Road cycling shoes put to the test: 15 top models in the TOUR check

Short & sweet

Expensive pedalling: The top models in this test cost up to 460 euros and convey a lot of professional flair: they are light as a feather, have rock-hard soles for the best power transmission and have comfortable twist locks.

The lightest ones from Giro, Specialized and DMT weigh less than 500 grams per pair. The differences lie in the details, in the very different fits and sizes. The very affordable shoe from Van Rysel, which Decathlon offers as a top model, is not competitive in this environment.

Road bike shoes on test

• Bontrager XXX
• Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon
• DMT KRO
• Specialised S-Works Torch
• Scott Road RC Ultimate
• Gaerne G.STL
• Giro Imperial
• Shimano SH-RC903 S-Phyre
• Sidi Shot 2 Dzero
• Van Rysel RoadR 520
• Bontrager Velocis W's Road
• Giro Regime W
• Gaerne G.Fuga Lady
• Scott Road RC Vertec
• Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Woman

At first glance, stiletto pumps by Manolo Blahnik have little in common with top-of-the-range racing shoes apart from their exclusive price; although Blahnik's for 460 euros - the price of the most expensive shoe in the test - are only available in the sales. At second glance, the common denominator is that high and very high prices are no guarantee of comfortable shoes.

However, style is no less important for road cycling shoes than for fashion shoes, as can be seen from the fact that many manufacturers produce their models in white or have chosen white models for our test among their coloured variants - a chic, but also sensitive colour that can also change to dirty grey after one or two rain marathons.

We have set a counterpoint by choosing the Van Rysel R520 for this test; the sporting goods discounter Decathlon declares it to be the top model currently available, but only wants a comparatively modest 90 euros for it. It will be interesting to see whether the shoe can hold its own against this competition.

The discounter shoe shares at least one feature with most of the competitors in the test: they all do not use special lasts for men and women, but a unisex shape that should fit as many feet as possible. Shimano and Specialized each offer two lasts of different widths. This increases the likelihood of people with both narrow and wide feet finding a shoe that fits.

I want to be able to adjust my shoes on the go - Boas top fasteners are great for that. (Julian Schultz, test editor)

The right last is one important prerequisite for being able to pedal without pain even after hours in the saddle; another is the quality of the lacing that binds the shoe to the foot. If you take a look at the test field, you'll see that in this price range, the twist lock - or two of them - is standard. With the exception of Sidi and Van Rysel, it comes from market leader Boa, which equips many types of (sports) shoes with it, now even ski boots.

The basic principle is a spool that winds up a thin, extremely tear-resistant rope; the IP1 and Li2 models can do this in both directions to lace the shoe in the finest gradations. It is particularly convenient that this can also be done while sitting in the saddle and with one hand.

Road bike shoes on test - Getting the hang of it?

The Atop fastener on the Van Rysel only masters the fine detent when tightening; to loosen, the fastener releases the cord completely and you have to tighten it again to the desired tension. Sidi overdoes it with Italian playfulness: to tighten, a folding lever on the twist lock has to be raised - which can be done with one hand with a little practice; to loosen, however, you have to press a button on the tongue - and people with normal motor skills need two hands to do this. So you have to stop.

Another quality of the expensive shoes is their low weight. A few layers of carbon fibre result in thin, light and yet rigid soles, so that you put as little pedalling force as possible into their deformation. Cheaper shoes with nylon soles (despite their glass fibre reinforcement) are at a functional disadvantage here. There are usually three types of upper material: firstly, "classic" synthetic leather, relatively firm and finely perforated.

I make sure that the arch of the foot is firmly supported, as with the Shimano or Scott shoe. (Matthias Borchers, test editor)

Secondly - in the case of Giro, for example - a very thin, tear-resistant mesh synthetic fibre mix, which - without air holes - is supposed to transport sweat to the outside in the form of water vapour; and thirdly, open-pored knitted material, which, for example in the DMT, is supposed to hug the foot like a tight sock.

As a result, the Giro in size 44 weighs just 445 grams. That is a top value for this size. It feels surprisingly light on the foot compared to the relatively heavy shoes from Sidi or Van Rysel.

The basics have to be right

Despite all the technical finesse, one thing remains clear: Shoes, and cycling shoes in particular, are an extremely individual item of clothing. Two test subjects, two opinions, four test subjects, four opinions or judgements. And praise is rarely given for chichi or exclusive details, but for solid basics: if the shoe offers good support, especially at the heel, and does not allow any slippage. Of course, it must not pinch at any point, for example on the sensitive instep; with DMT and Sidi, the pull cords and twist fasteners run and are positioned in such a way that this cannot be completely ruled out.

