Best mountain bike shoes 2023 – the best flat and clipless MTB footwear

A mountain bike shoe on a pedal
(Image credit: Richard Owen)

The first thing to decide when you're looking for the best mountain bike shoes is whether you're going to be riding on flat or clip-in pedals. While there’s no right or wrong decision here, your riding style, personal preference, and even where you're going to be riding are likely to influence your final decision. 

The best flat-pedal MTB shoes are often reserved for the gravity or freeride disciplines of mountain biking due to the freedom, trail communication, and confidence they inspire. Flat pedal shoes are also great for beginner riders or those wanting to hone their skills with all the right techniques.  

Clipless shoes physically attach you to the pedals, with the aim of improving pedaling efficiency and descending security. Clipless MTB shoes come in all shapes and sizes ranging from carbon-soled XC race snakes right through to skate shoe-inspired downhill racing units. Getting the best one for your riding style and preference is key, though. 

Our experts have tested the best mountain bike shoes on all manner of trails and every relevant riding condition to assemble this in-depth buying guide. The Five Ten Freerider Pro is our pick of the flat shoes, with the Specialized S-Works Recon coming up top in the clipless category. It's important to remember, however, that every rider (and foot) is different, so there may be other shoes in our list more suited to you and the way you ride.

Skip to the bottom of this article for plenty of advice on what to look for when buying the best mountain bike shoes. (You may also be in the market for a new set of pedals – if so, check out our guides to the best clipless mountain bike pedals or the best MTB flat pedals.)

The best mountain bike shoes

Why trust BikePerfect Our cycling experts have decades of testing experience. We'll always share our unbiased opinions on bikes and gear. Find out more about how we test.

Flat MTB shoes

A mountain bike shoe on a pedal

The five-star Five Ten Freerider is the best flat MTB shoe you can buy (Image credit: Richard Owen)
The very best flat MTB shoes money can buy

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 345g (size 42.5)
Pedal system: Flat
Outsole: Stealth S1 rubber
Retention: Laces
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Great pedal grip
+
Support and feel
+
Impact resistant toe-box
+
Quality laces
+
Part recycled and vegan-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Rubber soles can wear faster than some

Five Ten Freeriders have been around for many years in one form or another. Along with their chunkier stablemate, the Impact, Freeriders were one of the first models from the climbing shoe specialists to cause a stir among flat pedal mountain bikers.

And we think it's hard to beat the Five Ten Freerider Pro when it comes to comfort and performance. While the shoe doesn’t possess the thickest of outsoles, it still delivers an impressive pedal feel and grip – the latter coming from the dotted Stealth S1 rubber compound. 

The thick upper material offers good ventilation and reinforced protection around the toe and heel area and is relatively easy to keep clean. The fit is truly superb with laces the primary means of retention. This particular model makes use of a clever lace keeper that holds everything in place to prevent them from eventually coming undone.

For more on why we think these are the best flat mountain bike shoes you can buy, check out our Five Ten Freerider Pro review.

Specialized 2FO DH Flat shoe

The Specialized 2FO DH Flat mountain bike shoes are superbly grippy (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
The best flat mountain bike shoe for comfort

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 436g (size 43)
Pedal system: Flat
Outsole: SlipNot ST rubber
Retention: Laces
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
SlipNot ST rubber is extremely grippy
+
Comfortable fit
+
Superbly damped sole
+
Low weight for a DH-specific shoe

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited tightening around the forefoot

Specialized's 2FO DH-specific flat pedal shoe uses the brand's SlipNot ST rubber compound, a technology that is now in its third generation. The sole uses a cushioned EVA foam midsole and the toe and heel sections have been designed for compliance. That means that the shoe is stiff for riding performance, but still comfortable for track walks or hiking sections. 

While it's easy to overlook, a properly fitting shoe is essential to riding performance and comfort. Specialized uses its Body Geometry system to ensure that the end product suits riders' needs. For this model, Specialized has focused on the Longitudinal Arch, Metatarsal Button, and Varus Wedge for efficiency as well as body alignment. 

