Cycling sandals combine the open design of sandals and the performance features of cycling shoes. They’re quite versatile allowing most cycling sandals to double as walking & hiking sandals.
Cycling sandals are an amazing option for cyclists who enjoy the comfort benefits that come from wearing a pair of sandals such as ventilation, and comfort as well as want to maintain the same performance as wearing a pair of cycling shoes. Let’s first take a look at some benefits cycling sandals have to offer.
What are the Benefits of Cycling Sandals?
There are several benefits to cycling sandals versus traditional cycling shoes. They aren’t the most stylish thing you can wear, but they are extremely comfortable and durable. Above all, there are numerous cycling sandals in the market that are cleat compatible allowing you to maintain optimal performance, with the added benefit of comfort and ventilation. Here are some of the reasons you should consider cycling sandals.
Ventilation: Cycling sandals allow a lot of circulation for people who sweat when cycling. The spaces in the shoes ensure that your feet can enjoy some fresh air. The sandals’ design allows you to wear light socks when it is cool and thick socks when it is cold. You can also wear waterproof socks when riding out in the rain during your workout.
Easy To Dry: The speed in which shoes dry is essential during the cold seasons. A pair of cycling sandals dry easily after cleaning because they are open. You don’t have to miss your exercise schedule because your shoes are wet. Also, the shoes tend to dry fast after you ride in wet weather conditions.
Comfort: Open-toed cycling sandals are comfortable because they do not hurt your toes when your feet swell after a long day. Cycling sandals with clips make it simpler to attach your feet to the pedals comfortably. The heel keeps the rider from cycling with the toes or the heel. Also, the insole provides adequate support for the arch on the feet when cycling.
Versatile Design: Cycling sandals do not have a similar design. Some pairs have a clip, allowing you to ride with clipless pedals, while others do not. Cleat compatibility make it a good option for cyclists who want to maintain optimal performance while enjoying the benefits of wearing sandals.
The design of the uppers also varies from one company to the next. The uppers vary in the amount of padding, lining, and the fabric of the uppers. Durable materials like leather can make cycling sandals last longer.
The Best Cycling Sandals
Without further ado heres our list of the top cleat compatible & flat cycling sandals in the market.
Best Cleat Compatible Sandals:
Keen CommutersKeen
First up is the Keen Men’s Commuter II Cycling Shoe The toe protection cap keeps your toes from any injuries. The design allows the wearer to cycle and walk in the sandals. The sole is quite stiff, which makes it perfect for performance but a tiny bit uncomfortable when walking.
These cycling sandals are the perfect choice for cross-country cycling or long-distance cycling.
Shimano SD5
Shimano is a prominent brand that just celebrated 25 years in the industry. The brand is renowned for producing cycling sandals that are comfortable and ideal for exercising. These sandals are designed with a Glass fiber reinforced shank plate for optimal performance.
The Shimano SD5 sandals are also quite comfortable to walk in since they are designed with a recessed SPD cleat. The sandals last for a long period and are ideal for casual riding. Moreover, it takes a short while for the sandals to dry out after a long day of bike hiking. The sandals do collect dust, and you may have to wash the sandals after use, including the inner lining. Overall, it is an excellent pair of cycling sandals.
Gold Pigeon Sandal Easy Snap
The Gold Pigeon Easy Snap cycling sandals have a somewhat closed up design for sandals. The toe guard keeps the toes from injuries, and the easy snap clasp is ideal for having a close fit around the feet. The footbed provides a soft cushion and support when you are biking.
Overall, the sandals are durable, and they have high traction, which is ideal for consistent cyclists. The uppers material is synthetic and takes a short duration to dry after washing them. These sandals are available in different colors and designs. You will have options for the design of the cycling sandals you want.
Keen Newport H2
The Keen Newport H2 pair is an awesome alternative for the Keen Commuter model. The pair is ideal for both men and women who enjoy cycling. The uppers are water-resistant and quick-drying polyester, making it simple to clean them. Also, the pair is ideal for hiking, cycling, and sporting activities. The outsole is rubber and has lugs to provide for reliable traction in dry and wet terrain. You can use the pair of cycling sandals all-year-round, even the weather changes. The insole has a modeled midsole to provide the necessary arch support for cyclists. Also, the dual-density insole lies on an odor-resistant footbed to prevent bad odor.