Among the women's models, the Bontrager convinced me the most because of its good grip and roomy toe box (Birgit Waxenberger, test driver)

The Specialized shoe receives unanimous praise in terms of fit, especially because of its spacious toe box, in which the foot can hardly get too tight even after hours. The latest top model from Fizik, whose wide strap attached to the sole is designed to support the arch of the foot, received a mixed response. One tester welcomed the effect, one criticised it. So even the most expensive shoes have to fit well. Okay, and look good.

Shoes for women?

During the invitations to our test, it was noticeable: Fewer and fewer manufacturers are offering different shoes for men and women. A similar development had already been observed among bike manufacturers. Just five to ten years ago, almost all road bike manufacturers had special women's models in their range. For many, however, the topic was limited to colours and decors and small frame sizes under 50; others tried to give the topic a little more substance with women-specific frame geometries.

In the meantime, "women's" racers can only be found occasionally, for example with the women's brand Liv under the umbrella of the bike brand Giant or as the "Contessa" line from manufacturer Scott. However, their frame geometries do not differ or differ only insignificantly from those of the "men's" racing bikes, with the exception that there are smaller frame sizes on which small men would also find their position perfectly.

I couldn't see any difference in the fit between the unisex and women's models when I tried them on. (Sandra Schuberth, online editor and gravel expert)

As our test of top models from a total of ten shoe manufacturers shows, there is not a single special women's model in the top price category. In the most expensive shoe models for women ("Women" range in the online shop), it is noticeable that these are significantly cheaper and do not technically match the level of the most expensive models - with compromises in terms of materials, sole stiffness, ergonomics of the insoles or handling. Instead, the absolute top models are sorted into the "unisex" category without differentiating between men and women.

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Ideally, these unisex models should fit small and large, narrow or wide feet. Fizik offers the widest range of sizes, including half sizes, from 36 to 48, while Shimano and Specialized offer a smaller range of sizes, although they score points with lasts of different widths. These are the best prerequisites for having a suitable shoe for everyone in the range.

Road cycling shoes on test - How TOUR tests

The following were assessed Closure/Customisation including heel hold and tongue mould.Equipment, Power transmission and the Weight.

For the evaluation of the Power transmission we measured the sole stiffness using a defined load (200 newtons) on the test bench. The harder the sole, the more efficient the power transmission. The deflection of most of the shoes in the test ranged from half a millimetre to one millimetre, which can be considered "very stiff" to "medium stiff".

With the Equipment We evaluate details such as the quality of the insole, sole ventilation, walking nubs, tongue padding and the presence and placement of reflective material. Twist fasteners that allow defined lacing in both directions are awarded maximum points in the fastening/adjustment category.

We rate the weight less highly, as this has little effect on pedalling efficiency. Less than 500 grams per pair (size 44) is considered very light, whereas 600 grams is already considered heavy.

Road bike shoes in the test - the unisex models in detail

Bontrager XXX

• Price: 400 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (44): 542 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 37-47; no half sizes
• Colours: White, black
• Equipment/extras: Boa IP1, sole ventilation, replaceable outsoles, heel counter hooks

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,3
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,8
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.7

Conclusion: The upper offers good support, no heel slippage; plenty of room for the toes

Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon

• Price: 400 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (44): 545 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-48; 37,5-46,5
• Colours: White-black, black-yellow, silver-black
• Equipment/extras: 2 Boa Li2, sole ventilation, Ergo insole, replaceable outsoles, heel gel print, special strap guidance

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,6
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.9

ConclusionThe side strap stop supports the arch of the foot; all-round fit, normal sized toe box; the carbon sole is medium stiff

DMT KRO

• Price: 409 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Weight (44): 479 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 37-48; 37,5-45,5
• Colours: 5 colour variants
• Equipment/extras: Boa Li2, sole ventilation, heel gel print, look memory adapter, shoehorn, pouch

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,8
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 2,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.2

Conclusion: Men with normal feet praise the great fit; the adjustment works very well, the shoehorn supplied helps when putting them on; pull cords can press on the instep

Specialised S-Works Torch

• Price: 440 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (44): 463 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-49; 38,5-45,5
• Colours: 4 colour variants
• Equipment/extras: two lasts available, Boa Li2, sole ventilation,
• Ergo sole, replaceable tread rubbers

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,0
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,0
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 1,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.2

Conclusion: Great all-round fit, very good support, plenty of room for the toes; lasts can be selected for wider feet

