Transferring power from your body to your bike is the most important part of riding. Shoes facilitate the contact and are therefore core in the process. Choosing bike riding shoes is as complex as choosing a bike. They need to be comfortable, protective, efficient and durable.
Sometimes the overall look of biking shoes may lead one to overlook the functionality. Depending on a rider’s style and preference, the functionality needs may differ. So which shoe type is best for you? Check out the favorite biking shoes in the market:
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QUICK ANSWER: MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES
- Venzo mountain bike shoe and pedal
- Triban RC 500
- Scott Men MTB Team Boa Bike shoes
- Fizik’s Terra X5 Suede
- Giro Jacket II
- Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest MTB II
- Shimano ME7
- Zol predator
MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOE COMPARISON :
 Venzo mountain bike shoe and pedal | -Brand: Venzo -Design: clipless design, Low-cut construction, and a beveled heel. -Closure: Velcro fasteners -Weight: 640 grams |
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 Triban RC 500 | -Brand: Triban -Design: clipless style shoe, Fiberglass-filled nylon sole, polyurethane rubber soles -Closure: Lacing system -Weight: 306 grams |
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 Scott Men MTB Team Boa Bike shoes | -Brand: Scott -Design: 2-hole cleat, Nylon Fiberglass co-injected outsole. -Closure: Boa system and anatomic fit strap -Weight: 350g |
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 Fizik’s Terra X5 Suede | -Brand: Fizik -Design: 2-bolt cleat, Suede or microtex material, co-injected of carbon sole. -Closure: Boa retention system and Velcro strap -Weight: 282 grams |
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 Giro Jacket II | -Brand: Giro -Design: flat pedal shoe, Vibram eco-step rubber. -Closure: Laced with lace keeper -Weight: 415 grams |
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 Giro Jacket II | -Brand: Izumi -Design: clipless style shoe, 100% Synthetic leather and mesh, high-traction lug tips. -Closure: 3 anatomic Velcro -Weight: 564 grams |
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 Shimano ME7 | -Brand: Shimano -Design: clipless style shoe, -Closure: large Velcro strap cover plus drawstring that secures with a ratchet buckle. -Weight: 414 grams |
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 Zol predator | -Brand: Zol -Design: Two-bolt cleats, no-stitch construction -Closure: 3-piece Velcro system. -Weight: 340 grams |
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MY BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOE REVIEWS:
Venzo mountain bike shoe and pedal
- Brand: Venzo
- Design: clipless design, Low-cut construction, and a beveled heel.
- Closure: Velcro fasteners
- Weight: 640 grams
- Pros: mesh panels to keep feet dry, durable, safe Velcro fasteners.
- Cons: Have to buy the compatible pedal, heavy than most shoes
Triban RC 500
- Brand: Triban
- Design: clipless style shoe, Fiberglass-filled nylon sole, polyurethane rubber soles
- Closure: Lacing system
- Weight: 306 grams
- Pros: Easier to walk in, uniform distribution of pressure, Perforated uppers provide good ventilation
- Cons: Not the stiffest sole
Scott Men MTB Team Boa Bike shoes
- Brand: Scott
- Design: 2-hole cleat, Nylon Fiberglass co-injected outsole.
- Closure: Boa system and anatomic fit strap
- Weight: 350g
- Pros: Adaptive insole, Good fit, stylish
- Cons: expensive, heavy, heel cup is too wide.
- Brand: Fizik
- Design: 2-bolt cleat, Suede or microtex material, co-injected of carbon sole.
- Closure: Boa retention system and Velcro strap
- Weight: 282 grams
- Pros: Extremely comfortable, natural materials, great breathability, stylish
- Cons: Boa dial can get caught on obstacles, a little stiff for walking
- Brand: Giro
- Design: flat pedal shoe, Vibram eco-step rubber.
