What makes a good MTB shoe? There are countless offerings on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits, and ample styles available to suit everyone’s needs. But how do you know if you are purchasing the best MTB shoes? First up, there are some obvious factors to consider, such as fit, comfort and if the shoe is going to help your foot stay on the pedal. Then you have to look at materials, waterproofing, rubber compound and the like, and style (if that’s your thing), plus the type of terrain and style of biking you’ll be doing.

Of course, there is the age old platform pedal vs. clipless debate that also comes in to play. There are certainly benefits to both, and the purists on both sides of the fence will gladly tell you why their chosen platform is better. Ultimately, however, it comes down to rider preference.

With all these factors to consider, we’ve looked in to what’s currently on offer from some of the MTB world’s shoe heavyweights, to bring you a summary of the best MTB shoes.

A photo posted by Jase Rodley (@jaseridesbikes) on Sep 17, 2013 at 12:38pm PDT

The Best MTB Shoes for Flat Pedals

Whether you’re shredding down a gravity fed flow trail, climbing great heights or biking anything in between, when you’ve decided to run flat pedals you want a shoe that is going to offer you comfort, support, and stability on the pedal. Our chosen contenders for the best MTB shoes for flat pedals, Five Ten, Specialized and Giro, are of course just several of the options available on the market, but all offer the latest in grip technologies, and supportive foot design, as well as a casual shoe style.

Five Ten Freerider Contact

Features: Stealth Mi6 rubber sole, stiff midsole, added toe protection

US 9 Weight: 770 grams/pair

US Sizes: 4 – 14

MSRP: $130

What MTB shoe guide would be complete without at least a mention of Five Ten? Synonymous with MTB footwear, Five Ten have updated the classic Freerider, releasing the Freerider Contact. Weighing 770 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9 and available in a range of colors, the Contacts house a stiff midsole and added toe protection.

Of course, the Freeriders contain Five Ten’s Stealth Mi6 rubber, a supposed grip-to-anything rubber compound aptly named after a call from the folks behind Mission:Impossible challenged Five Ten to make a rubber compound that could climb up a glass wall. We’ve been using Five Tens for years, so it’s very tempting to claim that these are the best MTB shoes for flat pedals, but rather than do that, let’s look at some alternatives.

Specialized 2FO Flat

Features: SlipNot rubber compound, dual tread patterns, injection-molded toe kick, anti-tear toe, Air mesh, thermobonded upper, cushioned EVA midsole, Lacelock elastic

US 9 Weight: 790 grams/pair

US Sizes: 5.75 – 14.5

MSRP: $130

When it comes to shoe technologies, Specialized seem to have every aspect covered. An ergonomic design that is scientifically tested to increase power and efficiency while reducing the chance of injury from ill-alignment of the hip, knee and foot. Different tread patterns on the front and rear of the sole for grip and traction. A lightweight, durable and water resistant upper and supportive, cushioned EVA midsole.

You may think all these features, along with the injection-molded toe kick, anti-tear toe and SlipNot rubber sole may add to the weight of the 2F0 Flat, yet at just 20 grams more than the Five Tens – 790 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9, Specialized haven’t compromised weight, performance or protection.

Giro Jacket

Features: Internal bootie retention system, Vibram rubber outsole, EVA midsole, Poron XRD heel cushioning, Aegis single density footbed

US 9 Weight: 832 grams/pair

US Sizes: 6.5 – 13.5

MSRP: $120

If a functional MTB shoe under the guise of a skate shoe is what you’re after, then Giro’s Jacket is your answer. From the good folk at Giro, “With a variety of on-point color options, these shoes are just as comfortable at happy hour in the Whistler Village as they are bombing down A-Line.”

Of course the style isn’t the only feature the Jacket has to offer, with other highlights including an EVA cushioning, which helps to reduce shock, and a Poron XRD heel pad that reduces the impact of hard landings. Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsole, with pedal zone grip, is designed to offer exceptional grip with the pedal, whether you are riding trails, downhill or hitting the dirt jumps. Slightly heavier than the Freerider, a pair of US men’s size 9 Jacket weighs in at 832 grams. The Giro Jackets retail for $120 but it’s not uncommon to find them much cheaper online.

