Mountain biking shoes are essential gear for any cyclist who enjoys tackling rough terrain. They provide the traction, protection and comfort needed to keep your feet happy and in control as you navigate rocks, roots, and steep hills.
But finding the perfect pair can feel like searching for a unicorn, they need to be breathable and comfy, grip like crazy on loose rocks and roots, shield your feet from rogue sticks and errant pedals, and ideally, weigh next to nothing.
When choosing mountain bike shoes, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Clipless vs. flat pedals
- Sole material
- Closure system
- Protection
- Comfort
1. Shimano ME7
Price: $220.00 (Amazon)
The Shimano ME7 is a high-performance trail shoe that provides good protection and pedaling efficiency. It excels in grip and traction on various terrains.
The shoe is designed to be comfortable and durable for long rides. The sole and tread of the shoe are great, and the roost guard works well.
Product Details:
- Closure: Speed lacing system with cover and ratcheting upper buckle
- Measured Weight: 415 grams
- Width Options: Regular and Wide
- Upper Material: Synthetic Leather
- Midsole: Carbon Fiber composite midsole
Pros:
- Great power transfer
- Relatively lightweight
- Quick and easy closure system
- Great off-the-bike performance
Cons:
- No half sizes
- Possibly polarizing looks
- Moderately expensive
2. Giro Empire VR90
Price: $149.00 (Amazon)
The Giro Empire VR90 is a high-performance shoe designed for cross-country racing, gravel grinding, and cyclocross.
The shoe is lightweight and has unparalleled stiffness, comfort and surprising off-the-bike traction and durability.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 388g
- Closure: Laces
- Width options: Regular and High Volume(HV)
- Upper materials: Microfiber
- Midsole: Easton EC90 Carbon Fiber
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Stiff carbon soles
- Lugged Vibram rubber outsole
- Very comfortable
- Customizable insoles
Cons:
- Expensive
- No on-the-fly adjustments
- Minimal foot protection
3. Specialized 2FO Roost Clip
Price: $130.00 (Amazon)
The shoe combines a durable leather and textile upper, cushioned EVA foam midsole, and a relaxed fit that can stand up to the rigors of daily trail use without sacrificing off-the-bike comfort and style.
The ultra-sticky SlipNot ST rubber sole delivers unsurpassed pedal grip and connection to keep you in control through the heaviest rock gardens.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 375g
- Closure: Laces
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synthetic Leather and Textile
- Midsole: Stiff Lollipop nylon composite plate
Pros:
- Casual style
- Good power transfer
- Lightweight
- Reasonable price
Cons:
-
Roomy fit in the forefoot
-
Not the best lateral stability
4. Scott MTB Team Boa
Price: $130.00 (Amazon)
The shoe features a Boa IP-1 dial and a velcro strap closure system that provides a secure fit. The shoe is lightweight and has a durable construction that can withstand the rigors of daily trail use.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 359g
- Closure: Boa dial plus Velcro strap
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synthetic Polyurethane, 3D Airmesh
- Midsole: Nylon/Glass Fiber Composite
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Superb power transfer
- Secure closures
- Many features
Cons:
- Less foot protection
- Not the most durable
5. Fox Union BOA
Price: $250.00 (Amazon)
The shoe provides a nice amount of power transfer, a comfortable fit, and a very long cleat channel allowing nearly every rider to find optimal cleat placement.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 458g
- Closure: BOA Li2
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: One-piece synthetic, weather resistant welded construction
- Midsole: Tuned EVA with reinforced nylon shank
Pros:
- Excellent power transfer
- Reasonable weight
- Enormous cleat channel
- Fairly versatile
Cons:
- No medial ankle protection
- BOA system might be a turn-off for some
6. Giro Gauge
Price: $46.00 (Amazon)
The shoe has a sole that allows for a natural gait, aggressive lugs, a thin, breathable upper, and a classic lace closure system which makes it perform at a high level both on and off the bike.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 452g
- Closure: Laces
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synchwire on-piece composite
- Midsole: Injected nylon shank
Pros:
- Super walkable
- Athletic styling
- Good traction
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
-
Below-average sole stiffness
-
Minimal protection
7. Ride Concepts Tallac Clip
Price: $180.00 (Amazon)
The Ride Concepts Tallac Clip is a high-performance shoe that targets all-day epics and backcountry excursions.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 539g
- Closure: Laces and Velcro Strap
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Bonded Cordura mech with TPU toe and heel protection
- Midsole: RC Powerdrive Nylon Shank
Pros:
- Well-padded
- Burly, durable design
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Heavy
8. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit
Price: $150.00 (Amazon)
The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit is a versatile, all-around mountain bike shoe that works well in a number of situations.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 435
- Closure: BOA and Velcro
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Seamless perforated synthetic upper
- Midsole: EVA heel cushioning
Pros:
- Excellent off-the-bike feel
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Comfortable
- Stiff enough
Cons:
- Jack of all trades, master of none
- Translates choppy trail surfaces to rider's feet
9. Five Ten Freerider Pro
Price: $83.00 (Amazon)
The Five Ten Freerider Pro is a high-performance flat mountain bike shoe that is considered the benchmark for flat pedal shoes.
