The premier manufacturers of triathlon bike shoes are Shimano and Sidi. These are universally accepted as being the best triathlon shoes around. Louis Garneau is breaking into the market and establishing themselves as a serious contender.

We’ve done all the hard work for you and tested and reviewed each triathlon shoe individually. Whether you’re looking for a triathlon shoes review or a list of the best tri shoes, you’re in the right place.

There are many triathlon bike shoes on the market today and its not easy to pick the standout best triathlon shoe. We’ve given it our best shot – here is our list of the top 10 Triathlon Cycle Shoes:

[To shoe manufacturers/distributors. Please don't send us any more sample shoes for the 2012 review. The process is closed for this year. As always, we can't wait for your new models next year!]

Top 10 Triathlon Shoes of 2012

10. Louis Garneau 2011 Tri Speed A great addition to the Louis Garneau family. Known for their comfort and durability, the 2011 doesn’t disappoint. The double reversed velcro straps are well made and perfect for fast transitions. $89.99
9. Louis Garneau 2011 Tri-Lite A good mid-range shoe. Comfortable, good power transfer and won’t break the bank. Looks pretty kick-ass too. $169.99
8. Pearl iZUMi TRI Fly III Carbon Continuing the extremely successful Tri Fly series. Another great shoe combining lightweight synthetic leather and mesh. Dual release straps for quick Transitions. One thing we noticed – they dried really quick! For those who hate wet feet. $150.00
7. Diadora Sprinter Cycling Shoe The budget option. A little heavy feeling for our tastes but if you’re on a budget, you can do a lot worse than work with these. Be prepared for sore feet for the first few rides. Skip a couple of lattes and upgrade asap. $69.99
6. Mavic Huez A really elegant shoe from master craftsman Mavic. Very comfortable and light doe to the mesh technology towards the toe. Loses points for the rather awkward release straps. Mavic fans only. $399.95
5. SIDI Genius 5 Pro Carbon People who are part of the SIDI Genius family don’t mess around. The little brother of the Genius 6.6 but runs it close for being the best shoe out there. An intimidating price-tag but recommended if you’re planning to be crushing it on long training rides. $299.95
4. Shimano Men’s Elite Racing We like three things about these shoes – they are super comfortable, they reduce foot pressure from the ball of your feet and they dry fast. Pretty much all you could want in a triathlon shoe. $349.95
3. Louis Garneau Tri Air Compo You want quick transitions? Can’t cope with those tricky release straps? Well you’re in luck. The Tri Air Compo utilizes a single strap but somehow manages to retain comfort and snug fitting. $169.95 Great value for money earns the Tri Air a podium finish
2. SIDI T2.6 Carbon The best looking bike shoe on the market? Yes. End of discussion. If you want shoes that combine drop dead looks with extreme comfort then the T2.6 is the way to go. Did we mention that they are nice to look at? $259.95 The second best triathlon shoe of 2011.
1. SIDI Genius 6.6 Carbon Just an absolute monster of a bike shoe. Full carbon sole for massive power transfer and foot comfort. It’s like adding a small rocket pack to your feet. You may choke at the price but then again – how much did you spend on your wetsuit? Return the suit and buy these instead! They are just that good. $449.95 I don’t care if they’re expensive. They. Are. The. Best.