The Best Road Bike Shoes of 2024

The Giro Cadet ($165) offers tremendous value for recreational road riding, with a fantastically supple upper, BOA adjustment, sleek aesthetics, and a stiff sole. They aren’t perfect, but they are tough to match at their price point, and we feel they are a sensible and affordable option for non-competitive riders. Giro also makes the Cadet in a women’s version.

Getting into the Cadet is easy — as is typical of all Giro shoes — thanks to a single BOA L6 dial that fully releases when pulled away from the upper. The heel cup is deep and luxurious, firmly cradling the heel and lower Achilles tendon. The forefoot receives equally nice treatment, thanks to the Cadet’s supple and perforated Synchwire upper.

Once the BOA L6 dials are tensioned and the single Velcro strap is adjusted, the Cadet rivals the fit and feel of shoes that are double the cost. Giro even added in the same super-stretchy BOA wire guides that are featured on the range-topping Imperial road shoe, clearly demonstrating their desire to create a great fit in the Cadet.

Out on the road, the one main issue with the Cadet becomes immediately apparent. The wafer-thin insoles — which are really just foam liners — are insufficient in both arch support and vibration damping. After only an hour of riding, the soles of my feet felt like I was riding in shoes that were much stiffer than the Cadet, and yet the pedaling efficiency didn’t come close to rivaling a pure race shoe.

For my second ride in the Cadet, I switched the stock foam liners out for a pair of Giro Supernatural insoles ($40), which are included on higher-end models and available separately from Giro. After this upgrade, my feet were much happier, thanks to sufficient arch support and enhanced vibration damping.

Otherwise, the experience of riding in the Cadet was excellent. Ventilation is ample, and there were no pressure points across the entire upper. I was able to adjust the volume and tension easily using the single velcro strap and BOA dial. 

Giro knows the formula for a beautiful road shoe, so it’s no surprise to see the Cadet executed in a clean, minimal package that defies its modest price tag. Thanks to its minimal stitching, the Cadet will be easy to clean and keep looking fresh for a long time. 

While I can’t recommend the Cadet to racers, they’re not the audience of this shoe. For recreational riders who prioritize comfort, appreciate the convenience of BOA adjustment, and are looking for an affordably priced road shoe, the Giro Cadet is a clear winner.

Trek and Bontrager make everything you could possibly need to outfit yourself from head to toe for any type of cycling, including the bikes you ride. They make a full line of road cycling shoes from the range-topping XXX down to the less expensive Bontrager Circuit ($145). Despite their lower price, our tester came away impressed by the Circuit’s comfort and performance.

The uppers are made from a supple synthetic mesh and TPU material that is both lightweight and very breathable. The Circuit uses Bontrager’s inForm Race last, which we found to be very accommodating and a touch roomier in the toebox than the previous version.

The heel cup is nice and deep, and we were able to get a comfortable and secure fit thanks to the Boa L6 dial over the upper and midfoot and the Velcro strap over the toes that actually does a good job of snugging the shoe over the forefoot. We also found the stock insoles to be better than expected, with a padded arch and midfoot providing adequate support out of the box.

The synthetic mesh and TPU uppers allow for solid ventilation of the uppers, and a small mesh window on the sole by the toes lets a little air in from below. The 85% nylon and 15% glass fiber composite soles have a middle-of-the-road stiffness of 7 on Bontrager’s scale that goes up to 14.

While it is not on par with the uber-stiff high-end shoes from a stiffness standpoint, we feel it strikes a great middle-ground for recreational riding. The soles also have a bit of rubber added at the toe and heel to facilitate walking and prevent slipping off the bike.

Like many lower-priced shoes, the Circuit has standard 3-bolt cleat mount holes as well as channels for 2-bolt mountain cleats. For recreational riding, we think the option to choose either style of pedal will be a benefit for many people. The only caveat is that the shoes don’t come with the 2-bolt cleat plate, so that is something you’ll need to find at your local bike shop.

If you’re looking to upgrade to your first pair of road cycling shoes or simply want a comfortable pair of kicks that aren’t overly stiff for your road bike sessions, we feel the Bontrager Circuit is very worthy of consideration.

The new S-Works Torch ($450) represents a shift in design at the top end of the Specialized shoe lineup. While the Torch will still be a popular choice among elite racers, it has been tweaked to appeal to a broader audience, with a more comfortable, accommodating fit than previous S-Works road shoes.

