Mountain biking is considered an incredibly thrilling adventurous sport by most. People enjoy riding in challenging routes and discovering untouched natural trails along the way. It can be performed on any off-road surface, of which mountain trails are the most common. Based on riders and their interest levels, it can be categorized into many different levels which include cross country biking, downhill riding, trail riding, all mountains, trials, slopestyle, freeride and dirt jumping. It is not just an adventure sport but it can also help you in staying fit. Depending on the speed and the terrain, you can burn up to 600 to 1000 calories per hour. Check out our complete guide about the best mountain bike gloves.

As with any outdoor adventure sport, mountain biking also presents various challenges that affect your experience and require some techniques that need to be learned. Just like any sporting activity, the gear plays an important role in rider’s safety and overall experience. Whether you are a newbie to the MTB riding or a skilled rider, it is important to choose the right bike. There are a variety of models available and you can choose according to your skill, focus of MTB activity and even budget. Along with this, the riding gear is important for your safety. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, safety glasses and gloves, all help in protecting you in case of any accident. The protective gear and the right clothing help in enhancing the experience and provide ample coverage to protect you from hazards of an uneven terrain. Your clothes and shoes matter and help in keeping you safe while you enjoy the MTB riding. Right gear and right clothing is also crucial for the right conditions. We have also written a complete guide about the best mountain bike computers.

Cycling Shoes

Cycling shoes are a great way to improve efficiency and control your riding. There are several options but ultimately your riding style and the types of pedal you use will help in narrowing down the choices. Cycling shoes are categorized into three – road, mountain and city. Road biking shoes are designed primarily with 3-hole clipless pedals although some are compatible with 2-hole pedals. Their soles are extremely stiff which provides an excellent power transfer. The shoes are smooth and have a cleat protruding from the bottom so they are slightly difficult to walk in. these shoes are favoured by cyclists looking at longer distance rides. Most mountain biking shoes have 2-hole system. Their soles are fairly stiff which improved pedalling efficiency and they also typically deep lugs for traction on loose trails. The cleats on a mountain bike shoes are recessed into the soles so that it is easier to walk in them if needed. City biking shoes are casual shoes with built in bike functionality. Most use a 2-hole system with recessed cleats to give you all the benefits of riding clipless in a good looking and comfortable walking shoe.

Cycling shoes have a fairly stiff sole but have enough flex to allow good traction for walking on wet trails. The rubber lug outsole also adds on the grip of the shoes on any rugged surface.

Features of A Good Pair of MTB Shoes

When it comes to selecting a pair of shoes for mountain biking, there are mainly two options:

• Clipless: These shoes are designed to clip into your pedal. This allows for a smoother pedalling and a better pedal efficiency. There is no concern about pedal slips as you cycle around in off-road terrains. Clipless pedals are ideal for cross country riding.

 

• Flats: These shoes are regular shoes that work with regular pedals. They are good for beginners and help to learn better general positioning while riding.

 

For an appropriate footwear for mountain biking, there are certain features that one must consider before selecting the shoes. a typical pair of bike shoe is designed with a stiffer sole so as to provide more efficient energy transfer while pedalling.

Pedal compatibility

The type of shoes depend on the pedal system you select for your bike as cycling shoes are usually paired with a compatible pedal. For example clipless mountain bike shoes use 2-hole cleat system (SPD system, crankbrothers or Time styles) and require a compatible pedal clipless system. The cleats snap into the pedal to create a secure connection and prevent any slipping of foot from the pedal.

Other mountain bike shoes have flat soles without cleats and can be used with platform pedals. These shoes have a flat sole with sticky rubber to better grip the pedals. These shoes are also used by many riders for road cycling. They are more comfortable for walking and it is easy to get and out of the pedal system.

Walkability

Another point to look at is how much walking you plan to do. Outsoles made with rubber and the lugs provide a good grip on the trails and any obstacles. And if there is any accident and your bike becomes un-rideable, walking will become essential.

Pedalling efficiency

Some shoes are designed to improve pedalling efficiency. Cross-country and trail shoes are more efficient but are quite stiff in terms of walking. These shoes have better ventilation as compared to normal street-style shoes which are softer.

