Cycling shoes buying guide: how to choose the right road and off-road shoes

If you want to know how to choose cycling shoes, the key considerations are comfort and suitability. Whether you choose road cycling shoes or off-road cycling shoes, the right footwear will noticeably improve your power transfer, comfort, and efficiency on the bike. In this cycling shoes guide, we break down the jargon, clear up the confusion, and tell you everything you need to know to choose the best cycling shoes for your riding. 

Cycling shoes are designed specifically for- you guessed it- cycling. They improve how your feet connect and interact with the pedals. Unlike regular trainers, which are designed for walking and running, cycling shoes have stiff soles and secure closure systems to ‘lock your feet in’, maximising power transfer and efficiency.

When you pedal, the stiffer sole of a cycling shoe helps transfer your power through the drivetrain into forward motion. Instead of flexing through the shoe, more of your effort goes directly into the drivetrain, saving your precious energy. Over long rides, this makes a noticeable difference in both performance and fatigue. Cycling shoes also improve stability. With your foot in a consistent position, you’ll feel more control and reduce unwanted movement.

In other words, cycling shoes make your pedalling more efficient, more controlled, and ultimately more comfortable.

Cycling shoes aren’t essential for riding a bike. For occasional casual riding or short commutes, flat pedal cycling shoes or even regular trainers are usually fine. However, if you ride a lot, ride longer distances or want to improve efficiency, cycling shoes are a totally worthwhile investment.

They help you:

• Transfer power more efficiently and reduce energy loss
• Maintain better pedalling consistency and form
• Keep you more comfortable on longer rides

For many riders, changing from regular shoes to cycling-specific footwear is one of the best and most noticeable upgrades you can make.

There are several types of cycling shoes, each designed for different riding styles. Choosing the right category is the first step in finding the best cycling shoes for you. 

When riding a road bike, maximum power transfer to the pedal is of utmost importance, followed closely by low overall weight. Subsequently, road bike shoes are extremely stiff and at the same time extremely light – often employing carbon fibre, or even graphene, to pursue these two dream characteristics.

It’s worth noting that because of the performance applications of some high-end cycling shoes, they may sacrifice a little bit of comfort in return for super-stiffness or very low weight. Much like the different design priorities of our endurance road bikes and our racing bikes, there are some cycling shoes best suited to going fast, and others better suited to going far.

Generally, road bike cleats are much bigger than their off-road equivalents. This ensures better power transfer from your legs to the bike, but does come at the most of mobility when you’re walking around. You’ve probably seen a TikTok or two about road cyclists clip-clopping their way into a cafe making an enormous racket as their cleats smack on the floor.

If you often ride your mountain bike, you need durable and robust shoes. The soles must be stiff and have good grip, while the outer material must be weather-resistant. The shoe protects your feet from rain, mud, roots, rocks and all those other delightful challenges that mother nature has in store for us during a day on the trails. With MTB shoes, you can walk well and have sufficient grip, even in the deepest mud – great for everyone’s favourite, hike-a-bike.

Depending on your pedal setup, you can choose between clipless MTB shoes and flat pedal shoes. Flat pedal shoes are specifically designed for use with platform pedals and feature sticky rubber soles for maximum grip, giving you confidence and flexibility on technical terrain.

Cross-country mountain bike shoes have an even stiffer sole than enduro shoes. A lot like road shoes, cross-country shoes aim for maximum power transfer in race situations. Enduro shoes on the other hand are much more comfortable and aim to offer secure grip on and off the pedal. This means that even within mountain biking shoes differ significantly.

So, there’s this new kind of cycling called gravel. Ever heard of it? You don’t need us to tell you that gravel as a discipline has exploded in the last few years, driven by the amazing fun and capability of bikes like the Canyon Grail and Grizl. There are also plenty of dedicated footwear options for the gravel rider these days.

