Cycle Touring Shoes

What is the best shoe for cycle touring?

Before we set off on our first adventure, we asked ourselves: What is the best shoe for cycle touring? We came up with some criteria that we believed would be essential for the perfect cycle touring shoe:

• Lightweight: To avoid adding unnecessary weight, especially when packing for long journeys.

• Multi-purpose: Versatile enough to wear during the day for cycling, out at dinner, exploring sights, and even suitable for light running and walking.

• Quick-drying: Ideal for unexpected rain or river crossings, ensuring we wouldn’t have to deal with wet feet for long.

• Breathable: To keep our feet cool and comfortable, especially during summer tours.

• Comfortable: Comfort is key for long hours of pedalling, making this one of the top priorities.

Our search began with a quick Google search, where we quickly learned about cleats—specialised cycling shoes that clip into the bike pedals. While these road shoes offer great efficiency and power transfer, we decided against them.

Why? We wanted the freedom to hop off the bike quickly for a snack at an Aldi or boulangerie, pop into historical sights, or stroll through charming villages without the constant click-clack of cleats.

Ultimately, we each chose different paths. I decided to stick with my trusty New Balance shoes. They fit well, checked off most of our criteria, and it meant one less item to purchase for the trip.

On the other hand, Chris opted to try something new. After researching online, he discovered a relatively unknown brand, Tropicfeel, marketed towards outdoor adventures. This seemed perfect for our journey’s unpredictable terrain and climate.

The Verdict

So, after nearly 6,000 km cycled across Europe in various weather and road conditions, what was the outcome of our decisions?

My New Balance shoes held up for the entire journey, spanning two and a half years and over 6,000 km. I believe a good measure of a shoe's performance is how often you think about them while using them—and I'm happy to report that I barely gave mine a second thought! The only time I wished for a different pair was during those rare moments when we had to cross flooded cycle paths, streams, or cycle through torrential rain. However, these instances were thankfully few and far between. For $50 AUD (or 30€), these shoes were fantastic, and I fully intend to buy another pair for my future adventures, hoping they live up to the last 2.5 years of consistent use. To add some context, I wore these shoes every single day—whether on the bike or off—making them a versatile and reliable choice.

Chris, on the other hand, opted for the Tropicfeel Canyon Night Blue adventure shoes, priced at $150 AUD (90€). His shoes allowed him to breeze through streams and flooded paths with minimal hassle. He simply removed his socks and let the shoes drain out. The shoes dried remarkably fast thanks to the inbuilt grooves designed for water drainage. On hot days, the breathable, porous design provided excellent airflow, keeping his feet cool and reducing sweat. The only downside? On chilly mornings, his toes would get a bit cold 😄!

Unfortunately, Chris’s shoes lasted only around 3,500 km—not due to poor construction, but because of a camping mishap. Back in Australia, while we were camping in the Alpine region, Chris placed his shoes too close to the fire pit, and as it turns out, recycled plastic composite shoes and extreme heat are not a great combination!

While Tropicfeel no longer provides the exact model that Chris bought, they still offer a variety of shoes featuring adventure-ready designs in different sizes. You can explore their current collection here.

Final Thoughts

I wanted to write this post because, if you're anything like us and have never been on a cycle tour before, you might wonder: Do I need specialised cleats like the professional cyclists? The answer is no. That old, comfortable pair of running shoes in your wardrobe might be more than enough. Or, if you're looking for a bit more versatility and comfort, an adventure shoe like Chris’s Tropicfeels might be the perfect fit.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and the type of touring you'll be doing. Whether you're sticking to

smooth roads, venturing into the mountains, or tackling gravel paths, there's a shoe out there that will support you every kilometre of the way.

*Chris and I are not sponsored by or receive any commission from any brands, it's just a love of cycle touring that drives us!

Happy riding!

Beau

Need further inspiration? Check out our post on Why We Love Cycle Touring or explore the Tuscan Hills 8-Day Itinerary for a cycling adventure through stunning landscapes.