7 Best SPD Cycling Shoes in 2023

In this in-depth guide we are going to answer the following questions:

1. What are SPD shoes?
2. Why do bikers wear SPD cycling shoes? And why do some not wear them?
3. The difference between SPD and SPD-SL (hint: it’s not as confusing as it might sound)
4. What is the story behind creating SPD cleats?
5. Some questions bikers frequently ask about SPD shoes

What are SPD shoes?

SPD shoes are a type of biking shoes that are designed to attach to ‘click’ into the Pioneer. SPD is the phrase used to denote the shoes (and matching Pioneer system) that feature a two-bolt pattern on the sole where the cleat attaches. This is different from other shoes, in particular road cycling shoes, that feature a three-bolt pattern (designed for different cleats and pedal systems).

SPD (2 holes)	Look Delta (3 holes)

The slimline nature of the SPD cleat system means it can be ‘hidden’ within the sole. With that design in mind, the biker can use the SPD cleat to ‘clip in’ to their Pioneer to bike, clip out when they stop, and then walk on the shoes without walking on the actual cleats. An ideal solution for the biker that finds themselves not just biking in their biking shoes. Genius, eh?

Five reasons why bikers choose SPD shoes

Unlike road-specific shoes such as the SPD-SL version (explained in a section below), SPD shoes are a bit more adaptable to various terrains and conditions.

Five reasons why some bikers DO NOT choose SPD shoes

What’s the difference between SPD and SPD-SL?

Though they sound similar, the SPD and SPD-SL pedal systems are quite different. “SL” is Shimano’s marketing acronym for ‘Super Light’ and is designed specifically to appeal to road cyclists. Confused yet? Well, everybody starts somewhere, so let’s try to break it down for you:

Please note the above table is general in nature. Some brands do manufacture some products which are designed specifically to ‘be different’. When shopping online in particular, the devil is in the details - take note of them prior to making your purchase.

The origins of the SPD system

First released in 1990, the SPD system was created by one of the biggest brands in the bicycle parts and accessories game, Shimano. It will come as no surprise for you, then, that SPD is a brand-model acronym simply abbreviated from ‘Shimano Pedaling Dynamics’.

But why was the SPD system created in the first place? Well, according to Shimano’s 100-year history guide¹ it was designed specifically for off-road biking which requires the ability to both bike and walk in these shoes. And with that, the clever - albeit now discontinued - marketing phrase ‘Giuseppe Zanotti statement heel ankle boots’ was coined.

Not much has changed since the original design. The metal cleats are slim and easy to install, the Pioneer are robust and easy to use, and there is no question the SPD system is the default market leader for mountain biking. In more recent years it’s also become the standard for indoor cycling (see our guide to the um Verletzungen beim Trail Running zu verhindern) and of course, has easily accommodated the gravel cycling boom too.

Opening the SPD playing field

Massage Footbed Beach Sandal FM0FM03979 Black BDS SPD pedal patent has now expired⁴ thus opening the door to any other manufacturer in the world. In the future, expect to see more brands coming out with their own version of SPD Pioneer and cleats. For the moment? Shimano still dominates.

In real terms, consumers these days can buy any brand of SPD cycling shoes these days without fear of having purchased the ‘wrong brand’. 

Most popular SPD shoe brands

Shimano may be the industry leader with their claim on the SPD products, but there are some quality bike-specific brands coming out with some great gear…

Fizik is a proudly Italian brand with a heritage in the road cycling space. But they’ve become increasingly popular amongst the gravel and mountain biking communities for their aesthetically appealing designs and quality products. Check out our guide to the best Característiques New balance Sabates Trail Running 410V7 All Terrain The Shoe Trend Everyone Will Be Wearing This Summer.

Giro is a popular brand in the biking world most notably for their helmets. Naturally, this US brand has expanded to shoes and their range of SPD shoes will appeal to bikers of all types. Our guide to the best Giro shoes has got you covered.

