Cheap cycling shoe deals: Big savings on high end shoes

cycling shoe deals
(Image credit: Future)

Cycling shoes tend to be a key purchase for the majority of cyclists, and aesthetics, fit and price are probably going to be the key factors that influence buying decisions. 

There is often a range of deals to be had on cycling shoes, and with a range of Christmas and Boxing Day sales already going on, if you find the right deal it's possible to end up with some of the best cycling shoes for a fraction of their original price.

We have compiled the best discounts on a whole range of cycling gear into our main Best Cycling Deals hub, if you fancy hunting for a few more bargains. 

Recent updates

Deals checked: December 20th, 18:33 GMT

Cheap cycling shoes deals

Quick deals

USA: 
🚲 Competitive Cyclist:
Up to 60% off road cycling shoes
🚲 Jenson USA:
Up to 60% off shoes
🚲 Amazon:
Budget brands and deals on Giro
🚲 REI:
Up to 70% off road cycling shoes
🚲 Chain Reaction Cycles:
Mega savings on loads of brands

UK:
🚲 Wiggle: Huge discounts across the board
🚲 Sigma Sports:
Up to 70% off some models
🚲 Chain Reaction Cycles:
Like Wiggle, a mega sale
🚲 Tredz: Over 70% off some shoes
🚲 Rutland Cycling:
As much as 40% off big brands

Cheap cycling shoes deals USA

Giro Republic R Knit: $149.95 $74.98 at Competitive CyclistUp to 50% off - 

Giro Republic R Knit: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fgiro-republic-r-knit-shoe-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$149.95 $74.98 at Competitive Cyclist
Up to 50% off - You can find these knitted shoes on offer in several places at various percentages off. Each offers a different selection of sizes, so be sure to check both, although Competitive Cyclist has the shoe in a good range of sizes. 

The knitted upper married to a carbon sole makes for a very stiff, but comfortable and breathable package. 

Specialized Torch 3.0 Cycling Shoes: $229.99 $114.99 &nbsp;at Competitive Cyclist50% off -

Specialized Torch 3.0 Cycling Shoes: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fspecialized-torch-3.0-cycling-shoe-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$229.99 $114.99  at Competitive Cyclist
50% off - Competitive Cyclist has this grey colour of Specialized's Torch 3.0 in a full range of sizes and a smattering of sizes available in other colours as well. The Torch 3.0 has two Boas for adjustability and includes Specialized's BG features for pedalling comfort.

Pearl Izumi Attack Road Shoe: $160.00 $103.99 at Competitive Cyclist35% off -&nbsp;

Pearl Izumi Attack Road Shoe: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fpearl-izumi-attack-road-cycling-shoe-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$160.00 $103.99 at Competitive Cyclist
35% off - At half price, these versatile shoes from Pearl Izumi are a great option to jump into performance footwear. Compatible with both 2-bolt and 3-bolt cleats you can use them on the road, for a spin class, or both. A single Boa dial in conjunction with a Velcro strap helps you tune them to your feet. 

Specialized Torch 2.0: $169.99 from $126.99 at Competitive CyclistUp to 25% off -&nbsp;

Specialized Torch 2.0: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fspecialized-torch-2.0-cycling-shoe-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$169.99 from $126.99 at Competitive Cyclist
Up to 25% off - The Torch isn't quite the range-topping shoe that the S-Works 7 is, but it has similar fit and features, with a Boa and Velcro fit combo, a carbon sole, and Body Geometry ergonomics built in. It's just a bit more suited to intermediate riders, which is reflected in the price too. It's available in either the black version or white and black.

Giro Empire ACC Women's: $299.95 $119.99 at Competitive CyclistUp to 60% off -

Giro Empire ACC Women's:<a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fgiro-empire-acc-shoes-womens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com""> $299.95 $119.99 at Competitive Cyclist
Up to 60% off - If you wear a size 37-43 and like these shoes in black, then you're in for a serious bargain, but you have to be quick because they won't hang around. There's a discount on white too.

