Best Non-Cycling Shoes for Cycling: Top 7 “Normal” Shoes

A special jersey, padded shorts – cycling socks even. Cycle clothing is big business, especially for those on the sportier side of riding a bike.

This phenomenon extends to what cyclists put on their feet to ride a bike. For cyclists whose ride currencies are average speed, maximum power, or metres climbed, cycling shoes are a wise investment.

But, we’ll let you into a little secret, riding a bike – especially at a leisurely pace in town or as a way of getting to work – doesn’t mean you have to don a tonne of cycling-specific garb! We’d even wager that cycling clothing, high-vis gear and the dreaded lycra perhaps puts more people off riding a bike than you’d imagine.

In this Discerning Cyclist guide, we’ll showcase why cycling shoes aren’t the necessity you might have thought they were – “normal” shoes can be equally comfortable when riding a bike.

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Best Regular Shoes for Cycling [Men]

Best Regular Shoes for Cycling [Women]

Are Cycling Shoes Necessary?

Yes, if you are aiming for a personal best on a Sunday morning, clipless cycling shoes are great! But they can be more trouble than they’re worth for leisurely commuters.

Riding in a pair of cycling-specific shoes will probably involve the rigmarole of carrying a pair of “normal” shoes to slip into at the ride’s end.

Plus there’s the faff of clipping in (and out) of cycling-specific pedals and the gut-busting effort required to also fit a pair of waterproof overshoes or shoe covers should it be raining. For the run-of-the-mill cyclist, clipless cycling shoes may well be unnecessary.

Can You Cycle with Regular Shoes?

Yes, you can cycle in regular shoes. Avoid using a pair of dogeared shoes – perhaps those trainers you’ve owned (however proudly!) for over five years.

They might be comfortable for loafing around the house or cutting about the office floor but start pedalling, and the edges may flex over the sides of the pedals, causing discomfort when riding.

Riding a bike with regular shoes can be made much more comfortable by equipping a bike with wide, supportive and grippy flat pedals. A large platform will give even the most flexible of shoes a stable base to push on.

Can I Wear Trainers for Cycling?

Yes, of course! Most trainers, whether sport or fashion orientated, will be fine for a quick dally on two wheels. That said, wearing trainers to ride a bike over long distances or in inclement weather isn’t a sensible idea.

Which Shoes Are Best for Cycling?

Riding a bike can be tough on both your body and your bike. So it’s sensible to have the correct footwear to handle the task.

A rigid sole is a key feature to look for in a pair of “normal” shoes that are still good for riding a bike. This feature will deliver an efficient transfer of pedalling effort to the rear wheel. However, we’d recommend some flex in the shoe to aid comfort when walking.

Waterproofing is a bonus feature for a pair of shoes that are good for cycling. Sodden feet when riding a bike is a sure way to put a frown on even the most ardent cyclist’s face.

Features like waterproof leather, a waterproof coating (often referred to as a DWR) or synthetic materials like Gore-Tex appear in the product description of plenty of “normal” shoes with a waterproof element.

Cycling Shoes vs Regular Shoes

Best “Normal” Shoes for Cycling for Men

Click here to skip to the best women’s shoes

1. Chrome Storm 415 Traction Boot

• £158
• $160
• €158

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• Panaracer vulcanized rubber (outsole)
• Waterproof leather (upper)
• PowerPlate nylon shank (midsole)

Great for riding and living

Looks very much like a “normal” shoe

Available in two colours

Chrome Industries is a top brand in urban cycling shoes so perhaps they shouldn’t have a pair on our list of the best “normal” shoes. But their latest release, the Storm 415 Traction boot, is a cracker.

The boot features a new “traction” sole created in partnership with rubber manufacturer Panaracer. This sole offers excellent grip on the pedals and wet city streets. The shoe upper is made of waterproof leather, making it a suitable option for year-round cycling.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Excellent pedalling performance
• Will complement most outfits nicely

Cons

• Chunky boots won’t be for everyone
• Sizing can be difficult to get right

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2. Tropicfeel Geyser Weatherproof Trainer

• £119
• $159
• €159

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• Canvas and Ripstop made from recycle nylon and elastane (upper)
• Rubber (outsole)

Urban look, outdoor performance

Slip-resistant rubber sole

Uses recycled wool

“The protection of rain boots, the comfort of sports sneakers, the grip of hiking shoes, and the look of your favourite daily pieces.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves, Tropicfeel. The Geyser sneakers are a multifunctional pair of shoes that could easily stand up to the rigours of riding a bike. They’re available in a standard trainer and a more supportive mid-rise shoe.

