The 10 Best Nike Cycling Shoes Money Can Buy
Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that specializes in the production and sales of athletic apparel, footwear, equipment, and accessories. Headquartered out of the Beaverton District of Portland, Oregon, Nike has become the largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. In footwear, the infamous Swoosh logo can be seen on sport-specific shoes such as baseball, basketball, cycling, golf, running, and tennis. With what seems to be a solid understanding of what athletes need, Nike ensures to have all the athletic gear needed to ensure all those needs are covered from head to toe. Nike has come a long way since January 25, 1964, the day the company was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports. Founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight later changed the name to Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971. According to Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. With the specific interest here in Nike’s lineup of cycling shoes, there are ten that come to mind that seems to be the best money can buy, at least for now.
10. Nike Cycling Air Cross Terrain II 1990 Cycling Shoes
In 1990, Nike brought forth the Air Cross Terrain II shoes that featured an all rubber bottom, external heel counter, hook/loop tongue, and molded forefoot. This was the era where athletic gear companies like Nike were further accommodating the needs of cyclists, especially when it came to footwear. The multiple colors featured in this retro shoe design make it eye-catching enough that Nike sees it as a good candidate to bring them back as the retro trend has been picking up steam among consumers worldwide. At the moment, such a pair can only be purchased through sites like Doctor Funks and eBay, but this is likely to change in the near future as Nike seeks to add to its reintroduction of cycling shoes to its footwear lineup.
9. Nike Cycling NGUBA Original 1993 ACG Shoes
In 1993, Nike brought forth the NGUBA series as a cycling shoe that has since earned its reputation as one of the best cycling shoes that featured the Swoosh logo. On auction sites like eBay, NGUBA has shown even after thirty years’ worth of wear and tear, the overall condition of these cycling shoes can easily rival the newest lineup of cycling shoes that come out today. It is speculated, as Nike returns to bringing cycling shoes to the everyday consumer, the NGUBA will make a comeback, along with today’s technological advancements to make it an even better shoe than it was when it first came out.
8. Nike Cycling CC-X 1987 Original Clip Shoes
In 1987, Nike brought forth the CC-X Clip-in cycling shoes that featured a molded forefoot foam foot wrap. In used shape, even after thirty years of wear and tear, Doctor Funk’s listing of the shoe has it at $75.00 USD. While as far as used shoes go may seem a bit pricey, should Nike fully engage in broadening its current lineup of new cycling shoes, this is the most likely candidate of retro-style shoes that will make a comeback.
7. Nike Cycling 1993 Pooh-Bah
Currently, only used versions of the 1993 Nike Pooh-Bah series of cycling shoes are available, but there is speculation these could make an appearance as part of the company’s latest surge of retro-style shoes that’s been hitting the consumer market. Now that Nike seems to be producing cycling shoes to a broader audience instead of strictly for big-name pros, there is hope the Pooh-Bah makes a modernized return. One of the highlights of the Pooh-Bah is the multicolored cross straps and the vivid blend of colors that make this a standout pair of shoes.
6. Nike Cycling 1988 CC Adjustable Clip Shoes
In 1988, Nike sported a line of cycling shoes that had adjustable clips. At the moment, these are only available as a used product, but there is speculation and hope now that Nike is back in business with the production of indoor cycling shoes that perhaps there will be some retro styles that will make their way to the public. Currently, only sites like Doctor Funks and eBay have them and are in used condition, but be on the lookout as Nike has begun making cycling shoes available to the public again. One thing Nike is good at is listening to public demand and if there is enough request for this particular shoe to make a comeback, it will happen.
5. Adam Blythe Nike Cycling Shoes
Before and since his retirement, professional road and track cyclist, Adam Blythe, has been receiving customized cycling shoes from Nike that has since become a subject of interest on Pinterest. Among the fans of world-class cycling events, as well as Adam Blythe, best remember him for his wild shoe styles, most of which came from Nike by special request. Fans of cycling who understand the importance of wearing proper footwear for the sport have been somewhat miffed that Nike creates these beauties for pros like Blythe, but not the rest of the cyclist enthusiasts. Now that Nike has officially launched its first cycling lineup of shoes to the public, hopefully, the styles that were designed for the likes of Adam Blythe become available soon. There is enough demand for it, and Nike is not one to disappoint.
3. Women’s Nike SUPERREP Cycle (CJ0775)
Specialized for women, the Nike SUPERREP Cycle CJ0775 has been a popular choice as indoor cycling shoes and has received a decent amount of favorable reviews, at least on various seller sites such as Amazon, eBay, and Nike. Ranging in price from $80.00 USD to $120.00 USD, there are six different colorways for the ladies to choose from, which are White/Black, Gypsy Rose/Metallic Mahogany/Dark Beetroot/Light Soft Pink, White/Black/Chutney/Volt, Cyber/Bright Mango/Blackened Blue, Black/Hyper Crimson/Metallic Silver, and Green Glow/Infinite Lilac/Laser.
2. Men’s Nike SUPERREP Cycle (CW2191)
Specialized for men, the Nike SUPERREP Cycle CW2191 has mostly received favorable ratings among cyclists who’ve purchased and worn this brand and model of cycling shoes, at least according to Nike’s own website, as well as Amazon. There are five different colorways to choose from, which are Blue Void/Copa/Total Orange, White/White/Black, Black/Hyper Crimson/Metallic Silver, Black/Clear Emerald/Total Orange/White, and Cyber/Bright Mango/Blackened Blue. On average, depending entirely on the colorway of choice, the price range of these shoes approximately starts at $80.00 USD a pair, up to $120.00 USD.
1. NIKE Mercurial Superfly 360 Cycling Shoes (R9)
According to Footy Headlines, in 2018, Nike created a special design of cycling shoes for world-famous cyclist, Mark Cavendish. Cavendish was inspired by the 1998 Ronaldo R9 soccer cleats Nike designed for the 1998 World Cup Soccer Championship that was held in France. The first Nike Mercurial Superfly 360 cycling shoes feature a full Flyknit construction that’s built for pure speed in cycling. The cleats come with a cycling soleplate and a special fastening construction.
The Shoe Must Fit
It is essential to have the right shoe for the right occasion. When it comes to cycling, riders need to find shoes that cover the forefoot as the majority of the pressure is there. The foot itself doesn’t generate the real power as it’s the legs that do. However, if the feet aren’t properly attired for the occasion, its discomfort can speed up the fatigue of the legs, as well as the rest of the body. According to physiotherapists and bike fitters, if the wrong shoe is worn it can manifest a rubbing around the little toe, which then results in a painful experience that can also lead to numbness. Cyclists don’t exercise the same amount of foot and ankle power runners do but do need to have the feet properly fitted with the right shoe in order to reduce unnecessary movement. When the feet are too busy moving around or pronating, much energy can be lost and speed up the fatigue of the cyclist. Cycling shoes should have a specific cleat style, as well as an ideal fastening system and sole. Wearing cycling socks to accommodate those shoes also helps.
