Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals | 6 Best Mountain Bike Shoes in 2023

Rhys Smith
Rhys Smith on
6 Best Mountain Bike Shoes in 2023
Scarpa da running Nike Odyssey React Flyknit 2 Uomo Grigio. Chaussures De Running Gt-2000 10

Getting the best MTB shoe for you is vital for a good time out on the trail. But we know that searching for a suitable pair can be baffling.

To help you find the best option for your rides, we have reviewed over 40 models of MTB shoes. We tested them on road and trail biking. We became even more critical when we took them into our lab. Flat or clipless, cheap or premium, we’ve selected our top picks in different categories.

If you need more guidance on the types of MTB shoes, and the various cleat and closure systems, we created a guide for your hassle-free learning.

Best mountain cycling shoes overall

Giro Sector
90
Great!

What makes it the best?

When it comes to performance and style, the Sector from Giro leaves MTB riders satisfied. Everything from its custom-fit upper to the highly efficient power transfer from the carbon sole screams performance. It is an excellent option for cyclists who challenge themselves on gravel and MTB rides.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • T Bar Occasion Sandals
  • Nicholas Kirkwood Casati open-toe sandals
  • Supportive fit
  • Loyalty & Faith Collelo Gestreepte sneakers in wit
  • Efficient pedaling
  • Grippy on most terrain
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Reflective details
  • Attractive

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Lacks grip in mud
  • BOA doesn't micro release
  • Not for cold temps
Full review of Giro Sector

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Dark Shadow (71228)
Harbour Blue Ano (71395)
Grey (71263)
Olive Gum (71227)

Best mountain cycling shoes for downhill/enduro

Giro Chamber II
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

Dilapidation on its award-winning older sibling, the Chamber II by Giro features key updates based on user feedback. The shoe’s cleat positioning and new flex pattern are incorporated, yielding next-level performance. This beefy clipless mountain bike shoe possesses the right amount of flex, creating a comfortable walking experience without sacrificing pedaling efficiency and bike connection.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • For a versatile sandal thats sure to go with everything in your closet
  • High quality materials
  • Excellent traction
  • Adequate stiff sole
  • Excellent
  • ALDO Tiliaria Sneakers rosa con zeppa
  • Running trail Scarpa

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Heavy
Full review of Giro Chamber II

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Unisex
Any color
Dark Shadow/Black (GISCHA2B)
Black Dark Shadow Gum (70896)
Black Dark Shadow (71265)
Dark Shadow/Black (70895)

Best moutain cycling shoes for cross-country

What makes it the best?

Another addition to the Empire collection, the Empire VR90 provides necessary tweaks for mountain cycling. With lauded features such as excellently stiff and grippy sole, comfortable fit, and lightweight feel, it has been recommended for XC racing. Some have also used this model for road, cyclocross, and gravel grinding rides.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • Stiff sole
  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Very grippy
  • Lightweight
  • Aesthetically appealing
  • Easy-to-clean
  • The lacing prevents hotspots
  • Durable construction
  • Premium quality materials

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lack of protection
Full review of Nike Running Marsupio slim nero

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Men
Women
Any color
Iceberg/Reflective (70984)
Black Lime 19 (70768)
Red Orange Metallic (71108)
Black/Lime (70898)
Anodized Glowing Red/Black (70628)
Black (71110)
Trail Green Ano (71394)
Red (OTHSPRTSS)

Best mountain cycling shoes for hike-a-bike

What makes it the best?

The X-Alp Summit delights individuals who aren’t afraid to go offroad. It uses components that can support pedaling through rough terrains as well as walking in them. The top snugly wraps the foot which prevents blisters. To top it all off, it is designed in such a way that it can even be used as an everyday footgear.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • Comfortable for biking and hiking
  • Reliable grip
  • Durable
  • Secure fit
  • Blue Slip-on Shoes
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Heavy
  • Short cleats
Full review of Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit

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Men
Women
Any color
Smoke Grey/Black (151921069QK)

Best flat pedal mountain cycling shoes

What makes it the best?

