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This is my selection of the best mountain bike shoes for narrow and regular feet, from budget to premium ones. It includes clipless shoes and shoes for flat pedals from all price ranges. Some models are also available for women.
I read hundreds of reviews to determine which shoes suit what types of feet, which ones you should avoid, etc. Then, I evaluated them based on this mountain bike shoe scoring.
KEY TAKEAWAY
When choosing MTB shoes, the most important thing is to select those that fit you. That’s why I recommend trying them in person. If you decide to buy them online, it’s a bit risky unless you follow these tips. You will also have to decide if you buy shoes for clipless or flat pedals, depending on your riding style.
The best value-for-money MTB clipless shoes are the Fizik X5 Terra. They look sleek, have a BOA dial + velcro, and are also popular among gravel bikers.
The best MTB shoes for flat pedals are the iconic Fiverten Freerider, which gained popularity thanks to their durability and comfort.
Below, you will also learn a thing or two about choosing MTB shoes. I also discussed with my friends who do mountain biking or run bicycle stores to provide you with helpful tips.
For your easier orientation, I divided the selected shoes into the following categories:
*These shoes are compatible with most MTB clipless pedals and 2-bolt cleat systems, including Shimano SPD, Crankbrothers, Look, and more.
The Best MTB Clipless Shoes for Narrow and Regular Feet
The below-listed shoes have narrower heel and toe boxes than these wide mountain bike shoes. They are suitable for riders with narrow or regular feet.
Check out the best cycling insoles you can insert into your new pair of MTB shoes to improve your arch support and comfort.
Fizik X5 Terra (Best MTB Clipless Shoes Overall)
Comfort 5/5 | Walkability 3/5 | Durability 4/5 | Weight 5/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5
Main Features
- Fastening system: Velcro strap combined with a BOA dial
- Weight: 395 g (size 45)
- Carbon fiber sole with anti-slip pads
Fizik X5 Terra are one of the best-looking MTB shoes in this selection. They are available in plenty of colors, so it will be easy for you to match them with your bike or cycling kit.
They are well-ventilated, thanks to the perforated upper. The strap allows you to put them on your feet more quickly. The BOA dial will allow you a precise fit.
The sole is made of carbon fiber. This means that they will effectively transfer the energy you put into every pedal stroke.
This makes them the best mountain bike shoes for road cycling. But, if you like to ride cyclocross, for example. You can do that as well.
You will appreciate the cleverly designed rubber pads on the sole. They will allow you very good traction for the running parts of the course.
X5 Terra will also provide your toes and heels with protection thanks to toughened material. This is good, especially if you ride in rough terrain.
I can recommend these shoes for people who want to combine road and mountain biking and want only one pair of shoes.
Gavin Elite (Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Beginners)
Comfort 4/5 | Walkability 2/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight n/a | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.9/5
Main Features
- Fastening system: Velcro straps and ratchet buckle
- Weight: n/a
- Good value for the money
Gavin Elite mountain bike shoes combine two Velcros with a ratchet buckle fastening. The ratchet buckle allows you to fasten your shoes even during a ride.
Thanks to the mesh upper, they are decently ventilated, so your feet won’t sweat as much, and you will feel more comfortable even during hot days.
Their sole is protected by rubber. This means you can walk in them for short distances. Yet, they are not made for trekking or hiking.
The Gavin Elite shoes tend to run true to size. They are ideal for regular or narrow feet.
They are ideal for beginners. Some people also use them for indoor cycling.
Sidi Dominator 10 (Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Experienced Riders)
Comfort 5/5 | Walkability 3/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight 4/5 | Price 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.5/5
Main Features
- Fastening system: 2 Tecno dials
- Weight: 353g (size 43)
- Stiff, nylon composite sole
- Very durable
Sidi Dominator 10 are mountain bike shoes ideal for experienced riders. They are very comfortable and offer a very convenient fastening system that consists of 2 Tecno dials.
This model is better ventilated than the Sidi Tiger, thanks to the perforated upper.
Their sole is made of nylon composite that is stiffer than plastic but more flexible than carbon fiber soles. It is protected with rubber that won’t slip on slippery surfaces.
These mountain bike shoes are not very suitable for cyclocross, for example, because the sole is relatively slippery.
