Finding the right mountain bike shoe is a tricky exercise, so we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best mountain bike shoes you can currently buy. Shoes are more than just a style element, providing an important contact point with the pedal system whether that's a flat, or clipless pedal. The best mountain bike shoes will offer comfort and control, and communicate your inputs as well as provide feedback on what is happening under your wheels. 

Along with the saddle and handlebars, the shoe/pedal interface represents one of the three contact points with the bike. As such, it is crucial that you choose a comfortable shoe that offers you support and allows you to transmit power through the pedals.

For beginners and riders learning vital skills and perfecting the trade, a flat pedal is a good place to start. Flat pedal shoes are usually the choice for downhill or enduro mountain biking or freeriders and they often utilise soft rubber soles originally designed for climbing shoes. The alternative to flats is clipless shoes. Clipless shoes come in all shapes and sizes ranging from super stiff carbon-soled cross country disco slippers to the skate style kicks and everything in between. This option will physically attach your feet to the pedals. Clipless pedals were designed to improve security when descending and most of all pedalling efficiency.  

To choose a cycling shoe that meets your riding needs you might even have to consider how much flex and compliance there is in the sole for walking. Trying to "hike a bike" with the stiffest pair of cross-country mountain biking shoes will be both a hazard and uncomfortable. Yes, there's a lot to take in!

We have separated the shoes into two categories; flats and clipless. Scroll down to jump straight to the shoe that takes your interest or keep scrolling to learn the answers to some of the most common questions about the best mountain bike shoes.

Best mountain bike shoes - Flats

• Crankbrothers Stamp Trail Boa
• Fizik Gravita Versor Flat
• Shimano GF8 GTX
• Fox Union Flat
• Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo 
• Leatt 7.0 Hydradri 
• Giro Latch MTB 
• Ride Concepts Powerline

Crankbrothers Stamp Trail Boa

£200

The Stamp Trail Boa is the latest flat pedal shoe to hit Crankbrothers' range and it's one that sits more towards the high end of the shoe scale. Compared to the brand's more accessibly priced kicks, this one gets a much slimmer build with a ripstop upper and moderately flexible sole to balance efficiency with grip. As its name suggests the Stamp Trail Boa dons a Boa dial for easy fastening, and there's a hook and loop strap to keep everything locked in place.

This shoe finds its way into this buyer's guide because it's very, very good. The slim fit provides more pedal real estate to play with while grip in general is excellent. With its rip-stop upper, it's a shoe that works well in a range of conditions as it can fend off spray while encouraging just enough airflow to keep things comfortable. If we were to complain, it would be the price as it's certainly up there for a flat pedal shoe but compared to other Boa-equipped flat shoes, the value isn't too shabby.

Here's the review for a deeper look - Crankbrothers Stamp Trail Boa shoe review.

Fizik Gravita Versor Flat

£135

Fizik's Gravita Versor Flat shoe is designed to work through all kinds of mountain biking, whether that's heavier hitting enduro tracks or uplifted gravity riding. This shoe gets a unique lace layout that keeps the delicate bits from getting caught in a bike's drivetrain and there's an EVA midsole to help damp vibrations. Outside, the Versor flat benefits from Vibram's Megagrip tread with a zonal lug pattern at the mid-foot to achieve top-level grip.

During testing, we were big fans of the Versor Flat's slim and lightweight build as well as its supreme levels of comfort for the money. The outsole might not be as tacky as other shoes but as a whole package, this one does a great job with impressive weather protection and impeccable pedal feel.

For more, here's the Fizik Gravita Versor Flat shoe review.

Shimano GF8 GTX

£220

The GF8 is Shimano's Gore-Tex-equipped winter boot that utilises the brand's Ultread outsole. Also coming with the brand's latest Torbal technology that allows for radial flex of the sole, Shimano's efforts in creating a winter boot are rather successful. It's then only equipped with a Boa dial as its closure and plenty of perforations balance all-out waterproofing with a bit of airflow.

On the trail, the GF8 performs, doing a great job of keeping water out while keeping feet warm and comfortable. That said, it doesn't keep the worst of the water out but given the grip, low profile and comfort provided, it's a welcome trade-off. The shoe is certainly a snug fit but pedal feel is top-notch.

