Mountain bike shoes can be split into two types; shoes for flat pedals and shoes with bolt-on cleats for clip-in pedals. Flat pedal shoes have low-profile soles made from sticky rubber. Clip-in shoes are stiffer and have recessed bolt holes for attaching pedal cleats. Top performance criteria for clip-in pedal shoes include foot stability and stiffness for maximum power transfer, and also how easily the sole allows mechanical engagement of cleats in and out of pedal binding systems. For flat pedal shoes, sole compound and outright grip against the pedal is vital, but comfort is also crucial. All bike shoes need to balance stiffness and security with all-day comfort and be tough enough to survive knocks and scrapes.
Five Ten Freerider Contact Approach
Best for flat pedal grip
Price: $199
The Freerider Contact Approach is a kind of halfway house between the thinner-soled Freerider range, and the heavier-duty Impact line. It has a stiffer mid sole than its slim outside profile suggests, but still offers great pedal feel and connection to the bike underneath. There’s good impact absorption against repeated hits to stop feet tiring on the longest and roughest descents too. Five Ten’s dotted Stealth rubber sole offers class-leading pedal grip for a properly locked-on feel. With outstanding grip, ease of cleaning, great foot support and sorted protection, this is currently the best flat pedal shoe on the market for trail riding.
Buy NowGiro Chamber II
Best for downhill runs
Price: $150
The Chamber II is Giro’s downhill-orientated clip shoe. It has a rearward, offset cleat position for a more aggressive, heels down, riding stance. A deeper treaded Vibram sole offers increased bite hiking back up steep sections for another go. Secured by laces and a Velcro strap, the upper’s well ventilated with minimal seams and shrugs off splashes and downpours effectively. The sole and shank is moderately stiff, so there’s plenty of punch at the pedal, but it’s still comfy all-day and flexible enough to walk or hike in without restricting movement. The durable Chamber II is highly recommended.
Buy NowGiro Terraduro
Best for all-round riding
Price: $110
The Giro Terraduro manages to tread the fine line between trail and race, comfort and power transfer, pedalling and walking. In other words it’s comfortable enough for an all-day ride, but efficient enough to wear for a cross-country race. It’s light enough for long-distance pedalling, but durable enough to cope with winter conditions. You can wear it off the bike without skating around like Bambi on ice, shoulder your bike and climb a mountain pass, and even walk into a bar without looking like a clown. It’s a shoe that does it all, and does it all well. Call it a Jack of all trades if you want, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a master of none.
Buy NowMavic XA Pro
Best for technophiles
Price: $176
Mavic’s clip-in XA Pro shoe strikes a near perfect balance of stiffness and comfort and has class-leading off-the-bike grip for hiking about slippery trails. Regarding fit, it's worth noting that Mavic’s shoes come up around half a size smaller than most brands. The XA Pro is really comfy all day long and it sits close to the pedal, so you feel really connected, while the fact it’s lightweight ensures it's easier to turn over when pedalling and climbing too.
Buy NowO'Neal Pinned
For jumps and pump tracks
Price: $79.99
The O'Neal Pinned is a good quality flat pedal shoe at a great price. The interior is very comfy, and there's plenty of flexibility to the outer, so it feels more like a trainer or skate shoe when riding – cinch those laces tight for sufficient support. The ‘honeycomb’ tread pattern works well – locking into the pedal pins – although the rubber compound is not the stickiest on the market. Perfect for cruising around flow trails and hitting the local pump track though.
Buy Now