Are you familiar with that feeling when you finally take off something uncomfortable and realize just how much relief you’ve been missing? That’s exactly what happened to me with my Peloton bike shoes. I hadn’t realized how uncomfortable they were until I swapped them out for a pair of Shimano cycling shoes.
It started with a nagging toe pain that I initially brushed off. But when it persisted, I began investigating the cause, and my Peloton bike shoes quickly became the prime suspect. Whenever I stood up during my Peloton rides, my foot would slide forward, causing my toe to painfully hit and rub against the front of the shoe. Beyond that specific issue, the Peloton shoes had never been particularly comfortable to begin with. They always felt too narrow, despite me having feet of a normal width, and generally stiff and unforgiving.
Being new to cycling shoes, I assumed this level of discomfort was just par for the course. I thought bike shoes were supposed to feel like that, similar to the rigid feel of ski boots.
However, driven by the persistent discomfort, I decided to explore other options and ordered a new pair of bike shoes. After extensive research online, particularly on Amazon, the Shimano brand consistently came highly recommended. I finally settled on the Shimano SH-RC100 High Performance Cycling Shoes.
[](Shimano SH-RC100 Cycling Shoes offering enhanced comfort and performance for Peloton bike users.)
For sizing, I usually wear between an 8.5 and 9, so I opted for the 8.5/9 size in the Shimano shoes. The price was around $100 when I purchased them, and thankfully, they remain at that accessible price point.
Important Note: Keep in mind that these Shimano cycling shoes do not include Delta compatible cleats, which are essential for attaching them to Peloton pedals. Since I was replacing my existing Peloton shoes, I simply used an Allen wrench to remove the cleats from my old shoes and install them on the new Shimano pair. If you’re purchasing bike shoes for Peloton for the first time, remember to order Delta Compatible Cleats separately; they are typically around $15.
After making the switch to the Shimano shoes about a month ago, the difference has been absolutely incredible! The toe box and mid-foot area offer significantly more room, preventing that cramped and squeezed feeling I was used to with my Peloton shoes. Clipping in and out of the Peloton pedals is effortless, and they provide exceptional comfort whether I’m seated or standing during my rides. My only regret? Not making this upgrade to Shimano bike shoes sooner – perhaps 260 rides ago!
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