If you’ve already ordered a pair of cycling shoes only to discover they don’t clip into your Peloton pedals, you’re not alone. It happens a lot, and the reason is almost always the same: many indoor cycling shoes use a 2-bolt SPD cleat system, and Peloton’s pedals take a Look Delta-style 3-bolt cleat instead. Different bolt pattern, different cleat, and it won’t clip in.
Here’s what you need to know. Peloton describes its Bike and Bike+ pedals as Delta-compatible, and says Delta-compatible cleats go on any bike shoe with a 3-screw hole sole. That means a 3-bolt sole pattern with Delta cleats, not 2-bolt SPD cleats and not SPD-SL cleats (SPD-SL uses the same 3-hole shoe pattern, but the cleat itself is a different shape and won’t clip into a Delta pedal). Some shoes come with Delta cleats in the box. Others have the right sole holes but need Delta cleats bought separately. We spell out which is which for every shoe on this list.
We looked at eight options that work with Peloton’s stock pedals, from budget picks to a couple of premium ones, in men’s, women’s and unisex versions with velcro, buckle and BOA closures. Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
The short version before we get into the details – these are the things most people wish they’d known before clicking “add to cart.”
- Peloton describes its Bike and Bike+ pedals as Delta-compatible and says to use cleats on a shoe with a 3-screw hole sole. A 2-bolt SPD shoe on its own won’t clip in. This is the single most important thing to check before buying any cycling shoe.
- Six of the eight shoes here include Delta cleats: the Tommaso Strada 200, the Peloton shoe, the Venzo Women’s, the Tommaso Strada Elite Duale, the VikoViren and the Roknemo.
- If you want BOA dials, the Tommaso Strada Elite Duale lists two of them.
- The Shimano SH-RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest are road-style shoes with a 3-hole sole that need Delta cleats bought separately.
- The VikoViren and Roknemo have both 3-hole and 2-hole soles, so they also take SPD cleats if you use another system elsewhere.
- We left out shoes that only take 2-bolt SPD cleats, because they won’t clip into stock Peloton pedals without a pedal swap.
| Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride Men’s Peloton Cycle Shoes |  |
Best Overall | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: Buckle + 2 Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Peloton Cycling Shoes for Peloton Bike and Bike+ |  |
Best Official Pick | Cleat System: Delta-compatible | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: Ratchet clip + Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Venzo Women’s Cycling Riding Shoes with Look Delta Cleats |  |
Best for Women | Cleat System: Look Delta + SPD | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: 3 Velcro Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Tommaso Strada Elite Duale Ready-to-Ride Men’s Peloton Shoes (BOA) |  |
Best BOA Closure | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: Dual BOA Dials | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| VikoViren Unisex Cycling Shoes Compatible with Peloton Bike and SPD |  |
Best Budget Pick | Cleat System: Look Delta + SPD | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: Single Hook-and-Loop Strap | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Roknemo Men’s Cycling Shoes – 2 and 3 Bolt, Look Delta Cleats Included |  |
Best for Versatility | Cleat System: 2-bolt + 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: 3 Velcro Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shimano SH-RP101 Road Cycling Shoe |  |
Best Mid-Range | Cleat System: 3-hole (SPD-SL pattern) + SPD | Cleats Included: No | Closure: Single Strap | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoe |  |
Best Premium Value | Cleat System: 3-hole + 2-hole sole | Cleats Included: No | Closure: 3 Hook-and-Loop Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride Men’s Peloton Cycle Shoes
The Tommaso Strada 200 is the easiest answer to the “which shoe works with my Peloton” question because it removes the most common mistake from the equation. The Delta cleats come with the shoe, and Tommaso describes them as pre-installed, so when the box arrives you check the fit and clip in.
The sole has the 3-bolt hole pattern for Delta cleats and a no-flex, fiberglass-infused construction, according to Tommaso’s product page. The closure is a buckle plus two straps, and the upper is a breathable knit mesh.
Tommaso’s advice on sizing is to order one size larger than your regular size, since cycling shoes are meant to fit snugly. The listing also notes the shoe can be used on other road and indoor bikes if you buy the matching cleats, and it lists a lifetime warranty.
