Best Non Cycling Shoes for Cycling

If you’re not a professional cyclist, it can be hard to find a pair of shoes that matches your needs. Sure, you want something that keeps up with the rigor of an intense bike ride, but it’s also nice to have something that goes with the rest of your clothes. After all, professional cycling shoes might look out of place at the office or in the supermarket. 

The problem is finding the perfect footwear suited to cycling and other activities. To that end, we’ve scoured the market for the best non-cycling shoes for cycling. Stick around till the end, where we reveal how to choose the perfect fit, and answer some of the internet’s most frequently asked questions. 

The Best Non Cycling Shoes for Cycling

1. Tommaso Montagna Elite Mountain Bike Shoes – Best Overall 
2. Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes – Best for Weather Resistance
3. ASICS Gel-Venture 7 – Best Budget Pick
4. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer – Best for Comfort
5. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe – Best for Women 

1. Tommaso Montagna Elite Mountain Bike Shoes – Best Overall 

We found that this selection was trendy amongst newbies because of its simplistic design and stiffness. When you’re ready to hop on your bike, you can easily attach your cleats and increase traction. The superior design of the MTB outsole also maximizes the stability of your shoes and improves your grip. You’ll have no problem with the fitting either because its double velcro and buckle closure system strap your fit in tightly. Also, the added benefit of its ventilated mesh portions makes airflow through your shoe more efficient. Thus, your feet will remain cool all day whether you’re cycling indoors, outside, or keeping it casual.  

Tommaso Montagna’s Mountain Bike Shoes are perfect for cyclists looking for a versatile option. Thanks to its reinforced fiberglass sole, this footwear has enough grit to withstand the rough terrain of any biking trail. Additionally, its innovative design works well for casual hangouts or in the office. Besides, their removable 2-hole cleats make it easier to move around when you’re walking. 

Another reason to consider adding a pair of Tommaso Montagna’s to your closet is that they’re amazingly price-friendly. They’re easily one of our best buys for those on a tight budget and offer free returns. Its highly durable synthetic leather material also means you’ll enjoy using this pair for a long time. It sounds like a steal when you consider the quality and value you get in return. 

2. Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes – Best for Weather Resistance

Our next pick is another pair of practical mountain bike shoes. From the Five Ten Freerider brand, these sneakers are some of the most weather-resistant kicks. If you’re worried about your shoes getting wet, you’ll be glad to learn these shoes are also weather-resistant. Its rubber exterior is excellent at keeping out water, leaving your toes dry and comfortable all day. Besides, even if you’re caught in the rain, the quick-drying upper material makes for quick-drying convenience. 

Another benefit of its durable rubber material is its exceptional grip. The Stealth S1 Dotty outsole maximizes the traction of your shoes with the pedal and helps with energy transfer. Although, its durable exterior is a sharp contrast to the cushioned interior that makes biking a breeze. The extra control makes pedaling on the most aggressive trails easier. Also, if you’re a bit of a klutz, then the five-ten Freerider pro could be a saving grace. Its triple-layer reinforced toe box makes it highly resistant to impact. In other words, you don’t have to worry about breaking a nail after a nasty bump. 

We also like this pick because it comes in a wide range of colors. Thus, whether you’re a fan of darker navy shades or prefer a cheerful orange, there’s a selection for you. Also, we found that these sneakers are also a big hit amongst environmentalists because they’re made from recycled content. 

3. ASICS Gel-Venture 7 – Best Budget

Our next pick is the preferred choice for buyers on a tighter budget. Despite the ASICS Gel-Venture 7 having a lower price tag, it’s impressively durable and comfortable. Besides its affordability, we chose this pick because of its advanced GEL technology. This shoe utilizes superior gel absorbing soles that are more effective at resisting impact. In other words, it’s an excellent fit if you’re biking on rough terrain and need footwear that can withstand the rigor. Additionally, its EVA midsole does a great job of protecting your feet and absorbing rebound forces. 

