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 constantly, and the reason is almost always the same – most indoor cycling shoes sold on Amazon use a 2-bolt SPD cleat system, and the Peloton Bike uses something completely different: the Look Delta 3-bolt system. Different bolt pattern, different cleat, doesn’t clip in. The shoe goes back, frustration level goes up.
Here’s what you actually need to know: the original Peloton Bike and Bike+ both come with Look Delta pedals from the factory. That means you need shoes with a 3-bolt sole pattern – not 2-bolt SPD, not SPD-SL (which is also 3-bolt but a different shape). Specifically Look Delta. Some shoes come with Delta cleats included so you’re ready to ride out of the box. Others have the right sole holes but require you to buy Delta cleats separately. We spell out which is which for every shoe on this list.
We looked at eight options that actually work with Peloton’s stock pedals – covering budget picks, mid-range performers, and a couple of solid premium options. Mix of men’s and women’s, velcro, buckle, and BOA closure. 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.”
- The Peloton Bike uses Look Delta cleats (3-bolt pattern) – not SPD, not SPD-SL. This is the single most important thing to verify before buying any cycling shoe.
- The Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride and Venzo Women’s with Delta Cleats come with Look Delta cleats already included – you won’t need a separate cleat purchase.
- The budget unisex pick with Delta cleats included (ASIN B0CQCFH6JF) is the cheapest way to get on your Peloton without buying cleats separately – works for men and women.
- If you want BOA dial closure on a budget, the Santic Indoor Cycling Shoe is the pick – it’s rare to find BOA at that price point.
- The Shimano SH-RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest are 3-bolt road shoes that require Look Delta cleats purchased separately – but they’re significantly stiffer and better performing than most budget options.
- The Tiem Slipstream is SPD-only and will NOT clip into stock Peloton pedals without a pedal swap – we excluded it from this list for that reason.
| Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride Men’s Peloton Cycle Shoes |  |
Best Overall | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: Ratchet Buckle | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Venzo Men’s Road Cycling Riding Shoes – 3 Straps |  |
Best Value | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Optional at checkout | Closure: 3 Velcro Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Venzo Women’s Cycling Riding Shoes with Look Delta Cleats |  |
Best for Women | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: 3 Velcro Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Santic Indoor Cycling Shoes – BOA Dial, Look Delta Compatible |  |
Best BOA Closure | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: No | Closure: BOA Dial | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Unisex Cycling Shoes Compatible with Peloton – Delta Cleats Included |  |
Best Budget Pick | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: Yes | Closure: 3 Velcro Straps | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Gavin Elite Road/Indoor Cycling Shoe – 2 and 3 Bolt Compatible |  |
Best for Versatility | Cleat System: 2-bolt + 3-bolt compatible | Cleats Included: No | Closure: 2 Straps + Micro Buckle | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shimano SH-RP101 Road Cycling Shoe |  |
Best Mid-Range | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: No | Closure: Velcro + Ratchet Strap | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoe |  |
Best Premium Value | Cleat System: Look Delta (3-bolt) | Cleats Included: No | Closure: 3 Velcro 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. It ships with Look Delta cleats already installed – so when the box arrives, you’re not hunting for a separate cleat purchase or trying to figure out which hardware fits. You just put the shoes on and clip in.
The sole has a 3-bolt hole pattern built for Look Delta compatibility, with a stiff nylon fiberglass base that transfers power efficiently rather than flexing under load. The ratchet buckle closure gives a secure, repeatable fit – no fussing with velcro that slowly loosens over a hard ride. Ventilated mesh panels on the upper keep things breathable during longer sessions.
Compared to cheaper unbranded options, the Tommaso has noticeably better construction quality around the heel cup and toe box. It also has slightly more width than typical road shoes, which matters if you’re between sizes or have wider feet. Sizing runs about half a size small, so go up if you’re on the edge.
