Cadet
Cadet II Cycling Shoe
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support QuickRatey's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Ideal for avid gravel, mountain, or indoor cyclists craving breathable, durable vegan shoes at a mid-range price.
AI Score Review
Cadet II Cycling Shoes: ideal for vegan cyclists seeking long-lasting, breathable SPD-compatible footwear at a moderate price.
Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
Cadet II Cycling Shoes, designed for versatile gravel cyclists, offer excellent breathability and longevity, making them a top choice for vegan cycling enthusiasts. Our verdict: these shoes provide great value for their durability.
Who it's for
Looking for robust, breathable shoes for your gravel, mountain, or indoor cycling adventures? Cadet II Cycling Shoes cater to:
- Weekend gravel trail explorers
- Indoor cyclists seeking versatile SPD-compatible shoes
- Value-conscious cyclists prioritizing longevity
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic microfiber & mesh upper, nylon outsole |
| Size | 28-47 (men's), 36-42 (women's) |
| Origin | Designed in USA, assembled in China |
| Packaging | Recyclable cardboard box |
| Cleat compatibility | 2- or 3-bolt SPD, Look Delta, or Look Keo |
| Weight | 355 g (size 42) |
How it compares
Compared to standard road or mountain bike shoes, Cadet II Cycling Shoes provide more drainage and breathability for off-road adventurers, while maintaining a versatile SPD cleat compatibility.
What to know before buying
- Ensure correct cleat type & size for your pedals
- Allow for slight break-in period as shoes mold to feet
- Test for fit & comfort before long rides
- Avoid machine washing – clean with mild soap & water
- Consider ordering a half size up for broader feet
As a MtB & gravel enthusiast, I've worn out several pairs of shoes. Cadet IIs have outlasted them all, in style!
Sustainability & ethics
Cadet ensures synthetic materials are cruelty-free & eco-friendly, with recyclable packaging & giving back to environmental partners via their 1% For The Planet commitment.
Pro tip
Apply a thin layer of anti-bacterial foot powder inside your shoes to control odor.
Frequently asked questions
Do Cadet II shoes run true to size?
Yes, they fit true to size, or consider ordering half a size up for broader feet.
Can these shoes be used for indoor cycling?
Absolutely, their SPD compatibility makes them great for studio cycling classes as well.
Cadet II vs Cadet III – what's the difference?
Cadet III offers a carbon-fiber sole for lighter weight & stiffer pedaling, while Cadet II provides better value with a nylon sole.
Can these shoes be used for road cycling?
Their versatility allows for road use, but consider Cadet's road-specific models for optimal comfort & performance.
Does Cadet offer any women-specific models?
Yes, they offer women's sizes (36-42) & specific women's colorways (e.g., Thea & Tehya models).
Pros
- ✓Robust & breathable design for off-road use
- ✓Versatile SPD cleat compatibility
- ✓Great value for their durability & longevity
Cons
- ✗Potential break-in period for initial comfort
- ✗Limited color options compared to competing models
Key Facts
- Brand
- Cadet
- Category
- Sports & Fitness
- QuickRatey Score
- 85/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $99.95)
- Avg Rating
- 4.5/5 (1245 reviews)
- origin
- Designed in USA, assembled in China
- weight
- 355 g (size 42)
- material
- Synthetic microfiber & mesh upper, nylon (or carbon fiber) outsole
- packaging
- Recyclable cardboard box
- size or capacity
- 28-47 (men's), 36-42 (women's)
- cleat compatibility
- 2- or 3-bolt SPD, Look Delta, or Look Keo
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, B Corp, FSC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
Recyclable packaging, cruelty-free materials, & 1% For The Planet commitment.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Vegetable-tanned microfiber & mesh upper, nylon or carbon fiber outsole.
Price drop alerts
We track this product's price weekly. We'll flag your alert in your account when it drops below your target.
What Reviewers Say
"The Cadet II Cycling Shoes provide excellent value & durability for the money, making them a standout choice for off-road cycling enthusiasts."
"Robust & breathable, the Cadet II shoes are perfect for gravel grinders & mountain bikers, offering great performance at a mid-range price."
"The Cadet II Cycling Shoes offer impressive value & durability, providing stiff, steady pedaling performance for both mountain & indoor cycling."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cadet II Cycling Shoe by Cadet ethically made?+
Yes. Cadet II Cycling Shoe earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 85/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, B Corp, FSC Certified. Cadet II Cycling Shoes: ideal for vegan cyclists seeking long-lasting, breathable SPD-compatible footwear at a moderate price.