Sidi Alba 2:$249.99 $137.49 at Competitive Cyclist
45% off -

Sidi Alba 2: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fsidi-alba-2-cycling-shoe-womens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$249.99 $137.49 at Competitive Cyclist
45% off -
The Alba 2 women's shoe from Sidi represents solid Sidi quality and styling at a more affordable price point. There's a stiff carbon sole and BOA dial system. Sidi shoes run small so it's worth double checking your sizing. 

Perl Izumi Pro Air Cycling Shoe: $400.00 $160.00 at Competitive CyclistUp to 60% off -&nbsp;

Perl Izumi Pro Air Cycling Shoe: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fpearl-izumi-pro-air-cycling-shoe-mens-plzo8e2" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$400.00 $160.00 at Competitive Cyclist
Up to 60% off - This lace-up shoe is well-vented and a full 20% lighter than its predecessor. At this discount, it's a serious deal and a great rival to other lightweight lace-ups like the Giro Empire SLX. The shoe is available in sizes EU 40,47 and 48 only. 

Specialized S-Works Recon Lace:$324.99 $161.99 at Competitive Cyclist50% off -

Specialized S-Works Recon Lace: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fspecialized-s-works-recon-lace-shoe" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$324.99 $161.99 at Competitive Cyclist
50% off - The S-Works Recon shoes can tackle mud, gravel, and mountain bike duties. The 50% discount applies to the oak green and black versions. There's less discount but more cleaning if you want white. Check out our <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/specialized-s-works-recon-review/" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">full review where we wondered if they were the fastest off-road shoes on the market. 

Pearl Izumi PRO Road Shoe: $400.00 $200.00 at Competitive Cyclist50% off -&nbsp;

Pearl Izumi PRO Road Shoe: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fpearl-izumi-pro-leader-v4-shoe-plz00ue" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$400.00 $200.00 at Competitive Cyclist
50% off - The Pro road shoe is discounted heavily in the black colourway and a decent range of sizes. The shoes benefit from an excellent dual-Boa fit system, heavily vented knit uppers, and a super low weight thanks to a carbon sole. 

Specialized S Works Ares:$424.99$211.99 at Competitive Cyclist
50% off -

Specialized S Works Ares: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fspecialized-s-works-ares-road-shoe-mens-scq00ih" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$424.99 $211.99 at Competitive Cyclist
50% off -
The Ares are top-end performance road shoes and have been worn by a range of pro riders. We cited their top-level power transfer and foot retention in <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/specialized-s-works-ares-shoe-review/" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">our review. Five colourways are discounted and in a range of sizes.

Giro Empire SLX: $374.95 $243.72 at Competitive Cyclist
35% off -

Giro Empire SLX: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fgiro-empire-slx-shoes" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$374.95 $243.72 at Competitive Cyclist
35% off -
The Empire SLX in Iceberg colourway carries one of the best discounts we can find for our favourite Empire SLX shoes from Giro. There's a good range of sizes available starting at EU 39. Check out our<a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-cycling-shoes/" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com""> best cycling shoe guide for even more tech info on the Empire shoes.

Shimano RC-902 S-Phyre Shoe: $460.00 $253.00 at Competitive CyclistUp to 45% off -&nbsp;

Shimano RC-902 S-Phyre Shoe: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fshimano-sh-rc9-s-phyre-bicycle-shoe-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$460.00 $253.00 at Competitive Cyclist
Up to 45% off - A truly pro-tier offering from the Japanese brand, although now superseded by the RC-903 below. Dual Boa dials take care of the fit and a super stiff carbon sole deals with the power transfer. This discount is only available for EU size 40.

Shimano RC903 S-Phyre Cycling Shoes: $449.95 $337.50 at Competitive Cyclist25% off -

Shimano RC903 S-Phyre Cycling Shoes: <a href="https://classic.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=11465&pw=27131&ctc=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.competitivecyclist.com%2Fshimano-rc903-s-phyre-cycling-shoes-mens" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">$449.95 $337.50 at Competitive Cyclist
25% off - Shimano's top-of-range shoes just keep getting better and it's tweaked the design further with the latest <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/shimano-sphyre-rc903-review/" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="competitivecyclist.com"">S-Phyre 903 shoes. Competitive Cyclist has the shoe in a range of colours and a decent spread of sizes and is offering 25% off.