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, this is where to start. It works equally well for pure Peloton use and for taking to a spin class at the gym.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Look Delta pre-installed
- Closure: Ratchet buckle
- Sole: Stiff nylon fiberglass
- Upper: Synthetic microfiber + mesh ventilation
- Fit: Runs half a size small – size up
- Width: Medium to slightly wide
- Best For: Peloton riders who want zero hassle out of the box
- Gender: Men’s (women’s version available separately)
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Venzo Men’s Road Cycling Riding Shoes – 3 Straps
Venzo has been making Peloton-compatible cycling shoes for years, and this men’s 3-strap model is a solid mid-range option with one important detail to know: when ordering, select “Look Delta” as your cleat option and cleats are included with the shoe. Select the wrong option at checkout and you’ll get SPD-compatible cleats that won’t work with your Peloton. Pay attention to the variant selector.
The sole has a 3-bolt hole pattern compatible with Look Delta, with a stiff composite base designed for road cycling power transfer. The upper is built with quick-drying mesh and synthetic materials – it breathes well even during longer high-output sessions. Three hook-and-loop velcro straps give a solid fit across the foot, though velcro does lose some grip over hundreds of uses compared to buckle or BOA systems.
One thing Venzo does well is the low-cut construction – the ankle is cut away more than most indoor cycling shoes, which some riders find more comfortable on the bike and easier to walk in between. The fit is fairly true to size, maybe just slightly narrow, so if you have wide feet you might want to try the next half size up.
If you’re a guy looking for a straightforward Look Delta compatible shoe that won’t break the bank, and you’re comfortable buying Delta cleats as part of the order configuration, this delivers solid value. Select “Look Delta” at checkout and you’ve got everything you need for Peloton day one.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – if “Look Delta” variant is selected at checkout
- Closure: 3 velcro straps
- Sole: Stiff composite road sole
- Upper: Breathable mesh + synthetic
- Fit: True to size, slightly narrow
- Width: Narrow to medium
- Best For: Men who want proven Peloton compatibility at a fair price
- Gender: Men’s
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Venzo Women’s Cycling Riding Shoes with Look Delta Cleats
Good women’s cycling shoes that actually work with Peloton are surprisingly hard to find on Amazon. Most listings are either men’s shoes or unisex designs that assume a wider, flatter foot. The Venzo women’s model fixes that – it’s cut narrower through the heel and has a more tapered toe box, which makes a real difference if you’ve ever had a men’s cycling shoe flop around on your foot mid-ride.
The big sell here is simple: Look Delta cleats are included in the box. The 3-bolt sole pattern is built for Delta compatibility right out of the packaging. This is one of the clearest examples of a shoe marketed specifically for Peloton use that actually delivers on that promise – no surprise “SPD only” discovery when the box arrives.
The three velcro straps give a snug and adjustable fit across the instep. The upper uses the same quick-drying mesh construction as the men’s version – it handles sweat well and dries out between sessions without getting funky. The low-cut ankle design makes these easy to put on and take off, which you’ll appreciate after a 45-minute ride when your feet are telling you they’ve had enough.
Women with wider feet or high insteps may find the fit a bit tight – Venzo shoes in general run on the narrower side. If that’s you, go a half size up and add a thin insole if needed. For women with standard to narrow feet, this is probably the best Peloton-ready shoe on Amazon at this price.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Look Delta included
- Closure: 3 velcro straps
- Sole: Stiff road-oriented composite
- Upper: Breathable mesh + synthetic
- Fit: Slightly narrow – consider sizing up if wide-footed
- Width: Narrow to medium
- Best For: Women who want a Peloton-ready shoe with cleats included
- Gender: Women’s
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Santic Indoor Cycling Shoes – BOA Dial, Look Delta Compatible
BOA dial closure on a cycling shoe is genuinely nice – you twist a small dial and a stainless wire tightens across the foot evenly, with no hot spots, no pressure points from a buckle edge, and no velcro that slowly gives up over time. The problem is BOA usually costs more. The Santic here is one of the more affordable ways to get it, and the sole has a 3-bolt hole pattern that’s fully compatible with Look Delta cleats.
One thing to know upfront: Delta cleats are not included. You’ll need to pick up a pair of Look Delta cleats separately before this shoe clips into your Peloton. That’s a minor inconvenience but worth knowing so you’re not waiting on a second order. The cleat mounting area is standard 3-bolt, takes genuine Look Delta cleats with no adapter needed.