However, the ingenious ORTHOLITE sock liner enhances your comfort on or off the bike. Through the added cushioning, it molds perfectly against the shape of your feet, making each stride more efficient and gentle. Besides, the sock liner reduces sweat with its advanced moisture management feature. More so, its breathable mesh system improves airflow and combats excessive perspiration. That leaves your toes dry and comfortable throughout the ride.

Further, the ASICS Gel-Venture 7 has one of the most expansive collections of colors and designs on this list. There are over 15 selections available on the market to match your tracksuit or office attire. This footwear also provides added value for your money because of its remarkable durability. Thanks to their High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole at strategic points, these shoes effectively absorb shock with minor wear and tear. 

4. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer – Best for Comfort

We chose the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer for several reasons, primarily because of its comfort. User reviews positively highlight this shoe for its remarkable comfort. This footwear strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and stability due to its multi-surface outsole. Undoubtedly, these man-made soles offer unparalleled convenience on or off the trail, thanks to their exceptional fitting systems. From our findings, we could mostly attribute this feature to their advanced bootie design, which is incredibly resilient and comfortable. Thus, you can get maximal energy transmission during your rides. 

 Besides casual cycling, these cross trainers are efficient training partners for other exercises. They’re rigid enough for squats and kickboxing but flexible enough for rock climbing. Whatever activity you choose to partake in, their breathable mesh material improves airflow through your shoes. That’s another feature we love about this Reebok footwear. It has a top-notch air circulation system that reduces moisture, making you lose your grip. Further, its relatively simple design comfortably goes with your workout or casual clothes. With over ten unique colors on the market, you’re sure to find the one that most appeals to you. 

5. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe – Best for Women

Our final selection is the PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer shoe. We consider it the best pick for women because of its streamlined and stylish silhouette. That makes it an excellent choice for cyclists looking to merge the best of both athleticism and fashion. You can also get a fashionable pair of this footwear in three colors, black, silver, and beetroot purple. 

Its leather and synthetic blend make for a comfortable and durable fit. We especially like its impact-resistant EVA heels that absorb force for a smoother landing while pedaling or walking. Since they’re cross-trainer shoes, they’re a perfect fit for all your workout routines. Their soles have the suitable flexibility to work for aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Thus, you can skip the hassle of switching shoes after an indoor cycling session and jump right into your squats. 

We found that users love these sneakers because of the incredible arch support they provide. In other words, they work well for intense training sessions, long-distance rides, or long hours on your feet. Their lightweight frame also enhances your comfort and freedom of movement throughout the day. Another revolutionary design choice is their midfoot saddle, which maximizes their convenience when cycling.  

Buying Guide: The Best Non Cycling Shoes For Cycling

Comfort

One of the essential things you have to consider when buying any footwear is comfort. If a pair of shoes aren’t comfortable, you’re less likely to use them and make the most of your money. Also, it leaves you prone to injuries and cramps, which can mar your cycling experience. 

If you want to avoid the many problems of getting a foot with poor fitting, consider getting them in person. However, if you have to order it online, ensure you use a measuring guide to find your best fit. Customer reviews can also help let you know whether the soles are wide or narrow. 

Durability

After determining that a pair of shoes are comfortable, you need to think about its durability. Since you’ll be putting your non-cycling shoes through intense activity, they have to be durable enough for the sport. That’s especially true if your trail isn’t the smoothest of the bunch. 

For instance, users taking a forest or mountain trail need something to handle the rougher terrain. When talking about durability, you have to consider the material, seams, toe cap, and overall quality. Additionally, a shoe with a great warranty can save you the hassle of paying extra for damages or buying a new pair. 

Ventilation

Cycling is an intense sport, and after a couple of blocks, your feet might start sweating. That’s why proper ventilation is essential. The theory behind investing in a shoe with good air circulation is that it reduces heat and humidity. As a result, most running shoes have a breathable mesh that can effectively transfer heat out and lower the temperature inside the shoe. A shoe with good ventilation can significantly increase your comfort, especially during the summer months when perspiration is at its peak.

