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Step 1
Determine your needs. The type of shoe you select depends on the type of riding you plan to do. What type of terrain do you plan to ride? How much are you planning to ride? What kind of pedals do you have--clip-less or standard? Evaluate all of these thing before you go to the shoe store in search of your mountain-biking shoes.
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Step 2
Look for a shoe with an appropriate sole. If you have clip-less pedals on your bike, you need a shoe with a sole that is going to be compatible. Additionally, determine the type of construction you want for your sole. Mountain-biking shoe soles are designed to be tough and inflexible, curved at the ball of the foot and with tread to accommodate your pedals. Soles come in a variety of materials: injection-molded plastic, plastic and carbon fiber, plastic and fiberglass and carbon fiber. The stiffer the sole, the better the shoe.
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Step 3
Try on the shoe for comfort. If you're foot isn't comfortable, it's not a good shoe for your riding experiences. The shoe may feel a little different than your sneakers, but it should still offer a level of comfort. Also, mountain bike shoes are available with Velcro closures, laces or a combination of both. Consider this when buy shoes.
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Step 4
Look at lightweight shoes. Experts say that the lighter the shoe, the better. If a shoe seems heavy when you try it on, put it back on the shelf.
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Step 5
Test for breath-ability. Evaluate whether the shoe will allow air circulation or not. Your foot needs to breathe when biking, and your shoe needs to allow for that.
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Step 6
Check for durability. If the shoe has a lot of detailing or poor stitching that doesn't look like it will hold up, choose a different shoe. Your mountain bike shoes will be going through some rough terrain, and you need them to hold up.