The 2FO DH is a superbly grippy shoe that won't send your feet flying off the pedals during critical sections of the trail. More impressively, the damping properties mean that you'll stay comfortable even in rough rock gardens. And while we would have liked to see a wider throat to offer a little more adjustability with the laces our reviewer said that, "I never found myself clawing the insole with my toes which is a telltale sign your shoes aren't supporting your foot as they should.” 

Find out more about why the Specialized 2FO DH Flat is one of our favorite flat pedal shoes for downhill and enduro riding. 

Crankbrothers Stamp Speedlace

The Crankbrothers Stamp Speed Lace mountain bike shoes offer plenty of support (Image credit: Aoife Glass)
The best mountain bike shoe for support, secure lacing and breathability

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 385g (size 42)
Pedal system: Flat
Outsole: Rubber
Retention: Laces, strap
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Quick, secure lacing system
+
Very comfortable fit
+
Quick-drying

Reasons to avoid

-
Not quite as tacky as FiveTens

Crankbrothers' Stamp Speed Lace is a mid-range flat pedal shoe from a manufacturer best known for its pedals and components. 

The synthetic upper is combined with a reinforced toe box to offer protection from hits and rock strikes. The shoe also has venting on the sides to help with ventilation despite a large and well-padded tongue. 

The Speed Lace retention system features laces with a pull tab to quickly secure them. The tab can also be tucked under a strap on the tongue. A Velcro strap is also placed along the top of the shoe to further secure it on riders' feet. 

The overall performance of the Stamp Speed Lace was fantastic when we tested them. They fit well, are comfortable, breathe well, and dry quickly. The feel on the pedals is great and – while the Five Ten is still the leader for sole grip – the rubber is sticky enough. 

Read more of our thoughts about the Crankbrothers Stamp Speed Lace flat pedal shoe in our full review. 

Bontrager Flatline MTB shoe

The Bontrager Flatline is one of the few shoes able to stick with Five Ten’s legendary Stealth rubber when things get wild (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
The best alternative to the sector-ruling Freerider Pro

Specifications

Weight per shoe: Unlisted
Pedal system: Flat
Outsole: Rubber
Retention: Laces
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Super-sticky sole
+
Thin and flexy for feedback
+
Weather-resistant upper
+
Usefully reinforced

Reasons to avoid

-
Sizing runs large
-
Overlong laces

Bontrager’s Flatline has been around for a while and is a worthy alternative to the category-dominating Five Ten Freeriders. The shoe uses Vibram's stickiest rubber compound, MegaGrip, so your feet won't be going anywhere anytime soon. A shallow EVA-backed sole gives just the right amount of flex for a communicative connection to the pedals. 

A sticky compound and thin sole mean the Flatline is one of the few shoes able to stick with Five Ten’s legendary Stealth rubber when things get wild. It’s tough, comfortable and reasonably weather-resistant, too. 

We've found that the sizing runs large, though, so try them on before you buy if you can –  it's worth noting that Bontrager offer an unconditional 30-day return guarantee if you do need to go smaller. Pricing is also a bit on the high side compared to the competition.

Learn more in our full Bontrager Flatline review. 

Ride Concepts Tallac shoes

The Ride Concepts Tallac's upper is great for shrugging off puddle splashes and rain showers (Image credit: Rich Owen)
The best for damping and foot protection

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 430g (size 41)
Pedal system: Flat
Outsole: Max Grip
Retention: Laces
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent pedal grip
+
Foot protection
+
Brilliant damping
+
Shrug off splashes well

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best pedal feel
-
Heavier than average

The Ride Concepts Tallac is aimed at riders who want a grippy flat pedal shoe with great damping properties and high levels of protection.  

