The Best Triathlon and Time Trial Cycling Shoes
Making The Best Triathlon and Time Trial Cycling Shoes
VeloVetta spent years developing the world's first aerodynamically optimized cycling shoe. It is the first and only shoe ever to be designed using computational fluid dynamics to maximize aerodynamic benefit and it is UCI approved. It includes a unique closure mechanism that ensures a smooth front surface that provides great comfort - locking your foot into the shoe without squeezing from the sides. The closure allows for the tightness to be pre-set to the rider's preferred tightness with just the flick of a wrist, making it ideal for triathletes. Unlike laceup shoes, it is adjustable while riding. For all these reasons, it has been chosen by many of the best triathletes and cyclists in the world for their most important competitions.
Aerodynamics
The design process started with hundreds of iterations of shapes and testing them for aerodynamic properties using advanced simulation software called computational fluid dynamics, or CFD.
This testing allowed us to learn important key design aspects required for improving aerodynamics in shoes, leading to multiple issued patents in the US and around the world. After significant improvements over a standard shoe shape with a completely clean profile (no BOAS, laces or velcro) were achieved, we worked with our factory in Italy to manufacture a prototype to test in the wind tunnel. We traveled to the A2 wind tunnel to put our prototype up against several different pairs of shoes. Since this testing, several independent tests have been completed confirming our advantage against a wide variety of competitors shoes, including by professional triathlete Antony Costes and by members of the US cycling team, leading to a bronze medal at the 2025 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.Comfort
Since Ironman Triathlon was a key use envisioned for this shoe, comfort was of prime importance. Unlike virtually all other shoes, the unique closure mechanism of this shoe does not squeeze your foot from the sides. The wires pull the padded closure panel straight down on the top of your foot, locking your foot securely into the shoes without creating uncomfortable pressure points.
Closure
Our patented closure mechanism is the heart of the VeloVetta cycling shoe. It allows the user to pre-set their desired tension using a dial on the heel. When the heel lever is open, all you have to do is slide your foot in and close the lever in one easy motion, making it perfect for triathletes.
Triathletes who want the best shoe for T1, whether or not you put your shoes on in transition or do a flying mount, look no further.
This closure mechanism also makes it an excellent choice for road cyclists looking for aerodynamics in a shoe that can be adjusted while riding. It is a superior setup to laced shoes which cannot be adjusted while riding. More on that below.
Adjustability
VeloVetta shoes are infinitely adjustable, giving you the ability to fine-tune like laces, but adjust while riding like a BOA. The stainless steel threaded adjuster on the heel is used with a thumb wheel, allowing you to find the perfect tension whether or not you are on the bike.
Stiffness
We did extensive design and analysis on the full carbon fiber sole of the VeloVetta shoe, including finite element analysis (FEA) that shows maximum deflection in the sole at 1000 watts input of less than 0.03mm!
The Professional's Choice
Dozens of professional cyclists and Triathletes have ridden in VeloVetta shoes, prizing them for their aerodynamics, stiffness, comfort and ease of entry. Here's a partial list.
- Jason West Ironman 70.3 Champion
- Colin Szuch Ironman 70.3 Champion
- Anders Johnson (3rd UCI Worlds Individual Pursuit, USA Cycling)
- Alfredo Bueno (EF Education Aevolo)
- Gabrielle Suver Ironman Chattanooga P2
- Antony Costes Ironman North American Champs P3
- Matt Mcelroy multiple time World Cup winner
- Matt McWilliams
- Trevor Foley Ironman Champion
- Arnaud Guilloux Ironman 70.3 Champion
- Todd Wakefield
- Hugo Figueiredo
- Thomas Inigo
- Matt Guenter
- Joshua Monda
- Brendan Scheel
- Adam Feigh
- Lewis Elliot former USA Cycling
Inclusion on this list does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by either party.
Made in Italy
VeloVetta shoes are handmade in Treviso Italy. This is the region of Italy famous for sport shoe manufacturing where famed cycling shoe manufacturers like Sidi and Gaerne are based as well as La Sportiva, Asolo and Dalbello. VeloVetta is made with the highest standards in craftsmanship and materials.