- Closure: Laced with lace keeper
- Weight: 415 grams
- Pros: breathable microfiber, Laced closure with lace keeper, Die-cut EVA foam cushioning
- Cons: Vibram rubber sole isn’t as sticky as the competition
Pearl Izumi Men’s Quest MTB II
- Brand: Izumi
- Design: clipless style shoe, 100% Synthetic leather and mesh, high-traction lug tips.
- Closure: 3 anatomic Velcro
- Weight: 564 grams
- Pros: arch insole provide heel support, lightweight, durable
- Cons: Not flexible enough
- Brand: Shimano
- Design: clipless style shoe,
- Closure: large Velcro strap cover plus drawstring that secures with a ratchet buckle.
- Weight: 414 grams
- Pros: Good performance on wet trails, comfortable, keeps off dust and debris
- Cons: Get warm on really hot days, sole very stiff
- Brand: Zol
- Design: Two-bolt cleats, no-stitch construction
- Closure: 3-piece Velcro system.
- Weight: 340 grams
- Pros: lightweight,
- Cons: ideal for indoor cycling
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES:
1) Comfort and fit
Having a comfortable shoe that fits well ensures that all your power is transferred to your pedals. The shoe should have good cushioning and breathability. The insole is what determines comfortability. It should therefore be good enough to cushion you from feeling every bump on rough terrains. The ventilation should allow enough air in, to avoid getting hot and sweaty during hot weather.
You should try the shoe on and walk around in the store with it before buying. You should be keen to note any pressure points or discomfort it may cause. Also make sure it favors your riding style as that is important to you.
2) Retention system
How the shoe holds on your feet is important. Laces are the common types but they get waterlogged in poor weather. They are also tedious to tie after washing the shoes. The Velcro system is comfortable and secure, it is also easy to use. It, however, adds more weight to the shoe as compared to laces. There are also new methods like the boa and anatomic fit strap. The retention system is subject to preference, choose one that holds best for you.
3) Clipless or flat
How the shoe connects to the pedal is a very common issue with bikers. Clipless means the shoe connects to the pedal via a cleat that loops it into place. Clipless shoes are more efficient as they direct more power through the pedal. They however need practice before one is used to them. Flat is the normal shoe that simply sits on the pedal. They are enhanced with extra grip sole designs to cling to the pedals. They are easier to walk in but not as efficient as clipless in terms of transferring power.
4) Protection
Good shoes should have reinforced toe boxes and ankle zone protects. This protects your toes and ankles from impact with rocks and loose debris. The shoe top should be water resistant, to protect your feet from splashes and rainwater. Fast drying, when soaked in water, is also an added advantage when riding in rainy weather.
5) Shoe weight
Shoe weight matters down to a few grams when riding for longer periods of time. However, the light should always be coupled with material strength. Some shoes use light materials that are more susceptible to external damage. Some of these are okay for indoors and road biking but not for mountain biking.
Be keen to pay attention to the weight with functionality in mind. The best brands make lightweight shoes without compromising durability. Most professional brands have moved to using fiberglass variants and synthetic rubber, instead of traditional rubber which is bulky.
6) Durability
The shoes should be made of long-lasting material. Each shoe is made with the biker’s style in consideration. There are indoor shoes, road biking shoes and mountain biking shoes. Each shoe is used for its intended purpose it should last long. However, this doesn’t rule out the existence of poor-quality shoes. Best brand around the world have durability engrained in their style. You can easily tell of a long-lasting shoe by simply checking its material.
7) Benefits of using cycling shoes
Cycling shoes provide an edge to cyclers. These includes:
- Enhanced to protect the cyclers feet.
- Offer better energy transfer to the pedals
- Made with strong and comfortable soles for riding
- Minimize fatigue and cramping
Conclusion:
Quality cycling shoes is an important accessory in every rider’s life. The comfort and efficiency of energy transfer, not forgetting the durability, is reason enough to get a pair. The variety of choice is wide enough for you to chose in regards to your style of cycling. It is time you started transferring all your energy to the pedals with a classy clipless pair.