After a set of winter shoes? Here's the Shimano GF8 GTX shoe review.

Fox Union Flat Shoes

£130

Fox's shoe range is relatively new for the clothing and protectives company and the brand hasn't done things by half. While a mid-range-priced shoe, the Union Flats are top performers thanks to an excellently grippy rubber compound and surprisingly impressive weather resistance.

The Union Flat comes with all of the protection a shoe will need while looking rather good at that. And thanks to an EVA midsole, it's one comfortable number that doesn't hold back on pedalling efficiency. 

Niggles are very few but if our tester could find fault with anything, it's that the laces are a little too short.

If you would like to find out more about Fox's flat pedal offering, here's our full review on the Fox Union Flat shoe.

Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo Shoe

£99

If eco-friendliness is a priority, Northwave's Tailwhip Eco Evo offers just that, in a package that doesn't hold back on performance. While looking rather good, the Michelin outsole provides all of the grip you could shake a stick at.

This shoe's eco-credentials come from the use of RePET, ReRubber and ReFoam materials, all of which use recycled fabrics and rubbers and post-production waste materials. They're then glued together with a water-based glue. Altogether, the brand says that the Tailwhip Eco Evos are made with 53.34% responsible input.

They perform off of the bike too with a sole that's durable, but also stiff. However the upper is nice and pliable which makes hike-a-bike scenarios more than possible.

If you're an eco-friendly flat pedal shoe fan, check out our Northwave Tailwhip Eco Evo shoe review.

Leatt 7.0 HydraDri flat pedal shoes

£190

After quite the wait, brands are now acknowledging the demand for waterproof flat pedal shoes, and although Leatt harks from South Africa, it's done a fantastic job with the 7.0 HydraDri flat pedal shoes.​

These waterproof boots combine an effective 10k/10k waterproof membrane with a super grippy outsole that uses an inverted version of Leatt's WaffleGrip Pro tread pattern. This means that the shoe's contact patch on the pedal has been increased, for even better traction. There are also mudflow channels to keep that tread clear of grip-reducing muck.

Leatt has done a great job of combining waterproofing and grip, as well as comfort but what's extra cool is that these shoes have been sized up slightly, in order to make room for thick socks.

If you're looking for a waterproof flat pedal shoe and would like to learn a little more, head over to our Leatt 7.0 HydraDri flat pedal shoe review.

Giro Latch MTB Shoes

£130

The Giro Latch shoes are solid, well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, lightweight and of good build quality. They resemble casual trainer-like shoes with a low profile, much like the Five Ten Freerider Pro. 

Comfort-wise, the Giro Latch provides a good level of support from the sole when on the pedals, but is balanced with a tough build that still flexes to deform with your foot's movement. This is a welcomed feature especially for walking or pushing up the side of a trail. Staying with the sole, there is plenty of grip on offer no matter the weather conditions. Giro's own Tack Rubber compound deforms and grapples hold of the pedal pins to give riders that locked-in feel. 

These shoes are comfortable both on and off the bike, providing fantastic pedal adhesion in all conditions. Despite showing some slight signs of wear on the soft sole, they've retained their build integrity well.  

• For more details, read the full Giro Latch MTB Shoes review.

Ride Concepts Powerline shoe

£150

Justifying a rather high price of £140, the Ride Concepts Powerline shoe comes built with an impressive array of features in order to ensure they hit the holy trinity of mountain bike shoes, comfort, grip and protection. 

The welded micro-fibre upper is both abrasion and weather-resistant, and there’s an asymmetrical medial collar with D3O impact protection built in to keep those ankles from your bike cranks. Actually, D3O is placed all over the shoe; it's even found in the insole with the aim of providing impact absorption to reduce fatigue. 

These kicks are definitely not the lightest, but considering the protection that's built-in, it's understandable. It’s handy to have a protective shoe; after all, your feet are what’s closest to the ground and most susceptible to some painful knocks. The Powerlines are also perfectly middle of the road in terms of weather protection and breathability. 

