Leatt launches DBX shoe range

Leatt flat and clipless shoe range
Leatt's DBX shoe range is four models strong (Image credit: Leatt)

DBX shoes are the latest product offering from South African protectives and apparel brand, Leatt. 

The company is introducing a comprehensive range of mountain bike specific shoes for 2020, with both flat pedal and clipless options.

Separating the flat pedal and clipless shoes are their different securing mechanisms, with the flat pedal Leatts featuring traditional laces, whilst the clipless shoes add Velcro straps.

The DBX shoe range starts with a 2.0 version flat pedal variant aimed at trail riders. For more extreme flat pedal riders, there is the DBX 3.0 which has reinforced toe box and ankle protection. Weatherproofing is also enhanced by the presence of a more waterproof membrane for the shoe’s upper structure.

A notable feature of these new Leatt flat pedal shoes is their sole design. After researching grip preferences from a broad sample group of riders, Leatt established that the best compromise between absolute grip and durability was found on Vans skateboarding shoes.

Using this as a reference point for their development, Leatt has produced a new waffle pattern sole for their flat shoes.

If you prefer riding clipless pedals, the new Leatt DBX 4.0 and 5.0 models will be of interest. Although these shoes look like many other enduro riding mountain bike shoes, Leatt’s designers have cleverly addressed the issue of cleat ergonomics.

The DBX 4.0 and 5.0 feature a much roomier cleat recess and longer adjustment channel, which means you can bolt those cleats further back, allowing for superior weight balance on the pedals.

Redesigning the clipless interface has also enabled Leatt to produce a shoe which promises to allow for easier clipping-in and un-clipping on the trail. 

Distinguishing the 5.0 from the 4.0 is a speed-lace compression system, instead of conventional wide profile fabric laces. Like the DBX flat pedal shoes, Leatt’s clipless 4.0 and 5.0 shoes also have the waffle grip soles.

All the new Leatt DBX shoes are available now in UK sizes 5.5 to 11.5. The most affordable of these new Leatt shoes is the flat-pedal-friendly 2.0 at £79.99, with the more robust 3.0 retailing for £94.99.

For clipless riders, their journey into the Leatt DBX shoe range starts at £99.99 for the 4.0 and peaks at £109.99, for the 5.0.

Lance Branquinho
Freelance writer

Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.