Pros

• Two different styles
• Neutral styling
• The waterproof membrane is seamless, so won’t rub or irritate

Cons

Black colour only available in mid-rise

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3. Ecco Citytray

• £170
• $200
• €170

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• Full-grain leather (upper)
• Rubber (outsole)

Smart design

Natural performance of leather

Waterproof Gore-Tex

The ECCO Citytray’s are a stylish and practical choice for office or client meetings. These shoes have a traditional office shoe design with a touch of polish. However, they stand out with the added feature of Gore-Tex waterproofing, typically found in outdoor and walking boots, which keeps your feet dry in wet weather.

Pros

• Ideal for the office

Cons

• Very pricey

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Best Cycling Trainers

4. On Cloud Waterproof

• £150
• $170
• €180

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• 90% recycled polyester (upper)
• Rubber (outsole)

 

 

Comfortable trainers

Sustainable materials

Reflective detailing

On’s distinctive looks are popular for active people, and the waterproof Cloud 5 is a sensible option for those who ride a bike. The shoe offers a decent level of waterproofing, and during hot summer days, it will be breathable too. The Cloud 5 is available in both men’s and women’s options.

Pros

• Extremely comfortable
• Use sustainable materials
• Reflective elements
• Lots of colour options

Cons

• Might be considered too casual depending on your activity

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Best Everyday Shoes for Cycling for Women

1. Vessi Weekend Sneaker

• £125
• $125
• €125

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• Waterproof vegan “Dynatex” (outer)
• Rubber (outsole)

Vegan

Lots of colour options

Knit finish gives shoe a casual air

Inspired by tennis shoes, Vessi’s Weekend Sneaker is a casual trainer that could easily fit the bill for someone looking to ride a bike a short distance. As looks go, you’d be hard pressed to argue that these aren’t “normal” and that’s probably thanks to the knit-type pattern on the shoe upper. That knit isn’t all for show either, it’s waterproof – a feature, as we’ve seen, that’s great for a pair of shoes to ride in.

Unlike other shoes in our list, the Weekend Sneaker is actively marketed as washable – machine washable even.

Pros

• Dry sock guarantee
• Machine washable
• Chunky sole to aid pedalling

Cons

• Low-rise won’t offer much support

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2. Allbirds Women’s Tree Breezers

• £100
• $100
• €120

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• Eucalpytus fibre (outer)
• Rubber (outsole)

Fits in well at the office

Variety of colour options

High on the comfort stakes

 

Sometimes, just a simple pair of flat shoes do the trick. Flat shoes are smart enough to give off the right impression but can easily be dressed down for more casual events. Allbirds only do one flat shoe but it’s a doozy, with loads of green credentials to get excited about.

The Tree Breezer’s are made from a trio of green materials – an upper made from eucalyptus tree fibre, a sugarcane outsole and a caster bean insole. For riders, close attention should be paid to the insole. It delivers extra cushioning and because its infused with merino wool, the shoes will offer a decent level of breathability.

Pros

• Simple yet stylish design
• Versatile functionality
• Made from repsonsibly sourced materials

Cons

• Will struggle in the rain

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3. Ecco Street 720 W

• £170
• $170
• €150

Prices are approximate

Materials:

• “LeatherMesh” with GORE-TEX membrane (outer)
• Lightweight PU (outsole)

Designed for active lifestyles

Innovative use of Gore-Tex

Good choice of colours

Ecco are already on our list of best non-cycling shoes for riding and they get another entry with the 720 W – a casual trainer-type shoe. Like the other Ecco shoe listed above, The 720 W uses GoreTex to provide a barrier against rain and road spray when riding a bike and puddles off it.

The midsole of the shoe has plenty of vents to help with breathability.  If you end up late for work or an after-hours rendezvous, riding hard for a few miles shouldn’t make your feet too hot.

Pros

• Thick sole is good for riding
• Half rise provides good support

Cons

• Very casual style

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