Waterproof protection

As you might be riding in cold conditions, shoes that are made with waterproof liners are a good option.

Shoe closure system

The cycling shoes can have a lace up closure system or a rip-and-stick system or cam straps with buckle to adjust the shoe fitting around your feet. Shoes with laces offer a custom and a comfortable fit but you need to ensure that the laces are tucked out of the way during your ride. Rip-and-stick straps are better suited for wet conditions. They are less stretchable than laces so the feet are more secure and it offers a quick closure. Shoes with notched cam straps with buckle closure are designed to clamp around your feet for extra power and security. As the shoes are supposed to be suitable for winter mountain biking, the closure system should have some water protector layer over it specially in case of laces. This will prevent water from entering the shoes.

Shoe size

The size of bike shoe is very important as there is very little chance of breaking in these shoes because of their stiff built. The shoes should have a enough room to wiggle your toes

A pair of shoes that is suitable for MTB in winter needs to be sturdy enough. As the shoes are meant for only few months a year, they need to be durable so that they can last for a long time before they need replacing. The mix of ice and mud is quite abrasive and corrosive the shoes. A winter mountain biking shoes are designed with a lean shape and water repellent tough material. There are fortifications to keep your feet safe, warm and dry in the extreme winter conditions. There are several winter MTB shoes designed with high collar and insulated insides to protect your feet from harsh weather.

There are other features like lighter in weight, enhanced foot and/or ankle protection, additional waterproof liners, improved fit and foot security, and removable toe spikes for traction on soft ground. Another feature to look for is easy to clean uppers as the shoes are bound to get dirty after a ride in snow covered mountains.

Some of such winter mountain biking shoes are described in the list below. All of them have specific features and are suitable for MTB. The ultimate choice depends on the type of activity and your budget.

TOP 15 BEST WINTER MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES IN 2022

Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
	1. Five Ten – Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike SPD Shoes (Clipless)	non-slip heel cup	$$$	4.8
	2. Five Ten – Freerider EPS High MTB Shoes	Stealth S1 rubber outsole	$$$	4.8
	3. Giro – Grynd	Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt	$$	4.7
	4. Shimano – SH-MT34B Multiuse Touring Shoes	Classic lacing closure	$$	4.6
	5. Five Ten – Freerider High MTB Shoes	Stealth S1 rubber outsole	$$	4.6
	6. Mavic – XA Elite Shoes	Energy Grip Trail Outsole	$$	4.5
	7. Shimano – SH-AM7 MTB Shoes	Exclusive Vibram rubber outsole	$$	4.5
	8. Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Seek VII	Synthetic sole	$$	4.5
	9. Five Ten – Freerider Contact MTB Shoes	Five Ten – Freerider Contact MTB Shoes	$$$	4.4
	10.Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Drift IV	Carbon rubber lugged outsole	$$	4.3
	11. Shimano – SH-AM7 MTB Shoes	Vibram rubber outsole	$$	4.2
	12.Pearl iZUMi – X-Road Fuel IV	Flexible forefoot	$$	4.1
	13. Shimano – SH-MT3 MTB Shoes	Heel pull loop	$$	4.0
	14. Five Ten – Spitfire MTB Shoes	Rubber sole	$$	4.0
	15. Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Seek VI Shoes	Low-cut cycling shoe	$$	3.

1. Five Ten – Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike SPD Shoes (Clipless)

Design

The Five Ten Kestrel Lace MTB SPD shoes are designed based on the original Kestrel shoes by the same company. These stylish shoes are designed for efficient power transfer with a classic lace closure type system. The shoes have a design that is a cross between traditional cross-country (XC) shoes with ratchet buckles to a user-friendly bike shoe. These shoes are SPD compatible and the wider cleat interface is compatible with every type of SPD pedal. It is meant for use with clipless pedals. The shoes come with 2-hole cleat system. It is compatible with all the variety of pedal systems – time mountain, look mountain and crankbrothers. The shoes have a sleek low-profile design. The Velcro lace strap closure system ensures that the laces do not interfere with your riding. The shoes have a lace up closure with a single strap across the top to hold the laces together. The front of the ankle is low cut next to the strap.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