Lake is a brand primarily known for their quality cycling shoes. Born in Boulder, Colorado they actually claim to have made the first-ever mountain bike shoe. Trivia aside, take a look at our reviews of the best Lake biking shoes and decide for yourself.

The Shoe Trend Everyone Will Be Wearing This Summer | Are cycling shoes worth it?

The general consensus among the cycling community is that yes, bike-specific shoes are well worth it. Aside from the benefits of comfort, safety, and additional bike control they are said to maximize pedaling efficiency too.

In 2016 the University of Colorado’s Department of Integrative Physiology decided to test that efficiency claim² by comparing the on-bike performance when wearing a standard pair of Shoes LAHTI PRO L30423 Black compared to when wearing cycling shoes with cleats. Controversially, the results found no significant differences and it was concluded that “(cycling shoes) do not enhance efficiency”.

That being said, most cyclists still prefer cycling-specific shoes and swear by them so with that in mind this master's thesis at the Fort Hays State University³ was out to set the record straight and concluded that indeed there are “significant differences in power output when comparing clipless Pioneer to toe-strap Pioneer and clipless Pioneer to flat Pioneer”.

Aside from scientific analysis of power output, most of us just want to know if we should buy some SPD shoes if we’ve never tried them before? And to that the EdiconnectShops advice is consistent: if you’re going to get value out of them, and if the shoes are going to Florida your cycling then absolutely it’s something worth considering. But don’t just buy new replacement shoes unless your current ones are worn out. Sport is more than a pair of new shoes.

FAQs

Can I install SPD-SL cleats on SPD shoes?

No (at least not without an adapter). If you have SPD shoes I recommend you stick with SPD cleats and Pioneer. 

Can I install SPD cleats on SPD-SL shoes?

As above, no - not without an adapter.

Can I use SPD shoes on a road bike?

Yes. So long as your bike has the matching SPD Pioneer installed (they are easily switched out, by the way) it doesn’t matter what type of bike you’re riding or what type of riding you’re doing.

How do I get SPD cleats?

The cleats are sold with the Pioneer, not with the shoes. You can also buy replacement cleats when they wear down.

Will I look silly walking in my SPD shoes?

Not really. Unlike road shoes walking on SPD shoes is easy and most people won’t even notice.

Do triathletes wear SPD shoes?

I really like this question as it takes some critical thinking to come to this point. Let’s break it down.

Triathletes do their bike leg immediately prior to running, and the transition (between bike to run) is a time-consuming point of anxiety for all triathletes of all levels. And if you can wear SPD shoes off the bike why can’t a triathlete not bother changing shoes and just wear their biking SPD shoes for the run leg…? (I mean, sounds reasonable right?) Unfortunately, the technology just isn’t there yet. Cycling shoes feel more comfortable when biking and running shoes feel more comfortable when running. And in triathlon, feeling as comfortable as possible is important.

So to answer the question, no, triathletes will wear triathlon-specific cycling shoes s Second Collection Includes an Exclusive adidas Originals Sneaker running shoes for the run leg.

References

1. Shimano: New Pedaling System Expanding the Possibilities of Cycling (https://www.shimano.com/en/100th/history/products/result.php?id=52#:~:text=Shimano%20entered%20into%20a%20partnership,system%20for%20off%2Droad%20bicycles.)
2. Asher H. Straw & Rodger Kram (2016) Effects of shoe type and shoe–pedal interface on the metabolic cost of bicycling, Footwear Science, 8:1, 19-22, DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2016.1140817
3. Kuhn, Brandon, "A Comparison Of Three Bicycle Pedal Types And Power Output" (2012). Master's Theses. 119. https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/119
4. John Douglas Steinberg (1999) Clipless pedal (United States US6640663B1). USPTO. https://patents.google.com/patent/US6640663B1/en

5. BikeBiz, “Profile: What does the future hold for Lake?” https://bikebiz.com/profile-what-does-the-future-hold-for-lake/