No—you don’t have to buy special cycling shoes to ride a Peloton Bike, but clip-in cycling shoes with Delta-compatible cleats are strongly recommended for the best performance, comfort, and safety. If you’re a beginner, sharing the bike, or riding casually, you can ride in regular sneakers by using toe cages/toe clips.
This guide explains what Peloton actually requires, your shoe options, current official pricing, and how to choose the best setup for your goals.
What Shoes Does the Peloton Bike Actually Use?
Peloton Bikes (Bike and Bike+) are designed around Delta-compatible cleats. Peloton confirms that the Bike uses Delta-compatible cleats, which attach to Peloton shoes or any cycling shoes that support a 3-screw (3-hole) mounting pattern. You can read Peloton’s official explanation in the Peloton Bike Shoes support article.
Quick takeaway
- Peloton-branded shoes are optional.
- Delta-compatible cleats + 3-hole cycling shoes are the standard setup for stock Peloton pedals.
Do You Need Special Cycling Shoes for Peloton?
It depends on how you plan to ride:
- Not required: You can ride in sneakers if you use toe cages/toe clips.
- Recommended: Clip-in cycling shoes (3-hole) with Delta-compatible cleats for the best experience.
Peloton also provides guidance on purchasing/assembling toe cages via their support resource: Ordering and Assembling Toe Cages.
Option 1: Clip-In Cycling Shoes (Best Overall Choice)
Best for: regular riders, structured training, long-term comfort and stability.
What you need
- 3-hole road cycling shoes
- Delta-compatible cleats
Official Peloton pricing (check for promos)
- Peloton Cycling Shoes (cleats included per product details)
- Peloton Cleats (Peloton notes cleats are included with every shoe purchase)
Why clip-in shoes are usually worth it
- More stability (less slipping, better alignment)
- Better power transfer (especially during climbs and higher cadence rides)
- More consistent foot position (often feels smoother on knees/ankles for many riders)
Option 2: Regular Sneakers with Toe Cages (Beginner-Friendly)
Best for: beginners, households sharing one Peloton, casual riders, guest riders.
Toe cages (toe clips) attach to the pedals and let you ride in athletic shoes. Peloton sells an official option here: Peloton Bike Toe Clip.
Pros
- No need to buy cycling shoes immediately
- Easy for multiple riders to hop on
- Lower upfront cost
Cons
- Less locked-in stability than clip-ins
- Usually less efficient power transfer
- Can feel less secure for intense standing rides
Peloton Shoes vs Third-Party Cycling Shoes
| Option | Best for | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Peloton Cycling Shoes | Simple, plug-and-play setup | Fit runs narrow-to-normal; size up if between sizes or wider feet (per Peloton product details) |
| Third-party 3-hole cycling shoes | More fit styles, sometimes cheaper | Confirm they support a 3-hole cleat pattern and use Delta-compatible cleats for stock pedals |
Peloton’s own support page confirms you can use Peloton shoes or any cycling shoes with a 3-screw hole setup: Peloton Bike Shoes.
Can You Use SPD Shoes on a Peloton Bike?
Not with the stock pedals. Peloton’s standard pedals are designed for Delta cleats. If you already own SPD shoes (commonly 2-bolt), you typically have two practical choices:
- Swap the pedals to SPD or dual-sided pedals (SPD + flat), or
- Use 3-hole cycling shoes with Delta-compatible cleats on the original pedals
Note: Pedal swaps are common, but only do this if you’re comfortable with basic bike setup and tightening to the correct torque. If you’re unsure, consider asking a bike shop for help.
How to Choose the Best Setup (Fast Decision Guide)
Choose clip-in cycling shoes + Delta cleats if you:
- Ride 3+ times per week
- Do climbs, intervals, or longer sessions
- Want the most stable, efficient, “Peloton-intended” experience
Choose sneakers + toe cages if you:
- Are brand new and want to keep it simple
- Share the bike with family/guests
- Ride occasionally and don’t want to commit to cycling shoes yet
Safety & Comfort Tips (Important)
- Practice clipping in/out next to a wall or stable support before your first real ride.
- Make sure cleat bolts are tightened securely and re-check after a few rides.
- If anything feels “off” in your knees, pause and adjust cleat position or seek professional fitting help.
FAQs
1) Do Peloton shoes come with cleats?
Yes. Peloton’s cycling shoes product details note that cleats are included. See: Peloton Cycling Shoes.
2) Can I ride Peloton barefoot?
No. Riding barefoot is unsafe. Use cycling shoes (clip-in) or athletic shoes with toe cages.
3) Are Peloton shoes required for Peloton classes?
No. Classes work with either setup—clip-in shoes or sneakers with toe cages.
4) Do I need Peloton-branded shoes specifically?
No. Peloton confirms you can use their shoes or any cycling shoes with a 3-screw (3-hole) mounting pattern for Delta cleats. Source: Peloton Bike Shoes.
5) What’s the cheapest way to start riding?
If you already have good athletic shoes, start with toe cages/toe clips. Peloton’s official product is here: Bike Toe Clip.
6) Do cleats wear out?
Yes. If you clip in/out frequently or walk on hard surfaces in cleats, they can wear faster. Peloton sells replacements here: Peloton Cleats.
Final Verdict
You don’t need special cycling shoes to ride a Peloton Bike, but clip-in cycling shoes with Delta-compatible cleats are the best long-term choice. If you’re just starting out or sharing your bike, toe cages let you ride in sneakers and upgrade later.
Next step: If you plan to ride consistently, consider clip-in shoes. If convenience matters most right now, add toe cages and start riding today.