These shoes are designed with unique Stealth  C4 outsole for excellent gripping and shock dampening. The Stealth C4 Dotty is made from rubber and it provides excellent vibration and shock dampening along with much needed grip when you’re off the bike on difficult terrains. The upper of the shoes is made with polyurethane (PU) coated synthetic laminate material. The toe vamp is perforated to provide breathability to the shoe. The shoes are water resistant and have resisted abrasions making them durable. The shoe tongue is made from mesh for additional ventilation. The shank of these shoes is made from nylon which makes these shoes a bit more compliant and flexible over a pair of super stiff shoes. The midsole of these shoes is made with compression moulded EVA and it provides excellent shock absorption. This makes these shoes an all-round trail-ready. The shoes have a thin insole for support. The non-slip heel cup of the shoes help in reducing the torsional flex. The wide box for the cleat allows for more mud clearance. The shoes provide great support for the mid and the front sole while riding.

2. Five Ten – Freerider EPS High MTB Shoes

Design

The Freerider EPS High MTB Shoes from Five Ten are designed primarily for winter use. They protect your feet from the harsh winter elements and perform as well as any other shoes from the Five Ten range. The shoes have a variety of materials that are heat-retentive and provide heavy insulation making them perfect for any winter ride. These shoes are designed as flat pedal shoes with no cleats. The shoes are designed with a lace up style closure with extended lacing till the ankle. The shoes are designed to be durable and well insulated. The stitching runs all along the side around the sole which is good for longevity of the shoes.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

These shoes are designed with classic Freerider Stealth S1 rubber outsole which is good in cold conditions. The S1 sticks to all the surfaces irrespective of their wet or dry nature. The Stealth S1 rubber balances the high friction and durability with the best cushioning. The outsole of the shoe has stickiness that provides traction on wet pedals or any other surface as you step down from your cycle. The upper of the shoes is made with a single piece leather. Absence of seams helps in reducing water intake and helps to keep the feet warm and dry. The fully gusseted tongue prevents any water and mud intake while you are riding in different terrains. The extended height of the shoe at the ankle gives you additional coverage to protect your feet from mud and snow. The Elements PrimaLoft System (EPS) insulation helps in maintaining comfortable feet environment without adding any bulk to the shoe. It is present from the instep forward, including the tongue. The midsole of the shoes is made with compressed EVA. The rear of the shoes has a closed cell foam around the heel to provide ample padding and support. The sockliner and the vamp has additional foam insulation to keep your feet warm. The foot board is made with insulated heat-reflective material which helps to retain the heat in the shoe.

3. Giro – Grynd

Design

The Giro Grynd Bike shoes are a good fit for gym but they are basically meant for riding. These shoes are ideal for spin enthusiasts, recreational riders and any rider who is looking for a solid shoe that is versatile for pedalling, walking or any other indoor or outdoor activity. The shoes have a lace up closure system with single keeper strap to keep the laces away from tangling in the feet and any drivetrain hang-ups. This athletic style of lace up system gives the shoes a casual look. The traditional lacing allows you to distribute the pressure evenly and provide a snug fit around the feet which is essential for cycling. These lightweight and durable shoes are suitable for any whether riding.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The shoes are designed with a stiff outsole made with moulded EVA with special rubber walking zones. This helps in walking and enhancing your stride off the bike. The shoes have moulded SPD-compatible nylon shank with optimized cleat zone. The nylon shank provides good power transfer for enhanced performance. The outsole features a recessed 2-hole cleat design for compatibility with clipless pedals. This locks into the pedal stroke and it does not sacrifice any off-bike walkability. The shoes provide excellent grip and traction. The upper of the shoes is made with microfiber and mesh. This makes the shoes quite breathable. It is very supple and water-resistant. The Giro’s Precision Fit Last hugs the foot closely without binding, crowding or giving any discomfort to the feet. The footbed of the shoe is made with moulded EVA with internal EVA midsole. It provides medium arch support and the Aegis anti-microbial treatment helps to keep the feet safe and healthy. It helps to eliminate odours and forms a barrier against discolouration and fading. The shoes have a polyester lining. The lightweight mesh inserts increase the breathability and ventilation.

