10 Mountain Bike Shoes Reviewed

Mountain Bike Shoes: What to Look For

Mountain bike shoe options have gotten complicated with all the styles and cleat systems flying around. As someone who rode for two seasons in running shoes before realizing how much better real MTB shoes are, I learned everything there is to know about why they matter.

The grip alone changed how confidently I could attack technical sections.

Flat vs. Clipless

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The fundamental choice: stay connected to the pedals or keep freedom to put a foot down instantly.

Flat pedal shoes have sticky rubber soles that grip platform pedals. You can bail instantly, which matters on technical terrain where unexpected stops happen. Good for beginners, aggressive descending, and anyone who prefers not being attached to their bike.

Clipless shoes lock into the pedal via cleats. Better power transfer, more efficient pedaling, secure connection on rough terrain. Takes practice to clip in and out instinctively. Falls will happen while learning.

Many serious mountain bikers eventually go clipless for efficiency. Many others stay on flats forever and ride just fine. Personal preference wins.

What Makes a Good MTB Shoe

Sole stiffness: Stiffer soles transfer power better but walk worse. XC riders want stiff. Trail riders want moderate flex. Downhill riders prioritize grip over stiffness.

Grip: For flat shoes, sticky rubber compounds (Five Ten’s Stealth rubber is famous) make huge differences. For clipless, tread pattern matters for hike-a-bike sections.

Protection: Toe caps and reinforced materials help when rocks and roots attack your feet. More important for aggressive riding.

Fit: Your feet swell during rides. Leave slight room. Pressure points create misery on long rides.

Closure: Laces work but can snag. Velcro straps and BOA dials are popular for secure, adjustable fit.

Reliable Options

Five Ten Freerider: The default flat shoe. Stealth rubber grips like glue. Various models from basic to pro-level.

Giro Riddance: Solid flat shoe alternative. Good grip, comfortable.

Shimano ME5: Well-rounded clipless trail shoe. Good balance of stiffness and walkability.

Crankbrothers Mallet: Clipless with real platform feel. Lace closure, distinctive styling.

Specialized 2FO: Available in both flat and clipless. Suede upper, casual styling.

Breaking In

New mountain bike shoes can feel stiff. Wear them around the house before your first real ride. The rubber will soften slightly, and you’ll identify any hotspots before they become problems on the trail.

Care and Longevity

Mountain bike shoes get destroyed by mud, water, and abuse. Rinse them after wet rides. Let them dry naturally – no direct heat. Check cleats regularly if you’re clipless; worn cleats cause retention issues.

Expect to replace them every 1-2 seasons depending on riding frequency. The soles wear first; once grip diminishes, the shoe’s done its job.

My Setup

That’s what makes MTB shoes endearing to us riders who’ve dialed them in. Five Ten Freeriders for most trail riding. The grip lets me ride aggressively on flats without worrying about slipping off pedals. For longer XC rides, I switch to clipless Shimano shoes for efficiency.

Good shoes matter more than most people realize. They’re one of three contact points with the bike, and the connection between foot and pedal affects everything about how you ride.