Stiffness

Another factor to consider in choosing your non-cycling shoe is the sole’s stiffness. Cycling shoes often have a stiffer sole compared to their everyday use counterpart. On the other hand, footwear with softer padding is primarily for shock absorption and is less efficient at transferring energy from your pedals to your foot. 

Stiffer soles provide the rider with more arch support and make cycling smoother. Although when it’s too stiff, it might be uncomfortable for other purposes. Thus, it would be in your best interest to find a comfortable balance without hindering your performance. 

Price

If you’re looking for a non-cycling shoe for cycling, chances are high you don’t want to spend a lot of money on biking footwear. However, it’s essential to remember that if you’re opting for a shoe explicitly designed for another activity, it’ll probably wear out faster, especially if you’re going for the cheapest option. 

In other words, you have to consider price in tandem with additional features like quality. A few extra bucks could mean several more months of comfortable cycling. Although, it’s helpful to remember that a shoe isn’t more durable merely because it’s more expensive. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you need cycling shoes?

The answer to this question depends on how often you hop on a bike. If it’s something you do during the weekend or on holidays, then it might not be worth buying a pair specifically for cycling. However, if cycling constitutes your daily commute, you like long-distance rides, or you’re a competitive athlete, you’ll need a better fit. Reinforced shoes can help you maximize comfort and efficiency for a better cycling experience. Non-cycling shoes for cycling work well for casual riders who’d like more versatile footwear. 

2. Can you use cycling shoes without cleats?

You can use shoes without cleats, but it might not be the best option. Cleats are the metallic protrusion at the bottom of your footwear. They’re more common in sports where players need more traction. For cyclists, they provide a better grip and prevent friction between your soles and the pedal, which could wear them out faster. However, if you prefer clipless non-cycling shoes, you can still work around the cons. You can opt for a pair that allows you to attach external cleats or go for a bike with a flat pedal.  

3. Should my shoes be flexible?

Flexibility is a measure of how stiff your cycling shoes are. More rigid shoes are better at transferring energy from your pedal to your feet, which helps propel you forward. It could make all the difference for long-distance cyclers, as it wades off fatigue since you don’t have to expend as much energy. However, if you’re into short-distance sprints or a recreational rider, you can afford to sacrifice efficiency for more flexibility. 

4. Is it better for cycling shoes to be tight or loose?

When your shoes are too tight or loose, they can be uncomfortable and affect your cycling performance. Loose-fitting shoes offer little arch support and increase your chances of falling. On the other hand, tight footwear can cause toe blisters and excess perspiration. 

Undoubtedly, none of these scenarios are ideal, and you should strive to avoid both. It’s preferable that whatever footwear you use for cycling should be a snug fit. However, if your feet size differs, for example, between 8 and 8.5, it’s best to buy a larger size.  

5. Can you wear running shoes for cycling?

If you already have running shoes, you might wonder if buying another pair specifically for cycling is worth it. While nothing is stopping you from doing that, it’s not the best choice for regular bikers. Running shoes have more flexible soles that are perfect for shock absorption on the track. However, they’re poor at transferring energy, which you need when you hit the pedals. If you’re cycling multiple times a week, you’ll need footwear that’s more adept to the task. You’re better off opting for non-cycling shoes with a stiffer sole that fits a broader range of activities.

The Finish Line

Whether you’re a cyclist junkie or a casual commuter, a pair of good shoes can vastly improve your cycling experience. This review on the best non-cycling shoes for cycling should be helpful to people looking for something versatile that can meet the active demand of the sport. Also, if finding something that goes with your regular outfit is crucial to you, then this guide is a great place to find a match. Since we’ve also included the best category, pros, and cons of our picks, you can make an informed choice. Although we’re confident about our selection, we still recommend researching yourself before committing to a final purchase. 

However, it’s essential to decide based on features such as comfort, quality, and price. Taking these aspects into consideration will help you find comfortable, durable, and reasonably-priced footwear that meets your satisfaction.

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