On the other hand, their stiffness, lightweight, high quality, and durability make them perfect for experienced riders who don’t want to spend a fortune.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, jensonusa.com, and performancebike.com
Giro Cylinder
Comfort 3/5 | Walkability 2/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight 4/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.1/5
Main Features
- Fastening system: Velcro strap combined with a BOA dial
- Weight: n/a
- Well ventilated
- Nylon reinforced sole
Giro Cylinder are perfect mountain bike shoes if you don’t want to spend too much money. They are affordable yet durable and well-ventilated thanks to mesh and perforated upper.
They combine a Velcro strap with a BOA dial for effective fastening. The sole is stiff, thanks to the nylon reinforcement. This means the energy transfer to the pedals is efficient, and you won’t lose too much energy.
Cylinders come with an inner insole that provides medium arch support. Yet, some owners report these shoes as not as comfortable as they hoped. So, feel free to use cycling insoles.
They are also durable so that they will last. These features make them good for beginners and people with a low budget.
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Sidi Tiger 2s (Best Mountain Bike Shoes Cross Country)
Comfort 5/5 | Walkability 3/5 | Durability 4/5 | Weight 4/5 | Price 1/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.6/5
Main Features
- Fastening system: 2 Tecno dials
- Weight: 355g (EU 42)
- Very stiff yet comfortable, thanks to the carbon sole
If you want the latest and greatest, Sidi Tiger 2s should be worth your attention. Their sole is made of carbon for efficient power transfer during every pedal stroke.
Replaceable rubber pads also protect the sole. This is good because you can replace them and increase the shoes’ lifespan.
The mesh openings ensure the breathability of the shoes. And, to protect your toes, the front part of the shoes is rubberized.
Sidi Tiger 2s are comfortable for riders with narrow feet because they tend to run narrow.
You can also take advantage of Sidi’s Double Tecno-3 Push fastening system, which is as convenient as BOA dials.
I recommend Tigers 2s to cross-country riders who want to push their shoes to the limits. You can justify their price if you win your next XC race with them.
The Best MTB Shoes for Flat Pedals
If you ride your mountain bike with platforms, get MTB shoes designed for platforms. They are stiffer than standard shoes. Thanks to their flat shoe, you also get a perfect grip.
Five Ten Freerider (Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Flat Pedals)
Comfort 5/5 | Walkability 4/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight 3/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.9/5
Main Features
- Suitable for wide feet
- Available for men and women
- Fastening system: laces
- A stiff and grippy sole
- Impact-resistant toe box
Five Ten are among the most popular brands that focus on designing shoes for flat pedals. I could not miss their legendary Freerider model – a predecessor of the improved Freerider Pro.
They have very grippy soles, so your feet won’t slip off platforms. The shoes are lightweight, durable, and relatively stiff, so they efficiently transfer the energy you put into your pedal strokes.
One of the things the owners of these shoes praise the most is comfort and durability. You can ride in these shoes for hours, and you won’t experience any discomfort.
You can use them for walking and hiking too. Although shoes designed specifically for hiking provide a better grip on rocks, Five Ten’s are a good compromise if you want to ride on platforms and combine them with a short hike.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
You might also be interested in this selection of the best mountain bike flat pedals.
Five Ten Freerider Pro (Best Grip Mountain Bike Shoes)
Comfort 5/5 | Walkability 4/5 | Durability 4/5 | Weight 3/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5
Main Features
- Suitable for narrow and regular feet
- Fastening system: laces
- A stiff and very grippy sole
- Impact-resistant toe box
- Very durable
The Freerider Pro are an improved version of the Five Ten Freerider. They are even more durable, so they will last you longer.
They provide you with an excellent grip for complete control of your bike. They are perfect for trail riding as well as for enduro.
Their sole is stiff (stiffer than standard Freeriders), so it efficiently transfers the power you put into every pedal stroke. Yet, the shoes are super comfy.
The upper is perforated on the front, so the shoes are breathable during a ride. But, once you stop in direct sunlight, your feet may start to feel a bit hot, so keep that in mind.
Freerider Pro also have an impact-resistant toe box, which improves the safety of your toes. The box protects them against rocks and stumps.