• Read our comprehensive review of the Ride Concepts Powerline shoes.

 

Best mountain bike shoes - Clipless

• Shimano GE7
• Crankbrothers Mallet Trail
• Northwave Rebel 3 Epic Series
• Rockrider Mountain Bike/Gravel Race 900
• Leatt 6.0 Clip
• Fizik Vento Ferox
• Lake MX177
• Lake MX332
• Fox Union Clip
• Crankbrothers Mallet E
• Giro Ventana Fastlace
• Specialized 2FO Clip 2.0 shoes
• Shimano ME7 shoes
• Shimano AM7 shoe
• Shimano ME5
• Scott MTB Comp Boa Reflective shoe
• Fizik Terra Artica X2 shoe
• Bontrager Rally clipless shoes
• Gaerne Hurricane MTB Clipless Shoe
• Fizik Gravita Versor Clip shoes

Shimano GE7

£180

While certainly towards the pricier end of the scale for a clipless shoe, Shimano's GE7 shoes have earned a rightful place in this round-up due to their all-out performance which makes them well worth the investment. Despite employing a simple lace and velcro strap closure, they're feature-rich with an interesting Torbal 2.0 midsole that's designed to flex around its outer edge, resulting in enhanced pedal feel and control.

The GE7s are secure on the foot and excel in a range of conditions, providing good weather protection when it's wet while balancing useful airflow in warmer weather. They're easy to walk in too thanks to a grippy outsole and skate-shoe styling. Another plus is that there's plenty of adjustment in the cleat tracks, so gravity-focused riders can get their cleats right back for a greater boost in control.

Here's a deeper look at Shimano's lace-up gravity kicks - Shimano GE7 clipless shoe review.

Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Lace

£170

The Mallet Lace shoes come as part of Crankbrothers' latest shoe release but instead of an enduro-focused shoe, this one's designed for a bit of everything, whether that's big days out on the trails or lengthy bikepacking efforts. Like all of the brand's shoes, it uses the Match outsole that's crafted to work best with Crankbrothers' own pedals, however, we find that it works perfectly well with other pedals too.

As for performance, we loved the blend of stiffness and comfort that makes this shoe ideal for larking about in the woods while happy enough to be worn at the pub afterwards. The MC1 sole provides plenty of grip and then the thick EVA midsole does a great job of taming mild feedback.

Here's the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Lace review for more details.

Northwave Rebel 3 Epic Series

£177

The Italian brand, Northwave is renowned for its vast collection of shoes that cover all stretches of the off-road cycling marketplace and the Rebel 3 Epic Series celebrates the Epic series and Cape Epic race. However, if the tribute to the eight-day stage race isn't for you, the Rebel 3 also comes in a non-Epic Series variant. This shoe is littered with perforations to help welcome a bit of airflow and it employs Northwave's X-Dial SLW3 dials that allow for tonnes of adjustment.

During our tests, we liked the micro adjustment that the dials provided and we found the Rebel 3 to be super comfortable, even during the longest of rides. This was boosted through a sole that's stiff, but not stiff enough to impede comfort.

For more, check out the Northwave Rebel 3 Epic Series shoe review.

Rockrider Mountain Bike/Gravel Race 900

£80

Decathlon's house brand Rockrider has made its name for creating great kit that doesn't cost the earth, and that's exactly what's going on with its interestingly named, Mountain Bike/Gravel Race 900 shoe. At just £80, you're getting a Habu dial closure and a heap of features that are usually reserved for shoes twice its price, including a cat-tongue-like heel box and a nylon and glass fibre polymer outsole. However, Rockrider states nothing of its stiffness.

In practice, the Race 900 is a comfortable shoe and plenty stiff enough for us mere mortals. The Habu dial is easy to use and although there's no venting on the upper, the shoe copes well in nasty weather.

Head over to the full review here - Rockrider Mountain Bike/Gravel Shoes Race 900 review.

Leatt 6.0 Clip

£160

Like Fox, Leatt is a relative newcomer to the mountain bike shoe space but the brand has entered with a bang. And the same goes for its most recent clipless shoe, the 6.0 Clip. 