4. Shimano – SH-MT34B Multiuse Touring Shoes

Design

The Shimano MT34 mountain bike shoes are classically styled shoes that enhance pedalling performance and increase walking comfort. With a versatile design, these shoes can be worn for multiple riding styles like mountain biking, touring, urban riding and others. It is a high performance shoe and it is also suitable for new riders looking to ride in different types of terrains. These shoes are meant for clipless pedal system. There is a cleat-positioner cap which helps in introducing first time clipless riders to SPD pedals. It helps to ensure that foot is placed in the correct position on the pedal. It has recessed 2-hole cleat design and it can also be worn while using flat pedals. These shoes have classic lace up closure system which provides even tension and adds on to the walking comfort. The lace keepers are well constructed and prevent the laces from getting tangled into the drivetrain.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The Shimano MT34 shoes have rubber outsoles. It has trekking style treads which help in increasing traction on different terrains. These shoes have a stretch-resistant upper in combination of flexible mesh with synthetic leather. This makes the shoes breathable and durable. With the mesh, the air is ventilated in the shoes and it helps to keep your feet comfortable during long rides. The side pattern helps in ensuring that the shoe fitting is secure and snug around your feet. A fiberglass-reinforced polyamide shank plate in the shoe provides optimal shoe rigidity expected from a riding shoe. The EVA midsole enhances the pedalling efficiency as there is efficient energy transfer from feet to pedal. This also makes the shoe comfortable for when you have to walk. There is an internal lining of nylon in the shoe. The toe box is wide and room which allows for space to wiggle toes. Your feet feel comfortable even during the long rides. The toe is flexible enough to allow your feet move with your legs and it gives relief from knee pain.

5. Five Ten – Freerider High MTB Shoes

Design

The Freerider High MTB shoes by Five Ten is a BMX inspired shoe which is designed to be a flat pedal shoe. They are meant to for regular pedals and are not suitable for clipless pedal system. These shoes are suitable for dirt jumping, urban riding, downhill as well as freeriding. These shoes are perfect for rider looking for ankle protection and style. The lace up closure system of these shoes provide adjustable fitting around your feet. Unlike other high-top shoes, they are quite easy to take off and slip on. The shoes have a solid construction and a rugged appearance. These shoes are extremely versatile and provide the extra margin of comfort and confidence required as you roll down any difficult terrain.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The Freerider High shoes have an outsole that is made up of Stealth S1 rubber. The one piece moulded cupsole provides durability to the shoes and adds cushioning to the shoes. The outsole provides excellent grip as the Stealth S1 rubber is sticky on the dry and wet surfaces. The shoes have classic Dotty tread which provides traction when you are off the bike as well as grip on the pedals. It absorbs more shock than traditional outsoles. As there are not cleats, it is quite easy to walk in any terrain whenever you get down from the bike. These shoes offer standard Freerider cushioning that keeps your feet comfortable. The upper is made from suede and mesh. It is polyurethane (PU) coated which provides extra protection from the elements likes cold and water. It is designed to be breathable to keep your feet dry. The Freerider High shoes have a dual density insole that provides comfort and cushioning to the feet. The shoes have a mid-top ankle cuff for additional protection and a thick padded tongue. The shoes have incredible tough walls and a tough sole that offers snug fitting.

