\u00a3129.99 \/ $159.99 \/ \u20ac159.99<\/li>

Excellent sole<\/li>

Well-designed insole<\/li>

Lets water in<\/li><\/ul>

The Endura MT500 Burner is a comfortable and well-fitting shoe for enduro and trail riding.<\/p>

The insole has a metatarsal button, helps spread your big toe and prevents your foot from scrunching.<\/p>

The sole of the shoe has an aggressive tread, offering plenty of grip if you have to push your bike up sloppy trails. The cleat is free to move 39mm front to rear \u2013 as much as any shoe on the market. You might need a cleat spacer if you don’t want to feel locked in.<\/p>

The upper is nicely built and ventilated, but it does let water in.<\/p>

Read our full Endura MT500 Burner Clipless Shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fox Union BOA<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Fox$
The Union BOA shoes provide good protection and power transfer, for a price. – Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3220 \/ $250 \/ \u20ac240 \/ AU$350 as tested<\/li>
Tuneable insole<\/li>
Solid and protective<\/li><\/ul>
The Union BOA is the priciest entry in Fox’s shoe range, but the Boa closure and tunable insole offer an impressive fit.<\/p>
The sho has a solid feel, which feels like it aids power transfer while offering high levels of protection, especially around the toe box.<\/p>
Walkability isn’t great, and the shoes aren’t as comfy as others, but the tough build and power transfer make these shoes impressive on the bike.<\/p>
Read our full Fox Union BOA review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Northwave Rockit Plus<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Northwave$
Northwave’s Rockit Plus shoes offer masses of comfort and some really solid, all-round credentials, meaning they’ll work for just about every type of riding. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3135 \/ $165 \/ \u20ac150 \/ AU$248 as tested<\/li>
Neutral footbed<\/li>
Versatile and comfortable<\/li><\/ul>
Northwave’s Rockit Plus shoes are designed with versatility in mind, providing good levels of comfort on the trails and beyond.<\/p>
The sole is comfortable and adds levels of control thanks to its flexibility, though this does take away from the power transfer when pedalling.<\/p>
While the upper has no pinch points, the shoe needs to be cinched up tight for a secure feeling.<\/p>
Read our full Northwave Rockit Plus review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Shimano AM5 (AM503)<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
Shimano’s shoes have long been popular and the pocket-friendly AM5 looks to be so as well, with good reason. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a380 \/ $100 \/ \u20ac100 \/ AU$130 as tested<\/li>
Considered features for the price<\/li>
Lace closure<\/li><\/ul>
The Shimano AM5s impressed with their solid ventilation and ample ankle protection.<\/p>
The laces come quite far up the foot to help secure your ankle, even if there isn\u2019t any grippy material on the inside to prevent heel lift.<\/p>
There are perforations in the shoe to assist with ventilation, and although they will let in water, the synthetic material means they dry quickly.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano AM5 (AM503) review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Ride Concepts Transition<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Ride$
Designed for all-mountain, aggressive riders, these shoes are expensive, but dig into the detail and you find a broad array of features. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3150 \/ $160 \/ \u20ac189.49 \/ AU$271.49 as tested<\/li>
D30 shock-absorbing inserts<\/li>
On the stiffer end of the spectrum<\/li><\/ul>
The Transition is a more gravity-focused shoe that utilises DST 8.0 MID GRIP rubber throughout its bulky-looking sole.<\/p>
The D30 insert is a soft material that hardens on impact that can be found on the lower portion of the shoe.<\/p>
They\u2019re a bit heavier than some of the competition, and take an age to dry if they get soaked, but the Transitions are a great pick if foot protection and a stiff sole are your top priorities.<\/p>
Read our full Ride Concepts Transition review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Bontrager Rally<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"The$
The Rally is built for everything from downhill to day-to-day trail use according to Bontrager. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3155 \/ $155 \/ \u20ac170 \/ AU$250 as tested<\/li>
Incredible comfort<\/li>
Versatile across all mountain genres<\/li><\/ul>