The carbon base plate has increased in width by 4mm over the S-Works 7, and the upper material and heel cuff have both been softened for more luxury and less irritation. If you need even more width, Specialized also makes the S-Works Torch Wide.

Although I personally found the mid and forefoot of the Torch to be a tad wide for my average-width feet, I was still impressed with the supple feel and generous stretch offered in the forefoot. This supple stretch in the outer forefoot contrasts noticeably with the feel in the midfoot, which is reinforced to be stiffer, providing a solid base for the BOA S3 Snap fit system to support the middle and top of the foot. 

The heel cuff was a literal sore spot for some owners of previous S-Works models, with its high-cut and unyielding material tending to dig and irritate the Achilles. Not only is the Torch heel cut far lower and in a more rounded shape, but there is now significant padding positioned to pamper the Achilles tendon. 

With shoes this good, any criticism feels like nitpicking, but for me, the Torch heel cuff is actually a bit of an overcorrection from the S-Works 7. While it is better, to be clear, the Torch heel might feel a bit vague and loose to those riders who love a very snug and firm grab at the heel. 

Sticking with the heel, Specialized has added an asymmetrical heel cup, which they say aids in knee alignment. This asymmetry, Specialized says, was chosen based on data from their Retul bike fitting system. While I would posit that cleat position and hip joint mobility will have a much greater bearing on knee comfort, I applaud Specialized for approaching the Torch as not just a shoe but the critical contact point that sets the tone for everything that follows throughout the rider’s body during the pedal stroke. 

Not surprisingly, Specialized has stuck with their Body Geometry last, which features a built-in varus alignment. This means that the rider’s big toe is positioned higher than the little toe, resulting in a more natural, healthy position for the foot and, in turn, promoting better knee alignment and tracking, according to Specialized.

Another small issue for the Torch is the choice of the BOA S3 Snap-fit dials. While their adjustment is smooth and quiet, and the dials handsome and minimal, the lack of instant, full release may be bothersome if you like to pull up on BOA dials and kick off the shoes at the end of the ride.

Sometimes, cycling equipment, whether it be shoes, wheels, or even complete bikes, is almost too good to stand out, and that’s the case with the Torch. What I mean is that while the Torch was excellent or at least great in every single aspect, it didn’t astonish me in any way or rise above all others in any single category.

That said, while some shoes may surpass them in one single criterion, on the whole, the well-rounded performance of the Specialized S-Works Torch makes them a winner. It is sure to be massively popular because it simply takes a safe, iterative step forward in the lineage of great S-Works road shoes, and it looks darn good doing it.

The third generation of Shimano’s Pro Tour-tested flagship road racing shoe reaches new heights of performance, luxury, and aesthetics in the S-Phyre RC903 ($450). The construction of this shoe is magnificent, showcasing the most advanced technology available in a beautifully designed package. The RC903 sits at an eye-watering price point. However, the allure that these shoes spark at first glance is only enhanced once they are slipped on, and their supremacy is duly confirmed from the first stomp on the pedals. 

Getting into the S-Phyre RC903 is intuitive and quick. The BOA Li2 dials are micro-adjustable both ways instead of just tightening or fully disengaging. This makes dialing in the correct amount of tension in the mid and forefoot easy, both before and during your ride. The dials also have a clean, minimal appearance that keeps the profile of the S-Phyre RC903 tidy and helps smooth airflow across the shoe as it churns through the turbulent air that flows off the front tire. 

Riders with high arches may love these shoes. I normally use custom insoles with significant arch support, but in the S-Pyre RC903, I removed the Velcro arch support completely to achieve the ideal level of support. Once the BOA tension and arch support location are dialed in, the S-Phyre RC903 has a secure, neutral feeling on the foot, with the right amount of support precisely where it’s needed, evenly spread from the forefoot to the heel cup. 

Vertical space in the front end of the shoe is ample, giving the toes plenty of space to breathe and never feel squished from above. That said, these are not high-volume shoes overall. For riders with even slightly wider than average feet or who feel pressure on the outboard side of the forefoot with their current shoes, we strongly recommend going to the wide version of the S-Phyre RC903 or trying on a half-size up. Based on previous Shimano models I have ridden and enjoyed in medium width, it’s apparent that recent iterations of the S-Phyre line are trending narrower. 