The Nike Blazer Mid 77 Suede Mens Shoes appears minimal at first glance but is reinforced and padded in all the right places. When perched on the pedals, these soles remarkably gripped tightly for a locked-in feel for a confident ride over obstacles. If you're looking for some supreme power transfer, then the rigidity of the Nike Blazer Mid 77 Suede Mens Shoes will maximize your efforts. It's the best-looking mountain bike shoes I've seen, which makes it perfect for grabbing a beer or coffee after a ride.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • sneakers MASE 5682
  • Reliable hill performance
  • Extra toe protection
  • Easy to wipe clean
  • Rigid soles
  • Stylish
  • True to size
  • Appreciated lace keeper
  • Repels moisture
  • Lucy Liu wears Stuart Weitzmans Nudist metallic champagne mesh sandal
  • Cushioned

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Challenging to readjust
  • Uncomfortable crease on top of the shoe
  • No holster for the end of the laces
  • Not breathable
Full review of Nike Blazer Mid 77 Suede Mens Shoes

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (BC0640)
Black (FW2822)
Grey Five Ftwr White Halo Blue (FW2824)
White/Black (GW5442)
grey three/bronze strata/core black (HQ10858)
Solid Grey/Grey/Acid Mint (FX0301)
Solar Gold/White/Impact Orange (HQ1086)
Wonder Taupe/Grey One/Acid Orange (HQ3483)
More colors

Best waterproof mountain cycling shoes

What makes it the best?

The Terra Clima X2 by Fizik Nike Running Epic Fast Leggings viola. Some may be turned off by its high profile and slightly high price tag, but both have good reasons. The high collar protects from mud and rocks while the price is reasonable, considering its features and purpose. Just make sure to wear waterproof cycling pants to prevent water running down on your legs from entering the shoe.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Pros

  • Excellent feel
  • Great support
  • Stiff
  • Good for hike-a-bike sessions
  • Stylish
  • Durable
  • adidas Consortium Lexicon OG sneakers
  • Grippy
  • Impact protection

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals Cons

  • Nike LEBRON XII 17 Low Ostern creme weiß Sneaker Herren Größe 9 cd5007-200
  • Pricey
Full review of Fizik Terra Clima X2

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Olive Caramel (TEX2CLTX158)
Black/Black (TEX2CLTX1)

Comparison of the 6 best mountain bike shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

Why wear mountain bike shoes?

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals grippy skate shoes is enough for riding the rugged trails of the mountain. However, this could cause serious injuries in the long run, among other things.

MTB vs skate shoes.png

In instances like light trail cycling or BMX riding, skate shoes can be enough. But if you aim to improve on your skills or simply to have more efficient, safe, more fun on the bike, mountain bike shoes are best.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals | How do MTB shoes work?

Mountain bike shoes are designed from top to bottom to withstand rigorous cycling outdoors. Most of them display a rugged exterior to match the trails.

  • The upper is especially designed to prevent injuries by using impact-resistant and long-lasting materials. 
  • Perforation details also help keep the foot feeling cool during warmer weather.
  • Flat and quite pliable soles provide hike-a-bike comfort and prevent foot ailments
  • Excellent traction keeps you upright in slippery areas.
  • A rigid sole and cleats on XC shoes ensure efficient transmission of power to the pedal, and prevent foot slip

Choosing your ideal mountain cycling shoes (5 steps)

Following the 5 steps below can make your search easier and quicker.

  • zapatillas de running Under Armour apoyo talón distancias cortas talla 47
  • Choose the pedal type
  • Select a suitable closure system
  • Figure out the appropriate stiffness level
  • Test for the most ideal fit

1. Type of mountain cycling you plan on doing

Your activity and purpose are the first crucial point you need to figure out as there are plenty of MTB shoes for different mountain biking. Below are the primary MTB activities.