6. Mavic – XA Elite Shoes

Design

The XA Elite Shoe by Mavic is an adventure shoe that is a perfect combination of good and improved comfort with grip and durability. These shoes are meant for clipless pedals but can be used with platform pedals as well. These shoes have 2-hole cleat compatibility. The shoes have a Quick Lace closure that provides fast closure and adjustable tightening around your feet. It is a patented lightweight lace system which allows for a single pull tightening. There is a strap on the top of the shoe which offers excellent support. The internal shape is neutral with little arch support.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The shoes have Energy Grip Trail Outsole which is a top trail outsole with an all-terrain grip. It is highly abrasion resistant and provides comfort all day. It offers the perfect balance of energy-transferring rigidity for riding and comfort for walking. These shoes are built with Contagrip for excellent traction and durability. It is one of the best outsoles in the market for traction. The shoes have an aggressive tread that grips on all the rough terrains that you might encounter while you’re out riding or whenever you get down from the bike. The soles transfer the power effectively into the pedals. These XA Elite shoes have a durable synthetic upper with ventilated mesh zones to keep your feet cool and dry. The upper is designed to be rugged and withstand all abuse you can experience while riding. The Endofit tongue in these shoes hugs the foot in the key places and it gives you maximum comfort. It is like an internal sleeve around the foot. The shoes have an Ortholite insole that provides great cushioning for both riding as well as walking. These shoes have a shorter cleat channel than the rest of the trail shoes. This pair is perfect for longer hours on the bike when you want efficient pedal positioning and comfort.

7. Shimano – SH-AM7 MTB Shoes

Design

The Shimano AM7 shoes are built for all-mountain riders, downhill riders and for BMX. A shoe that has excellent features with great build quality, comfort and protection. This pair is suited for flat pedal system and are not SPD compatible. The shoes have an Armoured Lace shield that provides an extra layer of protection from the dust and debris. The lace closure system is placed under this shield and there is an additional strap which provides a secure and snug fitting around the fit. The Safe Velcro strap helps to prevent the laces from getting stuck in the drivetrain. It also helps to even out the tension around the feet. The asymmetrically raised ankle is padded at the collar to protect your foot.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

These All-mountain shoes have an exclusive Vibranium outsole. It provides superior grip and traction in all riding conditions. It also helps in controlling the pedal connectivity. The tread pattern is a relatively fine pattern which grips the pedal pins with smaller diameter properly. It creates a feeling of riding clipless pedals without actually being clipped in. For optimum sole rigidity, there is a fiberglass-reinforced shank plate.The upper of these shoes is made with artificial leather based material. It is supple and stretch resistant. As compared to other leathers, it is lighter, more potent and tougher. There are strategic perforations to improve the breathability of the shoe. There is a cup insole and an instep strap to help in reducing the heel lift. There is a great arch support as well in these shoes. The shoes have an EVA midsole to keep your feet comfortable. The Volume Tour last with extra wide toe box helps to keep your feet comfortable with sufficient wiggle room. This feature makes this shoe suitable for wider range of foot without affecting the rest of the fitting. The lace cover helps to keep your feet from getting wet from any splashes. As compared to many other shoes, these shoes have better moisture protection and ability to shed snow and moisture.

8. Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Seek VII

Design

The X-Alp Seek VI shoe by Pearl iZUMi is a versatile lace up cycling shoe that is both fashionable and functional. It has good looks and provides sufficient comfort both on and off the bike. These shoes are SPD compatible and you can use these with most clipless pedals. The shoes are also compatible with crankbrothers. The cleats are not included in these shoes and have a 2-hole cleat design. The shoes have a low cut construction that gives these shoes a light feel. The shoes fit comfortably around your feet and can be adjusted using the lace up closure system with a built-in garage that prevents drivetrain interference. The traditional lace closure system gives the shoes a classic athletic shoes appearance.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The shoes have a carbon rubber lugged outsole provides superior traction and durability. There are deep lugs and bevelled heel that enhances the stepping motion. There is additional support in the heel crash pad, the 1:1 Energy Foam technology for cushioning when you are off the bike. The tread on the bottom of the outsole provides traction on the surfaces you might encounter while trekking with the bike. It is designed so that it does not hold mud. These shoes have a fiberglass injected shank that ensures that there is efficient power transfer to the pedals from the feet. The composite-fibre injected nylon plate enhances the stiffness of the shoes. The forefoot is flexible. The shoes have a quick-drying breathable mesh and synthetic leather for its upper. The mesh material keeps the feet cool and dry and the synthetic leather makes the shoes more durable and offers protection to your feet. The upper is 60% synthetic leather and 40% nylon mesh. There is a synthetic lining on the inside of the shoes. the shoes have a compressed foam footbed. The shoes have a dual density EVA X-Alp outsole/midsole that provides all day comfort to the feet and cushions the feet. It has a firm second density EVA between the pedal and foot for off-the-bike cushioning and comfort. It also enhances the bike power transfer.