It's a summer-focused shoe that prioritises ventilation and stiffness, making it a versatile kick whether you ride enduro, trail, or cross country while partial to the odd gravel jaunt. The fit is exceptional and the Atop dial closure is a dream to use, although pressure isn't totally even over the top of the foot.

For the more aggressive mountain bikers out there, there are extended cleat channels that offer even more cleat adjustment and these shoes are easy to walk in while grippy off of the bike thanks to a well-designed outsole and tread pattern. Then due to the mesh uppers, air flow is plentiful.

This shoe is one of our top summer shoe choices, to be sure to check out our full Leatt 6.0 Clip review.

Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon

£300

Even though their price is pretty steep and there's no weather protection, our Pat was a huge fan of Fizik's Vento Ferox Carbon shoes for their excellent comfort, secure fit, lightweight and breathability. 

The colourway might be a little divisive but they're made with a breathable mesh with a polyurethane-laminated material bonded to it in order to boost durability. And as its name suggests, there's a carbon shank that gives these a stiffness rating of 10/10, according to Fizik's standards.

As for the outsole, there are some serious lugs for traction off of the bike and there's plenty of space around the cleat for mud clearance. Fastening the shoe is a Boa Li2 dial combined with a large Powerstrap resulting in all of the foot security you'll need. Then the size Eu 45 shoes tested weighed in at 696g, which is nothing to sniff at.

Thanks to their lightweight, breathability and stiffness, these shoes will appeal to both gravel and mountain riders. If that sounds like your thing, take a look at the full review of the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon shoes.

Lake MX177 shoes

£150

Achieving the perfect fit is what Lake's shoes are all about, and that's exactly the case with the lower-priced MX177 shoes. These come with a very wide size range from EU36 up to 50 in regular width and 39 to 50 in the wide width, offering a shoe for almost every foot size.

They may be heavier than many others at 780g in a size EU 41, but this is one comfy set of clogs, with two upper mesh panels and a bunch of perforations along the sides for airflow. 

These shoes get their stiffness from a nylon shank and while stiff, there's a useful level of flex that keeps pedalling comfortable, and off-bike steps more than possible. The Boa dial keeps the shoes securely on the feet but pressure over the top of the foot requires an arrangement of the cables in order to keep it even.

For a more thorough insight into these kicks, check out Matt's Lake MX177 review.

Lake MX332 shoe

£375

Coming in with a much higher price than the MX177 above is the MX332 from Lake. While more expensive, our tester reckons that these offer road levels of performance in an off-road specific build.

Just like Lake's other offerings, there's a huge number of sizes and widths available, meaning that these will fit almost anyone, regardless of foot shape and to help, Lake has a handy sizing guide. Though, what's extra cool about these shoes is that they can be moulded to fit perfectly by bunging them in the oven.

Rustling up a great level of durability is the Helcor Leather upper which also dries rather quickly. They get the same insole as the MX177 with some support in the areas where it's needed and the rubber outsole provides plenty of grip when wandering about off of the bike.

Check out the Lake MX332 review to learn even more.

Fox Union Clip shoe

£160

We reckon that the Fox Union Clip is among the best-in-class trail and enduro clipless shoes out there, so it's more than earned its space as one of the best mountain bike clipless shoes.

These get many of the features found on the Fox Union Flat found above but they get lengthy cleat tracks with tonnes of rearward adjustment, and a handy Velcro strap to help keep them securely in place.

They might be a little pricier than several rivals, but thanks to a grippy outsole, excellent stiffness and plenty of reinforcement where it's needed.

Here's the Fox Union Clip review if you're interested in finding out more about Fox's clipless shoe offering.

Crankbrothers Mallet E Lace

£145

Crankbrothers' Mallet E Lace is easily one of the most comfortable pairs of clipless shoes for gravity-fed riding around. Even though they're loaded with comfort-inducing padding, they provide decent ventilation as well as a useful range of features.

One of those is the MC1 mid-friction rubber compound that's included to aid pedal entry whilst remaining durable. As a Crankbrothers shoe, the tread pattern has been carved to best suit its range of pedals, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't gel beautifully with pedals from other brands.