In terms of outright pedal traction, we found the Tallac to be comparable with all the established category leaders. The hexagonal sole lugs and chosen rubber compound lock brilliantly with aggressive pedal pins while remaining just about loose enough to allow for on-the-fly foot position adjustments. 

On the trail, we thought the Tallac's stand-out characteristic is the highly damped feel, and over relentless rough chatter they do a superb job of minimizing vibrations and unwanted terrain feedback. 

The Tallac's upper uses a breathable and super tough Cordura fabric which is great for shrugging off puddle splashes and rain showers. There are also heavily protected toe and heel box areas to ensure your feet are safe should you strike something trailside. 

At 430g per shoe (US 10) they're not light, though, which means the Tallac is best reserved for gravity riders who prefer a damped feel and large amounts of protection over high levels of pedal feedback. 

Find out more in our in-depth review of the Ride Concepts Tallac mountain bike shoes.

Clipless MTB shoes

A mountain bike shoe on some moss

The Specialized S-Works Recon is a state-of-the-art shoe designed to prioritize performance over everything else (Image credit: GuyKesTV)
The best clipless MTB shoe for performance and speed

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 270g (size 42.5)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: FACT Carbon
Retention: Twin BOA dials, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 4

Reasons to buy

+
Featherweight
+
Super stiff sole
+
Good looks

Reasons to avoid

-
By some distane the priciest clipless shoe we tested
-
Fast sole wear

Ideal for gravel grinding, cyclo-cross and cross-country mountain biking, the Specialized S-Works Recon is a state-of-the-art shoe designed to prioritize performance over everything else. As a result, the shoe is as light as you’d expect – 270g to be precise.

Specialized says neither of these attributes has negatively impacted the S-Works Recon’s ergonomics and claims the Body Geometry sole and footbed have been optimized to nullify injury and promote the best possible foot alignment.

Off the bike, the Specialized Recons provide excellent grip and support thanks to rubberized inserts, but the stiff soles become somewhat uncomfortable when the time comes to hike-a-bike.

Learn more about the lightweight Specialized S-Works Recon shoe in the full review. If you're looking for something that's even lighter, Specialized has recently launched the S-Works EXO Evo shoes, which it says is the lightest off-road shoe the company has ever produced. 

Five Ten Trailcross CL shoe review

The mesh uppers and thin sole of the Five Ten Trailcross CL lean more towards technical hike-a-bike than technical trails (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
The best clipless MTB shoes for hike-a-bike

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 407g (size 43)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Marathon rubber
Retention: Laces, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Very well ventilated
+
Grippy rubber sole
+
Easy to get clipped in
+
Comfortable to walk in

Reasons to avoid

-
Light uppers create pressure points if laces are tightened too much
-
Soles are too flexible for pedaling hard

Five Ten's Trailcross range is designed to go far rather than go fast, and that's definitely the case with this recently added clipless option. On an adventure-orientated shoe, walkability is always going to be an important factor that needs to be balanced with ride performance and power transfer. We found the Trailcross CL sole to be quite flexible which makes them great for walking on uneven terrain, but less impressive when stamping on the pedals.

We felt that the Trailcross CLs have a great fit with the mesh uppers molding comfortably around the foot. This is great for general riding on easier trails but the lightweight uppers make it hard to feel like the shoes are tight enough when the riding gets more technical – though that only becomes noticeable when riding really technical trails.

When riding the clipping-in action is super easy and the Five Ten Marathon rubber hooks up well on pedal pins whenever the terrain becomes a little too engaging to get your foot straight back in. You aren't going to be winning any uphill sprints with the Trailcross CL shoes – though you might if you decide to disembark from the bike and push instead. 