9. Five Ten – Freerider Contact MTB Shoes

Design

The Freerider Contact MTB Shoes by Five Ten are stylish, comfortable and a durable pair of shoes that are perfect for downhill and cross-country riding styles of MTB. The Freerider Contact is the updated version of Freerider VXi model. It has a sleeker design and it is one of the lightest Freerider model of this range. These shoes are meant for flat pedal system. The shoes have a low-top design and very casual looks. The shoes have a lace up system of closure which allows for easy customization around your foot. There is a toe cap to protect your feet from any accidental impact in the rough terrain.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The Five Ten Freerider Contact Shoes feature the bespoke Stealth Mi6 sole. It is non-marking without any compromise on high friction on the surfaces and its durability. This makes these riding shoes also appropriate for skateboarding, hiking or other indoor activity. The rubber outsole is quite sticky and provide excellent grip on the pedals and ground for when you’re off your bike. There is no specific tread pattern under the ball of the foot for quick pedal-placement adjustment and there is high-friction Dotty tread elsewhere. As soon as any pressure is applied to the sole, the pins in the pedal dig in and it feels as if you are riding on clipless pedals. The sole is stiff and dampens the vibrations of impacts. The upper is made with synthetic and a polyester textile material. It is abrasion resistant which makes this pair durable in the extreme conditions you might encounter while cycling. The shoes absorb less water unlike regular shoes but they are not waterproof per se. The shoes dries out very quickly if they get wet. The heat bonded material increases the shoe’s durability. The midsole of these shoes is made up pf compression moulded EVA. It is stiff and provides efficient energy transfer. It helps in absorbing impact and hence lowering the overall fatigue in all terrains. The interior of the shoe is lined with polyester textile.

10. Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Drift IV

Design

The X-Alp Drift IV shoes by Pearl iZUMi are designed for all day comfort while riding and walking. The shoes are made for comfort to be worn with or without socks. The shoes are extremely lightweight. The shoes are SPD compatible with 2-hole cleat design. These shoes feature Quick Lacing closure. It is a patented system that allows a single pull to adjust the fitting around the foot. The laces have a secondary elastic band to tuck the excess lace so as to avoid any drivetrain tangling. This makes it easy to slip on and off and get going quickly. It has a barefoot construction allowing the rider to be optional about socks.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The shoes have an outsole made up pf carbon rubber which is lugged and makes the shoes provide superior traction. It is also quite durable and is 40% rubber, 35% EVA and 25% nylon plastic. The shoes have a fiberglass injected composite shank which helps in efficient power transfer to the pedals from the feet. The shoes are flexible so there is some compromise on the power transfer. The shoes have a upper that is made from mesh and synthetic material. It makes the shoes more breathable and adds on to the comfort of the feet. This also makes the shoes lightweight. When wearing in cold conditions, these shoes require socks so as to keep the feet warm. The mesh material also makes these shoes quick dry. The mesh material allows dirt to get inside when riding or walking in such terrains but it is easy to remove the shoe and discard any collected dirt. The midsole of the shoes has a EVA run foam that provides comfort and cushioning to the feet. The footbed of the shoes is made up of EVA. The interior lining of the shoes makes the shoe environment comfortable. The extra protection on the toe in form of a reinforced toe guard and the heel counter strap protects the feet from any bumps or impacts. These shoes have a wide toe box and there is sufficient room for toe movement.