This is the pick for anyone who just wants to buy one thing and start riding. If you don’t own Delta cleats already and don’t want to think about it, start here.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Delta cleats included (Tommaso says pre-installed)
- Closure: Buckle + 2 straps
- Sole: No-flex fiberglass-infused
- Upper: Knit mesh
- Fit: Maker says order one size larger
- Best For: Peloton riders who want zero hassle out of the box
- Gender: Men’s (Tommaso sells women’s models separately)
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Peloton Cycling Shoes for Peloton Bike and Bike+
If you’d rather buy the shoe Peloton designed for its own bike, it’s on Amazon. The listing says these shoes were designed for the Peloton Bike and Bike+ and include Delta-compatible bike cleats, with the tools you need to install them. Assembly is required, so plan on bolting the cleats on yourself.
The closure is a quick ratchet clip plus hook-and-loop straps, and there are mesh vents on the base of the shoe. Peloton describes a stiff sole for direct power transfer.
On fit, Peloton says the shoes run true to the size of your everyday shoe with a narrow to normal fit, and recommends sizing up if you fall between sizes or have a wider foot. Sizing is shown in both men’s and women’s terms, and the family on Amazon has men’s and women’s listings.
This is a good pick if you want cleats and shoes designed around the Peloton pedal from the brand itself. The trade-off is that it is aimed at Peloton use, while some of the road-style shoes below also work with other pedal systems.
- Cleat Pattern: Delta-compatible (3-screw hole)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Delta-compatible cleats and install tools
- Closure: Quick ratchet clip + hook-and-loop straps
- Sole: Stiff sole (per Peloton)
- Upper: Mesh vents on the base
- Fit: True to size, narrow to normal; size up for wide feet
- Best For: Riders who want the official Peloton shoe
- Gender: Unisex sizing; men’s and women’s listings available
- Price Tier: Premium
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Venzo Women’s Cycling Riding Shoes with Look Delta Cleats
Women’s cycling shoes that clip into a Peloton are easy to miss on Amazon, because many listings are men’s or unisex. This Venzo women’s model ships with cleats in the box, which takes the guesswork out of the setup.
The package includes one pair of shoes and one pair of Look Delta cleats with 9-degree float, according to the listing. The listing says the sole is compatible with the Peloton Bike and the Look Delta system and also with SPD cleats, so it has both 3-hole and 2-hole patterns.
Three hook-and-loop straps handle the closure, and the upper is a quick-drying mesh and synthetic mix with a textile lining and removable sockliner. The cut is low, the forefoot is flexible and the heel has a running-shoe style bevel. Venzo lists a 2-year warranty.
If you’re a first-time buyer on a Peloton and want a women’s shoe with cleats included, this is a straightforward pick. Check the size chart on the listing, since the listing does not state a width.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt Look Delta and 2-bolt SPD
- Cleats Included: Yes – 1 pair of Look Delta cleats (9-degree float)
- Closure: 3 hook-and-loop straps
- Sole: Listing does not give sole material
- Upper: Quick-drying mesh and synthetic, textile lining
- Fit: Low-cut; check size chart
- Best For: Women who want a Peloton-ready shoe with cleats included
- Gender: Women’s
- Price Tier: Budget
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Tommaso Strada Elite Duale Ready-to-Ride Men’s Peloton Shoes (BOA)
BOA dial closure is the part of a cycling shoe people tend to love: you turn a dial and the fit tightens evenly, without velcro that slowly loosens. The Tommaso Strada Elite Duale is the Peloton-ready way to get it, because the listing says it’s a Ready-to-Ride model with Delta cleats and two BOA dials.
The upper is a breathable knit mesh. Like the Strada 200, Tommaso’s listing says to select one size larger than your regular size, and it notes the shoe can be used on other road and indoor bikes if you buy the matching cleats. Tommaso backs it with a lifetime warranty.
The version linked here is the Delta cleats model. Tommaso also sells a 2-in-1 Duale where you install your own Delta or SPD cleats, so check that the listing you land on says Delta cleats are included if that’s what you want.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Delta cleats (per listing title)
- Closure: Two BOA dials
- Sole: Not detailed in the listing
- Upper: Knit mesh
- Fit: Maker says order one size larger
- Best For: Riders who want BOA closure and cleats in the box
- Gender: Men’s
- Price Tier: Premium
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VikoViren Unisex Cycling Shoes Compatible with Peloton Bike and SPD
If the goal is to spend as little as possible and still clip into a Peloton on day one, this unisex VikoViren shoe covers the basics. The listing says it comes with the shoes, a pair of Delta cleats, 6 screws, 6 spacers and an Allen key, so you bolt the cleats on and you’re ready.
The sole has both a 3-hole and a 2-hole pattern, so it accepts 3-bolt Delta and SPD-SL cleats as well as 2-bolt SPD cleats (you need the matching cleats for each). The sole is a stiff nylon, the upper has breathable holes, and the lining is described as soft and moisture-wicking.
