The rapid growth of Endura in the mountain bike world has seen the launch of all-new clothing collections, a wider range of sizes for all genders, protection, accessories, and now, shoes. The long-awaited and highly anticipated mountain bike shoe collection has just dropped, and we have all the details, including our first impressions.

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If you weren't aware, Endura became a part of the global Pentland brand, a huge group responsible for casual and sporting brands such as Kickers, Berghaus, Lacoste and Speedo. Since their marriage, it's been somewhat of a waiting game as it was just a matter of time before we saw footwear emerge from the Scotland-based brand. Well, the wait is finally over as Endura release three mountain bike shoe models into the wild. 

 

The Endura MTB shoe journey.
 

 

When you have access to such a vast global set of shoe manufacturing resources, there's no excuse for taking the easy road of purchasing an off-the-shelf mould. Endura has taken the time and commitment to create a range from the sole up while utilising valuable input from both the shoe and cycling industry. 

 

Endura focussed its design efforts on creating a shoe with a fit and comfort in mind. As one of the primary contact points a rider has with their bike, a practical shoe needs to provide support in the right areas, versatility for adventure and all-around comfort. With engineered compounds and developed tech with renowned British Cycling's Physiotherapist, Phil Burt, let's take a look at what makes up the new Endura MTB shoe range: 

 

Metatarsal Button - Infused with the insole, the Metatarsal Button is a raised bump that gently separates your big toe from the rest. This is said to improve forefoot function and comfort by preventing curling and scrunching of toes.

 

Sole Stimulant - The inner sole also features soft raised dots located in specific areas, helping to improve foot stability through coordinated muscular contractions. 

 

Power Arch - Designed to aid walking, hiking and pedalling, the Power Arch provides contoured support for comfort and maximum power transfer.
 

 

StickyFoot - Developed especially for Endura with the needs of mountain bikers at the forefront of design. With durability as a focus, Endura developed a long-lasting rubber compound to help prolong the life of the shoe, saving you in the long run. There are two types of StickyFoot rubber compound; StickyFoot Grip and StickyFoot Dura. The Grip version is for maximum pedal pin grip, a supple and tacky compound that aids adhesion. The Dura version is tougher and more durable to withstand walking and toe/heel strikes.

 

Endura Humvee Shoe
 

 

"Bike specific, skate style shoe that is perfect on or off the bike."

 

Endura's Humvee shoe is the most casual looking from the range and has been developed with urban, dirt and BMX in mind. The shoe's construction features a lightweight, durable PU upper, an OrtholiteTM recycled insole with comfort footbed, Endura's StickyFoot Grip outsole, quick-dry lining, a lace stash, and highly rated durable upper fabrics with perforated panels for enhanced ventilation. 

 

Colours: Navy, Pebble, Olive Green, Black

Sizes: UK5/ EU38 – UK12/ EU47 

• Endura Humvee shoe - £90

Endura MT500 Burner // Clipless & flat
 

"Progressive, performance clipless trail shoe"..."Technical trail performance in trainer styling."

 

The MT500 Burner shoes are Endura's answer for rowdy trail riding, whether that's downhill, enduro or all-mountain. With the exception of a cleat box and Nylon Shank with a cleat mount plate, the materials, colours, and design are the same between the flat and clipless versions. 

 

The MT500 Burner shoe is constructed with a lightweight, durable PU upper, an EGM footbed to maximise comfort and power transfer, an EVA midsole, StickyFoot Grip for pedal contact, Sharkskin fabric-lined heel cups, a tongue gaiter help keeps mud and dirt out, sections of StickyFootTM Dura rubber for walking and durability. 

 

Colours: Black, Forest Green, Navy, Cocoa (flats-only)

Sizes: UK5/ EU38 – UK12/ EU47

• Endura MT500 Burner Flat - £120
• Endura MT500 Burner Clipless - £130

First impressions: Endura MT500 Burner Flats

 

Being only a short way through testing, my first impressions are of a robust, well-built and thoroughly thought out shoe. The fit is accomodating and sizes run true to expectation. In regular riding socks, I can feel the subtleness of the tech-packed insole, like the Power Arch and Sole Stimulant. However, in thicker winter socks, these effects are less noticeable, which is to be expected.

 

If I could liken them to a well-known shoe, the MT500 Burner flat has the all-encompassing feel of a Five Ten Impact Pro but with a far more refined design and closer fit. Endura has done well to incorporate hardy toe and heel protection without bulking out the overall shape. 
 

 

As for the grip - I'm pairing these shoes with DMR Vault Midis and, so far, the StickyFoot Grip compound that runs through the centre section has provided superb grip in all weather conditions. It's too soon to say how that compound will wear, but I can't see it fracturing any time soon. 

 

I'll be running these shoes for a little longer before developing my full review, so watch this space. You can find more information about the Humvee and MT500 Burner shoes over on Endura's website.