Product Details:
- Rubber Type: Stealth S1
- Sole Pattern: Full Dot
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synthetic Leather
- Midsole: EVA
Pros:
-
Grippy soles
-
Sturdy construction
-
Power transfer
Cons:
- Expensive
10. Ride Concepts Livewire
Price: $110.00 (Amazon)
The Ride Concepts Livewire is a versatile and reasonably priced flat pedal shoe that offers strong performance and even stronger value.
Product Details:
- Rubber type: Kinetics DST6.0 High Grip
- Sole pattern: Full Dot
- Closure: Laces
- Upper materials: Synthetic/mesh
- Lace keeper: Yes
Pros:
- Good grip
- Quality construction
- Low price
Cons:
-
Less grippy than some
-
Limited ventilation
11. Crankbrothers Mallet BOA
Price: $199.99 (Amazon)
The Crankbrothers Mallet BOA is a unisex shoe that is designed for trail rides, and all-day epics, and is sturdy enough for enduro and downhill riding.
Product Details:
- Measured weight: 375 grams
- Closure: Laces
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synthetic
- Midsole: EVA midsole
Pros:
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Casual style
- Great off-the-bike
- Robust construction
- Versatile
Cons:
- Average power transfer
- Long fit
12. Five Ten Kestrel Boa
Price: $192.00 (Amazon)
The Five Ten Kestrel Boa is a versatile mountain bike shoe that is designed for all-day epics and backcountry excursions.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 511 grams
- Closure: Boa dial plus velcro at the toe box
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Synthetic
- Midsole: Carbon-infused nylon shank
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Great traction while hiking
- Boa closures
- Good style
Cons:
- Sometimes too grippy for a clipless focused shoe
- Heavy
13. Giro Chamber II
Price: $150.00 (Amazon)
The Giro Chamber II is a high-performance mountain bike shoe that provides excellent power transfer and foot protection in a comfortable and highly durable package .
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 525 grams
- Closure: Laces plus power strap
- Width options: Regular
- Upper material: Water-resistant microfiber
- Midsole: Tri-molded SPD-compatible shank
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Comfortable
- Stiff
- Good foot protection
Cons:
- Heavy
- Wide forefoot
14. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD
Price: $160.00 (Amazon)
The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD is a versatile mountain bike shoe that is designed for all-day epics and backcountry excursions.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 436 grams
- Closure: L6 Boa
- Width options: Regular
- Upper materials: Recycled Cordura fabric
- Midsole: Composite shank
Pros:
- Versatile
- Robust construction
- Easy adjustment
- Casual style
Cons:
- Single boa closure
- Limited traction in wet conditions
15. Specialized Rime 2.0
Price: $160.00 (Amazon)
The Specialized Rime 2.0 is a high-performance mountain bike shoe that provides excellent power transfer and foot protection in a comfortable and highly durable package.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 419 grams
- Closure: L6 Boa and Laces
- Width options: Regular
- Upper materials: XPEL hydrophobic mesh
- Midsole: Lollipop Nylon Composite
Pros:
- Lugged Vibram sole
- Versatile fit
- Stiff but walkable
Cons:
- Limited on-the-go adjustments
16. Ride Concepts Men's Transition
Price: $160.00 (Amazon)
The shoe has a stiff midsole and shanks that provide power into the pedals when you need it, yet still, provide a comfortable pedaling platform for all-day wear.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 547 grams
- Closure: Laces and Powerstrap
- Width options: Regular
- Upper materials: Welded Microfiber Upper
- Midsole: RC Powerdrive Nylon Shank
Pros:
- Super Protective
- Comfortable fit
- Solid foot-pedal connection
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not the best hiking traction
17. Sidi Trace 2
Price: $269.99 (Amazon)
The Sidi Trace 2 shoe has a durable construction that can withstand the rigors of daily trail use.
Product Details:
- Weight (per shoe): 392 grams
- Closure: Tecno 3 closure system and velcro straps
- Width options: Regular
- Upper materials: Politex
- Midsole: MTB RS17 Sole, nylon
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great power transfer
Cons:
- Expensive
- The strap mount can snag on your crank