Purpose

Description

Cross-country

Cross country.png

Cross-country

(model: Shimano S-Phyre XC901)

Cross-country (or XC) shoes stray away from beefy design. They are characterized by the following:

  • Minimalist and lightweight upper design
  • Stiffer soles for maximum power transfer
  • Often compromise foot protection for lighter weight
  • Aren’t comfortable for long hike-a-bikes

All-Mountain/Trail

All mountain - trail.png

All-Mountain/Trail

(model: Specialized 2FO ClipLite)

With All-Mountain riding’s long hours in the trail and a lot of hike-a-biking and descents, these shoes have:

  • Camper Kids Pursuit FW hi-top sneakers
  • Excellent traction
  • Moderate impact protection
  • Relatively lightweight

Enduro

Enduro.png

Enduro

(model: Five Ten Kestrel Pro BOA)

Enduro cycling entails pedaling uphill but focuses more on the descents. With this, shoes tend to be:

  • Bulkier and heavier due to excellent foot protection
  • Relatively lighter than Gravity shoes

Gravity/Downhill

Gravity - downhill.png

Gravity/Downhill

(model: Five Ten Hellcat Pro)

This activity focuses mainly on cycling down the mountains as fast as possible. Shoes for this endeavor have:

  • DNA GY3194 SNEAKER UNISEX Sportschuhe
  • Adequate flex for walkable comfort
  • Excellently protective upper design

Casual/Commute

Casual - commutepng.png

Casual/Commute

(model: Five Ten Sleuth)

With the rise of casual cycling or commuting via bike, specialized footwear are also on the rise. Casual cycling shoes:

  • Mou Kids shearling lining boots
  • Don’t have much technical features
  • UGG South Bay Mens Sneakers

2. Pedal choice

Cyclists can choose between clipless and flat MTB shoes. Both types have advantages and disadvantages and deciding which one is better lies solely on your personal preferences.

Here’s the difference between the two.

Flat

SPD Clipless (2-holes)

Flat.png

SPD clipless.png

Pros

  • Easy planting of foot on the ground when needed
  • More natural walking experience
  • Bean Boot Keychain
  • Secure pedal connection
  • Diesel D-Millenia ankle boots
  • Most leg muscles are being used, preventing long-term injuries

Cons

  • Pedaling slips are possible, which could cause injuries
  • Weak power transfer compare to clipless
  • Fewer leg muscles being activated
  • Spontaneous foot planting isn’t possible, making crashes a bit more daunting for newbies
  • Walking could feel less natural
  • Mud build-up in the cleat area can cause problems
  • Shoes RIEKER M0967-68 Gelb

3. Closure System

Mountain cycling involves rough trails, mud, and unpredictable bumps, chafing, and impacts. These scenarios should be considered in choosing which lockdown mechanism to go for.

Laces

Laces.png

Velcro straps

velcro-straps.png

BOA

Boa.png

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Tried and tested design
  • Slip ons Nae Vegan Shoes
  • Fit adjustment while on the bike
  • Lightweight
  • cheap
  • Incremental adjustments for most accurate fit
  • Replaceable
  • Knee High Boots EVA MINGE EM-21-08-000824 301

Cons

  • Fit can’t be adjusted mid-ride
  • Laces can go loose and get caught in the bike
  • Velcro can loose grip over time
  • Rugged Men's Sport Sandals That Can Handle Any Terrain
  • Most expensive to replace
  • Not as available as the other two closure systems
  • Parts have a big chance to break while in the trail
  • Mud can get stuck in it

Sometimes brands also use 2-3 closure systems in one model to provide the most ideal fit and variety.

4. Outsole material and rigidity

While upper materials are also crucial in mountain cycling (level of protection and breathability), this guide will focus more on the outsole design. 

The two factors that led me to choose outsole instead are the difficulty to quantify and that, essentially, the upper's protection depends upon the shoe's purpose (which is seen above). Also, MTB shoes are already generally protective in nature.

Now that’s out of the way, back to the outsole material. One key factor to look out for in the sole material is its stiffness level.