Overall, Frerider Pro are the best MTB shoes for platforms on the market. Period.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, jensonusa.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com
O’Neal Pinned Flat Pedal Shoes
Comfort 4/5 | Walkability 4/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight 3/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.8/5
Main Features
- Suitable for narrow and regular feet
- Fastening system: laces
- Grippy, honeycomb sole
These O’Neal shoes were designed for flat pedals. Their honeycomb sole will ensure you get an excellent grip, and your feet won’t slip.
The toe cap is reinforced to add more protection. So, if you crash, you don’t have to be afraid of breaking your toes.
One of the best things about these shoes is their design. Their casual look is also suitable for walks in parks, cities, etc. You can use them as everyday shoes and still look stylish.
Of course, these shoes are comfortable. And, if the inner sole doesn’t suit your needs, you can replace it with your own.
Overall, these are some of the best MTB shoes for flat pedals.
Giro Rumble (Best Hybrid Mountain Bike Shoes)
Comfort 4/5 | Walkability 4/5 | Durability 3/5 | Weight 3/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.7/5
Main Features
- Suitable for wide feet
- Fastening system: laces
- A stiff, grippy sole
- Compatible with MTB cleats
Giro Rumble are hybrid shoes that you can use with or without cleats. They are ideal for hybrid bike pedals, but you can use them for mountain biking too. It depends on what you prefer.
Their sole allows normal walking and also mounting MTB cleats. So, whenever you decide to take your riding to the next level, equip your bike with MTB clipless pedals and your shoes with cleats, and you are good to go.
They are also comfortable because their mesh upper is breathable. Ideal for hot days.
They will transfer the energy you put into pedaling better compared to other non cycling shoes, thanks to the stiffer Vibram sole.
Some owners report that it is better to buy one size up to ensure the best fit possible. Your normal size may be a bit small with the Giro sizing.
Also available at jensonusa.com and tredz.co.uk
| MTB Shoes | Weight per Shoe | Type of Feet | Category | Buy | Comfort | Walkability | Durability | Weight | Price | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giro Cylinder | 315 g (size 42) | Narrow & Regular | For clipless pedals | Check Price | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
| Sidi Dominator 10 | 353 g (size 43) | Narrow & Regular | For clipless pedals | Check Price | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2.9 | |
| Fizik X5 Terra | 395 g (size 45) | Narrow & Regular | For clipless pedals | Check Price | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3.5 |
| Gavin Elite | n/a | Narrow & Regular | For clipless pedals | Check Price | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.1 |
| Sidi Tiger 2s | 355 g (size 42) | Narrow & Regular | For clipless pedals | Check Price | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 3.6 |
| Five Ten Freerider | n/a | Wide | For flat pedals | Check Price | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.9 |
| Five Ten Freerider Pro | n/a | Narrow & Regular | For flat pedals | Check Price | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.1 |
| O’Neal Flat Pedal Shoes | n/a | Narrow & Regular | For flat pedals | Check Price | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3.8 |
| Giro Rumble | n/a | Wide | For flat pedals | Check Price | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.7 |
My Verdict
Depending on your preferred riding style, you should choose clipless or flat pedal shoes.
The best clipless mountain bike shoes for narrow and regular feet overall are the Fizik X5 Terra. They come with a convenient BOA dial with a durable Velcro strap, so you can tighten them while riding. Your feet won’t overheat, thanks to good ventilation. You can ride in them all day and still feel comfortable.
The best mountain bike shoes for flat pedals are the Five Ten Freerider (also available at competitivecyclist.com). They have a sole designed for flat pedals, ensuring maximum grip and good comfort. It will make your ride much safer and more fun. You can walk in them too because they are suitable for walking. Five Ten Freerider are available for men and women, and, as a bonus, they look stylish.
How to Choose Mountain Bike Shoes?
Both MTB clipless shoes and MTB shoes for flat pedals share very similar features. Below, I explain the most important ones.
Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes vs. Shoes for Platforms
There are 2 main types of MTB shoes you can buy. You can either buy mountain bike shoes for clipless pedals or mountain bike shoes for flats (also called flat pedals or platforms).
The main difference is that the MTB shoes for clipless pedals are clipped into the pedal, so your feet are fixed. The MTB shoes for flats are the exact opposite.
