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To each specialty its requirements in terms of cycling equipment: the same is true for mountain bike shoes. Is it necessary to invest in special mountain bike equipment? All mountain, cross-country, enduro, downhill... Which shoe to choose for which discipline? What are the characteristics of a mountain bike shoe? Ekoï offers you a complete guide gathering 7 purchase criteria scrutinized.
Do you need to wear specific mountain bike shoes?
Unless you're only using your mountain bike to get to work, put your sneakers, tennis shoes and runners in the closet right away! Riding your bike in so-called normal shoes is strongly not recommended, as mountain biking is not a safe activity. All cyclists are concerned: the kings of the handlebars as well as the occasional practitioner, and even beginners.
Yes, athletic shoes, or worse yet, street shoes, are far from suitable for mountain biking. Because of their smooth, flat soles, your feet can skid when you pedal too hard, even more so if you ride in the rain. The MTB shoe thus helps minimize the risk of an accident thanks to better grip.
In addition to providing stability, using a shoe designed specifically for off-roading comes with some interesting benefits: it makes pedaling easier, improves the comfort of the mountain biker and maximizes performance. Investing in a pair of mountain bike shoes has all the makings of a good idea!
Before we get into the buying criteria, you should know that there is not one mountain bike shoe, but several. Why? With the technological advances offered by bikes, many disciplines have emerged in recent decades. When it comes to mountain biking, specialized equipment is needed. Of course, this applies to bike shoes.
It is advisable to choose a shoe whose characteristics will allow you to practice your favorite sporting activity in fun and safety: mountain biking, all mountain, cross-country (XC), downhill, enduro, freeride...
1. Pedal compatibility
The first criterion in our buying guide concerns the compatibility of the shoes with the pedals of your bike. These two elements are indeed an inseparable couple.
The first criterion is the compatibility of the shoes with the pedals
When you buy shoes, you need to make sure you can use them with your current pedals, or else you'll have to get a new set of pedals or return your pair of shoes. While some models are universal, others will only work with a specific type of pedal.
In mountain biking, you have three categories of pedals to choose from:
- Flat pedals: their flat surface accommodates the foot with ease. Just come and put your foot on it and push to move forward. Exit the big heavy pedals mounted on entry-level mountain bikes: here, we are talking about light models and spikes to effectively retain the foot.
- The automatic pedals: a wedge embedded under the sole comes to solidify the mountain bike shoe with the pedal. The mountain biker must first clip on the shoe before starting to pedal. Auto pedals allow you to exert pressure, but also traction to increase speed. In mountain biking, the cleats usually have a 2-point attachment, that is, with two screws. There are also models of mountain bike shoes with a 4-point drilling compatible with all major brands of pedals (Shimano SPD, Time, Look, etc.).
- Automatic pedals with cage: the pedals have a platform that surrounds and protects the mechanism while providing a larger pedaling surface.
Because of the lack of stress they provide, flat pedals are suitable for both beginners and randonneurs and endurists. They are also ideal for riders who want to perform tricks freely and without fear of falling.
Cage pedals are especially popular with freeriders and downhillers. They benefit from optimal stability and can unclip their mountain bike shoes as the course and its turns change. An interesting compromise for those who hesitate between flat and automatic pedals.
Auto pedals, on the other hand, are worn by cross-country competitors. The power gain offered by the pressure/pull combo proves to be non-negligible in this discipline combining speed, technical terrain and physical effort.
2. The outsole
The outsole of a mountain bike shoe can be made of different materials:
- nylon;
- fiberglass;
- polyamide;
- composite; <Carbon;
The choice of the outsole will depend on your mountain biker profile, but also on your budget. The 100% carbon soles are expensive models, while those made of nylon are the most affordable.
Are you a cross-country enthusiast who loves to test your riding skills in competition? Turn to carbon soles (or carbon composite and carbon inserts). Extremely stiff, they keep energy loss to a minimum and offer excellent power transfer. In addition, this material favors lightness, which is highly sought after in cross-country racing where every gram counts. A Mountain Bike XC shoe with a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide sole will also be a good ally when aiming for performance.
Do you use your all mountain bike for hiking? Comfort is your priority. Keep in mind that you'll often be forced to put your foot down or even walk on some overly technical sections. Thus, choose mountain biking shoes with a soft rubber sole (Vibram for example), equipped with cleats so you don't slip.
Do you love the thrill of downhill and freeride riding? Opt for flat soles equipped with crampons to have a good grip on the pedal and to hurtle down the slopes while remaining stable.
The insole is the best choice
As for the shoe's insole, it also matters. It must be ergonomic to give you maximum comfort. You will find on the market anatomical insoles that follow the natural morphology of the foot by following its contours to perfection. For even more pleasure once in the saddle!
