Think of anything that you need in shoes while riding your bike on a long rough trail – stiffness, comfort, waterproof feature, breathability, light weight and unbeatable grip. The plethora of mountain biking shoes in the market is bound to blow your mind. But now that we have done the odd job of going through the products and selecting the best ones for you, you can remain confident that your next ride is going to be awesome with the best mountain biking shoes.
Mountain Biking Shoes Buying Guide
Shoes will define your strength on the rides, so choose them wisely by remembering a few things,
Type of Use
If you are going to use the shoes for cross country riding, then you will need the shoes that are lightweight and offer a snug fit to maximize the power on pedals. Riding on trails will require shoes that are comfortable to climb up and provide protection for descents.
So you will need shoes that allow greater grip and flexibility. Downhill riders need shoes that provide extra layer of protection like injected nylon, cushioning or toe caps for defense against height. So, know your road before buying shoes.
Pedal Compatibility
Mountain biking shoes can be clip-less, or flat bottomed. It depends on the design of your bike’s pedal. However, beginners usually do not like the clip-less feature as they can feel uncomfortable being clipped to their cycles. So, flat bottomed shoes are better for beginners as they offer easy lifts.
However, clip-less shoes are great for long rides as they offer easier power down on pedals. In addition, they prevent foot slippage during jumps and descents.
Outsole Grip
The outsoles of your shoes will keep your feet attached to the pedals, so you need to check them for sure. Although rubber outsoles has long been considered to be ideal for mountain biking, latest stealth S1 technology offers better grip on pedals.
Weight
Narrow down your options by focusing on biking shoes that are light weight. You will need lesser power to put down on your pedals, if you can cut down some weight.
Closure System
BOA closure system is now in trend for most of the mountain biking shoes. However, you can go for traditional laces as well, as they allow you greater fit and cause lesser foot movement. An extra velcro strap is often provided for more precise fit.
Price Range
Good quality mountain biking shoes will cost more than average ones. But, you’ll surely be able to find the best ones within an affordable price range. Just make sure to compare the features and your requirements.
Best Mountain Biking Shoes in 2021
Here we present the best mountain biking shoes. Go through them and choose the perfect pair before hitting the trail.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Five Ten Freerider Pro Men’s Mountain Bike Shoes | Water resistant synthetic upper Compression molded EVA midsole Full stealth S1 dotty outsole for unbeatable grip Impact resistant urethane toe box | $$$ | |
 | Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Bike Shoes | Leather textile upper Classic dotty tread offers better traction High friction stealth S1 rubber Made with recycled content | $$$ | |
 | SHIMANO SH-XC300W High Value XC Mountain Bike Shoes | Low stack height midsole BOA L6 dial to offer a perfect fit BOA L6 dial to offer a perfect fit Glass fiber reinforced nylon | $$$ | |
 | Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes (Mountain Style) | Supple synthetic breathable mesh Classic 2 strap closure Injected nylon plate for power transfer Die-cut EVA foot-bed with medium arch support | $$ | |
 | Giro Chamber II Men’s Downhill Cycling Shoes | Water resistant breathable microfiber upper Full vibram mega-grip high traction lugged outsole Molded DH EVA foot-bed with arch support Laced closure with top power strap | $$$ | |
 | Five Ten Women’s Freerider Pro Primeblue Mountain Bike Shoes | Fast dying synthetic upper Moulded EVA midsole Impact resistant urethane toe box Lace closure | $$$ | |
 | PEARL IZUMI Men’s X-Alp Summit Cycling Shoes | BOA L6 fitting Seamless perforated synthetic upper Reinforced toe box EVA heel cushioning | $$$ | |
 | Crank Brothers Stamp | Mesh outer material Quick pull design and BOA Twist dial tech fit Sticky rubber for better grip | $$$ | |
 | Giro Cylinder Men’s Cycling Shoes | Breathable micro fiber and mesh upper BOA L6 dial offering micro closure adjustment (1 mm increments) Injected nylon plate with stainless steel hardware and co-molded rubber Die cut EVA foot-bed with medium arch support | $$$ | |
 | Ride Concepts Men’s Livewire Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes | DST 6.0 high grip rubber outsole Synthetic upper with anti abrasion mesh Custom molded toe and heel guard protection D3O high impact zone insole technology | $$$ |
1. Five Ten Freerider Pro Men’s Mountain Bike Shoes – Best Overall
This product provides you an impact resistant toe-box with the additional layer of foam that works brilliant as shock absorber. In addition the stiffer midsole will also absorb shock and make sure that your mountain biking experience is as pleasant as the nature out there. These shoes have mesh linings that will allow your feet to breathe. But we place this product at the top of the list because it features the Five Ten’s phenomenal stealth S1 rubber. so get ready to get the unbeatable grip on your pedals.
