padding and support in the right places.

The best women's cycling shoes: what to look for

There are several other elements to consider when buying cycling shoes, each one having an effect on the price tag...

Cycling shoes: soles

The sole of a cycling shoe is integral to... the soul of a cycling shoe.

The best women's cycling shoes at the top end will feature carbon soles. Carbon provides a stiff base for optimum power transfer. It's pretty rigid, and the grade of carbon used will determine how much so. At a mid-level, you'll find composites, often reinforced with carbon, whilst cheaper cycling shoes will feature nylon or fibre glass soles.

If you plan to spend a notable amount of time off-bike in the shoes, then those that use softer materials, ideally with rubber grips, may well be a better option. Otherwise, it comes down to how much you're willing to spend.

Cycling shoes: closure system

The cheapest cycling shoes will use a Velcro fastening system - though you'll also notice some very light 'climbing specific' cycling shoes utilise Velcro for its low weight. Velcro boasts a firm grip, but doesn't always offer the closest fit; and when the top section doesn't envelop the lower layer, you do sometimes end up with a protruding piece of naked material, prone to turning fluffy or attracting insects.

If you want cheaper options, but without the performance sacrifice, then it's worth heading over to our cycling shoe deals page, where there are often great price deductions on some of the best women's cycling shoes on the market.

At the mid-level, ratchets are common. This provide incremental tightening and are quick to undo with one level 'snap' off action in most cases.

Top end shoes usually use Boa dials. The clearest benefit here is that they're very easy to adjust on the bike, should conditions (rain or shine) cause the volume of your foot or the tightness of the fabric to increase or decrease.

Across the spectrum, you'll also find laces. These are thought to be the most aerodynamic option, and with so many points of adjustment, they can also be very comfortable (as well as carrying a certain vintage charm). The downside: laces can stretch in the wet, and of course they're impossible to adjust on the fly.

Cycling shoes: cleat style

Most road cyclists will opt for a three-bolt roadcycling cleat from one of the major brands: Look, Shimano or Speedplay. A three-bolt cleat will help you deliver optimum power through the cranks.

If you need help in getting the right fit, then our video: how to set up cleats on cycling shoes is a must watch.

A two-bolt, SPD style means the cleat is recessed into the sole of the shoe, making these ideal for commuters and people who want to walk around without waddling like a duck. Also, exercise bikes at the gym tend to have pedals that only work with two-bolt SPD cleats.

Cycling shoes: fit

Well fitting cycling shoes are essential. As with any style of shoe, brands vary in their distribution of volume. It's best to try cycling shoes on before you buy them, ideally wearing socks about the same thickness as those you tend to wear on the bike.

As a rule of thumb, Specialized, Giro and Fizik tend to offer shoes that fit those with narrow feet well, whilst Bont are well known for accommodating wider feet and Sidi create shoes in varying widths.