The S-Phyre RC903 allows a supreme level of ankle mobility by way of a generously low-cut edge on the overlapping wrap section at the front of the ankle and a heel cup that sits well below the ankle joint and Achilles tendon. This gives the S-Phyre RC903 the slipper-like feeling over the top of the midfoot that so many cyclists love. 

There is virtually zero chance of crank arm rub while riding in the S-Phyre RC903 due to the miniscule amount of material used along the inboard side of the shoe’s mid-foot. This design may also help some riders achieve a better q-factor by moving the shoes closer to the crank arms than ever before. 

Cleat adjustability in the S-Phyre RC903 is prodigious by way of mounting hardware that slides fore/aft beneath the surface of the outsole. Combined with the fore/aft adjustability of the cleat, riders can now position the cleats perfectly to their bike fit and pedaling mechanics. 

Ventilation is ample not only beneath the toe but also through an air scoop in the rear traction pad that rushes air through drillium-esque vent holes in the sole directly onto the rider’s heel. The rest of the full carbon outsole is seductively wrapped by the microfiber leather upper. This design not only adds an unmistakable bling factor to the shoe but also helps prevent riders’ heels from twisting under maximal efforts. Befitting a shoe of such regal beauty, Shimano has incorporated tire rub protection panels on the inboard toe, which are perfectly color-matched, of course. 

If you don’t shy away from the bold style and are keen to experience the most advanced technical features available in a no-compromise race shoe, the Shimano S-Phyre RC903 should be on your shortlist. 

At just 235g per shoe in size 42 and offering dual BOA Li2 dials, the new Pearl Izumi PRO Air is an update of the original, which used a lace-up design and the same ultralight upper material. While there are plenty of fans of laced shoes, it’s clear that most riders would prefer BOA for getting in and out of the shoe more quickly, as well as for the support and mid-ride tuning this system provides. 

The well-padded tongue creates a luxurious feel across the top of the metatarsal area and prevents the all-too-common pressure points that can develop adjacent to the BOA dials in some shoes. Pearl Izumi also opted to use a high-strength fabric string to lace the BOA dials and routed them through stretchy fabric loops opposite the BOAs to create the most supple tension possible across the upper. This design allows cinching the BOA Li2 dials super snugly without any discomfort or loss of blood flow.

The outsole is carbon fiber and was developed in partnership with Ruckus Composites, an industry-leading carbon fiber repair firm. The sole is as stiff as any we’ve used but doesn’t feel overly buzzy or harsh. The insole tempers that stiffness with a dual-density foam and decent anatomic arch support.

Sadly, there is no adjustability in the arch support, as there is on many other top-of-range shoes like this. The outsole does offer fore-aft cleat adjustment, allowing more extreme cleat positions beyond the range of adjustment in the cleat itself. 

The sole features two large vents that are fully open except for wire meshing. The exterior of the PRO Air is virtually seamless and is covered in a tastefully textured mesh laminate that strategically reinforces high-stress zones while avoiding other areas where flexibility and ventilation are needed. The mesh zones allow a generous amount of airflow, making these shoes excellent for riding in warm to hot temperatures but certainly less ideal for those living in cooler, damper climates.   

Overall, the fit of the PRO Air is moderately narrow. The upper offers plenty of flexibility to accommodate variations in width across the base of the toes but does taper quickly between that point and the front edge, meaning our size 46 test pair fits best with thinner summer cycling socks. 

The heel cup is snug but doesn’t dig into the Achilles or adjacent tissue. The stitching at the exterior trailing edge of the heel is asymmetrical, running diagonally, to make it easier to get in and out of the shoe and also help resist twisting in the rear of the shoe during maximal efforts. 

There are just three Pearl Izumi logos on the shoe, all of which are small and understated. We appreciate this minimal branding, as it’s what consumers seem to want in 2024, and gives the PRO Air a more timeless appeal. While it is one of the more aesthetically clean shoes we’ve seen from Pearl Izumi in a long time, it would be nice to see the Pro Air offered in more colors, but for now, Dark Ink is the only option. 

While the Pearl Izumi PRO Air is joined by a long list of high-performance shoes at the $400+ price point, it may be perfect for you if the fit is spot-on, you like its minimalist style, and ride in temperatures where you’ll appreciate its excellent ventilation. 

