Why Do Pro Cyclists Wear White Shoes?
Anyone who has watched pro cycling in recent years might have found the bright white shoes hard to miss. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the high French Alps of the Tour de France, white shoes (and often socks) have become a part of modern cycling’s visual identity.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat drives this seemingly impractical choice? In a sport where athletes frequently encounter rain, mud, and road grime, here’s why white shoes still win the day.
A tradition steeped in history.
Use of white cycling shoes dates back to the early days of professional cycling, in the early 20th century.
In those times, leather was the material of choice for cycling shoes. Nicely made cycling shoes represented both quality and craftsmanship. The legendary Eddy Merckx and many of his contemporaries in the 1960s and 1970s wore leather shoes, setting a standard that would influence generations of cyclists to come. They didn’t use clipless cleats like we see today, but rather used toe clips and compatible shoes. Most of these shoes were black or brown — however, you could still occasionally see white leather shoes worn. White leather required much more regular cleaning and maintenance compared to darker shoes.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhite shoes started to gain popularity in the late 1980s. The first white upper and sole shoes by Lake, which were released in 1987, are the closest demarcation line for when this trend really started to take off.
Like all aspects of cycling fashion, shoe trends have evolved over time. The 2000s brought in more exploration of colors, especially those matching team kits. Yet, white shoes have maintained popularity through these changes. The regular resurgences of white shoes in the peloton are a testament to their staying power!
For example, in the 2024 and 2025 pro seasons, we see a lot of clean white shoes. Modern flourishes like colored accents or subtle patterning across the shoe body are added to give visual interest. Some current-day pro teams also favor alternative synthetic materials such as mesh uppers, which are more breathable for the feet. These aspects, along with the use of different cleat systems and sole construction, have changed over time as new approaches and materials were developed.
Read more: Relive the 2024 Tour de France with the best photos and stories!
Making a statement with clean shoes.
Broadly speaking, the tradition of white cycling shoes has become ingrained in the sport’s culture for aesthetic reasons. This is similar to how white tennis shoes dominated court sports for decades. After all, who wants to go against the tradition of wearing white at Wimbledon?
For the same reason, many cyclists — both pro and amateur — view white shoes as a mark of professionalism and attention to detail. Keeping white shoes clean requires dedication and care. This is especially true in a sport that often involves riding through mud and muck! But the maintenance routine has become part of the sport’s unwritten rules and expectations.
Image from Tuvalum (via Unsplash)
A more practical perspective.
A preference for white cycling shoes isn’t just about tradition — there’s also a practical consideration that many don’t realize.
When riding under the intense summer sun, shoe color can impact foot temperature. Dark colors absorb more solar radiation, while white reflects it. This principle applies to both shoes and socks, which is why you’ll often see pros wearing white or other light colored socks as well.
During a long day in the saddle, especially in races like the Tour de France where temperatures can soar above 95°F, every small advantage in keeping cool matters. Professional cyclists may feel temperature differences of several degrees between white and black shoes, which can make a major difference in comfort and performance over six hours of racing.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd sponsors may prefer the blank, white canvas for branding purposes.
Have you considered the commercial aspect to the prevalence of white cycling shoes? Although it’s not obvious to folks without an advertising background, sponsor logos and brand names stand out more clearly on white backgrounds. This helps make them more visible in photographs and television coverage. They also match well with virtually any kit colors.
In a sport where sponsor visibility is a big part of team funding, choosing white shoes may be a simple yet easy way to attract a new equipment sponsor. Many shoe manufacturers have embraced this by designing their flagship models in white, with plenty of space for a large logo.
Are pro cyclists ever required to wear white shoes?
You might wonder whether there are any races where choosing white shoes is required. Surprisingly, no! There’s no rule about wearing white shoes at the Tour de France or any other race, so there are always a few teams and individuals willing to step outside the norms and choose something different.
While white remains dominant, modern pro cycling has seen a little more diversity in shoe colors in recent years. Brands like Specialized have popularized metallic and iridescent finishes like those seen on the S-Works Phyre line. Some teams also opt for team-colored shoes or special editions for major races. Riders may also wear shoes to mark specific accomplishments. While Tadej Pogacar chose white shoes with rainbows on the soles to match his World Championship kit, many Grand Tour leaders or champs jersey wearers will don matching shoes to celebrate their victory!
Embed from Getty ImagesAs cycling continues to evolve, white shoes remain a symbol of the sport’s traditions. There is still space to adapt to modern preferences and technologies. What color of shoes will be popular next?
Whether chosen for practicality or aesthetics alone, white cycling shoes seem likely to maintain their place in the professional peloton for now. Newcomers may cringe thinking of all the dirt and dust, but hey — it’s just one more thing that makes pro cycling a unique sport rich with history and traditions!
Read more: Tart cherry juice? Why this recovery drink is more important than you might think.
Would you choose white cycling shoes for yourself? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments or on social media! ★