Get an in-depth verdict on the shoe in our Five Ten Trailcross CL review

Giro Cylinder II shoes

The Giro Cylinder II shoes are a solid option for all-around riding (Image credit: Sean Fishpool)
A good entry-level SPD shoe for those looking to go clipless

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 336g (size 43)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Co-molded nylon and rubber lugged outsole
Retention: BOA L6 dial, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 2 (w), 3 (m)

Reasons to buy

+
Light and responsive
+
Comfortable, supple upper
+
Mounts for toe spikes
+
Decent outsole grip
+
Nice toe box room

Reasons to avoid

-
Light mesh gives limited protection
-
Average heel fit
-
Shapeless insole

Giro's Cylinder features mesh panels, sort of like running shoes, so your feet stay cool and ventilated even in super hot conditions. The outsole is made from a nylon and fiber combination, which is similar to this model's predecessor. To wrap things up, a BOA dial and retention system is paired with a lower Velcro strap. 

These shoes are a solid option for all-around riding, whether that's XC, light trail riding, gravel, or even cyclocross. Off the bike grip is decent, and there are mounting areas for toe spikes. The result is a good entry-level SPD shoe for those looking to start using clipless shoes.

If you're looking for a new pair of clipless shoes for cross-country style riding, check out more about what we liked about the Giro Cylinder II in our full review. 

Crankbrothers Mallet E Speedlace shoe

The Mallet E Speed Lace is one of Crankbrothers' first MTB shoes (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
A great trail/enduro all-rounder

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 516g (size 45, with cleats)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: MC1 compound
Retention: Speed Lace / Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Easy clip in/out
+
Snug, secure upper
+
Medium pedal stiffness
+
Pliable and grippy for walking
+
‘Free’ Crankbrothers cleats

Reasons to avoid

-
Long, narrow fit
-
Too soft and twisty for some
-
Heavy
-
Slippery on platform pedals

After producing popular pedals and other components for years, Crankbrothers started making mountain bike shoes, with the Mallet E Speed Lace as one of its debut models serving as a trail/enduro clipless shoe. 

The sole is made from an MC1 compound, which is considered mid-friction, so it's not as sticky as shoes from other companies. That's an intentional move to create less drag when clipping in and out of the pedals. 

In terms of sole stiffness, we've found that this model sits in the middle between super stiff and flappy. The upper and outer materials feel tough and protective for when the trails get rough. 

In terms of performance, the shoe is not too heavy and clipping in and out is a breeze. The design leads to comfort both on the bike and on hike-a-bike sections. The fit is slightly narrow and snug. The included Crankbrothers cleats are good value if you run Crankbrothers pedals, though the shoes are designed to work with SPD too.

Despite being a new contender in the shoe space, the Crankbrothers Mallet E Speed Lace earned 4/5 stars in our review. 

Specialized Recon 3.0 shoe side view

The Recon 3.0 share a similar aesthetic with the premium S-Works model (Image credit: Graham Cottingham)
The best for quick XC blasts and bikepacking

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 368g (size 43)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Carbon
Retention: Twin BOA dials, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable Body Geometry fit
+
Stiff yet walkable sole
+
Grippy tread for sure-footed hike-a-bike
+
Dual BOA

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit could be snugger on narrow feet
-
Relaxed heel cup dulls power transfer

The Specialized Recon 3.0s will tick a lot of boxes for many riders who are looking for a comfortable do-everything shoe. They sit just under the race-specific Specialized S-Works Recon (above) in the four-tier Recon range and while they have benefitted the most from the trickle-down in top tech, the Recon 3.0s are much more than a watered-down performance shoe.

On the trail, we found that the Recon 3.0s are packed with features that you don’t see in the S-Works model, making them a much more liveable and versatile riding shoe. Compared to the Recon 1.0 and 2.0 models, meanwhile, the 3.0s benefit from a second BOA and a stiffer sole. And despite not getting the ultra-tough Dyneema uppers of the S-Works shoe, the Recon 3.0’s share a lot in common aesthetically. There are also perforations across the entire shoe to help with airflow and inside you also get Specialized XPEL mesh to help them dry out quicker.