11. Shimano – SH-AM7 MTB Shoes

Design

The Shimano AM7 MTB Shoes are the flagship downhill and enduro SPD shoes with additional protection and improved pedal connectivity when clipped in or out. The shoes are compatible with SPD. There is a wider cleat adjustment which expands the range for mounting cleats. They can be worn when pedalling on platform pedals as there is a pedal channel to make the shoe stable when it is not clipped in. The Speed Lacing feature allows fast and easy adjustment for a secure and a snug fit around the feet. An additional through-ring Velcro strap to even out the tension around the feet also helps in securing the feet. The Armoured lace shield provides an extra layer of protection from debris and helps in preventing the laces from getting tangled in the drivetrain. This lace cover is thinner as compared to the previous models. The shoes have a padded asymmetrical ankle collar and sidewall sole for protection of your feet.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The shoes have a ultra-grip rubber sole. It has heel and toe treads to improve traction required for walking on different terrains. The tread pattern is more aggressive as compared to its predecessors. The shoes are quite stiff and give a great pedal feedback when riding downhill. The rear portion of the sole is more flexible than the area underfoot. The upper of these shoes is made from synthetic leather. It is lighter, stronger and more durable than natural leathers. This upper is supple and stretch-resistant. There are strategic perforation to improve the ventilation in the shoes. This material absorbs less water and it dries very quickly. The EVA foam construction reduces the overall weight of the shoes. The shank in the midsole helps in improving the pedalling stiffness and optimizing sole rigidity and it is made from fibreglass-reinforced material. It has a moulded toe cap for additional protection. There is a small heel lift while walking and the toe box is wide with Volume Tour last. The shoes provide a great protection in combination with low weight, comfortable and precise fitting.

12. Pearl iZUMi – X-Road Fuel IV

Design

The Pearl iZUMi X-Road Fuel IV Shoes are based on the design of a lace up running shoe. These shoes are perfect for riding, gym or just causal wearing for you daily activities. The shoes are SPD compatible so they can work with most common clipless pedal standards. The cleats are not included with the shoes. This feature makes theses shoes compatible with flat pedals also. The shoes have a low-top construction which makes them lightweight. The classic lace up closure system allows the rider to customize the fitting around their feet while wearing the shoes.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The outsole of these shoes is made from rubber. It is lugged to provide superior traction and durability. The forefoot is flexible and the shoes has a bevelled heel that enhances the natural stepping motion of the feet. There is a fiberglass injected shank which maximises the power transfer to the pedal from the feet. The X-Road nylon plate delivers exceptional pedalling stability, power transfer and it does so efficiently. It increases the comfort both on and off the bike for riding and walking. The upper of the shoes is made with mesh and synthetic material. The mesh gives the shoes ability to quick dry and helps in keeping the feet cool and dry by providing ample ventilation. This mesh material also ensures that the shoes dry quickly if they get wet. The synthetic material helps to hold the mesh material together and increases the durability of the shoe by making it more resistant to wear and tear. The upper material is 65% rubber and plastic, 33% textile and 2% steel rings. The built-in lace garage helps to keep the laces away from the drivetrain so as to avoid any accidental tangling of laces. The EVA run shoe foam is used to make the midsole of the shoes to ensure that the rider has a comfortable fitting around the feet. The midsole is inspired by athletic running shoes and it is flexible. The insole of these shoes is made with moulded foam.

Shimano – SH-MT3 MTB Shoes13. Shimano – SH-MT3 MTB Shoes

Design

The Shimano MT3 MTB Shoes are versatile and comfortable SPD shoes with a causal design. They look good on your feet when you are on a bike or while you’re going about your day casually. These shoes have an attractive outdoor shoe styling. It is designed for recreational and off-road cycling. It is an outdoor styled pair of shoes suitable for different riding styles. These shoes are compatible with 2-hole mountain bike cleats. The cleats are recessed and they make walking easier. The shoes have a classic lace up closure system. This allows you to customize the fitting as per your liking and are designed for excellent pedalling performance and walking comfort.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