The closure is a single hook-and-loop strap, which is fast to put on, though a single strap holds the foot less firmly than a multi-strap or dial design. The listing describes a slightly wider design suitable for regular and wide feet. The model name is long-winded, so use the Amazon photo to confirm the knit upper.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-hole (Delta, SPD-SL) and 2-hole (SPD) sole
- Cleats Included: Yes – Delta cleats, screws, spacers and Allen key
- Closure: Single hook-and-loop strap
- Sole: Stiff nylon
- Upper: Breathable perforated upper, soft lining
- Fit: Slightly wider design per listing
- Best For: Budget-conscious Peloton riders who want Delta cleats included
- Gender: Unisex
- Price Tier: Budget
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Roknemo Men’s Cycling Shoes – 2 and 3 Bolt, Look Delta Cleats Included
Some riders use a Peloton at home and a different pedal system somewhere else. The Roknemo shoe is built for that case: the listing says it has both 2-bolt and 3-bolt designs and comes with separate 9-degree float Look Delta cleats.
That means you can bolt the Delta cleats onto the 3-hole pattern for your Peloton, or use the 2-hole pattern with SPD cleats elsewhere (you’d buy SPD cleats separately). The upper is perforated mesh with air vents in the sole, and the outsole is nylon and TPU.
Closure is three hook-and-loop straps, with a soft collar that holds the heel. This listing is for a men’s shoe, and the size display shows both men’s and women’s numbers, so check the size chart.
- Cleat Pattern: 2-bolt and 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – separate 9-degree float Look Delta cleats
- Closure: 3 hook-and-loop straps
- Sole: Nylon and TPU, with air vents
- Upper: Perforated mesh
- Fit: Soft collar; check size chart
- Best For: Riders who use more than one cleat system
- Gender: Men’s (sizes shown for men and women)
- Price Tier: Budget
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Shimano SH-RP101 Road Cycling Shoe
Shimano is one of the best-known names in cycling, and the SH-RP101 is described as an all-rounder for road and indoor cycling. Shimano lists an adaptable 5-hole outsole that works with both SPD and SPD-SL cleats.
That 3-hole road pattern is the same one Delta-compatible cleats mount to, so with a pair of Delta cleats bought separately the shoe clips into a Peloton. Shimano doesn’t list Delta by name, so treat this as a compatibility inference based on Peloton’s “3-screw hole” guidance, and note that SPD-SL cleats themselves won’t clip into Delta pedals.
The sole is fiberglass-reinforced for power transfer, and the upper is synthetic leather and mesh. The closure is a slip-on style with a single strap, so there is no buckle or multi-strap system on this one.
If you ride your Peloton regularly and want a road-style shoe from a major brand, the RP101 is a sensible step up. Just remember to add the cleats to your cart.
- Cleat Pattern: 5-hole outsole: 3-hole SPD-SL pattern + 2-hole SPD (Delta cleats mount to the 3-hole pattern)
- Cleats Included: No – add Delta cleats separately
- Closure: Slip-on style, single strap
- Sole: Fiberglass-reinforced
- Upper: Synthetic leather and mesh
- Fit: Not stated in listing
- Best For: Peloton riders who want a road-style shoe
- Gender: Men’s listing (check for women’s version)
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoe
Pearl Izumi makes cycling gear at every level, and the Quest is its do-everything road shoe. Pearl Izumi says the sole accepts 3-bolt road cleats and 2-bolt SPD cleats, so with Delta cleats added it works with a Peloton’s stock pedals. As with the Shimano, cleats are not included, according to the listing.
The sole is a stiff full-nylon plate, and the upper is bonded and seamless with breathable mesh and a perforated synthetic layer. A 1:1 anatomical closure using three hook-and-loop straps is meant to reduce hot spots and instep pressure, and the heel cup is contoured.
There’s also a rubber heel bumper that doubles as a walking pad, which helps when you walk across a hard floor after a ride. If the Shimano RP101 feels like too little closure, this three-strap design is worth comparing. The listing is for a men’s shoe in a specific color and size, so check the size chart and the women’s versions on the page.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-hole road and 2-hole SPD sole
- Cleats Included: No – add Delta cleats separately
- Closure: 3 hook-and-loop straps (1:1 anatomical closure)
- Sole: Stiff full-nylon plate
- Upper: Bonded seamless mesh and perforated synthetic
- Fit: Contoured heel cup; check size chart
- Best For: Riders who want a stiffer shoe with walking comfort
- Gender: Men’s listing (check for women’s version)
- Price Tier: Mid-range
How to Choose Cycling Shoes for Peloton
The cleat system question is the one that causes the most headaches. Once you understand it, the rest of the buying decision is pretty straightforward.