There is no strap to help with security on the foot but its snug fit makes up for it, and it's a great-looking shoe too.

For more on this shoe, check out the full review of the Crankbrothers Mallet E Lace.

Giro Ventana Fastlace
£135

The Giro Ventana Fastlace is a clipless off-road shoe that works excellently whether you're a gravel rider or a light trail smasher. While it makes for a comfortable, cool summer choice that’s easy to get on and off. 

The Ventana Fastlace is without a doubt an incredibly comfortable shoe. The fit offers useful wriggle room in the toe box while staying perfectly snug enough everywhere else. Even on longer rides, no problems arose. The one-piece 'Synchwire' upper gets rubber-reinforced heel and toe sections to shrug off the hits.

The tread just isn’t the most grippy as it’s not deep or aggressive enough for the days in the loose and wet. So unless it’s bone dry underfoot, you’ll be slipping about the place. Combing this, and the good ventilation thanks to the airy bonded mess panels positions this as a summer-only shoe.

• To see the complete spec and to find out how the Giro Ventana Fastlace shoes scored on the test read our review.

Shimano ME7 shoes
£180

The Shimano ME7 shoes have had a little facelift and get a wider sealed cleat area. The Michelin sole gets a bit of a redesign, with a dual-density rubber outsole for greater durability and slip-resistance. The sole gets a decent tread pattern that grips well in the mud and doesn't slide on rocks. Comfy for both pedalling and walking, these shoes feel light. Talking of pedalling, the ME7 has a large cleat box for a wide range of positions.

Shimano gives the ME7 a stiffness rating of '8', Which translates to a stiff shoe that pedals efficiently though, and you still get a small amount of flex – especially at the toes – so you aren't struggling to walk when you swing your legs off the bike.

Water-resistant, light without being flimsy, breathable, efficient and stealthy, the latest version of the ME7 ticks a lot of boxes. They need to as well – at £170 these aren't cheap. It's a proven design, though, and one that should continue to work well for years.

• If the Shimano ME7 shoes tickle your fancy, read. our in-depth review.

Shimano AM7 shoe
£110

Shimano has designed the AM7 as an all-weather shoe with a mesh and TPU upper that absorbs less water and dries quickly. Around the back of your heel, there’s a neoprene cuff to keep flying crud out.

For a gravity-oriented shoe, there’s not an awful lot of padding, and it would be nice to see some ankle protection. On the upside, this keeps weight down and keeps the overall profile usefully slim, while the lack of bulk also keeps the shoe cool. Despite that it's very well sealed for wet weather – a couple of side panels and the tongue allow for some airflow without funnelling in gallons of water too. Above the tongue is a regular lace-up closure, plus a Velcro strap at the top. 

The Shimano AM7 has many of the features found on the AM9, but there’s more of an emphasis on airflow and keeping the weight down. It's secure slim, light and well suited to the best part of the British year and should be good for years to come thanks to the excellent build and quality.

• For more about how the Shimano AM7 shoes performed on the test, head over to the full review.

Shimano ME5

£140

Out the box, the clean look and smooth material give a modern aesthetic, though the all-black colour is a bit basic and functional. Secured with a velcro strap and a Boa L6 tensioner, the ME5s are super easy to put on and take off, with easily-adjustable comfort and fit.

Riding in the ME5 is a good experience, with the shape being pretty standard and the fit feeling stable and secure in all riding conditions. Walking in the ME5s is comfortable, and Shimano uses its own rubber compound that works as well on wet rock as anything we've used. The cleats are recessed enough to allow the sole to do its work, yet clipping in remains a doddle. The low-profile sole on the ME5 is not one for deep, slippery mud, but works well on firmer ground. They never feel heavy either, whether you're pedalling or walking.

The ME5s sit a little above mid-level, and they're good enough to warrant the price tag. They're a good trail shoe, offering toe protection, effective lacing and a sole that balances efficient pedalling with comfortable walking and decent grip. 

• For more info, check out our Shimano ME5 shoe review.

Scott MTB Comp Boa Reflective shoe
£120

The Scott MTB Comp Boa Reflective shoes are a new version of Scott’s well-priced MTB Comp Boa shoes, helping you be seen in the dark whilst not looking out of place on daytime rides.

