I love cycling. It was this love and my desire to compete that drew me into the world of triathlons. Competing or even just finishing a triathlon is one of the most physically demanding and satisfying experiences you can have. Today we will deep dive into the best triathlon bike shoes.
But you need the right gear. That’s why I’ve already looked at the best tri suits for IronMan and why I believe it is important to have the right shoes when riding your bike. I’ve been fortunate enough to try an array of pairs while competing and have to say that nothing beats the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate
These shoes are more than just comfortable; they are versatile, easy to slip on, and quick drying. They will help you to shave time off your best in a race. Of course, you’ll need the best watch for triathletesto help with verifying this.
The Mavic Cosmic Ultimate – Best Overall
Although Mavic is not devoted to tri-athletes they have some excellent products and make shoes for many of the Tour de France racers; that’s pretty impressive credentials.
It is worth noting that you can get these in a highly visible but stylish yellow. You can also opt for the black and white version if you prefer to keep your shoes and yourself on a slightly lower profile.
Made of Carbon
Weigh Just 8 ½ ounces
Ortholite Insole
Breathable Mesh
Advantages
Manufacture Materials
The Mavic Cosmic Ultimate has an outsole made from carbon SLR. This makes it stiff enough to ensure your energy is transferred to the pedals and not wasted. The inner sole is made from ortholite. This material is designed to change by less than 5% over time.
That means it will not lose the cushioning or comfort; no matter how long you keep the shoes for!
Velcro Under Insole
This strap is very adjustable; making it easy to get the comfort level just right every time. It also makes it easy to slip the shoe on and fasten; minimizing your transition time between stages of the triathlon.
This is a clever design feature. A dial and the Velcro straps are firmly attached to the shoe with laces. You simply pull the Velcro strap over and turn the dial. The shoe will feel like part of your foot.
Grip
The Cosmic Ultimate has tread on the heel to aid your grip when pedaling hard. You can also use the outsole to guide you effortlessly into the cleats.
Combine this with the carbon energy frame and you’ll feel the difference as you climb the hills.
Breathability
Even on the hottest of days, these shoes proved to be effective at transferring the heat away from your feet and allowing them to breathe.
This is due to the inclusion of several breathable panels and the carbon outsole. It really works!
Disadvantages
Potentially Uncomfortable
There is no doubt that the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate is a rigid shoe. This should help support your foot and allow you to focus on pedaling. However, it is possible that you’ll find the carbon too unforgiving; making your foot uncomfortable.
Unable To Loosen The Shoe
The dial to tighten the shoe is excellent. Unfortunately, if you overtighten it you can’t simply loosen it a little.
It will loosen the straps completely; meaning you have to tighten them again. This could take valuable seconds if you’re struggling to get the right feel and comfort level.
Pearl iZUMi Tri Fly V Carbon – Best For Value
This shoe represents great value for the money. In fact I was torn between the Pearl iZUMi Tri Fly V Carbonand the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate. Ultimately the Mavic is more affordable.
But, these shoes are still a great choice for the best triathlon bike shoes.
Carbon Sole For Energy Transfer
Weigh just 9 ounces
Oversized & Offset Heel Loop
Designed to be used without socks
Advantages
Extremely Comfortable
The Pearl iZUMi is exceptionally well constructed and designed to be worn without socks. This speeds up transition time when racing while still offering a surprising level of comfort.
The lack of socks also prevents the discomfort of a sock moving as you pedal; and you being unable to do anything about it.
This comfort is further enhanced by the single strap construction. It helps to prevent chafing or hot spots while still holding your foot firmly in position.
It even has a loop on the back of the shoe to facilitate the quick transfer of your feet from swimming to cycling shoes.
Energy Transfer
Once again the carbon sole makes it easy for the energy you produce to be transferred directly to the bike. The fact that the carbon is stiff allows energy to be transferred to a focal point; the pedal; regardless of where your foot is positioned.
It is also relevant to note that a carbon sole will not allow the pedal to dig into your foot. While this may not be an issue for a few races, over time this can cause injury to your feet; carbon soles protect against this.
Ventilation
The Tri Fly V Carbon has an upper lined mesh and utilizes direct vent technology. This allows your foot to breathe as you pedal; helping to disperse the heat buildup and ensure your energy and focus is on the bike and not your own comfort.
Disadvantages
Sizing Is Small
The sizing guide has a strong hint of the European. It is highly unlikely that your normal size will apply when purchasing these shoes.
You’ll probably need to go a size or even a size and a half bigger when you order these. For this reason, it is a good idea to try the shoes before you commit to buying. No matter how comfortable they can be; they won’t if you buy the wrong size.
Cost
These are not the cheapest shoes on the market although they do represent excellent value for the money.
Providing you’re getting serious about your triathlon endeavors then they are worth the investment; they will give you years of service.
Hardness
Just as the Cosmic Ultimate could potentially give you comfort issues with the rigidity of the shoe; so too could the Tri Fly V carbon. It is best to ease them into your routine gently.
Scott Tri Carbon – Best On A Budget
Weigh just 9 ounces
Excellent closure system
HMX Carbon Outsole
Hook & Loop strap system
Wrap fit technology
Advantages
Comfortable
The Scott Tri Carbonhas 3D Nylon Airmesh incorporated into the upper microfiber material. This is soft enough to ensure you remain comfortable while breathable enough to make sure your foot never gets too hot.
There are no harsh seams inside the shoe; you can comfortably wear the Scott Tri carbon without socks if you wish.
It also utilizes an adjustable ergological insole system which allows them to pre-shape the insoles to your foot; providing maximum comfort and support.
Loop System
There is a large loop at the back of the shoe; this is designed to help you slide your foot in and out of the shoe. Which you need to do in a hurry will depend on which stage of the race you’re at.
Boa Enclosure
The Scott Tri Carbonutilizes a dial system to close your shoe. However, this dial is exceptionally good as it can be tweaked in both directions to allow you to create the perfect tightness and comfort for your foot.
There is an adjustable dial, strong and light laces and lace guides. The dial simply tightens the laces to ensure a snug fit across the shoe.
What is particularly good is the ability to loosen these laces by just 1mm at a time.
Disadvantages
Can be difficult to put on
There is no doubt that these triathlon bike shoes are a snug fit. This is great when riding but, even with the loop and the full release of the tightening dial; it can be difficult to slide onto your feet quickly.
Considering that the right cycling shoes can help you to shave just seconds off your overall time; you may lose as much as you can gain when trying to get these shoes on.
It’s worth noting that getting them off is easy!
Sizing on the small size
The Scott Tri Carbon appears to adopt European sizes as well. Again this means you need to go a size or maybe even two sizes above your normal.
It is definitely worth trying before you buy to ensure they will be comfortable when you ride.
Not as Efficient at energy transfer
The Scott Tri Carbon cycling shoe offers a 9 on the rigidity scale. This is the lowest of these three options and may make a difference to the efficiency of your energy transfer.
A Final Word On The best Triathlon Bike Shoes
Best triathlon bike shoes
There is no doubt that all 3 of these shoes are capable of doing the job. However, if you really want to gain those extra seconds and increase the power going through your bike then you need to choose the Mavic Cosmic Ultimate.
Put on a pair of these best triathlon bike shoes and you’ll feel like you’re not even wearing shoes. But at the same time, it will give you the rigidity and breathability you need to increase your performance.
It is essential to remember that these are not just bike shoes, they have been created with the tri-athlete in mind and will help you to achieve the ride of your life!
