6 Best Budget Cycling Shoes under $100

Your cycling shoes are very important because they connect your legs to the pedals, and serve as a bridge between your energy and the bike’s movement.

Good cycling shoes help with the efficient transfer of energy from your legs to each pedal stroke and to the drivetrain.

The best cycling shoes often cost a shedload of money, and boast advanced materials and technology—their steep price tags can be daunting.

But the good news is that budget cycling shoes can also offer good performance at a much lower price. In fact, they may even be more comfortable than the very stiff, professional cycling shoes, especially for everyday riders.

In this article, we reviewed 6 of the best budget cycling shoes under $100. Despite their affordable price tags, these shoes are very comfortable and perform impressively well, so you can enjoy your rides without breaking the bank.

To truly perform at your best as a cyclist, you need shoes that not only support your feet, but also facilitate power transfer from your legs to the pedals.

Good cycling shoes have a stiff sole for efficient power transfer, a secure closure system, and breathable materials for comfort.

The best cycling shoes will help you perform at your best and comfortably fit for road biking, mountain biking, or indoor spinning.

The Tommaso Strada Men’s Cycling Shoes offer a comfortable and powerful riding experience without breaking the bank. They’re comfortable, durable, and perform well, all at a good price. 

This shoes will improve your power transfer to your pedals, with its snug fit and sturdy build-quality, and it provides excellent support and stability.

The interchangeable cleats add flexibility to your riding style, so you can customize your setup for optimal performance.

These shoes feature the traditional lace design, which ensures a secure and comfortable fit without causing hotspots and pressure points. 

The wide toe area is perfect if your feet are a bit wider because it gives you plenty of space without making the shoes too loose. The Strada may not be great for walking, but they’re perfect for cycling, and very comfortable and efficient.

One thing about these shoes is that they’re made with durable soles and materials that let your feet breathe and stay dry. 

These shoes are built to last; the stiff sole, infused with carbon fiber, not only protects your feet but also helps you ride better by making your leg muscles work harder.

If you’re looking for an attractive and versatile pair of cycling shoes, these are a great option for you.

The adidas Unisex Cycling Shoes offer a blend of style, comfort, and functionality at an affordable price point. With their eye-catching design and comfortable fit, these shoes are sure to turn heads both on and off the bike. 

These shoes obviously aren’t the best for hardcore cyclists because of their stiff sole, but they’re great for casual rides and will give you enough support and keep you comfortable in the saddle.

These shoes are inspired by the adidas Road Shoe 2.0, which focuses on giving good support, flexibility, and breathability. They have a special weave and mesh that lets air in to keep your feet cool even when you’re riding fast. 

The sole is stiff enough to give you power when you pedal, but it’s not the best for really strong efforts.

They’re also really durable, so you can use them a lot without worrying about them wearing out. One cool thing about these shoes is that they fit well even if your feet are wide. 

And they can use both 3-hole and 2-hole cleats with an adapter, so you can use them with different types of pedals.

Whether you’re hitting the road or spinning indoors, these shoes provide the comfort, performance, and compatibility you need for an enjoyable riding experience.

The Venzo Bicycle Men’s Cycling Shoes offer a comfortable and efficient riding experience at an unbeatable value. 

They fit well and are true to size, though some people might find them a bit narrow. The stiff sole, like those on top brands such as Sidi and Shimano, helps you transfer power efficiently.

Made with breathable mesh and quick-drying materials, these shoes keep you cool and dry even during tough rides. The lightweight and flexible upper provide a comfortable and fast fit, though they may stretch over time, especially for hardcore riders. The straps are thin but work well, and you can make them stronger if you need to, so the shoes can last longer.

The convenient velcro straps provides a secure closure without the hassle of clip-style closures, which makes them easy to put on and take off. 

Also, they’re compatible with lots of pedal systems, like Peloton and spin bike pedals, so you can use them indoors or outdoors.

Best Cycling Shoes under $100 for Women

The Tommaso Pista Knit Women’s Cycling Shoe combines style, comfort, and performance in one sleek package. 

With their form-fitting design and stylish pink laces, these shoes not only look great, but also offer a comfortable and secure fit. The stiffness of the shoes allows for a solid ride that ensures optimal power transfer and efficiency on the bike.

These shoes come with the Look Delta cleats already attached. This means you don’t have to worry about installing them yourself. 

The design of these shoes priorities comfort, especially for cyclists with wide feet or special needs. The ventilation is excellent, so your feet stay cool and dry even during intense rides. 

They’re obviously very stylish, and you’ll find them to be very comfortable, and practical—all at a good price. And they’re also true to size, so you can easily find the perfect fit. 

What’s more? They come with a Lifetime Warranty Replacement Promise, so you know they’ll last a long time.

If you want a pair of cycling shoes that give you exceptional value for money, check this one out. 

They’re very comfortable, excel in performance, and also versatile at just a fraction of the cost of premium brands. 

These shoes feature three adjustable hook and loop straps for micro-adjustments, so they’re easy to put on and take off, and you can easily get a snug and secure fit. 

Whether you’re hitting the road or cycling indoors, these shoes provide excellent support and comfort.

And they’re compatible with both 2 and 3 bolt cleat/pedal systems, including Look Delta and SPD. This means you can use them with lots of different bikes and riding styles. The soft upper and inner lining help to prevent discomfort, and they’re breathable enough to keep your feet cool and comfortable.