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(Image credit: Future)

Cheap Cycling Shoes Deals UK

Giro Empire SLX:£329 £218.00 at Sigma Sports34% off -

Giro Empire SLX: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=25809&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sigmasports.com%2Fitem%2FGiro%2FEmpire-SLX-Road-Cycling-Shoes%2FMPFX%3Fs%3D1#mz-expanded-view-1346922681693" data-link-merchant="sigmasports.com"">£329 £218.00 at Sigma Sports
34% off - The Giro Empire SLX shoes took the top spot in our <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-cycling-shoes/#section-best-overall" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="sigmasports.com"">best cycling shoes buyers guide. They currently carry a hefty discount in the UK for a range of sizes and in black and white colourways. 

dhb Dorica Road: £85.00£15.00 at Wiggle82% off -

dhb Dorica Road: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1857&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiggle.com%2Fp%2Fdhb-dorica-road-shoe" data-link-merchant="wiggle.com"">£85.00 £15.00 at Wiggle
82% off - Add a touch of class to your cycling wardrobe with the lace-up dhb Dorica shoes, available in black, white and grey, and with most of the sizes still in stock.

dhb Aeron Lab Carbon: £180 £30 at Wiggle83% off -

dhb Aeron Lab Carbon: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1857&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiggle.com%2Fp%2Fdhb-aeron-lab-carbon-road-shoe-dial" data-link-merchant="wiggle.com"">£180 £30 at Wiggle
83% off - Save big on these carbon road shoes with double dial adjustment from dhb's Aeron range. The deal is available in the black or white colourways, with more size options in black. 

Giro Republic R Knit: £139 £46 at Sigma Sports67% off -

Giro Republic R Knit: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=25809&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sigmasports.com%2Fitem%2FGiro%2FRepublic-R-Knit-Road-Shoes%2FHEER" data-link-merchant="sigmasports.com"">£139 £46 at Sigma Sports
67% off - There are EU sizes 37 and 38 left in the Black/Charcoal colourway of the Republic R Knit shoes, featuring a knitted upper to support and vent extremely well. 

Shimano RC1 road shoes: £89.99£54.99 at Tredz£35 off -

Shimano RC1 road shoes: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6821&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Shimano-RC1-RC100-SPD-SL-Road-Shoes_229287.htm" data-link-merchant="tredz.co.uk"">£89.99 £54.99 at Tredz
£35 off - Available in a range of sizes in both Navy and Black, the Shimano RC1s are an excellent entry-level shoe for anyone who's just getting into road cycling for the first time, or looking to upgrade to clipping in. They feature a synthetic leather upper with mesh texture for a comfortable fit, and three durable hook and loop straps for closure.

Pearl Izumi Elite Road V5 Road Shoes: £179.99 £59.99 at CycleStore66% off -

Pearl Izumi Elite Road V5 Road Shoes: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3462&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cyclestore.co.uk%2Fpearl_izumi_elite_road_v5_road_shoes-ID_72017" data-link-merchant="cyclestore.co.uk"">£179.99 £59.99 at CycleStore
66% off - Three colourways are still available in a range of sizes, so act fast to not miss out on grabbing these road shoes for two thirds off the retail price.

Sidi Alba 2£189£69 at Sigma Sport
Up to 63% off -

Sidi Alba 2: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=25809&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sigmasports.com%2Fitem%2FSidi%2FAlba-2-Road-Cycling-Shoes%2FO488" data-link-merchant="sigmasports.com"">£189 £69 at Sigma Sport
Up to 63% off -
The Sidi Alba 2 men's shoes are discounted by just under 30% in the white/black and black versions and far more in the black and red variety, although only in a few sizes. They have a Sidi Millennium 4 carbon sole and the advantage of lots of Sidi spares being available. The 63% discount is only for the black/red colour, but the black and white pairs are up at 28% off.

Shimano RC702:£189.99£94.99 at Tredz
£95 off -

Shimano RC702: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6821&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Shimano-RC702-SPD-SL-Road-Cycling-Shoes_245111.htm" data-link-merchant="tredz.co.uk"">£189.99 £94.99 at Tredz
£95 off -
The black version of the RC702 shoes is most heavily discounted, coming in at under £100 - that's great value for a pair of these shoes. For that money, you're getting a carbon sole and BOA L6 closure dials. This low price is only available in the smallest size, however, with the bigger sizes in black at £129.99.

