Shoes

MTB Shoe Buying Guide

Flat Pedal vs Clipless

Flat pedal shoes rely on sticky rubber compounds — Five Ten's Stealth S1 and Ride Concepts' D3O rubber are the benchmarks. The sole pattern is designed to interlock with pedal pins without cleats. Clipless shoes use SPD-compatible two-bolt cleats (Shimano SM-SH51 or SH56 multi-release) recessed into the sole so you can still walk. Some riders run SPD for XC and enduro, others prefer flats for bike parks and technical riding where quick foot-off is essential.

Sole Stiffness

Sole stiffness directly affects pedalling efficiency. XC race shoes use full carbon soles (Shimano rates theirs 1-12, with 12 being stiffest). Trail shoes use nylon or fibreglass shanks — enough stiffness for climbing but flexible enough to hike-a-bike. Enduro and DH flat shoes prioritise grip and impact protection over stiffness. If you're doing long XC rides, stiffer is better. For technical trail riding with lots of walking, moderate flex saves your feet.

Closure Systems

Laces are simple and field-repairable — most flat shoes and trail clipless shoes use them. BOA dials offer micro-adjustable fit and one-handed tightening (common on XC race shoes like the Shimano XC9). Velcro straps are fast but less precise. Ratchet buckles appear on some enduro shoes. For muddy UK riding, laces tucked under a tongue flap prevent snagging.

Sizing and Fit

MTB shoe sizing varies significantly between brands. Five Ten runs narrow, Shimano runs true to size with wider toe boxes, Crankbrothers and Ride Concepts run half a size large. Always check the manufacturer's size chart against your foot length in mm. Allow room for thicker winter socks if you ride year-round — most riders go up half a size for cold-weather shoes.

Weather Protection

Standard mesh-upper shoes are fine for summer but soak through instantly in UK conditions. Gore-Tex lined shoes (Shimano MW series, Northwave Celsius) keep water out but run warmer. Neoprene overshoes are a cheaper alternative. For winter, insulated shoes with reflective linings and waterproof membranes are worth the premium — cold feet end rides early.

What to Check on Used Shoes

Inspect the sole rubber — worn-smooth Stealth rubber on flats loses all grip. On clipless shoes, check cleat bolt threads aren't stripped and the cleat mounting area isn't cracked. Examine the heel cup for collapse (indicates the shoe is worn out). Check BOA dials still click and hold tension. Smell test matters — shoes that have been stored damp may have permanent odour and degraded glue.