Finding the best mountain bike shoes for you is as significant as finding the right bike or helmet, yet it’s often ignored in favour of other mountain bike upgrades.
Not only will a good pair of mountain bike shoes offer a better and more personal fit, they will also make you faster, and more efficient depending on your choice of mtb pedals.
The mountain bike shoe spectrum is split into two distinct types — clipless shoes or flats, some even combine both pedal systems which allow you to switch between the two depending on the type of terrain or event.
While there’s no right or wrong decision when it comes to purchasing a pair of mountain bike shoes, riding style and preference are likely to influence the final decision.
Flat pedal shoes are reserved for trail, enduro, and gravity riding and make for easy maneuverability on the bike not to mention superb feedback from the pedals. Clipless shoes, on the other hand, attach the shoe to the pedal by way of a cleat — this system can be used across the mountain bike spectrum. The key factors to consider before buying a pair of mountain bike shoes are listed below.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow
Ideal for Mountain Bike Rookies
Despite the minimalist appearance, the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow is an excellent shoe for those looking to get into mountain biking for the first time. There’s nothing fancy here, the X-Alps offer an uncomplicated lace-up system wrapped in a casual package.
The dual-compound sole features a combination of what Pearl Izumi calls chevron lugs and strategically placed rubber siping (cut pattern) for optimal flat-pedal grip. And they work really well, supplying generous levels of purchase and manoeuvrability.
The X-Alps could offer better protection around the ankles and toes but for the price, you can’t be too fussy - this is an entry-level mountain bike shoe that does the business.
Five Ten Freerider Pro
A Durable Shoe with Excellent Grip
It’s hard to beat the Five Ten Freerider Pro when it comes to comfort and performance. While it doesn’t possess the thickest of outsoles, it still delivers impressive pedal feel and grip — the latter coming compliments of the dotted Stealth S1 rubber compound.
The thick upper material offers good ventilation and reinforced protection around the toe and heel area and is relatively easy to keep clean.
The fit is truly superb with laces the primary means of retention. This particular model makes use of a clever lace keeper which holds everything in place to prevent them from eventually coming undone.
Giro Riddance
A darn good-looking mountain bike shoe
The Giro Riddance represents one of the company’s most popular flat-pedal trail shoes and comes in a selection of three colour options, blue, red and black.
The Vibram Megagrip ISR rubber compound is supportive on the pedal but lacks outright traction, leaving you constantly backing off or adapting your riding so as not to bounce and slip off the pedal. The rubber used on the sole is simply too hard and has pingy rather than damped characteristics.
An EVA vibration-damping footbed ensures high levels of comfort while the uppers are composed of a microfibre material for improved ventilation and moisture resistance. Rubberised toe and heel pads add an extra layer of protection to package.
Giro Code Techlace
A beautifully crafted lace-up shoe
There’s something oddly attractive about a beautifully crafted lace-up shoe and Giro has been at the forefront of this resurgence. Lace-ups are generally pretty light too and lack any fidgety parts such as ratchets that can get damaged in the event of a crash.
Sure, they’re not everybody’s cup of tea but the company’s new Code Techlace shoe might change perceptions. Unlike regular laces that require tight pulling and tying to secure the foot (something that can come loose at some point) the Techlace system allows you to alter the lace tension on the fly via Velcro straps, while a Boa dial ensures a snug and secure fit.
If that’s not enough, the Code comes with Easton EC70 carbon soles finished off with Vibram rubber tread for added protection and grip.
Scott MTB Team Boa
A performance-focused MTB shoe
Scott’s MTB Team Boa represents the middle ground in the company’s cross-country shoe range. Stealth in appearance, it benefits from a Boa retention system which adds to the premium feel. In fact, the performance and comfort are of such an impressive level that these could easily be mistaken for the flagship MTB RC model.
A reinforced heel cup supplies a slip-free pedalling action that is backed up by an impressively stiff nylon/fibreglass sole with rubberised tread.
Performance aside, it’s the way these shoes feel that sets them apart. Not only is there a roomy toe box, but the ErgoLogic insole support system also allows you to tailor the footbed by way of swappable segments for an improved fit.