The Rapha Classic ($260) stands apart in the road shoe market, shunning many of the trappings of high-end race shoes and aiming instead to tame the rugged world of modern road riding. While the Classic is gloriously minimal, with just two discreet Rapha logos per shoe, its design language leaves no doubts as to its origins. As we expect to find in any Rapha product, the Classic slips significant innovations into its beautiful form and gives riders a luxurious and upgraded experience. 

The Classic has plenty of space in the forefoot and a secure but supple fit in the heel. The upper is cut low enough to allow the ankle to move freely, and the tongue conforms well to the tarsal bones. Since the Classic is only offered in one width, we recommend trying on a half-size down from your usual number in order to ensure optimal volume in the forefoot. While Rapha did include a Velcro strap at the toe, its ability to shrink the forefoot is limited, and it’s mainly a style element.

The Classic is laced but does not use traditional eyelets to anchor the laces. Instead, the upper is double-walled in the midfoot — extending from sole to tongue and back down again along the inside of the shoe- with small sections along the top cut away to anchor the laces. Because of the amount of surface area available for the laces to pull upon, the upper remains completely free of pressure points as the lace tension increases. Once the laces are adjusted and tied, the laces and double wall upper work in tandem to create an even hold across the top of the foot. The design also gives the upper a super clean, seamless look.

Due to this double-walled design, the perforations in the middle of the upper do not allow air to flow all the way through to the rider’s foot. Likewise, the outsole does not feature any vents. So, for riders who live in extremely hot climates, the Classic will not provide sufficient venting to stay comfortable. However, for riders living in temperate climates or who struggle with cold feet, the lack of ventilation could be a boon. 

Sole stiffness in road shoes means different things in different situations and is perhaps over-valued by many recreational riders. Yes, for winning sprints at 60 kph, or unleashing repeated, searing attacks up 10% grades, soles must be unyielding underfoot. However, when tapping out a 100 km ride with your mates, the benefit of sole stiffness is in the stability it provides the foot. Stability improves efficiency, prevents hot spots, and reduces fatigue. The Classic provides enough stiffness to be a superbly stable shoe but stops short of the buzzy, punishing stiffness that plagues many high-end race shoes. 

Some riders hop on the bike and don’t unclip until every interval is done and every KOM is conquered. Others like to get off the bike for a coffee, hike down to their favorite swimming hole, or maybe want to use road pedals on their gravel rides. For these intrepid souls (ha!), Rapha has coated a large portion of the carbon fiber sole of the Classic in a TPU cover that provides excellent grip, quiet steps, and protection against damage from rocks and debris. Yes, this adds weight to the shoe, but it also could significantly extend the life of the shoe depending on a rider’s walking habits. 

The insole of the Classic features a simple, intuitive means of adjusting the arch support location. Two pairs of arch support wedges (medium and high) are included in the box and can be velcroed to the bottom of the insole to match the arch shape and depth of each foot. It might take some trial and error to get the position dialed in, but it’s well worth the time. Many brands use this type of arch support system because it’s simple and works well. 

The Rapha Classic is a rugged shoe with timeless beauty and luxurious comfort. It’s a great choice for all my recreational rides, and if you’re looking for something a little bit different yet refined and built for adventure, this shoe is a strong candidate.

Giro’s Imperial Road shoe is the brand’s top-of-range offering and aims to balance all the objectives of a professional-level road racing shoe, which sometimes run counter to each other. For instance, the lighter a shoe is (and the Imperial are light at 215g in 42), the less support it can offer.

In other areas, design objectives can complement each other, as is the case with ventilation and low weight. So, Giro engineers homed in on the perfect blend of these elements, then added a big serving of sole stiffness to the mix to develop their most ambitious road shoe ever, the Imperial.

Starting with the upper, Giro has utilized nano-filament Synchwire and Teijin TPU to create an ultralight, ultrathin, but highly supportive surrounding for the feet. Synchwire is all of these things because of the one thing it’s not — stretchy. While many super light and airy shoes lose structural support by using stretchy mesh, the Imperial retains the traditional, locked-in feel of much heavier and more densely constructed shoes. That said, the Imperial doesn’t feel as rigid as a Sidi or any shoe with a leather upper.

The Synchwire upper is adjusted using two BOA IP-1 dials, which can be micro-adjusted in either direction, making it quick and easy to get to the perfect amount of tension throughout the upper. Unlike the Giro Empire SLX, which uses laces, you can quickly adjust the Imperial on the fly during a ride. Ventilation is about as good as it gets, enough to see sock coloring through the mesh panels of the upper. While this level of ventilation is great for rides in the heat of summer, it will be overkill for rides in cooler weather. 

