How to Unclip Peloton Shoes

The truth is, you’re not alone if you worry your shoes will get stuck to your Peloton pedals after finishing a ride. This happens to every Peloton rider at least once! Don’t fear – this guide will explain exactly how to unclip Peloton shoes to ensure they slip out of the pedals with ease every time.

What Exactly Are ‘Peloton Shoes’?

As Peloton is a specific cycling brand, they recommend a special cycling shoe to properly fit into their bike pedals. Your cleat type should be either Look Delta-compatible or SPD-SL, which are designed with a three-hole cleat. 

Peloton requires this specific kind of cleat to lock into the pedals because their pedals are thinner than on other bikes. That being said, you aren’t necessarily required to use cleats from the peloton brand. 

You can do a quick search and find different brands that offer the three-pronged style. Peloton bike shoes do tend to be pricey given the brand name. 

It is recommended to purchase cleats, as mounting your Peloton bike in your running sneakers or tennis shoes can result in a less effective ride. 

Let’s explore how to properly unclip your three-hole cleats so you can finish your exercise stress-free, dismount your peloton bike and go right to the shower.

What You Will Need to Clip and Unclip Peloton Shoes:

There aren’t many tools you will need to unclip your peloton shoes, aside from your bike and the shoe itself! However, if you find that your shoes are repeatedly getting stuck, you may want to invest in an allen key (also known as a hex key). 

Turning your hex or allen key counter-clockwise in the bolt underneath your pedal will loosen the bolts, making for an easy exit route for your shoes.

As you can see, it’s pretty simple to unclip your shoes. All you need it:

• Peloton bike and shoes
• 3mm Allen wrench or hex key (only in the case of your shoe getting stuck)

Clipping Into Your Peloton Bike

First, you should properly master clipping into your bike. I’ll cover the proper process so that you can get comfortable with both attachment and removal of your peloton shoes!

To clip into your pedals, you will need to straddle or mount your bike. Place your dominant foot on the pedal, on the side that protrudes upwards. Point the nose of your foot into the pedal, and drive your cleat in with force.

Once one foot is clipped in, you will find it easier to repeat the process with your other foot.

Step-by-Step: How to Unclip Peloton Shoes

Let’s outline the most simple steps for how to unclip peloton bike shoes.

After doing it a couple times, the muscle memory will kick in and you will be slipping out of the pedals before you even catch your breath. The video below is a great video tips so you can have a seamless dismounting process. 

Step #1: Slow Down Your Bike

Make sure you bring your peloton bike all the way to a halt. Lessen the pedal speed little by little until you and the pedals are perfectly still. 

If you need to come to an emergency stop mid-workout, you can do this using the emergency brake. The red resistance knob actually functions as the emergency brake –  press and hold it down for a couple of moments and your peloton pedals will immediately halt.

Step #2: Kick Your Heel Away from the Pedal

Once you have stopped the pedals and the bike finally halts, drive all of your force into one shoe and lift your heel away from the pedal. Most people prefer to do this with their dominant foot, (for you, it’s likely your right foot). 

Another method is to twist your toe outward from the bike. Voila, your shoe should come unstuck. 

Step #3: Step Off and Remove Your Second Shoe

Make sure you step off your bike with the foot you just unclipped. Your shoes can be slippery at first, so keep this in mind as you land. Repeat step 2 for your other shoe (likely your left foot), and you´re ready to dismount from your bike.

Step-by-Step: How to Unclip Peloton Shoes Stuck in the Pedals

Let’s break down exactly how to unclip your Peloton shoes if they are stuck in the pedals. Rest assured that if this is happening to you frequently, it is a pretty easy fix – you will just need to loosen and tighten some bolts. You can reference the video below for an easy visual guide. 

Step #1: Dismount and Slide Out of Your Shoe

Once the bike is stopped, slide out of your Peloton shoes so you can easily dismount your bike. You can easily loosen the velcro straps and shimmy out of your shoe starting with your dominant foot. After one foot is out, step on the floor and take the other foot off.

Step #2: Turn Your Resistance Knob all the Way to the Right

Turning your resistance knob all the way to the right will immobilize your pedals, making it easier to work with each one. It will make it so that you won’t be able to spin your pedals, but you will still be able to turn your pedals over.

Step #3: Turn your Pedal Over to Locate Tension Screw

After turning your resistance knob, you will need to turn your pedals upside down to be able to see the tension screw you will loosen next. The tension screw is the top pedal bolt in a hexagonal shape underneath your pedal.

Step #4: Turn The Screw with Your Allen Key

Locate your 3mm allen wrench or hex key and insert it into the tension screw of the foot pedal. Turn the screw one full turn counterclockwise. Be sure not to go too far, or this could over-loosen the pedal tension.

Step #5: Turn the Pedal Back Over to Pry out Cleat

Turn your pedal back over. Grip the back of the pedal with your thumb on the Peloton logo, and try to get the shoe out by wiggling. Don´t be afraid to apply force! If you don’t get lucky the first time, keep loosening the bolts carefully (not too much!) until the cleats easily slip off.

Step #5: Repeat!

Repeat steps 2-5 for the shoe on the other side, if your other shoe is stuck as well.

Step #6: Tighten the Tension Screws 

Before you walk away, remember to re-tighten the tension screw on both pedals before clipping in your cleats next time. Turn the allen or hex key one rotation clockwise to do the trick. 

Unclipping Peloton Shoes: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Peloton Specific Shoes?

Although Peloton will try and get you to purchase their shoes, the brand name comes with a high price tag. 

You can use cycling shoes from other brands with a three-bolt or three-cleat design, but the Peloton shoes will usually work best as they are designed specifically for the Peloton bike. Regular shoes are not recommended as they could slip off the Peloton bike pedals.

What Kind of Pedals are on a Peloton Bike?

Peloton bikes are equipped with Look Delta pedals already. You may need to purchase cleats, which is the apparatus that fastens to the bottom of your bike shoes to clip into the bike. You will need to purchase 3-bolt Delta Cleats if this is the case.

Does Peloton Come With Toe Cages?

You can purchase Peloton brand toe cages separately. A pair costs $40. However, other brands such as Exustar and Venzo also work with the peloton pedals.

Can You Change Pedals on a Peloton?

Yes, you can change the kind of pedals on your Peloton. Most users will choose to do this if they prefer a different cleat type. Typically, bikers who prefer SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) will choose to install different pedals compatible with this type of cleat, which are usually two-bolt instead of three-bolt. 

The Bottom Line

I hope this guide leaves you feeling anxious-free every time your ride comes to an end. Unclipping Peloton shoes will take practice, but will become muscle memory in no time. If your peloton shoes do become stuck occasionally, you will now know the process to fix it. Remember – riding your Peloton should be a fun part of your day!

What did you think about this article? Did you get all the info you need to unclip your Peloton shoes successfully? Please like or comment below with any input!