The uppers are more forgiving than on the S-Works, which is a big benefit if you are bikepacking or have slightly wider shaped feet. We still found the fit to be very secure and had no problems with heel lift – it's just that your feet don’t feel quite as locked in. The sole also has an excellent stiffness about it when putting the power down, without feeling too jarring over rough terrain. 

Learn more about the Specialized Recon 3.0 clipless MTB shoes in our in-depth review. 

Etnies Camber CL shoe

The Etnies Camber CL has a skate shoe-inspired aesthetic (Image credit: Jim Bland)
Sick new-age looks with great performance to match

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 517g
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Synthetic
Retention: Laces and strap
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Supreme build quality
+
Brilliant looks
+
Great fit
+
Well thought out features

Reasons to avoid

-
Run warm
-
Heavy
-
Deep cleat recess can require tweaking for some pedals

The Camber CL's new-age skate shoe inspired aesthetic looks killer, but don't let the causal vibe fool you – this shoe doesn't fall short on performance or tech. 

The upper is constructed from an exo-shield which is breathable and highly durable. Internally the Camber CL gets a neoprene-style sock line sewn inside the shoe, which in use prevents any stray loam from entering and causing discomfort. It's worth noting, tough that, this elasticated cuff does mean they run warmer than average. 

A nylon shank inside the midsole means peddling efficiency is better than you might expect. Thanks to the STI Evolution foam insole the Camber CLs dampen vibrations well.  

A lengthy cleat recess means cleats can be pushed back to best suit gravity styles of riding. We also found the 'Formula G' rubber around the cleat box meshes really with platform-style pedals to further boost traction and support when riding hard.   

The Camber CLs are competitive in terms of weight and size, and we love that Etnies plant a tree for every pair of shoes sold. 

Find out what happened when we put the Etnies Camber CL MTB shoes through their paces in our full review.

Giro Ventana Boa shoe

Despite the larger fit of the Giro Ventana, a BOA L6 retention system keeps things nice and adjustable (Image credit: Sean Fishpool)
The best for riders with wide feet

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 434g (size 43)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Giro Sensor rubber outsole
Retention: BOA L6, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Wide, relaxed fit
+
Tough knockabout character
+
Flexible for walking
+
No-fuss BOA
+
Fairly light

Reasons to avoid

-
Heel may slip on hike-a-bike
-
Commuter-shoe looks (though also comes in green)
-
Wide cleat stance won’t suit everyone
-
Limited grip in mud

The ideal shoe for trail mountain biking combines the stiffness and efficiency found in cross-country shoes with a more casual style. A wider profile also helps with stability and protection. This is the sweet spot that Giro's Ventana inhabits. 

The casual-looking kicks feature a rubber outsole and also have EVA cushioning underfoot, similar to hiking boots. The breathable ripstop fabric called Synchwire protects the outer of the shoe from scuffs and tears while out on the trails. 

As for fit, we found the Ventana to be roomy with plenty of space for riders with wider feet. Despite the larger fit, a BOA L6 retention system allows riders to dial in the fit. 

We are fans of the comfortable fit as well as the shoes stiffness. No, it's not as stiff as a pure-XC shoe, but it's good enough for everyday trail riding, especially for a rider who prioritizes a more relaxed shoe in most dimensions. 

Read more about the Giro Ventana BOA shoe in our full review. 

Shimano XC7 SPD mountain bike shoes

The Shimano XC7 SPD mountain bike shoes have premium looks and feel (Image credit: Shimano)

Shimano XC7 SPD

The best mountain bike shoe for good looks

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 326g (size 42.5)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Carbon-reinforced nylon, Michelin rubber
Retention: Twin BOA dials
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Good retention system
+
Great fit
+
Good looks

Reasons to avoid

-
Narrow toe box
-
Materials prone to scuffing

You’d be forgiven for thinking these were road shoes, such as the refinement and sophistication of the Shimano XC7 MTB shoes. Unlike the RC7 road shoe equivalent, the XC7 has a more forgiving carbon middle sole – you know, for when you’re required to dismount and push up a steep, unrideable climb. 