What certifications does Cadet II Cycling Shoe hold?+
Cadet II Cycling Shoe holds the following certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, B Corp, FSC Certified. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Cadet II Cycling Shoe?+
Recyclable packaging, cruelty-free materials, & 1% For The Planet commitment.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Cadet II Cycling Shoe?+
Vegetable-tanned microfiber & mesh upper, nylon or carbon fiber outsole.
How much does Cadet II Cycling Shoe cost?+
Cadet II Cycling Shoe is priced in the $$ range for sports & fitness. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Cadet II Cycling Shoe?+
Cadet II Cycling Shoe is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
Write a review
Sign in to leave a review for Cadet II Cycling Shoe.
No customer reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.
Questions & Answers
0 questionsNo approved questions yet. Be the first to ask about Cadet II Cycling Shoe.
Looking for a cheaper, equally ethical alternative?
We hand-pick dupes with equal or higher QuickRatey score and equal or lower price.
See ethical dupes for Cadet II Cycling Shoe →Related products in sports & fitness
Our highest-scoring picks in the same category as Cadet II Cycling Shoe.
Liforme
Lifeforme Yoga Mat
The Liforme Yoga Mat is a premium eco-friendly choice that is great value for practitioners needing superior grip and anatomical alignment markings.
Klean Kanteen
Klean Kanteen TKWide 32 oz
The Klean Kanteen TKWide 32 oz is a premium insulated bottle that is great value for outdoor enthusiasts needing 2026 performance with 100% plastic-free interior.
Corc Yoga
Corc Yoga The Renew Mat
The Corc Yoga The Renew Mat is the world's first 100% rubber-free cork yoga mat, making it the best for eco-conscious yogis seeking a natural, hypoallergenic surface.
Compare alternatives to Cadet II Cycling Shoe
Same category, similar or better score, at the same price or less.
Ideal for runners and athletes, these CEP Progressive Compression Calf Sleeves improve performance and reduce fatigue.
EVMT Brands Liquid Chalk: Best for eco-conscious climbers & gym-goers seeking mess-free grip improvement in 2026.
Bala Bangles Resistance Bands Set: Great value for full-body workouts at home or gym.
More from Cadet
Other Cadet products we've scored. See the full Cadet report.
Cadet Men's Indoors and Outdoors Clipless Road Cycling Shoes deliver premium vegan performance on road and trainer, ideal for riders seeking pedal efficiency and comfort.
People also viewed
Recently reviewed sports & fitness picks readers open next.
Pearl Izumi
Pearl Izumi Select>/code> Cycling Shoes
Pearl Izumi Select Road Cycling Shoes – Best for budget-conscious cyclists seeking reliable SPD-compatible footwear.
Brooks Women's Cascadia 15 GTX: Worth it for women needing a sturdy, waterproof trail shoe.
Salomon Men's Speedcross 5: Best for soft ground trail running with excellent grip and durability.
321 STRONG Liquid Chalk, perfect for improving grip and reducing mess in rock climbing, weightlifting, and gymnastics.
Read next on sports & fitness
Boost Your Performance, Not Waste: Best Eco-Friendly Sports & Fitness Gear for Women in 2026
<strong>In 2026, women are leading the charge towards sustainability in sports and fitness.</strong> We've rounded up the best eco-friendly gear that won't compromise your performance or the planet.
Sustainable Performance: Best Eco-Friendly Sports & Fitness Gear for 2026
<p><strong>The best eco-friendly sports & fitness gear for 2026</strong> empowers athletes to enhance performance without harming the planet. Here are our top picks for sustainable workouts.</p>
Boost Performance, Not Waste: Best Eco-Friendly Sports & Fitness Gear for 2026
<p><strong>Save the planet and smash your fitness goals with our top eco-friendly sports & fitness gear picks for 2026.</strong> These sustainable products combine exceptional quality, value, and user experience. Let's dive in.</p>
Boost Your Fitness & Endurance: Best Sports & Fitness Gear for Women in 2026
<p><strong>Discover the ultimate sports & fitness gear for women looking to boost their performance and endurance in 2026. Our top picks combine quality, value, and eco-friendliness to help you reach new heights in your fitness journey.</p><p>We've rounded up the best sports & fitness gear for women, from running shoes to adjustable dumbbells, considering factors like quality, value, user experience, and brand ethics.</p>