With a stiffness rating of six, these shoes sit at the lower end of the stiffness range. That said, the shoe is aimed at trail, cross-country or gravel riders that want a sleek, efficient shoe that doesn't weigh too much either. 

Available for both men and women, the shoes represent good value The reflective version isn't any more expensive than the regular coloured version. Reflective shoes are a great idea to catch road users' attention when illuminated. A worthy contender if you tend to go out on longer escapades that involve some road work. 

• Give our high-scoring Scott MTB Comp Boa shoe review if you want to learn more. 

Fizik Terra Artica X2 shoe
£280

Keeping dry and warm is a challenge during winter, but Fizik's Terra Artica X2 shoe does an excellent job of keeping your toes toasty. Fizik uses an eVent waterproof/breathable membrane to fend off water and there are no vents to ensure they're totally sealed. The zipper on the neoprene upper is also waterproof. 

To aid comfort Fizik gave this shoe a rubber sole with a reasonable amount of flex. No, you don't get the hyper-efficient power transfer of an XC carbon race slipper, but it's extremely comfortable on long rides. It's also comfortable when milling around the car park, diving into the cafe for coffee and cake, or the pedestrian bits of commuting.

The Terra Artica X2 is great for keeping your feet warm and dry, or at least significantly warmer and drier than regular shoes. It isn't completely impervious in the heaviest sustained downpours, but it stays warm when wet, is very comfortable, and has a sole stiffness that's balanced perfectly between pedalling and walking. 

• If you're looking for an ardy, deep-winter option, read the Fizik Terra Artica X2 shoe review.

Bontrager Rally clipless shoes

£129

The Bontrager Rally is designed for gravity riding and loaded with protective features. These include an abrasion-resistant coating around the heel and toe caps. There’s even an EVA midsole to absorb shock from harsh landings and to quieten down any nasty chatter. The features here place the shoe firmly in the mid-high section of the price spectrum.

It looks like a skate shoe and off of the bike it feels like one, too. The soles aren't built with a terribly aggressive tread and because of that, it can get a little slippery when it's loose underfoot. On the bike, clipping in is as easy as it gets thanks to the shoe's lengthy cleat channels. It doesn't have the most rearward cleat positioning on the market. 

There’s something of a lack of perforations and cooling around the shoe but regardless, the Rally has kept my feet reasonably warm when they need to be, only getting temperate on properly hot days. The lack of perforations means the shoe is missing airflow. The lack thereof makes it rather good at keeping the wet stuff out. 

• If you are in the market for skate-styled kicks for your gravity riding, our Bontrager Rally shoes review is worth a read.

Gaerne Hurricane MTB Clipless Shoe

£150

The Gaerne Hurricane MTB Clipless shoe is for riders wanting less weight, with a balance of pedalling efficiency whilst allowing for short periods of walking. It's definitely more leaning toward a race shoe than a casual-style trail shoe. A modern-looking shape, with nearly a single piece of material building the upper of the shoe. The toe box is tough and a good size.

These shoes are comfortable for longer rides and the sole flex was welcome for times when you walked. There are two threaded holes to add mud spikes for some extra bite. Cleats were easy to position with good marks in the sole to get them placed exactly. The shoe has a good balance of flex in the uppers, meaning the foot feels well-cradled and comfortable.

If you are hunting for stouter shoes for more walking or even carrying your bike, you may be better off looking at other options, as the Gaerne Hurricanes are definitely more of a lighter race-orientated shoe rather than technical trail riding. 

• To find out how the Gaerne Hurricane MTB shoes performed, read our in-depth review.

Fizik Gravita Versor Clip shoes

£135

The Fizik Gravita Versor Clip mountain bike shoe is a quirky-looking number. But don't judge too soon. They are good for pedalling in and relatively light, too, these are a pair of trail shoes that are sure to tick a lot of boxes for most riders. 

Perhaps the 'shoe for every occasion, Fizik says these shoes are designed to be suitable for a mix of downhill mountain biking and trail riding. The shoes are pretty versatile. As quirky as the offset lace might be, the otherwise plain shoe doesn't look out of place whether I'm riding any type of mountain bike. 