These shoes are designed for on or off-road pedalling comfort and comfort while walking. The shoes have a rubber outsole which provides excellent grip and walkability. The lugged outsole gives a no-slip traction on the various terrains you might encounter while you’re out riding. There is a glass fibre reinforced shank in the sole to optimize the sole rigidity. These shoes feature a unique upper design. It is a one-piece construction that gives a secure fitting, increased durability and lighter weight. The upper is made from synthetic material with perforations throughout to improve the breathability of the shoes. It is a synthetic leather which is lighter, stronger and more durable than natural leathers. It is also supple and stretch-resistant. The upper fits snugly around the feet and enhances foot to pedal power transfer. The perforations allow the air to flow and keep your feet comfortable during long rides. The shoes come with an EVA midsole for improved pedalling efficiency. These shoes are more flexible than other SDP compatible shoes. This makes walking in this pair of shoes much easier. The shoes have a flat insole which gives cushioning to the feet to reduce fatigue. It is lightweight and non-compressible in nature.

14. Five Ten – Spitfire MTB Shoes

Design

The Five Ten Spitfire MTB Shoes have a classic skating shoe design and a medium high shaft. It is a great pair pf shoes for MTB and can be worn all day without any discomfort. It is great for lighter trails but not active rides like downhill riding. These shoes are also a choice of shoe for skateboarders. These shoes are lightweight and are designed for flat pedals. The shoes feature a lace up closure system which allows to customize the fitting around your feet. These shoes have a slimmer fitting as compared to the Freerider range.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The outsole of Spitfire MTB shoes is made from Stealth S1 rubber. The rubber sole is non-marking. They offer enough grip both on and off the bike. The material is grippy on the pedal surface as well as on the rough terrains. They provide enough grip to allow movement on the pedal for whenever you’re riding on pavement, dirt of BMX riding. It does not stick like the sticky grip outsoles of the Freerider range. The Micro-Dotty tread design helps to grip the pedal and resists the wear and tear that makes the shoes more durable. Upper of these shoes is made a split-grain leather with synthetic leather lining. There are breathable nylon panels to give you comfort all day. The mid height upper provides support to your ankle while riding. The upper is abrasion resistant and this makes the shoes more durable. The shoes have a comfortable fit with classic urban style. The shaped heel cup helps in keeping you safe. This cupsole construction makes a good shock absorbing base for flat landings. The midsole is made with die-cut EVA. The shoes have good cushioning and help in transferring the energy efficiently to the pedals. There is plenty of padding all around the shoe to keep your feet cushioned. The toe and the heel boxes are tough enough to take any impact without damaging the shoes or injuring the feet.

15. Pearl iZUMi – X-Alp Seek VI Shoes

Design

The Pearl iZUMi X-Alp Seek VI shoe is a versatile cycling shoe that is designed to look like a running shoe. These shoes have cleat compatible outsoles. This makes these shoes SPD compatible as well as other clipless systems like time mountain, crankbrothers and look mountain compatible. The cleats have a 2-hole design and the cleats are not included with the shoes. This makes it possible to wear these shoes with flat pedal system also. These shoes have a low-cut construction fit just like a running shoe. The fitting can be adjusted in the feet by the traditional lace up closure system. With this lace up system, it makes the shoes look like regular athletic shoes. The shoes are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for long bike rides.

Features that make this specific pair of shoes good for MTB

The X-Alp Seek VI shoes have a carbon rubber lugged outsole which provides superior traction and durability. There are deep lugs that enhance the grip on various terrain surfaces. The tread pattern on the outsole helps in increasing the traction while walking. The shoes also has a bevelled heel which enhances the natural stepping motion of the feet when you get down from the bike. The additional support in the heel pad helps in cushioning the feet when you’re walking. It has 1:1 Energy Foam technology for cushioning. It is designed so that it sheds any mud that is encountered while riding or walking. A composite fibre injected nylon plate is present in the sole to enhance the stiffness of the shoes. This helps in efficient power transfer from foot to pedal while riding. The dual density EVA outsole and midsole absorb shock and return the energy for next movement. There is a denser EVA placed between the pedal and the foot which provides cushioning both on and off the bike. The upper of these shoes is made from quick drying mesh material and synthetic leather. The mesh makes the shoes breathable and the leather provides structural support and durability to the shoe. The forefoot of the shoes is flexible which makes it easier to walk in these shoes.