Specialized Torch 2.0 Road: £175.00£104.99 at CycleStore40% off -

Specialized Torch 2.0 Road: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=3462&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cyclestore.co.uk%2Fspecialized_torch_2_0_road_shoes_2019-ID_73079" data-link-merchant="cyclestore.co.uk"">£175.00 £104.99 at CycleStore
40% off - These shoes are all about comfort and performance, designed to carry the necessary stiffness for efficient power output, while also cupping and supporting your foot in a way that's comfortable and sustainable over a long day in the saddle. Combining Body Geometry sole construction and the medium-stiffness FACT carbon sole, the Specialized Torch 2.0 road shoes are currently a bargain.

Specialized S-Works Recon MTB XC Shoes: £220£132 at Sigma Sports40% off -

Specialized S-Works Recon MTB XC Shoes: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=25809&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sigmasports.com%2Fitem%2FSpecialized%2FS-Works-Recon-MTB-XC-Shoes%2FKLCW" data-link-merchant="sigmasports.com"">£220 £132 at Sigma Sports
40% off - As the top-tier race-ready XC/gravel shoe from Specialized, the S-Works Recon is based around the brand's popular S-Works 7 road shoe, but with a treaded sole, SPD compatibility and durable bumper at the front. It's rare to find this shoe discounted. The last available size in this deal is EU36.

Gaerne Carbon Stilo+: £329.99£165.00 at Wiggle50% off -

Gaerne Carbon Stilo+: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1857&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiggle.com%2Fp%2Fgaerne-carbon-g-stilo-spd-sl-road-shoes" data-link-merchant="wiggle.com"">£329.99 £165.00 at Wiggle
50% off - Get a pair of these top-spec shoes, made by Gaerne in the home of Italian shoemaking in the Venito. You get two Boa dials on top and Gaerne's stiffest sole on the bottom for fast, efficient pedalling and weight claimed by Gaerne to be under 600g a pair. The deal now is just for the white version and size EU43. 

Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Matt:£390£156.00 at Wiggle60% off -

Sidi Wire 2 Carbon Matt: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1857&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wiggle.com%2Fp%2Fsidi-wire-2-carbon-matt-road-shoes" data-link-merchant="wiggle.com"">£390 £156.00 at Wiggle
60% off - The Sidi Wire 2 Carbon shoes carry the biggest discount in the matt grey colour, with 60% off in an EU 40. There are a host of tech features including adjustable heel retention, vent carbon sole and the Techno 3 retention system. Other sizes and colours are available at slightly less discounted prices.

S-Works Ares Road Cycling Shoes: £350£199 at Tredz£151 off -

S-Works Ares Road Cycling Shoes: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=6821&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Specialized-S-Works-Ares-Road-Cycling-Shoes_235071.htm" data-link-merchant="tredz.co.uk"">£350 £199 at Tredz
£151 off - Specialized's S-Works Ares shoes are WorldTour-proven and provide impressive comfort and fit, while boosting power transfer and all-round performance. They feature the class-leading twin Boa Li2 dial retention system, a tongueless sock system for the best fit, and a non-slip replaceable heel pad. You can grab a pair now, or read <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/specialized-s-works-ares-shoe-review/" data-link-merchant="cyclingnews.com"" data-link-merchant="tredz.co.uk"">our review if you want some more info. 

Best budget cycling shoes

If you've worked your way through the deals above and didn't find the best cheap cycling shoes for your needs, then fear not, as we have even more great options for you. 

Rather than more deals, this section covers our pick of the best budget-level cycling shoes. They forego some of the high-performance tech from the best cycling shoes, but more importantly, they also forego the high price tags. 

Cheap cycling shoes: Bontrager Circuit

(Image credit: Bontrager)

Bontrager Circuit

Best for beginners

Specifications

Cleats: Two-bolt, three-bolt
Retention: Boa, Velcro
Sole material: 85% Nylon, 15% Fibreglass

Reasons to buy

+
Two and three-bolt cleat compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two colours to choose from

With its two- and three-bolt cleat compatibility, the Circuit shoes from Bontrager are great for beginners who might prefer the easier clipless action of two-bolt SPD pedals (mountain bike) vs the more secure hold of three-bolt SPD-SL (road).

