Road cycling shoes
Our selection of road cycling shoes includes the Shimano RC range for men and women, the Lake models, including triathlon options, the Mavic Cosmic Elite Tri, the Italian brands Northwave, Crono and UDOG, as well as VAUDE, Quoc, Newline and a winter shoe from Rogelli, along with our tips on cleats, soles and tightening.
Every watt transferred to the pedal.
Three-bolt Cleats: Look or Shimano SPD-SL
A road shoe comes with three-bolt cleats, compatible with Look Kéo or Shimano SPD-SL pedals, which have a large contact surface that distributes pressure under the foot. Both systems are not interchangeable: the cleat must match the pedal. For Shimano, the colour of the cleat indicates its angular movement, the rotation allowed at the heel once clipped in: red for none, blue for two degrees, yellow for six degrees. More movement is easier on the knees, making the yellow cleat the recommended choice for beginners, while the red is reserved for seasoned riders.
The Rest of the Gear
Road gear also comes in:
All the gear is gathered on the equipment page.
Sole, Fastening and Triathlon Shoes
The sole provides the stiffness of a road shoe: composite on entry-level and mid-range models, like the first Shimano RC range, and carbon on high-end models, which are lighter and stiffer. The fastening with a micrometric dial adjusts the upper to the millimetre, even while riding. Triathlon shoes, such as dedicated Lake ones or the Mavic Cosmic Elite Tri, close with a wide Velcro strap that opens outward and have a heel loop for quick entry in the transition zone, barefoot and wet.
Winter Shoes and Proper Fit
When the temperature drops, a winter shoe with a high cut, like the Rogelli Artic, insulates the foot and protects the ankle from wind and splashes, with a membrane that keeps water out. For the fit, the heel should stay secure without slipping when the foot slides, and the toes should have a bit of space, as the foot can swell on long rides. Shimano and Lake offer wide versions for larger feet, and women's models, like the Shimano RC range for women, have a narrower fit at the heel and instep.
Good Deals
Great bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The key moments of the year follow a regular pattern: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you adjust the position of your road cleats?
Place the pedal axle under the big toe joint, then orient the cleat according to the natural angle of the foot observed while walking. After a few rides, fine-tune it in small increments, and a posture analysis can help if you experience knee pain.
How do you choose the size of a cycling shoe?
Sizes vary from brand to brand: compare the length of your foot, measured at the end of the day, to the manufacturer's size chart. Leave about half a centimetre in front of the toes, ensuring the heel does not slip.
How do you walk in road shoes?
The three-bolt cleats stick out from the sole and slide on tiles: take small steps, walking on your heels. Cleat covers, worn during breaks, prevent slipping and protect the cleats from wear.
When should you change your road cleats?
As soon as the contact areas, often coloured, are worn or when disengaging becomes unpredictable. A worn cleat can become loose and may release when standing up: replace it beforehand, marking its position with a marker.
How long do road cycling shoes last?
A well-maintained pair can last several seasons: dry them in the air, away from a heat source that could distort the upper and sole. The cleats, the dial, and sometimes the non-slip heel can be replaced separately.