All-in-all, the Fizik Gravita Versor clip shoes are lightweight trail shoe that works very well with large surface clipless pedals. They are both supportive and comfy and are a great all-around shoe, whatever your riding style.

• Read more about the Fizik Gravita Versor clip shoes in our comprehensive review.

How to choose the best mountain bike shoes

Choosing the best mountain bike shoes could be seen as a complete minefield but this section has been curated to answer all your questions and some you might not have considered yet, helping you find the perfect match for your riding style and budget.

Ultimately the best MTB new shoes will come down to personal preference. What type of riding you do and the amount of support from the pedal platform will be deciding factors in how stiff the shoe sole will need to be. Typically, less pedal support means increased shoe rigidity. Pairing the pedals that best match your riding style and preference is crucial. The cost of the best mountain bike shoes doesn't need to be high, as some of the best shoes start at £80. But depending on the design features and materials used could see that price rise to almost double that amount.

For the best possible fit, we recommend that you try the shoes on for size and comfort before you buy them. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions below along with answers that will help you to understand the differences and explain some of the features found on the best mountain bike shoes.

This section will be useful for choosing what would best suit your needs before you decide on your purchase.

Should I get flat or clipless shoes?

You first need to make up your mind if you will want flat or clipless pedals for mountain biking. Flat pedals allow a rider to take their foot off easily in steep sections and are a great option for novice riders.

Clipless pedals attach you to your bike and hold your foot in place. This boosts rider control in the roughest sections of the trail and will improve pedalling efficiency when you look to lay down some serious power. 

Which retention/closure system is best?

Various retention systems provide a secure and comfortable fit. You will find everything from laces, Velcro, ratchet and Boa dials. In some cases, two of these systems can be combined to perfect the fit. 

At the premium end of the shoe market, you will find a ratchet or Boa-style closure. These are the choice for cross-country riders. The majority of trail and gravity riders there is a tendency to use traditional laces. 

How important is sole stiffness?

The mountain bike shoe is available with different sole materials. They can be made from carbon fibre for the stiffest cross-country shoe. Nylon is often the middle of the road perfect for cheaper models and trail shoes that don't need the best power transfer but instead opt for more comfort and durability. Rubber offers the most compliance and the best grip for flat pedal pins and feedback. Each type of material will offer a differing level of performance and brands tailor the material of the sole to best suit the intended application of the shoe.  

How much do mountain bike shoes weigh?

The weight of a mountain bike shoe will depend upon the materials used and its design.  Lighter isn’t necessarily better for every application and genre of the sport. 

Lighter shoes will be designed more for cross-country mountain biking. Much like a road cycling shoe, there is a demand for the ultimate power and pedalling efficiency. This stiffness will come at the cost of walking and long ride comfort with the more exotic materials hitting your wallet hardest. For the majority of riders, a more durable and comfortable shoe offering the most versatility would be more important than super lightweight racing kicks.

Is a carbon sole the best?

The sole of a cycling shoe and the material used will dictate how the whole shoe feels and performs. Each genre will want something different from its footwear. The stiffer shoe for ultimate power transfer and also a stable platform to stand on with the lightest and smallest clipless pedals. 

Shoe brands will tailor the material to suit the price and desired application of the shoe use. Carbon fibre for the most expensive race slippers and nylon or plastic for the more affordable options, which offer an increase in weight but more flex to aid walking.

How important is fit?

Whatever type of mountain bike you do and whichever pedal type you ride on you will want to be as comfortable as possible for the whole duration of your ride. 

We strongly recommend that you try as many shoes in a variety of sizes before you drop your hard-earned on a new pair of shoes. There are variations between different shoe manufacturers as no two riders' feet will be the same.

You want them tight enough that they don't rub and slip off when you try to stomp on the pedals and not so tight that they cause hot spots or bunching of the shoe's upper material. This could dig into your foot and spell the end of a ride pretty quickly. You want to look for some space to move your toes and the heel cup needs to grip your heel for the best power transfer and pull on the upstroke of the pedal.

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