The table below shows the summarized pros and cons of MTB shoes for clipless pedals and MTB shoes for flats.
| Type of Shoes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MTB Clipless Shoes | • They improve your safety because your feet won’t slip off the pedals, and you can control your bike more easily. • They improve pedal stroke efficiency thanks to the stiff soles and fixed position on the pedal. • They improve comfort. Mountain bike shoes are made to be lightweight, ventilated, and comfortable. | • It takes a while to get used to clipping in and clipping off. • There is a risk you won’t be able to clip off in time when you lose balance (this improves with your experience). • They tend to be more expensive compared to MTB shoes for flat pedals. |
| Shoes for Platforms | • You don’t have to clip into them, so they are safer for some types of terrains (like trails). • They are more suitable for walking. • They are cheaper than MTB clipless shoes. | • They are not as stiff compared to MTB clipless shoes. • They are not fixed on the pedal, so your feet can slip. |
What Type of Mountain Bike Shoes Should You Buy?
The choice of MTB shoe type depends mainly on the type of terrain you want to ride in.
- I recommend clipless MTB shoes for disciplines like cross country, cyclocross, and riding on unpaved, forest, or dirt roads. Your feet will be in a fixed position, and your pedal strokes will be much more effective.
- MTB shoes for flat pedals are better for riding on trails, for downhill, or BMX. Your foot position won’t be fixed, which allows you to take your feet off the pedals to regain balance quickly.
Price Range
As with every product, I recommend you set a budget. I outlined MTB shoe price categories and the features you can expect below.
MTB Clipless Shoes
- Budget (Under $100) – these shoes are suitable for beginners. They usually only offer velcro strap fastening, but you can also find models with a ratchet buckle. Shoes from this category are heavier and not as stiff due to the plastic sole as more expensive models.
- Value for money ($100 to $300) – an ideal compromise between cheap and high-end mountain bike shoes. This category is ideal for most bikers. The shoes in this category offer an excellent price/performance ratio. They are relatively light and comfortable. They use a combination of Velcro straps and ratchet buckle, Velcro strap, and dial (BOA, Tecno, etc.).
- Performance (Above $300) – this price category offers high-end shoes that pros and the most demanding riders wear. The soles of these shoes are made of carbon, so they are very stiff. The shoes are lightweight and fit well, thanks to dials (BOA, Tecno, etc.).
MTB Shoes for Flat Pedals
Most MTB shoes for flat pedals are available in the $50 to $150 price range. They usually differ in brand, durability, stiffness, and design. They use laces as the fastening system.
Fastening System
There are 4 main types of fastening systems used on MTB shoes. Velcro straps, laces, ratchet buckles, and dials (BOA, Push, etc.).
Check out the pros and cons of individual fastening systems in the table below.
| Type of Fastening System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Velcro straps | • They are cheap and you can fasten them while riding. • They are not as prone to damage when crashing as ratchet buckles or dials. | • They don’t provide you with as precise and comfortable fastening as BOA dials. |
| Laces | • They look cool. • They provide you with effective fastening. • It is the lightest fastening system. | • It takes time to tie them. • It is almost impossible to tie them while riding. |
| Ratchet buckles | • You can fasten them while riding. • They provide you with relatively effective fastening. | • They are heavier compared to other types of fastening systems. • They are prone to damage when crashing. • The buckles are hard to replace. |
| Dials¹ | • Quick, effective, and precise fastening also while riding. • They are easy to replace. • They are lightweight. | • They are more expensive compared to other fastening systems. • They are prone to damage when crashing. |
¹BOA, Sidi Tecno Push, and other alternatives
Comfort, Fit, and Ventilation
Mountain bike shoes have to be comfortable. After all, you want to enjoy your ride, don’t you? If you can, try the shoes in person to ensure you buy the right size and fit.
If you shop online, make sure you measure your feet before you order the selected size. If the shoes don’t fit, return them and try a different size or model.
TIP: Cycling insoles can improve your riding comfort by supporting your arches.
Proper ventilation is important, especially during hot summer days. The ventilation helps to cool your feet, so they won’t sweat as much.
You will also feel much more comfortable and perform better because you won’t feel like your feet are burning.
CONTINUE READING: How should cycling shoes fit?
Sole Stiffness
Clipless cycling shoes have much stiffer soles than mountain bike shoes for flats and other types of non cycling shoes. The stiffness is important—the higher the stiffness, the lower the energy losses with every pedal stroke.
