The Best Women's Cycling Shoes

Gaerne G. Starlet

With a lightweight profile and an efficient midsole, Gaerne's G. Starlet cycling shoe ($130 as of March 2010) is a solid choice for women who ride pavement. It's designed for comfort as well as performance, with its women-specific anatomically designed footbed and its injection-molded heelcup for excellent support and fit. In addition, perforation and mesh in the shoe's upper provide ventilation to keep feet dry. In a five-star review on BikeRadar.com, Gillian Brooks noted G. Starlet's utility and comfort, saying that the sole "is stiff enough for great performance but not unbearable on long rides," and that the "comfort they offer is outstanding."

Mavic Scorpio Women's MTB

Made with highly ventilated and synthetic reinforced upper, Mavic's Scorpio Women's MTB shoe ($150) combines comfort and durability for women who spend their time on singletrack. The Scorpio's ratchet and velcro combination securing system provides a secure, custom fit, the mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry, and the Agion antibacterial treatment keeps odor at bay. Calling the Scorpios "gorgeous speed slippers", BikeRadar's Jenn Hopkins complimented the shoe's narrow last and padded heel cups which she said provided "a snug and stable fit."

Louis Garneau Diva

Cyclists who want a shoe that works off of the bike as well as on it, Louis Garneau's Diva shoe ($60) is a versatile option. With a semi-rigid rubber outsole, the Diva's transfer power, but they are soft enough to be comfortable when walking around. The mesh that runs along the shoe's upper keeps feet cool, and the Diva's clip-in and platform compatibility lets wearers ride any bike regardless of the pedal type. In a "Gear of the Day" review, Bicycling.com hailed the Diva for its comfort on and off the bike, saying that "the flexibility was just right for walking and riding."