Casual Clipless SPD Shoes

If you’re pro clipless for your MTB, yet still want the option of post ride socializing with all your flat pedal friends, then casual clipless SPD shoes are the solution for you. Generally speaking, these shoes include all the same features as their flat pedal counterparts but contain a recessed cleat pocket, allowing for connectivity with the pedals and walking around with ease. While there are numerous offerings on the market, we think Specialized, Giro and Five Ten make some of the best casual clipless SPD shoes currently available.

Specialized 2FO Clip

Features: Landing Strip cleat pocket, dual durometer sole, Lollipop inner plate, extended length cleat slot, injection-molded toe kick, Air mesh, thermobonded upper, cushioned EVA midsole, Lacelock elastic

US 9 Weight: 900 gram/pair

US Sizes: 5.75 – 14.5

MSRP: $170

Packed with the features of the 2FO Flat mentioned above, the 2FO Clip has been, according to Specialized, “Developed and tested by gravity and all-mountain athletes worldwide”. The shoe offers comfort, protection and control and is intended to deliver a smooth pedal entry and exit.

A definite all-mountain and gravity clipless shoe, the Landing Strip cleat pocket allows for a foot-out riding style and while the stiff Lollipop inner plate is effective for high performance pedaling. The sole utilizes two rubber compounds, with your clip-in controlled by firm rubber and toe and heel traction provided by the softer rubber. A rearward cleat set up option is made possible on the 2FO Clips by an extended length cleat slot, 4mm, while the two-bolt cleat pattern is designed to fit all major MTB pedals.

For the weight conservative, Specialized have also produced the 2FO Cliplite with a Boa snap dial system and weighing 142 grams less than the Clip, at 758 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9.

Giro Chamber

Features: Internal bootie retention system, dual density Vibram rubber outsole, molded SPD compatible shank, Aegis single density footbed

US 9 Weight: 1072 grams/pair

US Sizes: 6.5 – 13

MSRP: $140

Designed in conjunction with three-time overall World Cup champion Aaron Gwin, the Chamber offers comfort and support without compromising the protection you’d expect from a gravity shoe. In similar fashion to the Jacket, Giro has designed a high performance, technical MTB shoe with a skate-inspire, casual appearance.

As far as clipless technology is concerned, the Chamber is SPD-compatible, with a dual-injected, molded shank that provides good clip-engagement, allowing the rider to feel the connection with the pedal. The Vibram rubber sole offers grip and durability as well as flexibility in the forefoot.

The protection, comfort and support of the Chambers have not come without compromise however. Weighing in at 1072 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9, they are heavier than other clipless models on the market.

Five Ten Impact VXI Clipless

Features: Stealth Mi6 rubber sole, ergonomic Velcro strap closure, water repellent upper, extended cleat placement

US 9 Weight: 820 grams/pair

US Sizes: 5 – 14

MSRP: $180

If it came down to an association with World Cup champions, the Five Ten Impact VXI Clipless would win hands down. Three-time World Cup champion Greg Minnaar, along with Brook Macdonald and others, worked in conjunction with Five Ten to create a lightweight, high performance and ultra-protective gravity specific casual clipless SPD shoe.

Five Ten doesn’t do much in terms of promoting the technologies associated with the Impact’s clipless features, although it is advertised that they have extended the cleat placement by 30% to allow for more adjustment for rider preference. One reviewer did mention that the cleat channels are shallow and wide, which may present challenges when clipping in and with stability.

Packed with several features you’d expect from a high performance shoe, the Impact VXI Clipless has Five Ten’s trademark Stealth Mi6 rubber sole and an ergonomic Velcro strap closure to reduce pressure on the ankle while pedaling. Also, the shoe’s upper is coated in a durable water repellent to reduce water intake. At 820 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9, they are considerably lighter than the Chambers yet just heavier than the F2Os.

For more on the Impact VXi Clipless, check out this thorough review by Dirt Mag.