These Honosuker shoes don’t just feel good – they also help you ride better because they keep your legs steady so your leg muscles can deliver more power to the pedals.

These are a great choice for anyone who wants high-quality cycling shoes without spending a lot.

The Venzo Bike Women’s Road Cycling Shoes are a fanatic choice for female cyclists looking for comfort and versatility. 

They are a good blend of performance, affordability, and of course comfort. These shoes are not only comfortable and lightweight, but also have a stylish design that looks good both on and off the bike. 

They’re true to shoe size, fit snugly and provide good support when you’re riding. Delta cleats included in the package, and these cleats work with different pedal systems like Look Delta and Shimano SPD. 

They also have floating cleats, which make riding more comfortable than fixed cleats, and you can adjust how much they float to suit you. Plus, the quick-drying and super breathable mesh upper lets your feet breathe.

The 3-strap design of these shoes means they’re easy to wear and remove, and they give you a secure fit that maximizes power transfer to the pedals. 

They also have a flexible front and a beveled heel, so they feel light and comfortable. Whether you’re cycling outside or indoors, these Venzo shoes give you the performance and comfort you need to fully enjoy your rides.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget when choosing cycling shoes is important because it helps you narrow down your options so you don’t overspend. 

There are many good cycling shoes on the market that come at great prices. The truth is, you don’t always need the most expensive shoes to get the best quality and performance. 

Many budget-friendly options provide excellent support, comfort, and durability, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

We’ve mentioned some of the best cycling shoes that offer great value and cost less than $100; like the budget-friendly Venzo men’s cycling shoes and the Women’s Venzo cycling shoes. 

These are great choices and provide all the necessary features you need like a stiff sole for efficient power transfer, a secure closure system, and breathable materials for comfort. You can find a pair of cycling shoes that meet your needs without breaking the bank.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort

It’s a no-brainer that if your shoes fit well, you’ll be able to pedal more efficiently, and transfer more power from your legs to the pedals without wasting energy. This means you can ride faster and longer with less effort.

Comfort is equally very important because cycling often involves long hours on the bike. Actually, for your shoes to truly fit, they have to be comfortable. And you need to be comfortable to actually pedal for long. 

If your shoes are uncomfortable, they can cause pain and discomfort, and you might even end up with blisters, hot spots, and numbness.

It goes without saying that not matter your budget, you still have to prioritize fit and comfort. The better fitted and more comfortable your cycling shoes are, the more fun your riding will be, and this can directly improve your performance.

Check for Essential Features

I already mentioned some of the key features you need to look for, but just to reiterate because this is so important. 

So, here are some of the essentials features to look for when choosing on a top-performing cycling shoe:

• Stiff Sole: Maximizes power transfer from your legs to the pedals.
• Closure Systems: Adjustable options like Velcro straps, ratchet buckles, or BOA dials.
• Breathable Materials: Mesh or perforated synthetic fabrics keep your feet cool and dry.
• Comfortable Fit: Snug but not too tight, to allow some toe movement.
• Durability: High-quality materials and reinforced stitching.
• Pedal Compatibility: Suitable for your pedal system, whether SPD, SPD-SL, or others.

Check for Pedal Compatibility

This deserves a special mention because you have a real problem on your hand if your cycling shoes are nor compatible with your pedal system.

Pedal compatibility is what ensures that your shoes can properly connect to your bike’s pedals. Different pedal systems require specific types of cleats, and not all shoes are compatible with all cleats. 

Pedal compatibility also affects your comfort, pedaling efficiency and control. If your shoes are not compatible with your pedals, you won’t be able to clip in securely, which can affect your performance and safety.

Are There Good Cycling Shoes under $100?

Yes, there are good cycling shoes available for under $100. Many brands offer budget-friendly options that provide essential features like stiff soles for efficient power transfer, secure closure systems, and breathable materials. 

These shoes may not have all the high-end features of more expensive models, but they can still deliver solid performance and comfort for both beginners and more experienced cyclists on a budget.

Are MTB shoes ok for road biking?

Yes, MTB (mountain bike) shoes can be used for road biking, but there are some differences to consider. 

MTB shoes typically have more rugged soles with better traction for walking and often use SPD cleats, which are recessed and easier to walk in. 

Road cycling shoes usually have smoother, stiffer soles and use larger cleats for better power transfer. 

If you prefer versatility and plan to walk more, MTB shoes are a good choice. For maximum efficiency on the road, dedicated road cycling shoes are better.

How do I take care of my cycling shoes?

The best way to take care of your cycling shoes is to clean them regularly by wiping off dirt and debris with a damp cloth. 

After each ride, especially in wet weather, let your shoes air dry naturally and keep them away from direct heat sources to avoid damaging the materials. 

You can also remove the insoles to help them dry faster and prevent odor buildup. And periodically check the cleats and replace them if they start to wear out. 

And lastly, store your shoes in a cool and dry place to maintain their shape and help them last longer.

Some of the best cycling shoes under $100 include models from brands like Tommaso, Venza, and Shimano. 

The Tommaso Men’s Strada and Tommaso Women’s Pista are popular for their comfort and performance. 

Venzo Mens and Womens cycling shoes also offer versatility for both road and mountain biking, and provide a secure fit and good power transfer. 

These shoes offer a balance of quality, comfort, and durability without exceeding the $100 mark.