Santic built this primarily as an indoor cycling shoe, so the sole stiffness is tuned for spin bike use – firm enough for good power transfer but not quite as stiff as a dedicated road race shoe. The upper is low-cut with mesh ventilation panels, which keeps your feet comfortable through long sessions. The BOA wire system is genuinely micro-adjustable – you can fine-tune the fit while clipped in, which is something velcro and buckle systems don’t easily let you do.
If the BOA dial is on your must-have list and you want to keep the budget reasonable, this is where to start. Just add a pair of Look Delta cleats to your cart at the same time.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: No – purchase Look Delta cleats separately
- Closure: BOA dial system
- Sole: Stiff nylon – indoor cycling tuned
- Upper: Breathable mesh, low-cut ankle
- Fit: True to size
- Width: Medium
- Best For: Riders who want BOA closure without spending premium prices
- Gender: Unisex (men’s and women’s sizes available)
- Price Tier: Mid-range
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Unisex Cycling Shoes Compatible with Peloton – Delta Cleats Included
If the goal is to spend as little as possible while actually being able to clip into a Peloton on day one, this unisex option gets the two critical things right: 3-bolt sole pattern and Look Delta cleats are included in the box. Wrench included too. You open the box, bolt on the cleats, and you’re done.
Don’t expect premium construction here – the sole is a basic hard nylon, the upper is lightweight synthetic mesh, and the three velcro straps are about what you’d expect at this price. But for someone who rides their Peloton a few times a week and just wants to stop using sneakers or toe cages, this does the job. The 3-bolt sole accepts Look Delta cleats without any adapter, and the fit is unisex-styled with a medium-width last.
Sizing tends to run slightly small and narrow for this type of shoe. If you’re a US women’s size, use the men’s size conversion and go up a half size from there. If you have wide feet at all, go up a full size. The three velcro straps are functional but not the most secure if you’re pushing hard on the pedals – they work fine for moderate-intensity rides.
This shoe isn’t trying to be a road cycling shoe – it’s an indoor cycling shoe for Peloton, full stop. If that’s all you need, it gets you there without spending a lot. Think of it as “toe cages but better” – and there’s nothing wrong with starting there before deciding how serious you want to get.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: Yes – Look Delta cleats + wrench included
- Closure: 3 velcro straps
- Sole: Basic hard nylon
- Upper: Lightweight synthetic mesh
- Fit: Runs small and narrow – size up
- Width: Narrow
- Best For: Budget-conscious Peloton riders who want Delta cleats included
- Gender: Unisex
- Price Tier: Budget
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Gavin Elite Road/Indoor Cycling Shoe – 2 and 3 Bolt Compatible
The Gavin Elite is a bit of an oddity on this list – it’s been on Amazon for years, has a loyal following, and covers a use case most shoes skip. The sole has both 2-bolt and 3-bolt mounting holes, which means it works with Look Delta (Peloton’s system), Look Keo, SPD, SPD-SL, and pretty much any other cleat standard. If you ride your Peloton at home and also take spin classes at a gym that uses SPD pedals, this is the shoe that works at both without buying two pairs.
The 3-bolt holes are fully compatible with Look Delta cleats – just bolt on a pair and clip straight into your Peloton. No cleats are included, so that’s a separate purchase. The sole is a stiff nylon-fiberglass construction with built-in ventilation channels underneath – it’s a proper road sole, not a softened indoor version. You’ll feel the difference in stiffness compared to cheaper options.
Closure is two velcro straps plus a micro-adjustable ratchet buckle on top – a combination that gives a more secure hold than velcro alone. The upper is synthetic microfiber leather with mesh panels. It’s not the most breathable shoe on this list, but it holds up better over time than pure mesh options.
This is the pick for someone who uses multiple bikes with different cleat systems, or who wants a dual-compatible shoe they won’t have to replace if they ever switch platforms. Also worth considering if you run a smart trainer setup alongside your Peloton, since trainer bikes often use different pedal standards.