Look Delta vs SPD vs SPD-SL: Which Does Peloton Use?
This is the part most articles gloss over, and it’s why so many cycling shoes get returned. Peloton calls the pedals on its Bike and Bike+ Delta-compatible. Look Delta is a 3-bolt cleat system originally developed for road cycling. The cleat is large and triangular, and it bolts to a 3-hole pattern on the shoe sole.
Here’s where confusion happens:
- SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) – A 2-bolt cleat, small and recessed into the sole. Used on mountain bikes and many gym spin bikes. Many “indoor cycling shoes” sold on Amazon are SPD-compatible only, and an SPD cleat won’t clip into a stock Peloton pedal.
- SPD-SL – A road cleat that mounts to the same kind of 3-hole sole as Look Delta, but the cleat is a different shape and fits SPD-SL pedals. The shoe may work with Delta cleats, but SPD-SL cleats won’t clip into Peloton pedals.
- Look Delta – The cleat for Peloton’s Delta-compatible pedals. The shoe sole needs a 3-hole road pattern. Every shoe on this list has one.
If you already own cycling shoes and want to know if they work with your Peloton, flip them over. Two bolt holes in a small recessed area usually means SPD only, and it won’t work without swapping pedals. Three bolt holes in a triangular arrangement means you can mount Delta cleats.
Should You Buy Shoes With Cleats Included?
Whether to get cleats bundled with the shoe or buy them separately depends mostly on what you already own and how much friction you want in the setup process.
If this is your first pair of cycling shoes and you’re setting up for Peloton for the first time, buy shoes with Delta cleats included. It saves a step, reduces the chance of ordering the wrong cleat type, and means you’re ready to ride when the box arrives. The Tommaso Strada 200, the Peloton shoe, the Venzo Women’s model, the Tommaso Strada Elite Duale, the VikoViren and the Roknemo all include Delta cleats according to their listings. Even then, confirm the cleat is described as Delta or Peloton-compatible before you check out.
If you already own Delta cleats from a previous pair of shoes, or you want a specific float setting, buy the shoe without cleats and add what you want. Delta-compatible cleats are sold in both 9-degree float and fixed 0-degree versions. The Shimano RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest are the cleats-not-included options here.
Closure Systems: BOA, Buckle, or Velcro
Closure type matters more than most people think, especially if you ride frequently or for longer sessions.
BOA dial (Tommaso Strada Elite Duale) – A thin cable tightened by a small dial. It lets you make small adjustments and spreads pressure across the foot, and it’s usually found on more expensive shoes.
Buckle and ratchet systems (Tommaso Strada 200, Peloton shoe) – A buckle or ratchet clip that holds position through a ride and releases with one hand. A bit bulkier than BOA.
Velcro straps (Venzo, Roknemo, Pearl Izumi Quest, plus the single straps on the VikoViren and Shimano) – Simple and adjustable. Hook-and-loop can lose grip with wear, and a single strap holds the foot less firmly than three.
Sole Stiffness and Why It Matters
Cycling shoes have stiff soles because flex absorbs energy. The more the sole bends under pedaling load, the less power reaches the pedal, and the faster your foot tires.
The listings here describe their soles in different ways: stiff nylon (VikoViren, Pearl Izumi Quest), fiberglass-infused (Tommaso Strada 200), fiberglass-reinforced (Shimano RP101) and nylon and TPU (Roknemo). None of the makers publishes a power-transfer test, so treat stiffness claims as descriptions, not measurements. For 30-minute casual rides it matters less. For 60-minute power zone sessions, a stiffer road-style sole is worth considering.
Sizing and Fit
Maker sizing advice differs, so read each listing. Tommaso says to select one size larger than your regular size, since cycling shoes are meant to fit snugly. Peloton says its shoes run true to the size of your everyday shoe with a narrow to normal fit, and to size up if you have wider feet. VikoViren describes a slightly wider design for regular and wide feet. Use each listing’s size chart, and if you’re between sizes, size up rather than squeezing into a narrower fit.
Should You Swap to SPD Pedals Instead?
Some Peloton riders skip the Delta question by replacing the stock pedals with SPD-compatible pedals. Peloton’s support page says the Bike uses a standard 9/16-inch pedal connection and that you can attach your own pedals, so it’s a legitimate option.