Riders who experience painful or inflamed balls of their feet (metatarsalgia) or lack of oxygenation of the toes due to blood shortage (ischemia) should be careful when using stiff shoes. This study showed that shoes with carbon soles increase peak plantar pressure, which may aggravate these foot conditions.
Every bike shoe manufacturer uses its stiffness index. It is not easy to compare them. You can check out this Shimano stiffness index chart as an example.
High-end clipless mountain bike shoes are stiffer compared to cheaper models. Their sole is made from carbon fiber that is 42% stiffer in longitudinal bending and 550% in three-point bending than plastic. (Source)
The cheapest clipless MTB shoes have a sole made from plastic. It is heavier than carbon and, of course, much softer.
There are also clipless mountain bike shoes that combine carbon and plastic (carbon-reinforced sole). They are a good compromise between the above-mentioned types.
Flat vs. Clipless Pedals and Cleat Type Compatibility
Can you ride with clipless mountain bike shoes on platforms and vice versa? Well, you can, but it won’t be a very comfortable ride…
Flat Pedals (Platforms)
Platforms are the simplest type of pedal. You do not need special clipless shoes to ride them. You can wear mountain bike shoes for flat pedals or any non cycling shoes.
You will find plastic platforms on cheaper, mass-produced bicycles. These pedals usually have reflectors on both sides to increase your visibility in the dark.
Plastic platforms are not very good for longer bike trips or more demanding terrains. I remember when I was riding one of my first bikes. During a trip, I destroyed the pedal just by pedaling too hard. You can guess how it turned out. I had to push my bike more than 10 miles (16 km)!
Mountain bikers and BMX riders use platforms made of more durable materials, such as aluminum or magnesium. They offer better support for the foot, and thanks to the metal studs, the shoe does not slip off them.
I’ve summarized the pros and cons of using different bike pedals using multiple resources and my experiences in the following table.
| Type of Pedals | Pros | Cons | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms (flat pedals) | • You can use them with almost any type of shoes. • You don’t have to clip into them so you can take your feet of them easily. This increases your safety and confidence. • You learn the right echnique and tricks more easily. | • You can’t pedal in circles (you cannot pull up). • Your foot can slip off more easily. • Shin injuries from pins. | Beginners, commuters, BMX riders, MTB riders, downhill riders |
| Road pedals (clipless) | • You will feel like you have better control over your bicycle. • They are lightweight to lower your fatigue over long distances. • You can pedal in circles. • They are longer than MTB pedals, so they provide more support for your foot. | • You can’t clip in from both sides. • Expensive – You will have to buy pedals, road bike shoes, and cleats. • It will take you some time to get used to them. | Road cyclists |
| MTB pedals (clipless) | • You will feel like you have better control over your bicycle. • You can pedal in circles. • You can clip in from both sides. | • Expensive – You will have to buy pedals, mountain bike shoes, and cleats. • It will take you some time to get used to them. | MTB and gravel riders, cyclocross riders |
| Hybrid pedals (flat + clipless) | • You can decide what type of shoes you use (normal footwear or specialized cycling shoes). | • They are heavier compared to clipless road and MTB pedals. • They are bulky. | Commuters, bike packers, people who like bike trips and hiking, mountain and gravel bikers |
Clipless Pedals and Cleat Type Compatibility
The MTB shoes are manufactured in a 2-hole configuration to be compatible with MTB clipless pedals and cleats. The MTB cleats are much smaller and lower-profile than road cleats, allowing you to walk more easily. Among the most popular clipless MTB pedals manufacturers are Shimano (SPD), Crankbrothers, and Time (ATAC).
Unlike MTB bike shoes, road cycling shoes are usually manufactured in a 3-hole configuration (see the picture below). They are compatible with road bike pedals like Shimano-SPD SL, Look Keo, Time Xpresso, etc.
A separate category consists of 4-hole configuration cycling shoes that were designed specifically for Wahoo Speedplay pedals. You can use a 3-hole configuration for Speedplay pedals, but you have to use special adapters to make it a 4-hole configuration.*
*This only applies to Wahoo Speedplay road pedals. Speedplay MTB pedals use a 2-hole configuration.
Mountain Bike Shoes FAQ
This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.
