Best Gear to Wear for Peloton Workouts

Your Peloton doesn’t care what you’re wearing. But your body does. The right workout gear is the difference between a ride where you’re constantly adjusting your shorts, wiping sweat from your eyes, and fighting discomfort — and one where you forget what you’re wearing entirely because you’re too busy chasing a PR.

After thousands of collective rides, runs, and strength sessions across the Output Nation community, we’ve dialed in exactly what works and what doesn’t. Here’s your definitive guide to gearing up for Peloton workouts.

Why Your Gear Actually Matters

Let’s cut through the noise. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on boutique fitness apparel to have a great workout. But you do need gear that performs. The wrong fabric traps heat and breeds bacteria. The wrong fit causes chafing on long rides. The wrong shoes rob you of watts. These aren’t minor inconveniences — they’re performance killers and motivation destroyers.

The right gear removes friction, literally and figuratively, so you can focus on what matters: your output, your form, and your effort.

Cycling-Specific Gear

Shoes

If you ride the Peloton Bike or Bike+, cycling shoes are non-negotiable. The Peloton pedals use a three-bolt Look Delta cleat system, and clipping in with proper cycling shoes transforms your pedal stroke. You recruit more muscle groups, generate more power on the upstroke, and maintain a smoother, more efficient cadence throughout the ride.

Peloton sells their own branded shoes, and they’re a solid entry point. But if you want better fit, ventilation, and stiffness — which directly translates to power transfer — you’ll want to look at dedicated cycling shoe brands. A stiffer sole means less energy is absorbed by the shoe and more goes directly into moving that flywheel.

Key features to look for: a rigid carbon or composite sole, a secure closure system (BOA dials are excellent), adequate ventilation, and Look Delta cleat compatibility. Some shoes come with SPD or other cleat systems, so always double-check before purchasing.

Padded Shorts and Cycling Bottoms

If you’re riding more than 20 minutes, padded cycling shorts will change your life. The chamois pad reduces pressure on sit bones, prevents chafing, and lets you ride longer and harder without that dreaded saddle soreness that can linger for days.

You have two main options: traditional cycling shorts or cycling shorts with a looser outer layer. Both work. Traditional form-fitting shorts minimize fabric bunching and are the most efficient choice. If you prefer more coverage, look for shorts with a built-in chamois rather than wearing underwear beneath gym shorts — that extra layer of fabric creates friction and defeats the purpose entirely.

One critical rule: never wear underwear beneath padded cycling shorts. The chamois is designed to sit directly against your skin. Adding a layer between you and the pad introduces seams and moisture-trapping fabric right where you don’t want it.

Tops

Since you’re riding indoors without wind resistance to cool you down, your top needs to prioritize moisture management above everything else. Cotton is the enemy. It absorbs sweat, gets heavy, clings to your skin, and takes forever to dry. You’ll feel like you’re wearing a wet towel by the middle of a 45-minute Power Zone ride.

Look for lightweight, synthetic fabrics — polyester blends, nylon, or merino wool — with moisture-wicking properties. These materials pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate quickly, keeping you cooler and more comfortable throughout your workout. Mesh panels in high-heat zones like the back and underarms are a huge plus for indoor riding.

Fit matters too. Something too loose can get caught or flap around during out-of-saddle efforts. Something too tight can restrict breathing. Aim for a fit that moves with you without excess fabric.

Gear for Tread, Strength, and Floor Workouts

The Peloton ecosystem extends well beyond the bike. If you’re running on the Tread, hitting strength classes, or flowing through yoga sessions, your gear requirements shift.

Running Shoes

For the Tread, invest in proper running shoes fitted for your gait. This is the single most important piece of gear for any Peloton runner. Visit a local running store for a gait analysis if you haven’t already. The wrong shoes lead to knee pain, shin splints, and hip issues that will sideline you from all your Peloton workouts, not just running.

Training Shoes

For strength and bootcamp classes, you want a flat, stable training shoe rather than a cushioned runner. Running shoes have elevated heels and soft cushioning designed for forward motion — not ideal when you’re doing deadlifts, lateral lunges, or jumping movements. A good cross-trainer gives you the stability you need for lifting and the flexibility you need for dynamic movements.

Bottoms for Non-Cycling Workouts

For strength, running, and floor work, you want bottoms that allow full range of motion without riding up or sliding down. Look for a secure waistband, four-way stretch fabric, and a length that won’t interfere with your movements. For yoga and stretching classes, a higher-waisted, compressive legging or fitted short helps you move through poses without constantly readjusting.

Accessories That Make a Real Difference

• Sweat-wicking headband: Indoor cycling generates enormous amounts of sweat. A good headband keeps it out of your eyes so you can stay focused on the leaderboard and your instructor’s cues.
• Heart rate monitor: Peloton integrates with Bluetooth heart rate monitors, and training with heart rate data is a game-changer for understanding your effort and improving your fitness. A chest strap provides the most accurate readings, though armband monitors offer convenience.
• Grip gloves or towel: For cycling, some riders swear by padded cycling gloves to reduce hand pressure on the handlebars. At minimum, keep a towel on your handlebars for sweat management.
• High-quality sports bra: For female riders, a supportive sports bra is critical. Cycling involves less impact than running, but out-of-saddle efforts, bootcamp classes, and running demand serious support. Look for moisture-wicking fabric, adjustable straps, and encapsulated support for higher-impact work.
• Compression socks: Often overlooked, compression socks improve blood flow during and after rides, reduce fatigue, and can help with recovery. They’re especially beneficial for longer rides and stacked workout days.

The Bottom Line

The best Peloton gear is gear you don’t think about during your workout. It wicks sweat efficiently, stays in place, prevents chafing, and lets you move the way your body needs to move. Start with the essentials — proper shoes and moisture-wicking fabrics — and build from there based on your workout frequency and the classes you take most.

Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either. Your equipment is only as effective as the body operating it, and that body performs best when it’s comfortable, cool, and free from distraction. Gear up smart, clip in, and go chase that next personal record.