Shimano Cycling Shoes

Shimano cycling shoes: cleat compatibility and fit across road, gravel and MTB

Shimano was founded in 1921 in Sakai, Japan, by Shozaburo Shimano, initially manufacturing bicycle freewheels, components the company has always described as needing the highest precision of anything on a bike at the time. That precision-engineering focus carried through to drivetrains for the next seven decades, and into footwear in 1990 with the launch of the SPD pedal and cleat system.

SPD vs SPD-SL: the distinction that matters when you buy

Shimano's road shoes (RC-series) use the 3-bolt SPD-SL cleat system for a wider, more stable platform under load, including the RC300, the RC703 and the flagship RC903. Their gravel and mountain bike shoes (like the XC503) and their triathlon shoe (SH-TR501) use the 2-bolt SPD system instead, which is recessed for walking and clips into a wider range of pedals. The two cleat types aren't interchangeable, so check which system your pedals use before ordering; we stock both cleat types (SM-SH11 and SPD-SL) separately, and this lineup shifts as Shimano updates it.

Fit

Shimano shoes use standard EU sizing and run true to size for most riders; several models are also available in a wide fit if you've found standard-width cycling shoes tight across the forefoot.

We stock Shimano shoes alongside Fizik, Northwave and Bont in Cycling Shoes. A shipping surcharge applies to shoe orders. Our Adelaide showroom carries a range if you'd like to check fit before you buy.