The Bontrager Rally is an extremely comfortable shoe with impressive ventilation. The sole is on the more flexible side, which Bontrager has designed as more of a relaxed fit with a roomy toebox, making them ideal for longer days on the trails and to ease walking.<\/p>
To avoid feeling the cleat when riding, the shoe would be best paired with a pedal with a cage. The Rally features a lace closure with a Velcro strap cinching the shoe at the top.<\/p>
Read our full Bontrager Rally review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Ion Rascal Select BOA<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Ion$
The Rascal Select BOA has been built with descending in mind. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3170 \/ $199.95 \/ \u20ac200 as tested<\/li>
Designed with descending in mind<\/li>
Well-ventilated despite bulky appearance<\/li><\/ul>
The Ion Rascal Select BOA features a more rearward cleat channel due to being a more gravity-orientated shoe. There is impact protection at the heel and they are very easy to put on and take off as the tongue opens wide.<\/p>
We were unsure of the Boa dial\u2019s placement at the top of the tongue as it focuses tension at the top of the foot rather than throughout.<\/p>
Read our full Ion Rascal Select BOA review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Crankbrothers Mallet Speedlace<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Crankbrothers$
Crankbrothers targets users of its Mallet DH pedals with the Mallet Speedlace shoe. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3150 \/ $169.99 \/ \u20ac169.99 as tested<\/li>
Comfortable for longer rides<\/li>
Well-ventilated<\/li><\/ul>
The Velcro strap that secures the lace on a Speedlace system makes it quicker and easier to make smaller adjustments to tension compared to a traditional lace-up closure.<\/p>
On the trail, we found the Mallet Speedlace to be a comfortable and well-ventilated shoe. The sole is fairly stiff, although there is some give at the toebox area to aid with walking.<\/p>
They even come with a set of Crankbrothers\u2019 own cleats in the box, but they work well with Shimano\u2019s SPD too.<\/p>
Read our full Crankbrothers Mallet Speedlace review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best XC mountain bike shoes<\/h2>
Cross-country riders are always looking to save weight and go faster. As a result, cross-country mountain bike shoes tend to look a lot more like road cycling shoes<\/a> than other mountain bike shred slippers.<\/p>
Like road shoes, they have stiff soles and lightweight uppers, but they do have deeper lugs and take two-bolt rather than three-bolt cleats<\/a>.<\/p>
FLR F-57<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"FLR$
FLR’s F-57 shoes are a great entry point into performance XC footwear. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a370 \/ $70 as tested<\/li>
Pros: <\/strong>Comfortable; well-priced; good on and off the bike<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Velcro fasteners need to be kept clean<\/li><\/ul>
The F-57s show you don’t have to spend three figures to get a well-designed XC shoe, providing good comfort and efficient pedalling characteristics.<\/p>
We found the aggressive tread lugs added great traction for off-the-bike use, such as pushing up muddy inclines.<\/p>
Our only criticism is the Velcro closure, which loses its adhesion if not kept clean.<\/p>
Read our full FLR F-57 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Shimano XC501<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
The Shimano XC501 is an XC mountain bike shoe, but its heavy performance leanings make it a good match for gravel riding too. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3140 \/ $170 as tested<\/li>
Comfy upper and good power transfer<\/li>
Not great for walking<\/li><\/ul>
The Shimano XC501 shoes have a glass fibre sole that really shows itself off when you start pushing on the pedals, delivering immediate power transfer.<\/p>
This does mean that there isn’t a great deal of flex. Paired with the relatively narrow outsole, this means the XC501s aren’t great for walking.<\/p>
The wrap-around upper helps to create a supremely comfortable and snug fit though.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano XC501 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sidi MTB Gravel<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Sidi$
Sidi’s MTB Gravel Shoe is rugged if a bit heavy. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3195 \/ $250 \/ \u20ac189 \/ AU$280 as tested<\/li>
Comfy yet stiff enough<\/li>
Great stability<\/li><\/ul>