- Cleat Pattern: 2-bolt AND 3-bolt compatible (Look Delta works)
- Cleats Included: No – purchase Look Delta cleats separately
- Closure: 2 velcro straps + micro-adjustable ratchet buckle
- Sole: Stiff nylon fiberglass with ventilation channels
- Upper: Synthetic microfiber + mesh panels
- Fit: True to size, medium width
- Width: Medium
- Best For: Riders who use multiple bikes or cleat systems
- Gender: Unisex (men’s and women’s sizes)
- Price Tier: Budget to mid-range
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Shimano SH-RP101 Road Cycling Shoe
Shimano is one of the most trusted names in cycling, and the SH-RP101 is their entry-level road shoe – which still means a step up in construction quality from most of the budget and mid-range options on this list. The 3-bolt sole is fully compatible with Look Delta cleats, so it works with Peloton’s stock pedals. You do need to buy Delta cleats separately, but that’s a one-time $15-20 purchase that lasts for years.
What you’re paying for here is genuine road shoe construction – a stiffer carbon-reinforced nylon sole that transfers more power per pedal stroke than cheaper composite soles. On a Peloton, that means more of your effort goes into the flywheel instead of flexing the shoe. It’s a real difference during sustained hard efforts, and it’s the reason serious indoor cyclists tend to gravitate toward proper road shoes over indoor-only designs.
The upper is synthetic leather with mesh texture – it’s not the most ventilated shoe here but it’s well-made and shapes to the foot over time. Closure is two velcro straps with a ratchet buckle on top – the same setup Shimano uses across their road shoe line. Shimano sizing tends to run slightly narrow and about half a size small compared to everyday footwear.
If you’ve been riding your Peloton consistently for a few months and want to feel the difference a proper road shoe makes, the RP101 is a smart upgrade. It’s the cheapest entry point into real Shimano road shoe quality – and it works perfectly with Look Delta cleats on your Peloton.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: No – purchase Look Delta cleats separately
- Closure: 2 velcro straps + ratchet buckle
- Sole: Carbon-reinforced nylon – stiffer than budget options
- Upper: Synthetic leather + mesh texture
- Fit: Runs half a size small, slightly narrow
- Width: Narrow to medium
- Best For: Serious Peloton riders who want genuine road shoe performance
- Gender: Men’s and Women’s versions available
- Price Tier: Mid-range to premium
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Pearl Izumi Quest Road Cycling Shoe
Pearl Izumi makes solid cycling gear at every price point, and the Quest is their do-everything road shoe that punches above its weight class. The 3-bolt sole is compatible with Look Delta cleats, making it a direct match for Peloton’s stock pedal system. Like the Shimano, cleats aren’t included – you’ll need to pick up a pair of Look Delta cleats separately.
The Quest uses a full nylon outsole with a concave profile that’s specifically designed to reduce foot fatigue during long rides – the shape directs flex away from the metatarsals, which is where most riders start feeling hot spots after 30+ minutes. The upper is a perforated film bonded to breathable mesh – one of the more ventilated options on this list, which matters if you run hot or do back-to-back Peloton sessions.
Three supple hook-and-loop straps cover the top of the foot, giving strong closure with easy micro-adjustment on the fly. The rubber heel bumper doubles as a walking pad, which makes the Pearl Izumi Quest noticeably better to walk in than a typical road shoe. If you clip out after a ride and need to walk across a hardwood floor without sounding like a tap dancer, that detail matters.
Pearl Izumi sizing is reliable and true – this is one of the few shoes on this list where ordering your regular shoe size is likely to work without going up. Both men’s and women’s versions are available on Amazon. If the Shimano RP101 feels too narrow but you still want proper road shoe quality, the Pearl Izumi Quest is worth comparing directly.
- Cleat Pattern: 3-bolt (Look Delta)
- Cleats Included: No – purchase Look Delta cleats separately
- Closure: 3 velcro straps
- Sole: Full nylon with concave profile – excellent stiffness
- Upper: Perforated film + breathable mesh – highly ventilated
- Fit: True to size, medium width
- Width: Medium
- Best For: Riders who want premium road shoe feel and better walking comfort
- Gender: Men’s and Women’s versions available
- Price Tier: Premium
How to Choose Cycling Shoes for Peloton
The cleat system question is the one that causes the most headaches – but once you understand it, the rest of the buying decision is pretty straightforward. Here’s what actually matters when comparing options.
Look Delta vs SPD vs SPD-SL: Which Does Peloton Use?
This is the part most articles gloss over, and it’s the reason thousands of cycling shoes get returned every year. The Peloton Bike and Bike+ both use Look Delta pedals from the factory. 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 most gym spin bikes. The vast majority of “indoor cycling shoes” sold on Amazon are SPD-compatible. These will NOT clip into a stock Peloton pedal.
