Leatt HydraDri 7.0 Clip shoe review – sweet spot control, comfort, performance and protection for wet trail/enduro days

Leatt’s new HydraDri 7.0 Clip boot shares everything but the sole with their HydraDri 7.0 Flat boot. It’s become my favorite clip in wet weather or dirty trail shoe for more technical riding for several reasons.

Design and specification

The sole unit is shared with Leatt's new Pro Clip 6.0 shoe and uses an open paddle style tread in a medium sticky, gum rubber color RideGrip Compound. The cleat slots are extended backwards and the surrounding area is left clear for easy finding with your foot. You also get metal shims to tune connection to shallower clipless systems and protect the sole. The Control Flex Shank balances pedaling stiffness and trail feel and the shank and EVA midsole is designed for minimum stack height.

The fabric upper is TPU protected around the toe, heel and lower edge and the inner shoe is closed with a speed lace system. The anti compression insole has an Active Carbon anti bacterial treatment. The shoe gets a HydraDri waterproof membrane throughout and the tall elasticated waterproof gaiter is closed with a zip and press stud at the ankle. There’s a wide range of sizing including half sizes but they’re only available in black.

Performance

While some labyrinth sealed winter boots can be a real fight to get into, toe and tongue straps make pulling the Leatt’s on easy. Fit is accurate to size and the whole shoe feels really well proportioned with no awkwardly tight or loose sections even before you cinch the speed lace system up. The zip is still running clean after several months of filthy riding and the press stud secures a snug but not circulation threatening ankle fit.

On bike feel is really well balanced too. Low stack height and well judged shank stiffness means you get a real sense of connection to the trail. They don’t feel like they’re obviously wasting pedal energy if you’re cranking hard though. The slight flex also fights off numbness on longer rides compared to the stiffer burr otherwise similar Endura MT500 waterproof boot. The large landing zone around the cleat makes it easy to find and allows a more mid foot pedal placement for whipping your hips about. The shallow tread is more surefooted than a ‘waffle’ style sole in wet conditions without compromising connection on a larger platform pedal. It doesn’t bite as well as a hiking boot style tread on hike a bike sections though.

Waterproof protection is far better than I expected from a 10k/10k rated boot and even in prolonged exposure to properly vile weather, I’ve yet to come back with soggy socks. The shoes breathe well too and the slight flex also protects against numbness so they’ve been comfortable even on snowy rides despite the fact there’s no extra insulation. The upper doesn’t obviously soak up a ton of water either so they stay light and lively in feel all day.

Verdict

I’ve got warmer shoes, stiffer shoes, grippier shoes and shoes with fancier fasteners, but I’ve still grabbed the Leatt’s for most rides this winter. That’s because they feel like you’re wearing a really good trail/enduro shoe in terms of feel and pedal performance. But without having to worry about rain, puddle splashes or front wheel spray for as long as you’re out riding. They’re proving impressively tough so far too, and the simple, sealed Speed Lace tensioning removes any worries about clogged or smashed dials. The high RRP is offset by 25 percent off sales at the moment too, so grab some now if you want a great wet weather enduro/trail shoe.

Tech specs: Leatt HydraDri 7.0 Clip shoe

• Price: $198.75 / £199.99
• Sizes: US 6-13, UK 5.5-12.5, EU 38.5-48.5
• Options: Black only
• Weight: 1,260g (pair of size 44s with Hope cleats)