Which MOUNTAIN BIKE Shoe is BEST? 16 Different MTB Kicks Compared 15

So. Many. Options. Now.

iceman2058
4/23/2021 1:30am
s1600 mtbShoesA 643275

With so many new mountain bike shoes introduced over the past 12 months or so, we thought it was high time to round them all up to see which ones are best. Check out the video below to find out! Links to full reviews and more information are listed below.

 

Useful Links

Previous edition of Flat Pedal Shoe Roundup
New Five Ten Freerider Pro Primeblue
Specialized 2FO Roost
Specialized 2FO DH
Ride Concepts Hellion Elite Review
Fizik Gravita Range
Leatt DBX 2.0 and 3.0 Shoes
Crankbrothers Stamp and Mallet Shoes
Specialized Rime
Five Ten Trailcross

Related:
Fizik
Ride Concepts
Crankbrothers
adidas
Flat Pedal Shoes
Clipless Shoes
Leatt
Five Ten
Shimano
Bontrager
Specialized
15 comments

View replies to: Which MOUNTAIN BIKE Shoe is BEST? 16 Different MTB Kicks Compared

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matmattmatthew
3 years ago
Been riding nothing but the Specialized 2FO clip lite since 2013. In fact, when my 1st pair bit the dust I bought 2 replacement pairs just in case they discontinue the shoe.
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Jaymz
3 years ago
You really need to add Northwave's Clan to the flat shoe list. They're quite good.
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airwreck
3 years ago
My new Impact "Pro" mid's are in the mail, I'll make sure to get them reviewed ASAP.
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Ceecee
3 years ago
But Freerider Contact was the best fit for narrow-medium bony feet. Is the relatively baggy Freerider Pro still the best replacement? Does the shank in Trailcross make it as stiff as Pro, presuming one maintains a mid-pedal foot position? So many lumpy toeboxes
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Falcon
3 years ago
I agree. Laces always get me in trouble - chains, pedals, etc. Give me something that won't get in the way or wrapped up in the bike.
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grizzatom
3 years ago
Boas create pressure points and fail all the time. Laces work great and are easily replaceable, but they need at least a basic cover. An ankle gaiter is also needed on all of these shoes, I don't know why all these companies ignore that feature. I could do without the shoe collar compressing all the trail shrapnel into my ankle as I ride. IMO Shimano makes the best overall flat shoe (price, wet/drying performance, comfort, durability), but Spesh has the best rubber now, it's purely next-level.
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doerrf
3 years ago
that´s your pov. boa didn´t fail at my shoes. and doesn´t create any pressure point. maybe it´s not made for you...seems that you are a bit to rough with ya stuff...hahaha
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grizzatom
3 years ago
You're not wrong about me being hard on things, and all I can offer is my opinion. It is based on real experience, though. I've had the BOA fail on several boots and shoes within the first season of owning them. The cable system requires hard plastic guides to allow it to tension properly. Those guides inevitably create hard points in the shoe, which I just don't enjoy. If someone is looking for a boot or a hard-shell shoe that's fine, but I prefer a shoe with a comfortable, soft-laced upper and a supportive shank/outsole. I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment.
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bizutch
3 years ago
@grizzatom I'm in the same boat. I've snapped Boa laces more than once or had them fray at the Boa or lace hole. If Boa breaks, you're not getting out of the woods easily. If your foot is funky shaped, Boa causes pressure points that don't mold or give as you move. Laces can be tied shorter, replaced easily if a shoe lasts that long & they allow for oddly shaped bulges on feet.
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bizutch
3 years ago
I usually wear out a pair of riding shoes before the laces. Not a problem. Quick laces rip themselves within a week though
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dlxah
3 years ago
Awesome roundup! Would love to see a chart like you guys did for the pedal shootout rating things like grip, stiffness, width, arch support, hiking traction, etc.
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