3. The degree of foot protection
The third purchasing criterion concerns the protective envelope of the shoe.
When mountain biking, you'll be riding on rocky trails and littered with obstacles. As a result, it's not uncommon for your feet to be hit by rock throws. That's why it's imperative that your mountain bike shoe offers rock-solid durability.
In contrast to a road bike shoe, off-road models are consolidated in several places:
- the front of the shoe is equipped with a stone guard in case of impacts;
- the heel is reinforced to protect it from friction and impact;
- the side walls of the sole are fortified.
This feature is common to all mountain biking disciplines, with varying degrees of protection depending on the exposure to impact. If cross-country shoes are low for lightness, enduro models are mid-high or even high, to preserve the malleolus.
4. Thermal comfort
A pair of cycling shoes is also chosen according to the climatic conditions in which you plan to ride. Keep in mind that feet play a key role in the body regulation process, in summer and winter.
During the warm season, the goal is to limit the feeling of heat. Summer mountain bike shoes are designed in technical materials for this purpose. Favor a breathable fabric to effectively wick away perspiration and a perforated membrane for optimal ventilation. Some shoes are sometimes equipped with a lining with antibacterial, antistatic and healing properties. A real plus for the well-being of your feet!
When temperatures cool, the challenge is twofold: you have to keep your limbs warm while letting them breathe. So if you're planning to go out mountain biking in the fall or winter, we recommend buying a dedicated pair to insulate your feet from the cold, like the Ekoï Winter Evo MTB Shoes. This waterproof model will, moreover, allow you to ride in the rain while keeping your feet dry.
5. The tightening system
While it may seem less decisive than the previous ones, this purchase criterion nevertheless deserves your full attention. Yes, a good foot support is essential in mountain biking, especially for extreme disciplines or to improve pedaling efficiency.
On the market, there are four modes of closing the mountain bike shoe:
- the lacing system: favored by enduro riders and downhillers, traditional laces offer more comfort to the rider, but less precision in tightening;
- Velcro or scratch bands: widespread in the world of cycling, these straps allow you to adjust the support of the foot. Mud splashes, frequent in mountain biking, nevertheless decrease their effectiveness.
- Micrometric straps: often combined with one or more Velcro straps, these straps allow for millimeter-level adjustment, which is done notch by notch.
- micrometric buckles or knobs: a very precise, quick and easy high-end tightening system, however the most expensive of all.
Note that the type of closure can mix several clamps to offer more benefits to the user.
6. The size of the mountain bike shoe
Choosing a shoe that fits is crucial.
If you choose a model that is too small, your feet will be compressed and your toes will be curled up and crushed against the tip of the shoe. The result: they're likely to end up numb due to poor circulation and cause you pain during and after the bike ride.
Inversely, if you buy a pair that's too big, you'll float in your shoes. Your feet will slide back and forth with each pedal stroke and blisters can form from the repeated friction.
The solution, you'll need to buy a pair of shoes that are too big
The solution, you know it: choose the right size! But how do you make sure you don't make a mistake before ordering?
The solution is to choose the right size
If you don't have the opportunity to try on the shoes in store, first start by measuring your foot by following these few steps:
- position a blank sheet of paper on the floor against a wall;
- place your foot on the sheet, with your heel firmly against the wall;
- draw a line at your longest toe;
- measure with a ruler the distance between the edge of the sheet and the line.
Next, refer to the manufacturer's size guide. In general, women's MTB shoes are available from 37 to 41 and men's MTB shoes from 39 to 48. There are also models suitable for children's feet.
Do you notice that your left or right foot is longer? This is often the case: keep the larger measurement. Likewise, if you fall between two sizes, choose the size above.
You'll find that your left or right foot is longer
7. The aesthetics of the model
Here we come to the last criterion of this buying guide, and not the least: the look of your mountain bike shoe. We agree: whether it looks good or not, your shoe won't make you go any better, or any faster. You won't become a seasoned rider because you wear nice bike shoes. However, it is an integral part of a cyclist's outfit. If you're sensitive to that, this is your opportunity to get your design fix!"
Good news, there's something for everyone: sober and elegant designs, trendy and modern models, dark, bright or fluorescent shades, glossy finish, chameleon look... You're spoilt for choice.
It's even possible to customize your mountain bike shoes to your name and taste!
Now you know which shoes to choose for mountain biking. If you haven't already, it's time to buy the rest of your cycling gear, namely the bike helmet, the mountain bike clothing and the accessories!"
Also check out our shopping guide for your gloves and Mountain Bike Glasses.