The Imperial outsole is made from Easton EC90 SLX carbon fiber and has upped the amount of resin in this iteration to make this carbon outsole more resistant to damage than the original that was used on the Factor shoe. This sole stiffness, combined with the Imperial’s relatively narrow width, creates a unique feel, with supreme rigidity underfoot, transitioning quickly to a light and supple surround over the top of the foot.

Riders who skew more toward climber than a sprinter and tend to ride with a steady, measured power output will likely get along better with this fit and feel. Sprinters and bigger, more powerful riders may find the Imperial to be lacking a bit of support around the base of the upper, where it bonds to the outsole. 

Like all high-end Giro road shoes, the Imperial includes the Supernatural fit kit, which offers several levels of arch support that can be positioned according to the shape of each foot by way of velcro strips on the bottom of the insole. It’s a simple but effective method of increasing or decreasing volume to optimize proprioception of the foot and enhance rider comfort. 

At $425, and with an ultralight upper construction and carbon fiber outsole, the Giro Imperial isn’t the best high-end shoe for riders who like to explore unknown gravel roads or are expecting a shoe to last 10 seasons or more. The Imperial is for high-performance riders who want it all — support, low weight, stiffness, ventilation, advanced upper adjustment, and a customizable footbed fit.

Trek launched three new road cycling shoes in early 2024, and the uniquely designed RSL Knit ($500) is definitely the most interesting of the bunch. Eschewing the more traditional European style, Trek broke the mold and designed a radical (looking) shoe that aims to set your feet free while retaining many of the critical elements of high-end race kicks.

Starting with those critical elements, The RSL Knit uses Trek’s OCLV carbon fiber outsole for maximum power transfer and weight savings. The sole feels and looks incredibly thin — it may even require some people to lower their saddles a couple of millimeters to compensate for the reduced stack height. Low stack soles are a good thing, as they increase foot stability through reduced flex, but also position the rider’s center of mass closer to the bottom bracket of the bike, for better handling and aerodynamics. They boast a 14 out of 14 stiffness rating on Trek’s scale, and there is absolutely zero energy being wasted through sole flex.

Another key feature that is also found on most shoes above $400 is the BOA Li2 dial system, which allows 2-way microadjustment. The dials themselves are straightforward, but their connection to the upper is where the RSL Knit starts to veer away from tradition. Instead of bonding the BOA dials directly to the upper, they are attached to a free-floating microfiber exoskeleton that Trek calls MetNet power straps. These straps provide much better support than most shoes with knit uppers while still allowing for the forgiveness and breathability of the knit construction.

The stretch of knit uppers is one of the main benefits, allowing for a forgiving fit that reduces pressure and irritation but often at the detriment of support. Combined with the MetNet power straps and BOA Li2 dials, the support of the RSL is markedly better than most road shoes with knit uppers. At the same time, the MetNet power straps are not as substantial or forceful as the S-Works Ares, for example, which may look to be a comparable shoe.

The RSL Knit, by contrast, feels lighter, both in mass and holding power around the mid-foot. This translates to the RSL knit being a better option for climbers and endurance-focused riders, but less so for riders looking to hit 1500w in a bunch sprint.

The other huge benefit of knit uppers is ventilation, and in the case of the RSL Knit, it is maxed out. Air flows freely through the material, keeping your feet cooler in sweltering temps or on high-intensity rides. The drawbacks? These shoes are not ideal for cooler temperatures, they have virtually no water resistance, and good luck keep the white color clean. Fortunately, they also come in black, which may be a better option if your roads aren’t pristine.

With their sock-like knit construction, we found the RSL Knit to be very comfortable shoes. That said, the sock-like construction also makes them a bit more challenging to slip on the feet — a shoe horn wouldn’t hurt. Additionally, we found their sizing to run a little larger than other brands, so we recommend paying close attention to Trek’s sizing chart and/or trying these on before buying.

Otherwise, the Trek RSL Knit is unique and wild departure from the norm. These shoes are a very comfortable, incredibly well-ventilated, and lightweight option for high-performance riders in warm-hot and dry conditions — especially those with some disposable income.

The Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon ($400) is one of the brand’s top-level road cycling shoes that takes a unique approach to arch support with a novel design. By connecting the upper Li2 Dual Zone BOA dial to straps that anchor into the outsole of the shoe and wrap around the medial arch, Fizik aims to create a dynamic arch support system that you can adapt to your feet. This, of course, is coupled with a super stiff carbon sole and comfortable laminated upper in a sleek and lightweight package.

The closure system of the Stabilita Carbon is separated into two zones, each with its own Boa dial. The lower dial tightens the shoe over and around the forefoot, while the upper Boa is part of the Dynamic Arch Support 2.0 system. By simply twisting the upper BOA dial, riders can add or decrease the amount of upward pull that the straps apply to the arch of the foot with the aim of creating a truly custom level of support.

In practice, I did not find the system as effective as I’d hoped it would be, although everyone’s feet are different, and consumer reviews range from extremely positive about the system to lackluster. Based on my experience, I’d recommend trying this shoe on before purchasing to make sure it works for you.

Another issue with the arch support system is that it allows water to seep more easily into the instep of the shoe. So, for riders in damp climates, the Vento Stabilita likely isn’t the best choice. 

These issues aside, the Vento Stabilita is a solid race shoe. Its carbon fiber sole is impressively stiff, especially considering a large portion of it has been removed to anchor the arch support straps. The laminated mesh upper is easy to clean and offers a luxurious fit along with excellent ventilation. 

The cleat adjustment range is quite large and should be more than adequate for most users. They also look darn good, with minimal branding and sleek laminated uppers. Plus, they come in three colors: black, white, and a shiny silver option.

If you need a novel solution to arch support, mainly ride on dry roads, and are looking to maximize efficiency for your races and group rides, the Fizik Vento Stabilita Carbon is an attractive option.

The Specialized S-Works Ares ($425) is a high-end race shoe that features a unique design and bold claims that they can make you 1% faster. While that can be hard to quantify, that’s exactly the type of marginal gain that could make a difference in a KOM hunt, massive climb, or sprint finish of a race.

The primary thing that sets the S-Works Ares apart is the unique design of the uppers that is intended to capture the foot very securely while still remaining comfortable over the long haul. A quick look at the shoe, and you can see that it has a full-wrap, sock-like interior that is surrounded by a non-stretch synthetic/TPU/Dyneema upper.

Two Boa Li2 dials attach to large flaps that wrap over the upper and lower foot and spread tension very evenly while reducing the chances of pressure points and hot spots. The result is a very secure fit, with the heel held solidly in the heel cup. The fit of the Ares is similar to other recent Specialized road shoes like the S-Works Torch, meaning that it is a little roomier in the forefoot than older models. Those with notably wide feet would do well to check out the S-Works Ares Wide.

Still, we found it easy to get them adequately tensioned over the whole foot, but we actually had to learn to back off the tension slightly for maximum comfort. Once the tension was decreased to the perfect setting, these shoes really came into their own. Despite feeling slightly looser than we’re used to, they remain impressively secure for those hard efforts.

The super-stiff carbon sole delivers all the power on the downstroke, while the non-stretch wrap uppers maximize the pull of the upstroke as well. We think Specialized did a great job of making a sprint-ready shoe that also manages to stay comfortable and doesn’t require pre-sprint microadjustments.

Despite not looking overly ventilated, we found them to allow for pretty good airflow through the exposed sock-like panels on the toes and midfoot, numerous perforations on the uppers, and a small vent under the toes. The front of the FACT Powerline carbon sole has some rubber tread at the front that wraps up into a toe bumper, and there is a replaceable heel tread that helps make these shoes walk reasonably well for what they are.

The Specialized S-Works Ares is a bit of a niche shoe and they are certainly not going to be for everyone. That said, if you’re looking for a sleek shoe that could potentially make you 1% faster, then they might just be the ticket.

For an in-depth rundown, check out GearJunkie’s full review of the S-Works Ares.

When Giro first introduced the Empire road shoe, its lace-up design was polarizing, but over a decade later, it has become the brand’s most popular road shoe, with a devout following. They’ve continued to expand their line of road shoes, with the Empire SLX ($375) featuring a similar design to the original Empire but with a different upper construction.