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2. Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Bike Shoes – Best Flat-Pedal Option
Conscious consumers prefer products that contribute in protecting the nature. Just like the Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Bike Shoes that are made utilizing recycled content to create the upper.
This product is eco-friendly, secure and reliable on every trail, offers amazing grip on pedals, and looks sleek! If you ask for more than this product is designed to work efficiently on both rocky paths and rough trail bikes. The midsole will allow greater balance and stiffness to avoid hotspot. The flexibility of the midsole will also allow you to feel the hike-a-bike experience.
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3. SHIMANO SH-XC300W High Value XC Montain Bike Shoes – Best Size Options
These shoes are available in a wide range of sizing options and are especially designed for wide feet. The soles of the shoes are constructed with glass fiber reinforced nylon with a rubber XC racing pattern outsole. The stack height is comparatively low, so that you can feel the pedals more and have better control on them.
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4. Giro Berm Men’s Cycling Shoes (Mountain Style) – Best Comfort
These off-road shoes are the combination of comfort and capability. The supple synthetic with breathable mesh will allow you to wear this pair longer. To protect your toe and heel area, the added reinforcement absorbs shock and impact. The injected nylon plate ensures powerful pedaling, while you get the superior stability of high traction lugged outsole.
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5. Giro Chamber II Men’s Downhill Cycling Shoes – Best for Downhill and Enduro Riders
A pair of shoes that looks casual but performs brilliantly rigid, the Giro Chamber II shoes have almost seamless upper, enough flex in the middle of the foot to allow you a comfortable hiking, and amazing breathability. The tri mold nylon plate with 10 mm cleat set back offers you powerful pedaling and ambitious footing. So be confident with these shoes on. These off-road shoes are the combination of comfort and capability. The supple synthetic with breathable mesh will allow you to wear this pair longer. To protect your toe and heel area, the added reinforcement absorbs shock and impact. The injected nylon plate ensures powerful pedaling, while you get the superior stability of high traction lugged outsole.
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6. Five Ten Women’s Freerider Pro Primeblue Mountain Bike Shoes – Best for Women Riders
The Five Ten brand comes up with the Pro Primeblue Mountain Bike Shoes for ladies who love to hit the pedals on off-road. These shoes offer the legendary stealth S1 rubber of Five Ten that is known for unmatchable grip on pedals. The dotty tread also reflects the superior features of Freerider with high friction.
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7. PEARL IZUMI Men’s X-Alp Summit Cycling Shoes – Best Performance
These shoes are designed to help you visioning the summit, with their grippy vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole. To protect your feet and enhance walk-ability, these shoes have EVA cushioning in heels and are compatible with 2 bolt SPD cleat.
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8. Crank Brothers Stamp – Best Latest Product
We have the latest addition in the world of mountain biking shoes with the Crank Brothers Stamp. But despite of being the newest, these shoes are already gaining appreciation of many users for their amazing grip on trails. The unique combination of a sturdy and semi stiff enduro ready performance is what makes these shoes worthy of your money.
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9. Giro Cylinder Men’s Cycling Shoes – Best Breathability
Your feet need to breathe during the long riding days of your adventure trip. On addition, you need the best performance from your shoes in the matter of grip, shock absorption, stability, and most importantly – powerful pedaling. The Giro Cylinder Men’s Cycling Shoes have it all to make you forget about foot fatigue. So that nothing stops you from going higher.
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9. Giro Cylinder Men’s Cycling Shoes – Best Breathability
Your feet need to breathe during the long riding days of your adventure trip. On addition, you need the best performance from your shoes in the matter of grip, shock absorption, stability, and most importantly – powerful pedaling. The Giro Cylinder Men’s Cycling Shoes have it all to make you forget about foot fatigue. So that nothing stops you from going higher.
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10. Ride Concepts Men’s Livewire Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes – Best Appearance
If you want a pair of shoes that has outstanding performance as mountain biking shoes and also looks quite sleek so that you can wear it regularly, then voila! Grab the Ride Concepts Men’s Livewire Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes. The tough rubber outsole is sure to get you the perfect grip. Your feet will get the protection it needs on those rocky trails, thanks to the synthetic upper and impact protection at the heel and ball of the foot.
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A great pair of mountain biking shoes will allow you to explore more of the trails on your bike. Therefore, there is no dual thinking when you are buying a product that combines protection with comfort.
We absolutely love the Five Ten Freerider Pro Men’s Mountain Bike Shoe. Almost all the users of these shoes have only positive remarks to make about them. And we also place these shoes at the top spot for their unmatchable stealth S1 grip, outstanding shock absorption features, and stylish looks. So that you stand out proudly on your bike, every time you put on these shoes.
You can also read about best commuter cycling shoes.