Scott Road RC Ultimate

• Price: 460 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Vietnam
• Weight (44): 527 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 38-48; no half sizes
• Colours: Black and white
• Equipment/extras: Boa Li2, sole ventilation, Ergo insole, tongue padding

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,3
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,8
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.6

ConclusionRuns rather large and fits strong feet; slender heels, on the other hand, are at risk of slipping; the upper provides good support; relatively warm

Gaerne G.STL

• Price: 440 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (44): 570 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 39-47; 41,5-44,5
• Colours: 4 colour variants
• Equipment/extras: Boa Li2, sole ventilation, running rubbers
• exchangeable, pedal plate pads, heel counter hooks

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,9
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,8
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.9

Conclusion: Rather narrow fit; the firm upper material supports the foot very well; possibly a little warm in midsummer; very good support, especially at the heel

Giro Imperial

• Price: 440 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (44): 445 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 39-48; 42,5-45,5
• Colours: 4 colour variants
• Equipment/extras: Boa IP1, sole ventilation, replaceable outsoles, Ergo insole

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,6
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,8
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 1,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.7

Conclusion: The very thin and airy material creases on slender feet; ideal in midsummer

Shimano SH-RC903 S-Phyre

• Price: 360 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (44): 500 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 38-48; no half sizes
• Colours: Blue, black, red, white
• Equipment/extras: two lasts available, Boa Li2, sole ventilation, Ergo sole, replaceable outsoles, tongue padding

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,0
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,0
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 1,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.1

Conclusion: Test winner on points; provides very good grip overall; sole with the best power transmission

Sidi Shot 2 Dzero

• Price: 430 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (44): 606 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 38-48; 40,5-46,5
• Colours: Black, white
• Equipment/extras: 2 Sidi push-and-turn fasteners, sole ventilation, heel width adjustment, replaceable tread rubbers, service kit

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,0
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 2,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 3,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.2

Conclusion: Runs very small and slim; buy one to two sizes larger; stiff material, stable fit, rather warm; complicated twist fasteners

Van Rysel RoadR 520

• Price: 90 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (44): 610 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-47
• Colours: 5 colour variants
• Equipment/extras: 1 Atop fastener, sole ventilation, heel gel print, reflective material

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,5
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 4,0
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 3,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.8

Conclusion: Price hit, but not up to the standards of a top model; no firm hold, too wide and spongy heel, sole not very rigid

Road bike shoes on test - the women's models in detail

Bontrager Velocis W's Road

• Price: 220 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (40): 467 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-43; no half sizes
• Colours: White
• Equipment/extras: Boa IP1, sole ventilation, replaceable outsoles, heel counter hooks

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 1,3
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 1,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.5

Conclusion: The last has a normal fit, the firm material offers good support, no slippage; spacious toe box, easy-grip Boa fastening

Giro Regime W

• Price: 250 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (40): 483 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-43; 38,5-41,5
• Colours: White, black
• Equipment/extras: Boa L6

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,8
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 3,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.6

Conclusion: Both testers describe the hold in the shoe as very good; comfortable fit; runs a little small, the toe box is more suitable for narrow feet

Gaerne G.Fuga Lady

• Price: 280 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (40): 486 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 37-43
• Colours: Black
• Equipment/extras: Boa L6, women's specific last, sole ventilation, replaceable tread rubbers, pedal plate pads, heel counter hooks

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,8
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 3,0
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 2,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,0

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.5

Conclusion: normal fit, some slippage for slim heels; narrow to normal toe box; warm and firm upper; not adjustable when unfastening

Scott Road RC Vertec

• Price: 200 Euro
• Country of production: Vietnam
• Weight (40): 520 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 36-42
• Colours: Pearl white
• Equipment/extras: Boa L6, sole ventilation, Ergo insole, tongue padding

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,3
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 3,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,5
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.4

ConclusionRuns normal to large and leaves room for a high instep; rather firm upper shoe; the twist fasteners can only be adjusted when lashing up

Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Woman

• Price: 390 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (40): 570 grammes
• Sizes, half sizes: 38-43; 38,5-42,5
• Colours: White, black
• Equipment/extras: Sidi fasteners, sole ventilation, adjustable heel width, replaceable tread rubbers, service kit

Road cycling shoes in the test - The TOUR rating

• Closure/Customisation (35 %) Grade 2,0
• Equipment/handling (25 %) Grade 3,5
• Power transmission (25 %) Grade 1,0
• Weight (15 %) Grade 2,5

>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.2

Conclusion: Runs extremely small and should be bought one or two sizes larger; firm material; provides perfect support when it fits; complicated twist fasteners