If you already own SPD shoes from mountain biking, the gym or a previous bike, a pedal swap lets you keep using them. The trade-off is that you’re modifying a machine you likely spent a lot on, so check Peloton’s warranty terms first. If swapping pedals feels unnecessary, just buy Delta-compatible shoes and keep the stock setup. If you want to explore trainer options beyond Peloton altogether, our indoor exercise trainer stand guide covers that side of indoor riding.
Peloton Cycling Shoes Comparison
Here’s all eight options side by side so you can see the specs that matter most without scrolling back through each review.
| Shoe | Cleat Pattern | Cleats Included | Closure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | Buckle + 2 straps | Overall pick, no-hassle setup |
| Peloton Cycling Shoes | Delta-compatible | Yes | Ratchet clip + straps | Riders who want the official shoe |
| Venzo Women’s with Delta Cleats | 3-bolt Look Delta + 2-bolt SPD | Yes | 3 velcro straps | Women, cleats included |
| Tommaso Strada Elite Duale | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | Two BOA dials | BOA closure seekers |
| VikoViren Unisex | 3-hole (Delta, SPD-SL) + 2-hole (SPD) | Yes | Single strap | Lowest cost, cleats included |
| Roknemo 2 and 3 Bolt | 2-bolt + 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | 3 velcro straps | Multi-cleat system users |
| Shimano SH-RP101 | 5-hole: 3-hole SPD-SL pattern + SPD | No | Single strap | Road-style Shimano shoe |
| Pearl Izumi Quest Road | 3-hole + 2-hole sole | No | 3 velcro straps | Stiffer shoe, walking comfort |
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions that come up constantly, and most of them trace back to the same cleat compatibility issue that trips up first-time Peloton shoe buyers.
Do all cycling shoes work with Peloton?
No. Peloton describes the pedals on its Bike and Bike+ as Delta-compatible, which means you need a 3-hole sole with Delta-compatible cleats. Many cycling shoes sold on Amazon are designed for 2-bolt SPD cleats, and SPD-SL cleats are a different shape that won’t clip into Delta pedals. We checked each listing and, where possible, the maker’s page for the cleat pattern, but confirm it on the listing before you buy. If you’re buying a shoe not on this list, flip it over and count the bolt holes first.
What cleats does Peloton use?
Peloton Bike and Bike+ pedals take Delta-compatible cleats, which is the Look Delta style: a large, triangular 3-bolt cleat. It is not the same as Look Keo (a different shape), SPD (2-bolt) or SPD-SL (a 3-bolt cleat with a different shape). Some listings write the name as “Look ARC Delta,” so check that the cleat is described as Delta or Peloton-compatible. Delta-compatible cleats are sold in both 9-degree float and fixed 0-degree versions.
Can I use these shoes outside?
That depends on the shoe and the pedal on your outdoor bike. The Peloton shoe is described as designed for the Peloton Bike and Bike+. The Shimano RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest are road-style shoes, and Delta cleats only clip into Look Delta pedals. If your road bike uses Look Keo, SPD-SL or SPD pedals, you need cleats that match those pedals, and the 3-hole shoes here accept road cleats for that. Walking comfort varies, so don’t expect a Delta cleat to be pleasant on pavement.
Why are my new shoes not clipping in?
Almost always it’s the cleat type. If your shoes have SPD cleats and your Peloton has Delta pedals, the cleat simply won’t engage. Flip the shoe over and count the bolt holes: 2-bolt SPD cleats won’t work, and a 3-hole sole with Delta cleats will. Second, check that the cleat bolts are tight and that the cleat sits with its tip pointing forward, centered under the ball of your foot. If it still feels wrong, contact Peloton support or the shoe maker.
Are Peloton’s own shoes worth it?
They’re on this list. The listing says they include Delta-compatible cleats and install tools, with a ratchet clip, hook-and-loop straps and a stiff sole, and Peloton says they run true to size with a narrow to normal fit. The trade-off is that they’re aimed at Peloton use. Third-party options like the Shimano RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest are road-style shoes with a 3-hole sole, but you have to add the cleats yourself.
Can I wear running shoes on a Peloton?
Yes, with toe cages. Peloton’s support page says that if you’d rather ride in sneakers, attach toe cages to the pedals. You won’t get the power transfer or stable foot position of a stiff cycling sole, but it works for getting started. Most people who move to proper Delta-compatible cycling shoes notice better foot stability on longer rides.
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