- SPD-SL – Also 3-bolt but a different cleat shape and hole spacing than Look Delta. Used on Shimano road bikes. Not compatible with Peloton pedals despite also being 3-bolt.
- Look Delta – What Peloton uses. The shoe sole needs 3-bolt holes in the triangular Look Delta spacing. Every shoe on this list uses this system.
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 rectangle means SPD – won’t work without swapping pedals. Three bolt holes in a wider triangular arrangement means Look Delta compatible – you’re good.
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 Look Delta cleats included. It saves a step, eliminates the chance of ordering the wrong cleat type, and means you’re ready to ride when the box arrives. The Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride, the Venzo Women’s model, and the budget unisex pick all include Look Delta cleats.
If you already own Look Delta cleats from a previous pair of shoes, or if you want to choose a specific float setting (Look Delta comes in 0-degree and 9-degree float versions), buy the shoe without cleats and add exactly what you want. The Santic BOA, Gavin Elite, Shimano RP101, and Pearl Izumi Quest are cleats-not-included options that work perfectly once you add Look Delta.
Closure Systems: BOA, Ratchet, or Velcro
Closure type matters more than most people think – especially if you ride frequently or for longer durations.
BOA dial (Santic on this list) – A stainless wire tightened by a small dial. Most precise fit, no pressure points, easy micro-adjustment while riding. Usually found on more expensive shoes, though the Santic makes it accessible at a lower price.
Ratchet buckle (Tommaso Strada 200, Shimano RP101) – A plastic buckle with a micro-adjust mechanism. Very secure, holds position through an entire ride, and easy to release with one hand. Slightly bulkier than BOA but more durable long term.
Velcro straps (Venzo, Pearl Izumi Quest, budget unisex) – Simple, adjustable, works fine for casual to moderate riding. Velcro gradually loses grip over hundreds of uses and can loosen mid-ride during hard efforts. For home Peloton use, most people are fine with velcro for years.
Stiffness Rating and Why It Matters
Cycling shoes have stiff soles for one reason: flex absorbs energy. The more the sole bends under pedaling load, the less power reaches the pedal – and the faster your foot fatigues.
Budget options like the unisex pick have basic nylon soles – functional but not efficient. The Venzo and Santic step up to composite soles with better stiffness-to-weight ratio. The Shimano RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest have the stiffest soles on this list, closest to proper road racing shoes, and you’ll feel the difference during harder or longer Peloton rides. For 30-minute casual rides, stiffness is less critical. For 60-minute power zone sessions, a stiffer sole is worth the extra spend.
Sizing and Fit – Cycling Shoes Run Small
This is almost universal across the category: cycling shoes run small. Most riders need to go half a size to a full size up from their normal street shoe size. This is especially true for the Venzo, budget unisex, and Shimano options on this list.
Pearl Izumi is one of the exceptions – the Quest runs true to size and is known for being one of the more foot-shape-friendly road shoes on the market. The Gavin Elite also runs fairly true. If you’re between widths, always size up rather than squeezing into a narrower fit – constricted toes during an intense ride get uncomfortable fast.
Should You Swap to SPD Pedals Instead?
Some Peloton riders skip the whole Look Delta question entirely by replacing the stock Peloton pedals with SPD-compatible pedals. It’s a legitimate option and worth knowing about.
If you already own SPD cycling shoes from mountain biking, gym use, or a previous bike, you can replace Peloton’s stock pedals with aftermarket SPD road pedals. The pedal threads are standard, and the swap takes about five minutes with a pedal wrench. This opens up the much wider world of SPD-compatible shoes, including options that are popular for indoor cycling but only come in SPD.
The trade-off: you’re modifying a machine you likely spent a lot on, and warranty implications exist. If swapping pedals feels unnecessary, just buy Look Delta compatible shoes and keep the stock setup. If you already have SPD shoes you love and don’t want to buy a second pair, the pedal swap is perfectly reasonable. If you want to explore trainer options beyond Peloton altogether, our indoor exercise trainer stand guide covers compatible setups that often use SPD by default.
