Do you need special shoes for Peloton biking? This is a question with a two-way answer, depending on how you will be cycling the Peloton bike.
First off, Peloton is an indoor spinning bike, which comes with its workout sessions. You can get either live or on-demand sessions, and they are all so many that you cannot exhaust them.
The first answer is no, you don’t need special shoes for Peloton, and your explanation is here:
If you want to cycle casually on Peloton, or just once in a while, you can use toe cages. There are several options of toe cages suitable for the peloton bike, and you can even switch the pedals if need be.
You can change peloton pedals for SPD pedals to suit your cleat compatibility preference. And not just SPD, but also other pedals such as Look Keo. You will only have to check the compatibility of the spindle thread with the Peloton crank arm, and you will be good to go.
The second answer is yes, you need special shoes for peloton cycling, and we will explain the answer below:
Basically, the Peloton bike comes with clipless pedals, hence the need for compatible cycling shoes. The pedals are best used with 3-hole cleat cycling shoes, which are either Look Delta or SPD-SL cleat systems.
SPD-SL and Look Delta cleat designs are the only options you have with Peloton pedals, hence the answer that you will need special shoes on the bike.
Related Article: Best Peloton Compatible Shoes for both Men & Women: Look Delta Shoes
Why Do You Need Cycling Shoes for Peloton?
Like we mentioned earlier, Peloton bike comes with both on-demand and live class sessions. Your metrics on the bike will depend on your resistance and cadence, cadence being the rotations your flywheel makes per minute. Therefore, it will be based on your pedalling power.
If you want faster pedalling, then power transfer is one of the best assistance you can get. Power transfer will ensure that you rarely get fatigued, as the pedals do more work than your feet, hence the help.
So, where do cycling shoes come in with all these? Cycling shoes are the best bet you have with power transfer. Therefore, if you want to improve your cadence and overall output on the bike, then Peloton’s special cycling shoes will be necessary.
Besides, you will definitely join the peloton community on the leaderboard in a live peloton class. Every peloton user’s dream is to do better on the leaderboard, even if they will not be leading. Therefore, power transfer will be essential to fulfill this dream.
It would most importantly be best if you had cycling shoes on the peloton bike because the pedals are clipless. Therefore, cycling shoes are your only option to ride safely on the pedals, without slipping off, at least until you get peloton toe cages.
Do I Need Peloton Shoes?
No, you don’t need peloton shoes. However, the shoes are an excellent choice if you have the budget and the sizing for you. The Peloton shoes sizing run true to size, and those with standard feet can use them or size up a bit. Over and above that, the shoes are a quality you are not gambling with, thus highly durable.
Nevertheless, Peloton allows you to buy shoes from other brands, as long as the cleat compatibility is 3-hole and Look Delta or SPD-SL. If you have wider feet or find comfort in shoes that are from another brand, then you can use this on Peloton.
Related: 6 Best Peloton Shoes for Wide Feet: Prevent Toe Clogging when Spinning
Also, if you want to use toe cages on the bike, then you can use any other shoe, even sneakers on the bike. Peloton toe cages allow you the freedom to cycle with any shoe, and also incorporate friends and family in the cycling workouts. In any case, toe cages do not have shoe size limitations so that anyone can spin in them.
Can You Use Other Shoes with Peloton Bike?
Yes, you can use other shoes with Peloton bike, as long as they are compatible with the Peloton pedals. There is a broad spectrum of shoes that are Look Delta and SPD-SL in the market so that you can get your perfect choice of the best shoes for peloton bike.
However, always consider the different aspects of the shoes before you purchase them. Unlike peloton shoes, you cannot be sure of the quality and performance of the shoes, so you will need to undertake thorough research on the specific shoes.
Check that the shoe bottom is rigid for power transfer, the top breathable for comfort, and the sizing within your shoe comfort zone. Other than that, you will need to ensure that the quality and durability of the shoe is top-notch so that you don’t have to keep getting a new pair.
Can I Use Regular Shoes on Peloton?
Yes, you can use regular shoes on Peloton, as long as you are using toe cages. Peloton offers toe cages that are compatible with the peloton pedals, and so does the Exustar brand. If you own a pair of one of these, then you can definitely use any regular shoes on the Peloton bike.
Another successful, though not recommended, aspect that most Peloton users have tried with the bike is switching off the Peloton pedals for other pedals. The peloton bike crank arm is compatible with any pedal whose axle is 9/16 inches, hence most of those available for spinning bikes.
Given this information, you can switch the Peloton pedals with pedals that come with toe cages or are compatible with readily available toe cages. That being so, you can wear regular shoes on the peloton bike with the toe cages installed on the pedals.
Related: 5 Best Toe Cages for Peloton & Spinning Bike: Easy Installation!
Bottom Line
Do you need special shoes for peloton cycling? You obviously do, that is if you want to reap the full benefits of a Peloton. You will get power transfer, feel secure and be competitive on the leaderboard. However, special shoes are not necessary for Peloton. You can use toe cages, which allow you the freedom of using your tennis and basketball shoes on the bike.