Sidi’s MTB Gravel shoes are built on the brands MTB Competition sole and uses a single Tecno-3 dial for closure.<\/p>
The sole offers excellent stability thanks to Sidi’s heel cup, while providing high levels of power transfer to the pedals.<\/p>
The only niggle we found was the flat footbed which offers very little arch support.<\/p>
Read our full Sidi MTB Gravel review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sidi Dust MTB<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Sidi$
Sidi’s Dust MTB shoes fit well and remain comfy over long distances. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3260 \/ $324.99 \/ \u20ac290 as tested<\/li>
Quick to break in<\/li>
Comfy on long rides<\/li><\/ul>
Sidi’s Dust MTB are the brands top-tier nylon soled XC shoes, and feature a Tecno-3 dial for closure and aero texture on the front for claimed watt saving.<\/p>
The shoes are comfy for long days in the saddle, making them a good fit for gravel riders or marathon racers.<\/p>
We did find the single Tecno-3 dial to be a drawback, with the single dial taking all the load when tightening the shoe to a comfortable and stable fit making it difficult to get the shoes tight enough.<\/p>
Read our full Sidi Dust MTB review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized Recon 2.0<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Specialized$
The Recon 2.0 shoe from Specialized balances sole stiffness almost perfectly to ensure they feel solid underfoot when winding on the power, but allow you to walk naturally when off the bike. – Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3175 \/ $170 \/ \u20ac170 \/ AU$250 as tested<\/li>
Plenty of cleat adjustment<\/li>
Stiff and efficient sole<\/li><\/ul>
The Recon 2.0 is based on Specialized’s top-of-the-range cross country shoes and offers good power transfer with enough flex for off-the-bike walkability.<\/p>
A small bedding-in period is needed, but after a couple of rides the shoes proved comfortable for long days in the saddle.<\/p>
The sole is stiff enough for cross-country racing, while remaining flexible enough to remove chatter through the pedals. <\/p>
Read our full Specialized Recon 2.0 review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best MTB flat-pedal shoes<\/h2>
The best mountain bike flat-pedal shoes will stick to your pedals and enable you to get a foot down when things get wild. Made for going full-gas downhill, these shoes are robust and there are plenty of options, from summer slippers to shoes that will keep your feet dry and toasty in the winter. <\/p>
Five Ten Freerider Pro<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Five$
Greater protection and a stiff sole make these a leading pair of enduro or downhill shoes. – Mick Kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3120 \/ $150 \/ \u20ac140 as tested<\/li>
Thick upper offering lots of protection<\/li>
Sole offers maximum grip and plenty of damping<\/li><\/ul>
Five Ten is the benchmark flat-pedal shoe brand, with the Freerider Pros arguably its leading product. These are a beefed-up versions of the classic Freeriders, with a thicker upper and more protection, they\u2019re still light and comfy enough to pedal in all day and aren\u2019t as tall (or cushioned) as the DH-focused Impact Pros.<\/p>
The sole strikes the perfect balance of height and stiffness for trail and enduro riding, and gives excellent pedal feedback, but it does take a few rides to bed in and develop enough flexibility to sit well into concave flat pedals.<\/p>
Five Ten\u2019s legendary S1 Stealth rubber offers maximum grip and superb damping, so the Freerider Pros don\u2019t flinch an inch or bounce about, even over the roughest rock and root sections.<\/p>
<\/div>
Five Ten Impact Pro<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Five$
Five Ten’s Impact Pro shoes are a top choice for those who prefer flat pedals. – Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3125 \/ $160 \/ \u20ac150 as tested<\/li>
Grippiest rubber available<\/li>
Lighter than previous models<\/li><\/ul>
Five Ten has no rival when it comes to the stickiness of its shoe rubber. The ‘Stealth S1’ sole of the Impact Pro shoes, with its revised pattern, locks the shoes in place on the pedals.<\/p>
The Impact Pros are just right in their construction; not overly bulky, but still protective with a reinforced toe cap and abrasion-resistant upper.<\/p>
Read our full Five Ten Impact Pro review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Ride Concepts Hellion Elite<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Ride$
The soles on these shoes rival Five Ten’s for grip. – Mick Kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3130 \/ $140 \/ AU$255 as tested<\/li>
