Do you ever take something off and suddenly realize how uncomfortable it was? That’s exactly what happened to me with my Peloton Bike Shoes. I hadn’t truly grasped the discomfort until I switched to a pair of Shimano cycling shoes.
It started with a persistent toe issue. Initially, I brushed it off, but when the discomfort lingered for days, I began investigating my footwear. The culprit? My Peloton bike shoes. Whenever I stood up from the saddle, my foot would slide forward, causing one toe to painfully bump and rub against the front of the shoe. Beyond this specific issue, the shoes had never been particularly comfortable. They felt constrictingly narrow, despite my feet being of normal width, and the overall stiffness was quite noticeable.
Having never worn other cycling shoes, I assumed this was just the standard fit – an unavoidable aspect of bike shoes, much like the rigid feel of ski boots. However, persistent discomfort led me to explore alternatives. After extensive research on Amazon, reading numerous reviews, I decided to try the Shimano SH-RC100 High Performance Cycling Shoes.
Shimano SH-RC100 cycling shoes in black and white, a comfortable alternative to Peloton bike shoes
Typically, I wear a size 8.5 or 9, so I opted for the 8.5/9 Shimano size. The price was and remains around $100, a reasonable investment for enhanced comfort.
Important Note: These Shimano shoes do not include Delta compatible cleats, which are necessary to attach them to Peloton pedals. Fortunately, since I was replacing my Peloton shoes, I simply used an Allen wrench to transfer the cleats from my old shoes to the new Shimano pair. If you are new to clip-in cycling shoes or don’t have a pair to take cleats from, you’ll need to purchase Delta Compatible Cleats separately for approximately $15.
After a month of riding with the Shimano shoes, the difference is astounding. The toe box and mid-foot area offer significantly more width, eliminating the cramped feeling. Clipping in and out of the Peloton pedals is effortless, and they remain remarkably comfortable whether I’m seated or standing. My only regret is not making this switch sooner, saving myself from discomfort over countless Peloton rides.
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