Riders who covet the newest tech and need in-ride adjustability will not appreciate what the Empire offers. But for those who prioritize fit over all else, laces offer a level of fit customization that no mechanical adjustment system can match or mimic. For riders who struggle with pressure points across the top of their feet, laces are an elegant solution and one of the highlights of the Empire SLX. 

Giro has recently updated the Empire SLX with its proprietary Synchwire upper material, which is incredibly supple and lightweight. In fact, these are the lightest shoes we tested. The attributes of Synchwire amplify the comfort benefits of laces in addition to making them shockingly lightweight and very well-ventilated.

Synchwire also helps mitigate one sticky critique of the original Empire, which has been its narrow fit in the forefoot. While still on the narrower end of things, the Synchwire creates a more accommodating forefoot fit thanks to a more accommodating stretch at the sides of the shoe. 

With stiff carbon soles, excellent ventilation, and an absurdly light weight, the Giro Empire SLX works great for any type of riding, assuming it fits. If you want a truly custom fit and don’t mind taking a few extra moments to dial in the laces before your ride, the Empire SLX could be a game-changing shoe.

The Bontrager XXX ($420) is one of the most comfortable shoes we tested. A generous fit in the toe box, supple upper, and effective asymmetric shaping in the heel make this an excellent choice for long endurance rides. The fit is a bit too spacious in the forefoot to match the unflinching efficiency of the Shimano S-Phyre and Rapha Pro Team, so we would recommend those options for crit and road racing over the XXX. 

The XXX runs at least a half-size long, and this large fit compounds the wider toebox to make it effectively run a full-size large for riders with average width or narrower feet. We’d recommend trying these on if possible to ensure you get the proper length and that the width works for your feet. Thankfully, Bontrager’s 30-day unconditional comfort guarantee means you won’t have to be stuck with them if they aren’t the right fit for your feet.

The synthetic uppers and asymmetrical wrap closure with dual Boa IP1 dials offer a snug and stable fit over the upper and midfoot, and the textured heel cup lining helps lock it in place. The tongue is also more padded than most to help prevent excessive pressure on the dorsal tendon. The uppers are heavily perforated and allow for fairly good air movement, along with small sole vents to help keep the soles of the feet from overheating. The heel of the sole also features a replaceable bumper that should help you extend the lifespan of these expensive shoes.

The OCLV carbon outsole is supremely stiff — a 14/14 based on Bontrager’s stiffness scale — but thankfully, the XXX manages to keep this stiffness from becoming buzzy feedback underfoot. The XXX is a shoe that shines on long rides, more so than shorter anaerobically fueled outings. For fondos, credit card tours, or just spending long hours in the saddle in utmost comfort, the Bontrager XXX is a winner.

The Shimano RC5 ($170) falls squarely in the middle of Shimano’s line of road cycling shoes with similar looks and some of the features of its higher-end siblings. While it looks the part, the RC5 is a toned-down road shoe that provides a solid all-around performance for avid road cyclists in a more approachable package and at a much more reasonable price.

For riders who aren’t racing or trying to assert their dominance on Strava, the sole stiffness rating of 8 should be adequate for most types of riding. This is compared to the race-oriented S-Phyre RC9 which tops their stiffness scale at 12. Still, it doesn’t feel excessively soft or flexy under power for most recreational riding and steady efforts short of sprints or high-intensity workouts.

The carbon fiber reinforced nylon sole is thin with minimal stack and feels quite stable on the pedals. The sole is wrapped in TPU with non-replaceable bumpers at the toe and heel that provide a bit of extra grip when walking.

The wrap-style tongue design is borrowed from the more expensive RC7 and S-Phyre RC9 models, and it results in a nice snug fit around the upper and midfoot with a single Boa dial that pulls tension evenly across the two large straps. A small Velcro strap aims to add tension over the forefoot.

Like other Shimano shoes, the “regular” fit is slightly on the narrow side, but fortunately, this shoe is also available in a wide version as well as a women’s version. The synthetic leather and TPU mesh uppers are heavily perforated for ventilation, along with sole vents under the toes that allow for a good amount of air movement.

The 3-bolt cleat mount offers ample adjustment range, and the RC5 tips the scales at a relatively light weight, especially for the price. Still, there’s no mistaking these shoes for top-of-the-line road shoes because they aren’t. Riders seeking the most precise fit or super stiff soles will likely be a little underwhelmed. That said, those who value a little forgiveness and a wallet-friendly price tag may find a lot to like in the affordable Shimano RC5.