Supportive and with enough flexibility<\/li>
Feet stay glued in place<\/li><\/ul>
These shoes fuse a low-profile, lace-up upper with Ride Concepts\u2019 stickiest DST 4.0 sole. With this Max Grip rubber blend, also used on the TNTs, RC has entered an exclusive club \u2013 along with Specialized and its 2FOs \u2013 whose members can legitimately claim grip levels on a par with market leaders Five Ten.<\/p>
In fact, the Hellion Elites feel similar on both foot and bike to the Freerider Pros, with a great blend of support and hold in the upper, balanced by just enough midsole flexibility to precisely feel the pedals and the bike, without any digging in or clawing over.<\/p>
Traction, damping and pedal connection are superb. Your feet stay glued in place regardless of the terrain and weather, with no bouncing or slipping.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized 2FO DH<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Specialized$
A wide outsole gives a huge contact area, helping stability. – Mick Kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3145 \/ $170 \/ \u20ac160 \/ AU$250 as tested<\/li>
Incredibly grippy sole and wide outsole<\/li>
High inside ankle<\/li><\/ul>
It\u2019s only taken 20 years, but someone has finally come up with a sole that might just out-grip Five Ten\u2019s S1 Stealth. Specialized\u2019s SlipNot ST compound has so much vice-like traction that you have to unweight your shoe to change foot position.<\/p>
The DHs bring tons of other new features to the 2FO line, too, such as a faster-drying leather and textile upper, and a sole and footbed with special profiles to increase comfort and pedalling power.<\/p>
There\u2019s spot-on damping courtesy of the EVA midsole, while the tilted and shaped insole is super-comfy. As the outsole is really wide, the pedal connection area is massive and stable.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized 2FO Roost flat-pedal shoes<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Specialized$
The fit, comfort and design make the 2FO Roosts very appealing. – Andy Lloyd \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3110 \/ $120 \/ \u20ac110 \/ AU$220 as tested<\/li>
Superb traction and very comfortable<\/li>
Suede section can collect mud<\/li><\/ul>
The Specialized 2FO Roost flat-pedal shoes use a new sole compound that is super-sticky and on a par with Five Ten’s leading soles.<\/p>
Inside, there is a Body Geometry footbed that Specialized has spent a lot of time perfecting, and helps the shoes reach their high comfort levels.<\/p>
The upper isn’t great in bad weather, with a suede toebox that attracts mud, but thankfully the shoes are quick-drying.<\/p>
Read our full Specialized 2FO Roost flat-pedal shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Endura MT500 Burner Flat<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Endura$
The MT500 Burner and Hummvee shoes are Endura’s first footwear. – Alex Evans \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3119.99 \/ $149.99 \/ \u20ac149.99 as tested<\/li>
Comfortable and secure<\/li>
Impressive grip<\/li>
Tongue area lets water in<\/li><\/ul>
The Endura MT500 Burner Flats have a super grippy sole that provides loads of traction, with only the largest bumps causing them to move across the pedal’s surface. The sole is also stiff but doesn’t dumb down feel.<\/p>
The upper is lightweight, quick-drying, robust and easy to care for thanks to its wipe-clean material. However, the shoes would benefit from a lace cover because they let water in around the tongue.<\/p>
Read our full Endura MT500 Burner Flat Shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ride Concepts TNT<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Ride$
The TNTs are heavier than some trail shoes, but this added weight translates to added protection. – Mick Kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3140 \/ $160 \/ AU$300 as tested<\/li>
D30 protection<\/li>
Good for use off the bike too<\/li><\/ul>
The TNTs are Ride Concepts\u2019 latest DH-specific flat-pedal shoes. Hardening-upon-impact D3O material is used in the insole for cushioning and on the raised inner ankle to protect from crank bashes.<\/p>
The new DST 4.0 sole has fantastic grip \u2013 your feet never flinch, even if covered in slime, and the damping is as good as any of RC’s rivals. The TNTs feel marginally less locked-on than the Hellion Elites, perhaps because these more solid, heavier shoes don\u2019t conform to the pedal platform quite as easily.<\/p>