The Best Lightweight MTB Shoes

Are you an ultra weight conservative when it comes to biking? Do you choose components based on their weight-saving construction above all else? Surely you’ll want the best lightweight MTB shoes on the market then, just to save those few extra grams. For the complete biking enthusiast, these shoes aren’t always for the stylish at heart. But when weight saving is all that matters, Shimano, Specialized and Giro have you covered.

Specialized S-Works XC

Features: FACT Powerline carbon sole, thermoplastic rubber tread, Boa S2-Snap dials, thermobonded, Adaptive Fit upper, two-bolt SPD-style cleat pattern

US 9 Weight: 620 grams/pair

EU Sizes: 38 – 49

MSRP: $400

When weight saving and high performance are your top priorities, the Specialized S-Works XC is a lightweight MTB shoe for you to consider. Not for the faint of heart, with its stiff carbon sole and Boa snap dials, the S-Works XC is claimed to weigh approximately 620 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9.

As with other Specialized shoes, the ergonomic design is tested to give the rider maximum power and efficiency while reducing the chance of ill-alignment causing injury. The thermobonded, Adaptive Fit upper is designed to support the ankle while being supple in the front, and includes two Boa S2-Snap dials for quick adjustments.

The S-Works XC sole is SPD compatible and contains thermoplastic rubber tread for grip and durability. Boasting a stiffness index of 13, the FACT Powerline carbon sole is ultra-light and ultra-stiff, meaning these shoes might not be your first pick when it comes to off bike comfort.

Shimano SH-XC31

Features: 3 hook & loop straps, Cross X strap, stretch-resistant synthetic leather and mesh, glass fiber reinforced nylon sole with polyurethane, mud-shedding lugs, arch pad

US 7.5 Weight: 604 grams/pair

EU Sizes: 36-50

MSRP: $89.95

At a claimed 604 grams for a pair of US men’s size 7.5, the Shimano SH-XC31 are an affordable, lightweight yet technical MTB shoe, offering Shimano’s Dynalast technology. The optimized shoe last design is said to create pedaling efficiency and cut braking loss.

Shimano’s outsole stiffness indicator places the soles at a 5, ranking them midway between the ultimate comfort and competition level performance. The glass fiber reinforced nylon sole, as opposed to the carbon soles included in the other lightweight MTB shoes reviewed, allows for Shimano to offer its Dynalast technology at a more affordable price point.

Comfort, secure fit and durability have all been considered in the design of the SH-XC31s. The upper consists of a stretch-resistant synthetic leather and mesh and 3 sturdy hook and loop straps. The placement of the 3 straps and use of cross strap is aimed to relieve pressure and displace tightening force across the top of the foot.

At only $89.95, these may be the best value lightweight MTB shoes on the market right now.

Giro Empire VR90

Features: Evofiber Teijin Microfiber, sport laces, Easton EC90 carbon fiber, Vibram Mont molded rubber outsole, SuperNatural Fit Kit, adjustable arch support, X-Static anit-microbial fiber

US 9.5 Weight: 630 grams/pair

EU Sizes: 40,5 – 48

MSRP: $300

With the Empire VR90 Giro set out to provide MTB enthusiasts with comfort, grip, support and pedaling efficiency, all with in a lightweight, high performance shoe. Weighing in at 630 grams for a pair of US men’s size 9.5, Giro seem to have done just that.

The one-piece, Evofiber breathable microfiber upper of the Empire VR90 provides lightweight and durable comfort. To further customize the fit and comfort of the shoe, the SuperNatural Fit Kit allows riders to adjust the fit and arch support, not only providing customizable fit but, as Giro claims, giving the rider maximum pedaling efficiency.

Weight saving measures include the single piece upper, laces closure and the Easton EC90 carbon fiber outsole. While the sole is stiff, it is also fitted with Vibram Mont molded rubber, providing grip and enough flex to dampen the stiffness when off the bike. Whether or not these are the best lightweight MTB shoes is debatable, but we are convinced they are the sexiest MTB shoes on the market.