They feature a full Michelin rubber outsole for better grip and added comfort – it all looks and feels very premium. Breathability is excellent, as is the retention which comprises two Boa dials for easy, on-the-fly adjustability. The shoes also benefit from a cat-like-tongue fabric on the heel cup to prevent ankle lift.

Scott MTB Team Boa

The Scott MTB Team BOA could easily be mistaken for the flagship MTB RC SL model (Image credit: Scott)

Scott MTB Team BOA

A performance-focussed MTB shoe that feels great on your foot

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 385g (size 42.5)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Carbon-reinforced nylon
Retention: BOA dial, Velcro strap
Number of colorways: 3

Reasons to buy

+
Good price
+
Great fit
+
Quality build

Reasons to avoid

-
Slightly heavier than some

Scott’s MTB Team Boa represents the middle ground in the company’s cross-country shoe range. Stealth in appearance, it benefits from a BOA retention system which adds to the premium feel. In fact, the performance and comfort are of such an impressive level that these could easily be mistaken for the flagship MTB RC SL model.

A reinforced heel cup supplies a slip-free pedaling action that is backed up by an impressively stiff nylon/fiberglass sole with rubberized tread.

Performance aside, it’s the way these shoes feel that sets them apart. Not only is there a roomy toe box, but the ErgoLogic insole support system also allows you to tailor the footbed by way of swappable segments for an improved fit.

Shimano ME7

The Shimano ME7 may not be the best-looking MTB footwear you can buy but the neoprene cuff helps keep the trail out of your shoes (Image credit: Shimano)

Shimano ME7

Clipless trail shoes that are hard to beat

Specifications

Weight per shoe: 420g (size 42.5)
Pedal system: 2-bolt
Outsole: Carbon fiber composite
Retention: Speed Lace/ratchet
Number of colorways: 2

Reasons to buy

+
Speed Lace combines with lace cover to provide a barrier against elements
+
Neoprene cuff keeps trail on the outside
+
Supremely comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best looking MTB shoe you can buy

While all XC-style MTB shoes take advantage of a clipless pedal interface, for trail and enduro riding there are still plenty of burlier kicks that have a two-bolt mount. 

Shimano's ME7 has treated us well over the years, and the latest iteration adds a bit of ventilation to the otherwise solid trail and enduro platform. Using a Speed Lace closure and a ratchet, the shoes can be cinched down tight, but when you inevitably hit the deck there is no risk of ripping anything off. 

The new ME7 sees a carbon midsole for pedaling efficiency without much weight, and the Michelin OCX3 rubber outsole offers purchase while scrambling over wet logs or steep hike-a-bikes.  

Comparison table

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Best mountain bike shoes comparison table
ShoeWeight per shoePedal systemOutsoleRetentionNumber of colorwaysRRP
Five Ten Freerider Pro345g (size 42.5)FlatStealth S1 rubberLaces3$100 / £90
Specialized 2FO DH Flat436g (size 43)FlatSlipNot ST rubberLaces2$145 / £150
Crankbrothers Stamp Speed Lace385g (size 42)FlatRubberLaces, strap3$149.99 / £144.99
Bontrager FlatlineUnlistedFlatRubberLaces2$129.99 / £124.99
Ride Concepts Tallac430g (size 41)FlatMax GripLaces3$160 / £159.95
Specialized S-Works Recon270g (size 42.5)2-boltFACT CarbonTwin BOA dials, Velcro strap5$450 / £385
Five Ten Trailcross CL813g (size 43)2-boltMarathon rubberLaces, Velcro strap3$165 / £140
Giro Cylinder II336g (size 43)2-boltCo-molded nylon and rubber lugged outsoleBOA L6 dial, Velcro strap2 (women), 3 (men) £129.99
Crankbrothers Mallet E Speed Lace516g (size 45, with cleats)2-boltMC1 compoundSpeed Lace/Velcro strap2$169.99 / £149.99
Specialized Recon 3.0368g (size 43)2-boltCarbonTwin BOA dials, Velcro strap3$230 / £230
Etnies Camber CL1,034g2-boltSyntheticLaces and strap2$199.99 / £139.99
Giro Ventana BOA434g (size 43)2-boltGiro Sensor rubber outsoleBOA L6, Velcro strap2£159.99
Shimano XC7 SPD326g (size 42.5)2-boltCarbon-reinforced nylon, Michelin rubberTwin BOA dials2£179.99
Scott MTB Team BOA385g (size 42.5)2-boltCarbon-reinforced nylonBOA dial, Velcro strap3$149.99 / £149.99
Shimano ME7420g (size 42.5)2-boltCarbon fiber compositeSpeed Lace/ratchet2£179.99

