Shimano is ready for SoulCycle, Equinox, FlyWheel, Peloton, or whatever spinning class you sign up for thanks to a pair of new performance indoor cycling shoes. Pick either the modern road shoe looks of the IC5 or classic sneaker appeal of the IC3, each offers Boa dial closures, clipless pedal compatibility, and maximum ventilation for riding in a hit gym…
Shimano extra-ventilated Indoor Cycling shoes
Shimano says they are branching out (or rather in…) adding a new Indoor Cycling segment to their cycling shoe line-up. Developed specifically for the hot & poorly ventilated environs of indoor training, the shoes ditch any attempt to protect your feet from the outdoor elements, instead maximizing ventilation with mesh upper construction. Whether you are at the gym for spin class or at home training rollers in your basement, the new IC5 & IC3 shoes try to keep your feet comfortable taking advantage of unrestricted airflow while pedaling.
Both shoes use an inset mountain bike style SPD cleat interface since that is what you are most likely to find in spin class. MTB cleats also makes for a shoe you can actually walk in – an important concern when navigating slick or bare floors in gyms, bathrooms & locker rooms.
Shimano IC5 road-style Indoor Cycling shoes
The 120€ / $115 IC5 takes styling cues from performance road (or tri) shoes, and its walkable sole from Shimano’s Explorer road & gravel touring shoes. The upper is entirely made of open mesh with reinforcing around the mid-foot to support a single Boas L6 dial closure, plus a reinforced heel cup.
The IC5 sole is rated at 5/12 stiffness (the same as those Explorer shoes) which we’ve found to be plenty stiff for casual riding & training even on small bodied pedals, yet comfortable enough for walking around.
Three color options are available: all black, all white, or navy blue with pink detailing. Without protection from the elements, the airy IC5 shoes claim a weight of just 292g.
Shimano IC3 sneaker-style Indoor Cycling shoes
For the same price, the 120€ ( or $125) IC3 has more of a gym shoe look. The cycling sneakers look a bit more robust with deep cushioned trainer sole and reinforced toe. They still feature plenty of tightly woven mesh, plus synthetic leather to form the upper, and the same single Boa L6 closure.
The IC3 is a softer soled shoe – rated 2/12 by Shimano – which is meant to be used on a larger clipless platform pedal and more walkable, something you might wear all the way from home to the gym.
The 326g IC3 comes in three colors too: black, white, or turquoise green.
Availability, but just for women
Oddly enough both of these new indoor cycling shoes are for now women specific. They are cut on a women-specific last (I won’t deny that I’ve personally put in a number of miles in a size 43 Shimano women’s shoe, though. Sometimes the women’s colors are just nicer.) That also means that these two are also limited in sizing for those with larger feet – they come in EU 36-44 whole sizes. Both are available this month in shops that sell Shimano footwear.