The two colour choices might be a little limited, but both offer a stylish aesthetic at what is a reasonably affordable price point. The fibreglass-and-nylon-mix sole will offer a combination of comfort and stiffness, and the velcro strap combines with a Boa L6 dial to provide a secure, yet comfortable fit. 

Cheap cycling shoes: Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5

(Image credit: Fizik)

Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5

Best for style

Specifications

Cleats: Three-bolt
Retention: Velcro
Sole material: Carbon reinforced nylon

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable multi-wrap velcro

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two colours to choose from

Trickling technology down from the type of shoes worn by Fizik's sponsored team Movistar, the Tempo Powerstrap R5 shoes offer a great deal of that premium aesthetic at a surprisingly affordable price. Looks aren't everything though, so it's reassuring to know that, thanks to the wrap-over velcro straps, the Fizik shoes are super comfortable for most foot shapes. 

These cheap cycling shoes are anything but cheap when it comes to build quality, and the only shoe in this lineup to use carbon fibre in the sole, it's unsurprising to see the Fizik shoes tip the scales at just 255 grams. Not the lightest here, but not far off. 

There are four colours to choose from, and sizes range from a dainty EU36 to a plenty-big-enough EU48. 

Cheap cycling shoes: Mavic Cosmic

(Image credit: Mavic)

Mavic Cosmic Boa

Best for light weight

Specifications

Cleats: Three-bolt
Retention: Boa dial
Sole material: Nylon and fibreglass

Reasons to buy

+
Weight of 250g (claimed)
+
All four colours are nice

Reasons to avoid

-
Narrow profile

Tipping the scales at a meagre 250 grams, the Cosmic Boa is a lightweight, narrow shoe with a well-ventilated sole and a breathable upper. 

Retention is actioned by a single L6 Boa dial, which operates a lace-like closure across the forefoot for increased comfort. This comfort is complemented by an Ortholite insole and a roomier toe-box to prevent squashed toes.

The outsole is constructed from a mix of nylon and fibreglass, which combine to offer a comfortable platform without a loss of power transfer. 

Available in four colours to satisfy all style requirements. 

Cheap cycling shoes: Shimano RC5

(Image credit: Shimano)

Shimano RC5

Best for comfort

Specifications

Cleats: Three-bolt
Retention: Boa dial, Velcro
Sole material: Nylon and fibreglass

Reasons to buy

+
Weight of 250g (claimed)
+
Lots of cleat adjustability
+
Comfort

Shimano really knows how to make a great pair of cycling shoes. The Japanese components brand may be better known for its groupsets, but it came out on top of our recent gravel shoes grouptest, and received a strong 4.5 stars in our recent Shimano S-Phyre RC9 shoes review

The RC5 features plenty of trickle-down technology from the upper echelons of the range including a Boa dial and Velcro strap for closure, the highly adjustable cleat positioning, and specifically placed padding for improved comfort. 

Cheap cycling shoes: Specialized Torch 1

(Image credit: Specialized)

Specialized Torch 1.0

Best for stiffness

Specifications

Cleats: Three-bolt
Retention: Boa dial, Velcro
Sole material: Injection-molded nylon

Reasons to buy

+
Body Geometry comfort considerations
+
Reflective heel

Makers of some of the most popular shoes in the WorldTour and amateur scenes, Specialized sure knows what it's doing when it comes to footwear. The Torch 1.0 road shoes offer an injection moulded sole for increased stiffness and efficient power transfer. The Boa dial is paired with a velcro strap like a few of the other shoes featured here, and the heel cup features reflective detailing for increased low-light safety. 

Rated at 6/15 on the stiffness index, the Torch 1.0 shoes are plenty responsive when it comes to jumping on the pedals, yet the slight flex and Body Geometry sole and footbeds will combine to offer increased comfort for long days. 

The older Torch 1.0 shoes - which feature three velcro straps instead of the Boa dial - are still sparsely available, often with huge discounts, so if you're not sold on the Boa dial for retention, a discount might be available. 

Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way.