What to look for when buying the best mountain bike shoes

Flat or clipless?

The first consideration you must make when choosing the best mountain bike shoe is deciding whether you want to ride flat pedals or clipless ones. Flat pedals allow a rider to take their foot off easily so are preferred by beginner riders and those riding very steep or muddy trails. As clipless pedals hold your foot in place, clipless pedals help the rider stay in control on technical routes and increase pedaling efficiency on rough terrain. For cross-country mountain biking, enduro mountain biking, and downhill mountain biking clipless pedals are almost exclusively used, although very occasionally gravity racers will choose flat pedals if the conditions suit.

How stiff should my shoes be?

The outer sole of a mountain bike shoe will be made from carbon fiber, nylon, or rubber; each of which differs in terms of performance and application. For instance, carbon fiber is a stiff, performance-focussed material that features more on cross-country-style shoes. Nylon isn't as stiff as carbon but is more durable and offers better comfort, while rubber is used exclusively on flat shoes as it provides better grip, feedback, and comfort. Flat pedal shoes will often feature a shank to ensure pedaling efficiency isn't compromised too much.  

What's the best retention system?

There are various retention systems that provide a secure and comfortable fit, namely: laces; Velcro; Techlace (lace and Velcro mix); ratchet, and BOA dials, each of which have their benefits. In some cases, two of these systems can be combined for a more personal and tailored fit. 

For cross-country focused shoes we like to see a ratchet or BOA-style closure, but for trail and enduro we like the simplicity of traditional laces. 

Can I use clipless shoes on flat pedals?

In order for shoes to perform as best as possible they need to be designed with a specific intended use. Some clipless trail and downhill shoes feature a soft rubber for pedal pins to dig into but they aren't going to perform as well on flat pedals as a proper pair of dedicated flat pedal shoes.

How much should the best mountain bike shoes weigh?

Lighter isn’t necessarily better when it comes to mountain bike shoes. You’ll often find the lighter end of the scale geared more towards cross-country riding as this discipline demands maximum power transfer and efficiency but unless you’re Nino Schurter, the performance benefits are not always worth the sacrifice in terms of comfort and price. Try and look for a durable shoe that offers good support and comfort before looking for marginal gains.

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Richard Owen
Editor, Bike Perfect

Richard has worked as print and internet journalist for 22 years. He's the editor of the Bikeperfect.com team, having previous been editor of What Mountain Bike magazine and written for Bikeradar.com, MBUK.com, Off-Road.cc, Mountain Biking UK, Cycling Plus, as well as many other magazines and websites. Rich has been riding mountain bikes for over 30 years and mostly likes hitting flowy yet technical trails that point downhill. A jack of many trades, Rich has competed in cross-country, enduro and long distance MTB races, not to mention also now adding gravel to his riding repertoire. A resident of North Devon, he can mostly be found pedaling furiously around his local trails, or slightly further afield in the Quantocks, the Mendips or Exmoor. 


Current rides: Canyon Spectral:ON, Jamis Faultline A1, Vitus Substance VR

Height: 176cm

Weight: 70kg

With contributions from