Women’s MTB Cycling Shoes

Gone are the days of women having to convert their shoe size to men’s, hoping the width of the shoe would still fit their feminine foot. Many of the big players have introduced women’s MTB cycling shoes to their line ups, much to the happiness of their female customers. Five Ten, Giro and Specialized all have something unique to offer and, as Interbike 2015 showed us, other contenders such as Sidi, Liv and Pearl Izumi are working hard to make their presence known in the market.

Giro Petra VR

Features: Breathable synthetic and mesh, laced closure with holder, molded SPD-compatible shank, EVA midsole, Vibram rubber outsole, molded EVA footbed

US7.5 Weight: 810 grams/pair

US Sizes: 5 – 10.5

MSRP: $80

Offering six styles in their range of Women’s ‘dirt’ cycling shoes alone, the Giro Petra VR are the most casual-looking MTB shoes of the collection. A shoe designed with versatility in mind, the Petra VR offers clipless pedal compatibility while still providing comfort and flexibility for off the bike walking.

The molded SPD-compatible shank, with optimized cleat zone, and the Vibram rubber outsole produce a sturdy base to provide grip and pedaling efficiency, helping transfer your power to the pedals. The footbed is a molded EVA with medium arch support, and paired with the lace closure, is designed to keep your foot comfortable and supported.

Weighing 810 grams for a pair of US women’s size 7.5, with a breathable microfiber upper, the Petra VR are a comfortable yet performance-orientated women’s MTB cycling shoe offering excellent value.

Specialized Women’s 2FO Flat

Features: SlipNot rubber compound, dual tread patterns, injection-molded toe kick, Air mesh, thermobonded upper, cushioned EVA midsole, Lacelock elastic

US 7.5 Weight: 720 grams/pair

US Sizes: 5 – 12

MSRP: $130

Jam-packed with technical features, the Specialized Women’s 2FO Flats offer all the specifications of their male equivalents, but have a contoured, relaxed fit designed for women. And weighing in at 720 grams for a pair of US women’s size 7.5, they’re lightweight without compromising protection or performance.

The SlipNot rubber sole, combined with the directional shark-skin forefoot tread, secures your foot to the pedal, while the open, rear hex pattern tread offers traction. With an ergonomic design that is scientifically tested to increase power and efficiency while reducing the chance of injury from ill-alignment of the hip, knee and foot, the 2FO Flat was created with performance in mind.

Protection and comfort are also offered with an injection-molded toe kick, high side-cuff and air mesh for lightweight yet durable protection. The air mesh is also designed to shed water weight quickly, while the thermobonded upper and sealed, cushioned EVA midsole are snag and tear resistant.

Five Ten Freerider Women’s

Features: Stealth Phanto rubber outsole, narrower heel and toe fit

US 7 Weight per pair: 690 grams/pair

US Sizes: 5-11

MSRP: $100

The classic Five Ten Freerider has been a past favorite of mine and many of my female friends. Available in a suede-leather or canvas upper finish, the Freerider Women’s are designed with functionality, style and versatility in mind. With a narrower heel and toe fit and smaller sizes on offer, starting at a US Women’s size 5, the Freerider Women’s provides the Five Ten quality you’ve come to trust in a women’s specific MTB shoe.

While definitely winning in the style department, the Five Ten Freerider Women’s, much like the men’s basic Freerider, might leave something to be desired for the all conditions biker. The shoe is great for grip, containing Five Ten’s non-marking, Stealth Phantom rubber outsole, which absorbs shock, provides high friction and is built to last, you’ll stick to your pedals and walk comfortably too. However, ride through one too many puddles on a wet day and your ride might just become a whole lot less comfortable.

Weighing 690 grams for a pair of US women’s size 7, the Five Ten Freerider Women’s are a great option for the female biker who wants to stick to the pins when shredding a descent, but then has the option to just jump off the bike and socialize with friends in comfort and style.

Best MTB Shoes 2015

So, which are the best MTB shoes of 2015? Ultimately it comes down to what you, as a rider, want out of your shoes. Are you a function above all else pragmatist, or do you want the style and versatility of being able to hop off the bike and hit the pub without having to bring a change of shoes? Thankfully, with so many options from great brands, the choice really is yours.