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 | Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tommaso Strada 200 Ready-to-Ride | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | Ratchet buckle | Medium/Wide | Overall pick, no-hassle setup |
| Venzo Men’s 3-Strap | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Optional at checkout | 3 velcro straps | Narrow/Medium | Men, value-focused |
| Venzo Women’s with Delta Cleats | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | 3 velcro straps | Narrow/Medium | Women, cleats included |
| Santic Indoor BOA | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | No | BOA dial | Medium | BOA closure seekers |
| Budget Unisex with Delta Cleats | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | Yes | 3 velcro straps | Narrow | Lowest cost, cleats included |
| Gavin Elite Road/Indoor | 2+3-bolt compatible | No | 2 straps + micro buckle | Medium | Multi-cleat system users |
| Shimano SH-RP101 | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | No | 2 velcro + ratchet | Narrow/Medium | Serious riders, stiff road sole |
| Pearl Izumi Quest Road | 3-bolt (Look Delta) | No | 3 velcro straps | Medium | Premium feel, walking comfort |
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions that come up constantly – 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 – and this is the part that catches people off guard. The Peloton Bike uses Look Delta pedals, which require a 3-bolt cleat and a 3-bolt sole pattern on the shoe. Most cycling shoes sold on Amazon are designed for SPD cleats (2-bolt) or SPD-SL cleats (also 3-bolt but a different shape and spacing). Only shoes with a Look Delta compatible 3-bolt sole will clip into a stock Peloton pedal. Every shoe on this list has been verified for Look Delta compatibility. If you’re buying a shoe not on this list, flip it over and count the bolt holes before purchasing.
What cleats does Peloton use?
The original Peloton Bike and Bike+ both use Look Delta cleats – a large, triangular 3-bolt cleat system originally developed for road cycling. Look Delta is sometimes listed as “Look ARC Delta” on Amazon – same cleat, same compatibility. It is NOT the same as Look Keo (different shape), SPD (2-bolt), or SPD-SL (similar 3-bolt pattern but different hole spacing). If you’re buying cleats separately to use with any shoe on this list, search specifically for “Look Delta cleats” – they typically run $15-25 for a pair and last for years.
Can I use Peloton shoes outside?
Peloton’s branded shoes are designed for indoor use only and don’t have much rubber protection on the sole for outdoor walking. The third-party shoes on this list – especially the Shimano RP101, Pearl Izumi Quest, and Gavin Elite – are actual road cycling shoes that work fine outdoors on a road bike as well as on your Peloton. The key is matching the cleat: if you ride a road bike with Look Delta pedals outside, these shoes transfer directly. The Santic indoor shoe has a sole tuned for indoor use but technically the cleat system works on any Look Delta pedal, indoor or out.
Why are my new shoes not clipping in?
Almost always one of two things. First – the cleat type is wrong. If your shoes have SPD cleats and your Peloton has Look Delta pedals, the cleat simply won’t engage. Flip the shoe over and count the bolt holes: 2-bolt means SPD, it won’t work. 3-bolt in the triangular Delta pattern means you’re good. Second – the cleats may be installed at the wrong angle or the pedal tension may be too high. Look Delta cleats install with the tip pointing forward. If entry feels impossible, look for the tension adjustment screw on the underside of the Peloton pedal and back it off to the lowest setting while you get used to clipping in.
Are Peloton’s branded shoes worth the price?
Peloton’s own shoes run around $125 and come with Look Delta cleats included. They’re comfortable, well-made, and purpose-built for the Peloton. The reason they’re not on this list is that Peloton doesn’t sell through Amazon. If you want the branded option, buy direct from Peloton’s website. For the money, the Shimano RP101 and Pearl Izumi Quest both offer comparable or better road shoe performance at a similar or lower price – and they work on outdoor road bikes too, which the Peloton-branded shoe doesn’t prioritize.
Can I wear running shoes on a Peloton?
Yes – the Peloton Bike pedals have a toe cage attachment on one side that fits regular athletic shoes. Peloton also sells pedal adapters that let you use standard sneakers. You won’t get the power transfer or stable foot position of a stiff cycling sole, but it works fine for getting started. Most people who switch to proper Look Delta cycling shoes say they wish they’d done it sooner – the difference in foot stability and efficiency during longer sessions is noticeable.
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