Mountain bike shoes offer different levels of pedaling efficiency and vary greatly in terms of sole stiffness, weight and foot protection.
No matter whether you prefer leisurely cross-country loops or hard climbing races, your shoe selection plays an integral role in the ride experience.
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5 Best MTB Mountain Bike Shoes |
1. Five Ten Kestrel BOA
Five Ten has made its mark as an industry leader with its line of burly MTB shoes that bridge both cross country (XC) and trail categories
of mountain biking.
The Kestrel BOA fits this profile, ditching matching-kit XC looks in favor of light, performance-oriented designs with stiff soles and Five Ten's trademark Stealth rubber for exceptional grip and performance.
Five Ten also upgraded its lugs and midsole, providing more support when pedaling out of the saddle.
I found it to be comfortable on long rides; its abrasion-resistant uppers held up well when repeated contact occurred with rocks; while its Boa closure system provided on-the-fly adjustment that wasn't easily undone like laces would.
2. Crankbrothers Mallet BOA
Crankbrothers has designed the Mallet BOA to work seamlessly with their pedal system; however, it works with most flat and clipless pedals as well.
These lightweight yet durable shoes feature ramped cleat areas and lug designs optimized for quick engagement/exit from pedals; furthermore, there's plenty of padding and snug fits that prevent hot spots.
MC1 rubber compound provides excellent pedaling support while dampening vibrations from rough trails, while its uppers feature a blend of synthetic materials designed to resist scuffing and repel water for great durability.
BOA closure makes adjusting to fit easily; tall cuff keeps debris at bay.
Crankbrothers Mallet BOA shoes are one of the top options available when it comes to light-duty footwear that can take a beating, such as downhill and enduro riders.
While slightly more costly than others on this list, they provide maximum comfort and durability with Crankbrothers cleats already preinstalled - perfect for downhillers!
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5 Best MTB Mountain Bike Shoes |
3. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD
The X-Alp Launch SPD shoes provide the ideal combination of stiff soles, power transfer, and comfortable walkability, making it one of the lightest shoes we tested.
Their lightweight materials and Boa closure system help make them one of the lightest shoes we tested; carbon soled cross country shoes like Shimano's XC7 or Crankbrothers Mallet BOA will sacrifice some protection and security; so for trail/enduro riding enthusiasts looking for an excellent middle ground between protection and lightness is best served by this model X-Alp Launch.
Vibram Ecostep outsoles feature a relatively smooth ball of foot area and feature lugs at the toe and heel to provide stability and traction while walking, and weigh 1 pound 11 ounces per pair in size 42 EU (8.5 US men's).
These shoes feature the BOA Fit System, which we prefer over laces that can get caught on drivetrain components and offer inconsistent tension.
A BOA closure also makes adjusting shoes on the go easier since no unwinding and rewinding is required; additionally we prefer its ratcheting strap design over Velcro which tends to loosen over time.
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5 Best MTB Mountain Bike Shoes |
4. Shimano GE500
Shimano's Gravity Enduro flat shoe range begins with the GE500 as an entry level shoe designed for demanding mountain bikers using clipless pedals and designed for clipless pedal use.
It provides durability, technical bike handling and pedaling efficiency through its durable synthetic upper with ventilated GORE-TEX waterproof membrane up to the mid-cut ankle sock liner.
A BOA Fit System L6 dial with shield and neoprene ankle collar tightens tightens these shoes easily with gloves on, while TORBAL 2.0 Torsional Plate allows heel section movement independently for improved comfort, bike control.
Women-specific models in their GE500W series feature similar construction but lack features like neoprene ankle collars or BOA dials; pricing starts at just $220 with European sizes 38-48 sizes available.
Like its siblings in this series, this shoe also comes equipped with an ULTREAD GE outsole which offers excellent traction on slippery hike-a-bike trails as well as over technical terrain when riding unclipped.
5. Five Ten Trailcross GORE-TEX
Five Ten's Trailcross shoes were specifically crafted for mountain bikers looking for the ideal flat pedal shoe/boot combination to use both while riding and hiking.
Constructed of GORE-TEX waterproof fabric with their trademark Stealth rubber sole featuring enhanced off-bike traction ridges at toe and heel for off-bike riding, there is extra reinforcement in high wear areas as well as a neoprene ankle cuff to keep out mud, snow or water when trekking on trails or trails.
These shoes may be slightly heavier than some others, but they offer superior ventilation.
With simple lace closure and an additional velcro strap around the tongue for additional security and a neoprene gaiter that wraps over your ankle and has pull tags to easily put over your foot, these are well-rounded choices with exceptional ventilation.
Although its lugs could use some height and spread to better handle mud, overall this shoe is great for bikepacking or hikers who use this mode as well as those who hike occasionally.
Unfortunately, its ankle cuff didn't quite fit my large legs and feet perfectly so you may require one size up if opting for this model.
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5 Best MTB Mountain Bike Shoes |
Q. What are MTB mountain bike shoes?
MTB (Mountain Bike) shoes are footwear designed specifically for mountain biking. They feature a durable build, stiff soles, and special outsoles for improved grip and stability on various terrains. Many also have cleat compatibility, allowing them to attach to clipless pedals for better power transfer.
Q. What are the types of MTB shoes?
There are two main types:
- Clipless MTB Shoes: Designed to work with cleats that lock into clipless pedals, providing maximum power efficiency and control.
- Flat Pedal MTB Shoes: Feature grippy rubber soles to help riders stay secure on flat pedals, ideal for downhill, trail, or freeride mountain biking.
Q. How do I choose the right MTB shoes?
Consider these factors:
- Pedal Type: Choose clipless shoes if you use clipless pedals; flat shoes for flat pedals.
- Terrain & Riding Style: Enduro and downhill riders often prefer flat shoes, while cross-country cyclists opt for clipless models.
- Fit & Comfort: Look for a secure, snug fit with room for toe movement.
- Durability & Grip: Check for reinforced materials and outsoles with good traction, especially for rough or wet trails.
- Weather Resistance: Some shoes offer waterproofing or breathability for specific weather conditions.
Q. Who should use MTB shoes?
MTB shoes are ideal for:
- Mountain Bikers: Anyone participating in trail, enduro, cross-country, or downhill biking.
- Cyclists Seeking Performance: Riders who want better pedaling efficiency, power transfer, and foot security.
- Beginner Riders: Even new riders can benefit from MTB shoes, especially flat pedal designs, for improved stability.
Q. Why are MTB shoes better than regular sports shoes?
- Pedal Compatibility: MTB shoes align with pedals for better power transfer, especially clipless models.
- Protection: They offer reinforced toe boxes and rugged materials to protect feet from rocks, debris, or crashes.
- Traction: MTB shoes feature sticky soles for enhanced grip on uneven terrain or during off-bike hikes.
- Stiffness: The soles are designed to be rigid, improving energy transfer compared to the flexible soles of casual sports shoes.
