Types of Mountain Bike Shoes

Generally speaking, any comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes can be used for mountain biking. However, if you use clipless pedals or are seeking a little more sport-specific performance, a variety mountain biking shoes are available. There are a few different types that will meet the needs of different riders.

Function

The majority of mountain biking shoes are designed for use with clipless pedals. The shoes feature cleats that click into the pedals to securing both feet to the pedals. By locking in, you gain much better positioning of your feet, more pedaling efficiency and power, and more stability.

Types

Several types of clipless shoes are available. The race cleat is a rigid clipless shoe that is designed for performance racing. The hard plastic sole provides excellent pedaling performance, but makes race cleats uncomfortable to walk in or wear off the bike. Recreational clipless shoes are designed for the average rider and are a bit more forgiving; they are also more comfortable for walking and hiking. These shoes are designed to be used for mountain biking with or without clipless pedals. Shoes for freeride and downhill mountain biking are designed to be less rigid, more comfortable and provide absorption and support for landing big jumps and tricks. They are often high-tops, and may be clipless compatible. You should purchase a shoe that is comfortable and provides the support you need.

Warning

SPD is nearly synonymous with clipless, however, it is actually just one specific system designed by Shimano. While SPD dominates the market, there are several other clipless systems available including those by LOOK, Speedplay and Crank Brothers.

Warning

Getting in and out of clipless pedals can take some getting used to. Bailing from the bike will also be more difficult and can result in falling with the bike as opposed to jumping off during a fall. You should practice mounting, riding and dismounting from clipless pedals to get used to them before taking a major mountain bike ride. Practice until you are proficient at quickly clipping in and out.

Identification

In addition to clipless mountain bike shoes there are some non-clipless mountain bike-specific shoes designed disciplines like freeride and downhill. Shoes by companies like Five Ten feature a hard sole molded from a sticky rubber that will adhere to your pedal without fully locking in. With these shoes you'll get better stability on your pedals while not needing to fully lock in. These type of shoes may be high or low tops.