Gravel shoes are a mixture of road bike and mountain bike shoes. They offer the optimal compromise between efficient power transfer and tough durability. With a reinforced outer material, they offer protection against rocks and dirt while remaining lightweight.

The sole is often stiff and firm without compromising on comfort. The soles of gravel shoes are designed in such a way that walking in them is also possible (useful for hike-a-bike-sections while riding). Rubber nubs and studs give you off-bike traction and necessary grip. This way, you can be reassured that you’ll be able to navigate your next gravel adventure or bikepacking trip easily.

Clipless cycling shoes attach to the pedals using cleats (rather than old-school clips, hence their name), creating a secure connection between you and the bike.

Flat pedal systems rely on their grippy rubber soles instead.

Clipless systems offer:

• More efficient power transfer
• Better foot stability
• Improved pedalling consistency

Flat systems offer:

• Greater freedom of movement
• Easier foot placement
• Simplicity
• More confidence for people unsure about using clipless pedals

Both systems have clear advantages, and the right choice comes down to how and where you ride, as well as what feels most natural on the bike. Because your pedals and shoes always work as a system, it’s worth understanding both sides before making a decision. For a more detailed comparison and help deciding which option suits you best, check out our guide to clipless vs flat pedals.

We’ve briefly touched on what a clipless cycling shoe is, but how do they work and are there advantages over a flat shoe? Clipless cycling shoes, as we’ve mentioned, have fittings for cleats in the sole. These can be 2-bolt cleats, like Shimano’s SPD system, or 3-bolt cleats, which are more typically used by road cyclists. No matter what style of cleat you’re using, these cleats will clip into their corresponding pedals. The advantage of this is not only improved power transfer, but also that they allow you to use more of your pedal stroke. Rather than just pressing down, as you do with a standard flat shoe, clipless shoes allow you to pull up as well, which can be especially beneficial on steep climbs. To release your shoe from your pedal in a clipless system, you simply have to twist your foot away from the bike and the cleat will come free.

Beyond the cleat system, the overall construction of a cycling shoe also plays a key role in performance. Via their fit, closure system, and overall stability, cycling shoes improve performance. A stiff sole reduces energy loss and improves efficiency, especially during long rides and hard efforts. However, comfort is just as important as performance, and the best cycling shoes balance stiffness with all-day usability.

Canyon’s range of cycling shoes is built around the same philosophy as our bikes: every model is purpose-built for a specific style of riding, with performance, comfort, and rider confidence at the centre of the design. From race-focused road shoes to adventure-ready gravel options and technical trail footwear, each shoe is engineered to create the best possible connection between rider and bike.

The Tempr range brings Canyon’s road racing DNA to riders across every level of performance. At the top sits the Tempr CFR, our pro-level road shoe developed with athletes and sports scientists to deliver maximum power transfer, precise fit, and long-ride comfort without compromise. With a unidirectional carbon sole, a dual-dial BOA® closure, and a performance-focused fit construction, the Tempr CFR is built for riders chasing every watt. 

Alongside the CFR models, the standard Tempr shoes focus on bringing that same performance-first feeling to a wider range of riders. Combining efficient pedalling, supportive fit, and step-in comfort, they deliver a balanced ride experience whether you’re training, commuting, or building confidence on longer rides.

The Scampr is Canyon’s do-it-all gravel shoe, designed for riders who see routes as suggestions rather than limits. Equally comfortable spinning smooth gravel roads, carrying speed across rough terrain, or tackling hike-a-bike sections, the Scampr balances pedalling efficiency with off-bike comfort and grip. A supportive fit, durable construction, and adventure-ready outsole make it the ideal companion for bikepacking trips, mixed-surface rides, and long days exploring beyond the tarmac. 

The Loamr MTB shoes are built for riders who demand grip, control, and confidence on technical terrain. Inspired by the loose, grippy “hero dirt” trail conditions every mountain biker dreams about, the Loamr range is designed to create a secure connection between rider, pedal, and trail. Whether you choose the Clip or Flat version, the focus remains the same: delivering stability, protection, and precise bike feel when trails get steep, rough, and unpredictable.

