Do You Need Special Shoes For Peloton?

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Shoes are one of the most important parts of your gear, especially during workout. But what if you are working out on a Peloton Bike? Do you need special shoes for Peloton?

Yes, you need special shoes for Peloton. Normally Peloton uses delta compatible cleats so even if you want to use your regular cycling shoes you will need to attach the compatible cleats otherwise it will not work. You can also use any type of shoes that have 3-screw hole setup in order to ride the bike.

However, there might be some other questions in your mind such as why specially designed shoes? What makes Peloton shoes different from the rest and why is it necessary?

We have written a detailed guide on this which will help you understand everything about the shoes and the different types of cleats that you can use on a Peloton bike.

So, continue reading to know more about it.

Why Do You Need Cycling Shoes For Peloton?

Before starting out, why cycling shoes? Well, there are certain advantages of using cycling shoes while working out on a Peloton bike.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Increased pedaling efficiency: Cycling shoes are designed in such a way that they help you transfer more power to the pedals. This is because of the stiff sole that most of the cycling shoes come with.
  • Better foot and ankle alignment: The stiff sole of the cycling shoes helps in keeping your feet in a proper position while pedaling. This, in turn, reduces the risk of injury and gives you a better workout experience.
  • More comfort: Cycling shoes are designed to provide more comfort to your feet while working out. This is because they come with features like vents and padding which help in keeping your feet cool and comfortable.

Many People with wide feet report discomfort. This is often due to wearing shoes that do not fit properly. I’ve already made an article about Best Peloton Shoes For Wide Feet Persons Visit to know more.

Now that you know the benefits of using cycling shoes, let’s take a look at the different types of cleats that you can use on a Peloton bike.

Do I Need Peloton Shoes?

Do I Need Peloton Shoes

The answer to this question is no. You don’t need specifically the Peloton shoes but in general, any type of shoes that has 3-screw hole setup. They have a list of requirements that the shoes must meet in order to work with the Peloton Bike.

The three-screw hole setup is also known as the SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) standard.

A lot of road cycling shoes and some mountain biking shoes use this standard. So if you have a pair of SPD shoes laying around, there’s a chance they will work with the Peloton.

If not, there are plenty of companies that make SPD shoes, such as Shimano, Pearl Izumi, and Giro. Peloton also has a list of approved shoes on their website and also on Amazon Store Click to visit.

  • if you are a careful person you must want to ‘Clean Your Peloton Shoes‘ i wrote an article on it check my last article to know the tips.

Some people have used other types of shoes with the Peloton, such as Vans and Nike sneakers. However, these shoes are not designed for riding and may slip or cause you to lose your footing while pedaling.

Can You Use Other Shoes With Peloton Bike?

As we said earlier, it is not a hard and fast rule to use only the Peloton shoes with your Peloton bike during your workouts. You can always use any type of shoes you want as long as they are compatible with the bike and aren’t becoming an issue during your workouts.

So, if you have a pair of shoes that you really like and they are comfortable to work out in, then you can definitely use them with your Peloton bike. However, we would still recommend using cycling shoes as they are specifically designed for riding and will provide you with a better experience.

What Makes Peloton Shoes Different?

Peloton shoes are different from the other cycling shoes in the market in a few ways.

Firstly, they come with a wider toe box which helps in keeping your toes comfortable while pedaling.

Secondly, they have a Boa dial closure system which allows you to adjust the fit of the shoe according to your foot. This feature is really helpful if you have wide or narrow feet.

Lastly, Peloton shoes come with reflective heel caps which help in keeping you visible in low-light conditions.

How To Choose The Right Size?

It is really important to choose the right size when it comes to cycling shoes. This is because if the shoes are too big or too small, it can cause a lot of problems while riding.

If the shoes are too big, your feet will slip inside them while pedaling which can be really dangerous. On the other hand, if the shoes are too small, they will be really uncomfortable and will make it difficult for you to pedal.

Something More Related To you:- Are Peloton Shoes True To Size? Know Before You Buy!

So, how do you choose the right size? We would recommend going to a store and trying on different sizes before making a decision. If you are buying the shoes online, make sure to check the size chart before placing your order.

How To Attach Cleats To Your Shoes?

Once you have chosen the right pair of shoes, the next step is to attach the cleats to them. Most cycling shoes come with the required hardware but if not, you can always buy it separately.

The process of attaching cleats to your shoes is really simple and all you need is a screwdriver. Just follow the instructions that come with the cleats and you will be able to attach them in no time.

Types of Cleats

Types of Cleats

Now that you know how to choose the right pair of shoes and how to attach the cleats to them, let’s take a look at the different types of cleats that you can use with your Peloton bike.

There are three main types of cleats namely SPD, Speedplay, and Look. Each type has its own pros and cons and you need to choose the one that is right for you.

SPD cleats are the most common type of cleats and are compatible with most cycling shoes. They are really easy to clip in and out of the pedals and offer a good amount of float.

Speedplay cleats are designed for riders who want maximum adjustability. They offer a wide range of movement and can be adjusted to fit your feet perfectly.

Look cleats are the best choice for road cyclists as they offer a very secure connection between the shoe and the pedal. However, they can be difficult to clip in and out of the pedals.

How Often Should You Replace Your Cleats?

Even though cleats are made of durable materials, they will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced.

How often you need to replace your cleats depends on how often you ride and the type of terrain you ride on. If you ride on rough terrain, you will need to replace your cleats more often. Generally speaking, you should replace your cleats every 6 months or so.

Bottom Line

You can definitely use other shoes with your Peloton bike but we would still recommend using cycling shoes as they are specifically designed for riding and will provide you with a better experience.

When choosing cycling shoes, make sure to choose the right size and attach the cleats to them properly. Cleats usually need to be replaced every 6 months.

Do you have any questions about cycling shoes? Let us know in the comments below.

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Tonny is an active cyclist with 7+ years of experience in coaching. With over 500 trained students, he is currently promoting safe cycling around the globe.

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