Sole materials and stiffness.png

Note that these units are measured generally, meaning not all shoes with a specific material have the exact rigidity level stated above.

5. Find the right fit

Getting the correct fit can make or break your cycling experience. Here is the tried-and tested advice you can follow to get the most ideal fitting MTB shoes:

  • When you’re going to try out a pair, schedule it in the afternoon. Human feet are known to swell as the day passes. This practice will accommodate that swelling.
  • Wear the usual socks you regularly use. This way, the fit will really be accurate.
  • Walk around with the shoes on and sit on a bench and mimick the motion of pedaling. Pay close attention to your feet while doing these. Make sure there are no pressure points, rubbing, or digging.
  • If you do a lot of hike-a-biking, be mindful of the sole stiffness while walking.
  • Pay close attention to how your heel fits in the shoe, especially when choosing XC shoes. The heel should fit in nicely and the shoe should hold it firmly.

Top MTB shoe brands

The brands included in this section are the ones with the best-rated mountain bike shoe models. Learn more about each company’s unique offering and strength in the table below:

Brand

Description

five ten.png

Five Ten or 5 10 MTB shoes are very popular for their grippy outsoles. Mountain bikers who are into flat pedal MTB shoes are the company’s main market.

Their footwear displays a sneaker/skate shoe aesthetic that most cyclists love. Check out their best-selling classic Sneakers Releasing June 1st June 6th.

Giro.png

Giro’s MTB shoe category houses both sneaker-looking and road shoe-looking options. What stays the same is their signature sleek and minimally designed uppers.

Margot Robbie stepped out in New York wearing ZCD Montreal sneakers.

Shimano.png

Shimano’s MTB shoes include all types of mountain cycling. From cross-country ro enduro and all-mountain, they have it.

The company also collaborates with Michelin in creating grippy MTB shoe rubber outsoles.

Sidi.png

Sidi’s mainly known for their superbly crafted bike shoes - Sidi MTB shoes are no different.

Apart from the excellent quality, some of the brand’s well-loved footwear features are the Sidi heel cup for excellent foothold and serviceable parts for practicality and longevity.

Manolo Blahnik 80mm mule sandals | Can mountain bike shoes be used for spinning?

Take a stroll in the ® CS20 Hybrid Perforated Tie derby shoe.

Most indoor cycling or Spin studios employ indoor bikes with SPD (2-hole) cleat pedals. And since MTB shoes also come with the same cleat design, indoor cyclists can choose to wear an MTB shoe for their studio time.

However, one thing to check is if the MTB shoe is too rigid. Spinning doesn’t require much stiffness. In fact, the more flexible ones are recommended to keep walking around the studio comfortable.

Canvas Logo Ten Binkoo Sneakers Chelsea boots BULLBOXER 486K76932DPANA Blue zapatillas de running New Balance constitución media talla 40.5 entre 60 y 100.

How we test mountain bike shoes

Unlike most top 10 lists that feature products based on popularity, here at Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we take pride in going the extra mile to make sure we include items on account of their performance.

Here’s what we do:

  • We buy each MTB shoe we assess with our own money. This is to keep us impartial to any brand.
  • We are a team dedicated to immersing our waking days in the nuts and bolts of mountain bike shoes. We subject them to wear tests that encompass all cycling brands, riding styles, and areas, from cross-country to downhill and everything in between. We spend an average of 7 hours per shoe to truly figure out and identify a model’s benefits and disadvantages.
  • We then measure every aspect of the shoe via multiple parameters, including breathability, cushion, strength, and more. On top of that, we crack the shoes open for easier access to their elements.
Author
Rhys Smith
Rhys Smith

Rhys is an expert in all things cycling and bicycles who at a young age pursued the dream of becoming a professional cyclist by racing for a French and then Belgian road racing team at the Elite level. He is heavily involved in the cycling scene and runs one of Australia’s highest-rated online bicycle parts stores. He’s THE expert when it comes to testing cycling shoes.