Crankbrothers have launched the latest additions to its best mountain bike shoes range – the Mallet and Stamp Trail Boa. The new models promise versatility, an all-terrain grip and feature a Boa closure system with enhanced protection that is already race-proven on the toughest of Enduro World Cup stages.
Crankbrothers have enlisted the reigning Enduro World Cup Champion Jesse Melamed to test out the new shoes and he raced in the Mallet Trail Boa at the final two EDR races of 2023. Jesse ended the season on a high, winning the final race of the season and getting these new shoes a win long before they hit the shelves.
Although the shoes are ready for the enduro riding, and the Mallet and Stamp named shoes already exist in different versions like the Stamp Street Fabio. These are all-new Trail versions designed to deliver adventure-driven performance, and they say sets the standard for the best trail mountain bike shoe. I had a look over the standout features to see if they have what it takes to top the charts in the best flat mountain bike shoes market.
I'm a sole, man
The Mallet and Stamp Trail Shoes come in either clip-in or flat MTB shoe choices, the Mallet comes with a pre-installed cleat and the Stamp is the flat sole version. I'm a big fan of a natural Gum sole and matched with the Gold/Black upper it makes for a very aesthetically pleasing shoe. Looks are matched with performance and they say the sole has an aggressive, deeper, and multidirectional sole pattern, that also has the nice added touch of being shaped like the Crankbrothers logo. Whether that enhances performance, time will tell, but it looks pretty cool.
Elsewhere on the Mallet clipped version, Crankbrothers have upped the performance of the cleat area on the sole. Called Match Box it refers to the newly designed cleat area of the shoe – claimed to give an easier pedal entry, better mud shedding abilities and they add the innovative Match Box system optimizes engagement for any MTB clip-in system. So they are ready to 'match up' with the best mountain bike pedals straight out the box.
They have also extended the cleat track to 35mm that allows for rearward positioning, which they add gives more control and stability when descending. The clipless Mallet also has a stiff fiber-reinforced nylon shank for maximum and efficient power transfer.
Across both versions, the Match theme continues with Match Compound being the name given to the rubber used which they claim is a high-friction MC2 rubber compound to give a better grip, durability, and low rebound performance. The Match Outsole is also designed to give balanced traction on and off the bike which is aimed to give better walkability for those hike-a-bike moments along with an optimized pedal interface.
Shared features on both models are a height extended heel for additional support and balance. There is a thick rubber wrap on the front for added toe protection, with the low-rebound EVA midsole to reduce annoying trail buzz.
Up(per) its game
Across both models, the upper is the same and packed with performance features. Crankbrothers have placed these shoes as versatile performers, so are claimed to be extremely durable and are built using a Ripstop material. There is also a padded heel for great retention and comfort, with robust TPU toe protection too.
Along with upping durability performance, Crankbrothers have made both versions fairly lightweight. The Mallet comes in at 410g per shoe (Size 9 US/42 EU with cleat), and the Stamp is 320g per shoe (Size 9 US/42 EU). In comparison, the Ride Concepts Hellion Clip shoe weighed in at just over 500g per shoe, and the flat-soled Fizik Ergolace GTX weighed in at just under 400g per shoe.
Breathability for long days of riding is also another added performance feature. Both shoes are ready to take on the elements and endure rocky descents, muddy paths, or unpredictable weather conditions while keeping feet well-ventilated with what they say strategic ventilation zones to deliver maximum breathability and comfort. There is a perforated, padded tongue again for enhanced breathability and comfort, and an elasticated collar which stops trail crud from entering the shoe.
The final piece of the jigsaw is the Boa closure system and the quick-adjust hook-and-loop strap which wraps the entire foot to give a secure and adjustable fit. The Boa System has a Li2 dual-direction micro-adjustment dial for a precise fit and on-the-fly adjustment.
Pricing and availability
The Mallet and Stamp Trail Boa Shoes are availble to buy now (expected to ship 15th March) from Crankbrothers and selected retailers. The Mallet Trail Boa shoe is priced at $219.99 / £219.99 / €219.99 and the Stamp Trail Boa shoe is priced at $199.99 / £199.99 / €199.99. Both versions come in the Black/Gold colorway with Gum sole and are sized from EU 36-48 (37 to 46 also in half sizes), and for more information check out Crankbrothers.com.
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