The price tag is high and the extra weight is noticeable when pedalling, but considering the extra tech and protection, value is still decent.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ride Concepts Vice flat-pedal shoes<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Ride$
The suede finish looks great but isn’t the most weatherproof. – Andy lloyd \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a390 \/ $100 \/ AU$205 as tested<\/li>
Decent grip and really comfy<\/li>
Suede finish is hard to keep looking fresh<\/li><\/ul>
The Ride Concepts Vice shoes were developed with the brand’s dirt jump and slopestyle riders, giving an idea of what these shoes are intended for.<\/p>
The shoe has a hexagonal print on the sole that gives more than enough grip. The build quality of the sole is also excellent.<\/p>
There is D30 material across the heel and toe, a reinforced toe bumper for protection, while metal eyelets and a tongue gusset are nice details.<\/p>
These shoes might not tick all the boxes for trail or downhill riding, and the suede finish might not be ideal if you ride in the wet or on muddy trails.<\/p>
Read our full Ride Concepts Vice flat-pedal shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Shimano GR5<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
These shoes from Shimano have a skateboarding look to them. – Mick Kirkman \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a380 \/ $100 \/ AU$119 as tested<\/li>
Grippy sole that can be used for walking<\/li>
Good breathability<\/li><\/ul>
Shimano\u2019s cheapest flat shoes have a skate-style synthetic upper that saves over 100g compared to previous versions, with a reinforced, rubberised bumper to protect your toes.<\/p>
The sole has a honeycomb pattern in the pedal zone and grippy ridges at each end for hiking. Shimano\u2019s own rubber blend is adequately grippy and is incorporated into a pretty flexible midsole. This means there\u2019s a lot of feedback from the pedals, so you know exactly what\u2019s going on with the bike.<\/p>
We prefer the grip and feel here to that of the more expensive GR9s (see below). Traction and damping aren\u2019t class-leading but are sufficient even in wet and muddy conditions.<\/p>
The upper can bunch up when you pull the laces tight, but overall, these are lightweight, well-dialled shoes that breathe well thanks to plenty of air holes, although that makes them less suited to winter riding.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Shimano GR9<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
The Shimano GR9 shoes have a Michelin sole. – Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3120 \/ $160 as tested<\/li>
Great fit thanks to Speed Lacing system<\/li>
Michelin sole<\/li><\/ul>
Shimano\u2019s GR9 shoes are packed full of technical features such as the Speed Lacing system and splash-proof cover.<\/p>
The Michelin sole is grippy and flexes just enough to provide feedback through the pedals without sacrificing foot support.<\/p>
They are also reasonably light at 803g for a pair of size EU 43.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano GR9 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Unparallel Dust Up<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Unparallel$
The Dust Up is one of Unparallel’s first mountain bike shoes. – Alex Evans \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3125 \/ $149.95 as tested<\/li>
Wipe-clean upper with good breathability<\/li>
Grippy sole<\/li><\/ul>
Unparallel’s first foray into mountain bike shoes shows great promise, with the Dust Up offering impressive grip thanks to a tacky rubber sole.<\/p>
We did find the sole to be very stiff, which led to numbing and reduced traction on gnarly sections of trail.<\/p>
The shoes are also quite light, with the minimal padding making them breathable and quick to dry out.<\/p>
Read our full Unparallel Dust Up review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Mountain bike shoes buyer\u2019s guide<\/h2>
$\"Scott$
The best mountain bike shoes will give you a comfortable and stable connection with your bike. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Mountain bikers have two options when it comes to footwear: clipless shoes or flats.<\/p>
What shoes you choose is up to you and will depend on your choice of the best mountain bike pedals<\/a>. Both types have their benefits, but picking the right option is important because different styles work better in different situations.<\/p>
Which mountain bike shoes are best for you?<\/h3>
$\"Pedaling$