Exustar E-SS503
The sandals are a low priced option and come with a design that seeks to improve cyclists’ efficiency. The sole of the sandals is less flexible, ideal for bikers who want a stiff sole for their biking adventures. The sole increases the power that reaches the pedals when biking. However, the sole isn’t ideal for walking or hiking because it can hurt the feet. There are pairs for both male and female cyclists.
The closed-toed tip keeps your toes from injuries or accidents. Also, the design of the sandals tends to have a close fit. It is simple for riders to find the right size for any feet. The biggest complaint about the sandals is that the glue for the sole isn’t strong. Some owners experience the sole coming off within the first month of light biking.
Nashbar Ragster II
The pair of sandals are priced at the low end, making it ideal for beginners looking to try out something new. You can find a pair online on the company website.
The pair has an excellent fit, and you can wear it with or without a pair of socks. The sole of the sandals is stiff, making it ideal for cycling but not walking. The toe guard on the cycling sandal keeps your toes safe from injuries. Overall, these sandals are perfect for cycling long distances and races. Also, you don’t have to spend a fortune to own a pair of cycling sandals.
Exustar SS515C
The pair of cycling sandals is a protective shoe that will keep your feet from injuries. You can choose a pair that has clips or is clipless, depending on your biking needs. The Exustar SS515C model has three design options, and the pairs are unisex. The outsole is compatible with most pedals making it ideal for most bicycles. The rubber outsole provides adequate traction for long-distance cycling adventures. The uppers are made of nylon with a suede interior. The material dries fast during the cold seasons, and you can use the pair for your daily workouts.
Best Flat Sandals:
Here’s our selection of the best athletic sandals that are perfect for riders who prefer to ride with a flat sole opposed to clipless.
Northside Burke
The Northside Burke sandals are anti-slip and have a high level of traction for your cycling adventures. Also, the pair is shock-resistant for rough terrains.
You have a small chance of getting hurt when biking with the pair. The footbed of the shoe is soft to keep your feet comfortable throughout the ride. The synthetic upper is simple to adjust for a close fit before going out exercising. The sole is flexible for cyclists who do not like a stiff sole.
Teva Terra Fi5
The Teva Terra Fi5 is a sports sandal that is ideal for hiking and cycling. It is a stylish pair of sandals that come in male and female sizes. The pair dries quickly, making it possible for the owner to clean the sandals when the need arises.
The uppers are made with breathable polyester that keeps your feet dry when it is hot. The outer sole has a web design that provides adequate grip on wet or dry surfaces. The outsole is ideal for cyclists who train all year round. There are several color options that cyclists can choose from when buying a pair. The footbed is plush for a soft landing and to provide adequate arc support.
Gold Pigeon sandals
The Gold Pigeon sandals come in designs suitable for both men and women. Despite the open design, the slides are comfortable when biking. The synthetic uppers have a soft lining inside to reduce friction.
The pair comes with a rubber sole that provides excellent traction during your biking adventures. There is a wide range of colors that both men and women can select the color that suits them best. The buckle is simple to adjust for a close fit, and the sandals are machine washable. The pair comes with a simple design and amazing features for cyclists.
Buyers Guide: What To Look For When Purchasing Cycling Sandals
Fit
The most important element to any type of footware is fit. Generally, finding a pair of sandals that fit comfortably isn’t going to be an issue but typically tends to happen is you find a pair of sandals that fit perfectly but when riding it moves around quite a bit and doesn’t feel as comfortable when riding. Which is why trying on the sandals first is a good idea and look for a pair that won’t wiggle around as much while riding.
Construction
Cycling sandals come in different styles & designs some have open or semi-open designs each offering a different form of fit, comfort, & ventilation. Finding the right design for you is crucial when it comes to comfort as each design varies in the way it secures your feet. It also matters when it comes to ventilation do you prefer having more airflow while you ride or slightly less, it all depends on your own personal preferences.
Stiffness
Another important thing to consider is how stiff do you want your sandals to be. If you’re planning on walking on them for a while as well as riding then you probably don’t want it to be too stiff. Again it all comes down to how you will be using the sandals.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, cycling sandals offer a combination of performance and comfort. Allowing you to benefit from the features of an elite cycling shoe as well as the comfort of sandals. Hope you enjoyed this article, thanks for reading, & Happy riding!