Mountain Bike Shoes Reviewed

Mountain Bike Shoes: Clipless vs Flat Explained

Mountain bike shoe choices have gotten complicated with all the pedal systems and rubber compounds flying around. As someone who slowly tipped over into a bush the first time I tried clipless because I couldn’t unclip in time, I learned everything there is to know about both systems after that classic rookie moment. Today, I’ll share how to decide.

The Basic Choice

Probably should have led with this section, honestly.

Clipless shoes: Lock into matching pedals via a cleat on the sole. Feet stay connected, improving power transfer and keeping feet positioned on rough terrain.

Flat pedal shoes: Super-grippy rubber soles stick to flat pedals through friction alone. Feet aren’t attached — put a foot down instantly.

Neither is objectively better. Pro downhillers use both. XC racers almost universally use clipless. Trail riders are split.

When Clipless Makes Sense

Cross-country or endurance riding offers real advantages. Pull up as well as push down, helping on long climbs. Feet stay planted when things get rough.

Racing makes clipless almost mandatory. Efficiency gains matter when seconds count.

If already comfortable with clipless from road riding, mountain bike clipless is natural progression.

When Flats Make Sense

That’s what makes flats endearing to us learning riders — bail when needed. Learning technical terrain is easier when you can put a foot down without thinking.

Aggressive terrain — drops, jumps, steep descents — many riders prefer freedom to move feet or bail.

Simplicity: no mechanism to maintain, no cleats to replace, no specific pedals to match.

Good Clipless MTB Shoes

Stiff soles: Transfer power efficiently. But too stiff makes walking uncomfortable.

Recessed cleats: Let you walk normally. Unlike road shoes with exposed cleats, MTB clipless shoes are walkable.

Durable uppers: Protect feet from rocks and brush.

Grippy rubber: Around cleat area helps when half clipped in.

Good options: Shimano ME5/ME7, Giro Chamber, Five Ten Kestrel.

Good Flat Pedal Shoes

Sticky rubber: Everything. Five Ten’s Stealth rubber is the benchmark — feet don’t slip. Other brands have caught up.

Flat, non-patterned soles: Let pedal pins grip. Lugged soles are terrible for flat pedals.

Protection: Matters since you might hit rocks or pedals with feet.

Good options: Five Ten Freerider, Ride Concepts Livewire, Shimano GR5.

The Shoe-Pedal Combo

Clipless: Match shoes to pedal system. Shimano SPD is most common. Crankbrothers is main alternative with different feel.

Flats: Get good pedals too. Cheap flat pedals have dull pins that don’t grip. Quality from Race Face, OneUp, or Crankbrothers Stamp makes huge difference.

The Hybrid Approach

Many mountain bikers own both. Clipless for cross-country and long rides. Flats for bike parks, learning skills, casual trails.

Switching is easy — swap pedals and shoes. Having options means right tool for each ride.

My Suggestion for Beginners

Start with quality flat pedals and flat shoes. Learn trails without worrying about unclipping. Once comfortable with technical terrain, try clipless if you want. You might love it, or decide flats are perfect.

Either way, invest in proper shoes. The grip difference between regular sneakers and real flat pedal shoes is dramatic.