Niche verticals May 2, 2027 5 min read
Size Guide for Cycling Shoes (Cleat + Last)
Cycling shoes use SPD (2-bolt) or SPD-SL/Look (3-bolt) cleats. Italian-made (Sidi, Fizik) run narrow. American (Specialized, Bontrager) run wider.
The Chart
| Cleat | Use | Brand Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bolt SPD | Mountain bike, gravel, commuter | Shimano XC, Bontrager, Specialized |
| 3-bolt SPD-SL | Road bike | Shimano RP, Sidi, Specialized S-Works |
| 3-bolt Look | Road bike | Look brand, also pairs with Sidi |
| 3-bolt Speedplay | Road, walkable | Speedplay brand |
FAQs
Italian vs American last?
Italian (Sidi, Fizik): narrow, snug, racing. American (Specialized, Bontrager): wider, more comfort. Wide-foot riders gravitate toward American brands.
Half size up?
Cycling shoes fit very tight by design (transfer power efficiently). Don't size up. Size correctly = exact length, snug width.
Need this on your store?
Tailor Size Guide ships pre-built size charts for Shopify.