Compared to the more adventure-focused Scampr, the Loamr brings increased support, cushioning, and durability for aggressive trail and park riding. Sticky rubber compounds, reinforced protection zones, and a stable platform give riders the confidence to stay committed through technical sections and demanding conditions

The best off-road cycling shoes focus on grip, durability and comfort, giving you the confidence to handle whatever the trail throws at you.

• Grip and outsole design - A well-designed outsole will provide traction both on the bike and when walking, so you stay planted on the pedals and sure-footed when the ride turns into a hike.
• Protection and durability - Reinforced materials and a rugged tread protect against impacts and increase the longevity of the shoe, helping them stand up to rocks, roots, and repeated abuse on the trail.
• Walkability and all-day comfort - Off-road shoes need to be comfortable both on and off the bike. Think hike-a-bike on very technical or unrideable gravel ride sections. The right balance of support and flexibility keeps you moving comfortably, even when you’re off the pedals.

Understanding how should cycling shoes fit is a key first reference point in nailing comfort and performance. A good fit supports your foot without causing pressure points, hot spots or pain. 

Correct cycling shoes sizing includes: 

• A bit of extra space at the toes  
• Secure heel fit and hold  
• Matches your foot shape  
• The shoes feel good when worn with cycling socks

There are a variety of different ways to tighten your cycling shoes to ensure the best fit and riding comfort. Whether it’s modern BOA dials, or more old-school Velcro and laces, the key is comfort, stability and adjustability.

Found on a lot of mid-range and higher-end shoes, BOA systems use a dial and cable setup to tighten the shoe evenly across your foot. They allow for precise micro-adjustments, even while riding.

Not all BOA systems are the same. Mid-range shoes typically feature one dial per shoe and may only tighten incrementally, requiring a full release to loosen. Higher-end systems often use dual dials, allowing more precise adjustment across different areas of the foot, with both tightening and loosening in small steps.

This makes them a popular choice for performance-focused riders, especially on road bikes, where consistent pressure and a locked-in feel are important. BOA systems also tend to distribute pressure more evenly than traditional closures, reducing hot spots on longer rides.

Often found on cycling shoes of the past, laces have seen a resurgence in the last 10-15 years for their traditional feel and excellent comfort. Because they spread tension evenly across the entire upper, they often create a more natural fit.

They’re commonly found on gravel and off-road cycling shoes, where comfort and flexibility matter more than quick adjustments. The downside is that they’re harder to adjust mid-ride, and you’ll need to stop if you want to tighten or loosen them.

Usually found on more entry-level shoes, Velcro closures are simple, reliable and easy to use. They’re sometimes combined with other systems like BOA dials or buckles.

They allow quick adjustments and are easy to manage with gloves, making them practical for many riders. However, they don’t always offer the same precise fit or even pressure distribution as BOA or laces.

Choosing between stiffness and comfort depends on your riding style and priorities. The best shoes balance both, but a high-end road race shoe will usually feature a very stiff carbon sole, which some newer riders may find less comfortable on longer rides. For many riders, a cycling shoe that combines efficient power transfer with a touch of flexibility offers a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring feel - especially on longer days in the saddle. 

If you’re still figuring out how to choose cycling shoes, start with how and where you ride. Road cycling shoes are built for speed and efficiency, helping you get the most out of every pedal stroke. If your rides take you off the tarmac, MTB and gravel shoes offer the grip, durability and walkability needed for mixed terrain and technical sections. And if you prefer a more relaxed, confidence-focused setup, flat pedal shoes give you the freedom and flexibility to ride your way.

Ultimately, the best cycling shoes are the ones that match your riding style, the terrain you ride on, and what you want to get out of every ride. Get that right, and your shoes become more than just equipment – they become a key part of how you connect with your bike.

The best cycling shoes are the ones that match your riding style, terrain and goals.