Shoes can have a large impact on your connection to your bike, so finding the best ones for your style of riding is key. – Ian Linton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There\u2019s no right or wrong answer, but it\u2019s well worth considering what type of riding you\u2019ll mostly be doing \u2013 XC (cross-country), trails or gravity-orientated riding \u2013 because this will influence your decision.<\/p>
Flat-pedal shoes tend to be orientated towards trail, enduro and downhill riders, where feel and grip on the pedals, as well as protection, are important. Some flat-pedal shoes have soles that are stiffer than others, but none are as stiff as a dedicated cross-country shoe.<\/p>
Clipless-pedal shoes come in a wider variety of forms, catering to virtually every sort of rider. They range from XC shoes, which are much like road shoes but with a little bit of tread on the soles, all the way to DH shoes that resemble their flat-pedal counterparts, save for cleat mounts.<\/p>
Unsure of what’s right for you? Read our guide comparing flat vs clipless pedals<\/a> for more information.<\/p>
Fit<\/h3>
$\"Nimbl$
Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
No matter what style of shoe you choose, if they don\u2019t fit correctly they\u2019ll be uncomfortable and won\u2019t perform as well as they should.<\/p>
We recommend you try before you buy because everyone\u2019s feet are different and manufacturers use different lasts to build their shoes.<\/p>
Ensure there\u2019s enough wiggle room for your toes and a decent hold on your heel for comfort and power transfer.<\/p>
You should also make sure there are no hot spots or parts that dig in because these will become painful on longer days in the saddle.<\/p>
Retention system<\/h3>
$\"Fox$
Boa dials are increasingly popular on high-end shoes. – Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The retention system is what keeps the shoes on your feet. Laces are the traditional option, but there are alternatives.<\/p>
Laces give you great control over a shoe\u2019s feel and fit but can\u2019t be adjusted on the fly and can get claggy with mud \u2013 unless they\u2019re protected by a lace flap.<\/p>
Boa systems use a ratchet dial and a wire that\u2019s looped through the shoe\u2019s opening for quick, easy and accurate closure and adjustment. They\u2019re found on pricier shoes and tend to be specced to help save weight.<\/p>
Velcro straps and ratchet buckles are more common and pretty rugged but weigh a bit more. They tend to come on cheaper and mid-price shoes.<\/p>
Sole<\/h3>
$\"Udog$
XC and trail shoes will feature a stiffer sole for better power transfer, though this theory is disputed. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The sole is key in defining how the shoe performs. XC riders will want a stiff sole that transfers every watt of power to the pedals (though how much of a difference a stiff sole makes is debatable<\/a>). A stiff sole also helps improve comfort when the shoe is perched on a small clipless pedal.<\/p>
Pricier shoes will benefit from a light and stiff carbon sole, while cheaper ones use plastic, which is heavier and more flexible.<\/p>
$\"Fox$
Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Trail and enduro riders tend to go one of two ways: either an XC-style shoe with more protection and a more aggressive tread or a gravity-orientated shoe with a more flexible, comfortable sole and a construction that performs better with clipless pedals that have a platform.<\/p>
Generally speaking, weight and sole stiffness are of no concern to gravity-orientated riders, so they tend to go for shoes that offer plenty of pedal feel and foot protection.<\/p>
Tread pattern is also important. Some shoes offer a lightweight minimal tread, which is great for racing but will come up short if you need to run or walk anywhere while out on the trail. Others offer more grip and protection but weigh a little more as a result.<\/p>
More cycling shoe options<\/h3>
$\"Bont$
Road shoes tend to use a three-bolt cleat. – Simon von Bromley \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Cross-country mountain bike shoes lend themselves to multiple applications, with many riders choosing to use them for gravel riding<\/a> and road riding.<\/p>
If you’re after shoes focused on these disciplines, why not check out our best gravel shoes<\/a> and best road cycling shoes<\/a> to see our top picks?<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Mountain bike shoes buyer\u2019s guide<\/h2>The best mountain bike shoes will give you a comfortable and stable connection with your bike. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>Mountain bikers have two options when it comes to footwear: clipless shoes or flats.<\/p>