Why should someone buy mountain biking shoes? Or why not the ordinary shoes? These questions often come to every biker’s mind and are worthy enough to be answered.
Mountain biking involves faster riding over rough terrain, and riders are often prone to severe injuries. Feet play a crucial role in keeping you stable while riding. So, protecting your feet is as important as protecting your head.
Prioritizing safety means that investing in mountain bike shoes is a smart choice.
Now, you must be thinking, What kind of shoes to wear for mountain biking? Or are clipless shoes better than flat pedals for mountain biking?
Well, it depends upon your riding style, weather conditions, and individual preferences. Continue reading to learn more about how to choose the right MTB shoes for your mountain biking journey. But let’s first discuss why you should buy MTB shoes.
Why Mountain Biking Shoes Matter for You?
Safety is the first thing that comes to every biker’s mind while gearing up for mountain biking. After all, you’re pedaling or riding downhill, not walking or running. And definitely, you don’t want your feet slipping around or your ankles taking unnecessary strain while riding.
Therefore, it’s better to invest in mountain biking shoes than to risk severe injuries.
MTB shoes offer maximum protection to your feet against trail obstacles, including rocks and roots. Their solid construction reduces the risk of injuries as compared to ordinary shoes.
MTB shoes soles provide excellent traction on the pedals. They prevent your feet from slipping off, particularly on rough or wet terrain.
MTB shoes have a much stiffer toe box than regular shoes. They defend your toes from strikes without limiting your mobility.
Investing in mountain bike shoes is well worth the money to enjoy the most of your ride.
What are the Types of Mountain Biking Shoes?
There are two main types of mountain biking shoes available in the market;
- Clipless shoes
- Flat pedal shoes
Let’s discuss them in detail to know which suits your riding style.
Clipless Shoes
Clipless shoes have an attachment system that allows you to “clip” your shoes into the pedal to keep them firmly in place. This reduces slippage and provides a secure connection between the rider and the bike. If you are a professional mountain biker seeking precision and efficiency on technical trails, consider choosing clipless shoes.
Flat Pedal Shoes
Flat pedal shoes don’t have a clipless mechanism. Instead, they have a rubber sole that provides a secure grip to your foot on the pedal. These shoes are ideal for downhill, freeride, and casual riding. Choose flat pedal shoes if you want more freedom and a natural feel while riding.
What Kind of Shoes for Mountain Biking? Clipless or Flat
It totally depends on your personal preferences and riding style. To put it simply, riding a bike with clipless shoes gives you more stability but also less freedom. However, new riders can start their game with flat pedal shoes, and once they gain trail comfort, they can try clipless. So, depending on the riding style, preferences are different.
Can I Wear Ordinary Shoes for Mountain Biking?
Yes, you can wear ordinary shoes for mountain biking, especially if you are a beginner and riding relatively easy-going trails. However, if you are a professional and ride more frequently, then it is advisable to invest in mountain bike shoes. Because safety is the utmost priority.
Below is the difference between mountain biking and regular athletic shoes to develop a better understanding. Have a look.
| Mountain Biking Shoes | Regular Athletic Shoes |
| Have tough, high-grip rubber outsoles. | Flexible soles and provide general grip. |
| Keep your pedals steady while riding to the top of hills. | Not suitable for hiking or mountain biking. |
| Waterproof and moisture-wicking materials. | Usually don’t feature waterproof and moisture-wicking materials. |
| Velcro lace closures for secure attachment. | Come with laces, which get soggy on rides. |
How to Choose the Right Mountain Biking Shoes?
Consider the following factors before purchasing the ideal mountain bike shoes:
How to choose fit MTB shoes?
MTB shoes should fit snugly without being too tight or too loose. During rides, the toe box should have enough space to allow for the expansion of the foot. But, the heel should remain securely in place to prevent slipping.
How to choose sole stiffness?
Choose a stiffness level based on your needs and riding style. Flexible soles are better for walking and general trail riding, while stiffer soles are more effective for racing and difficult riding.
How to choose MTB shoes for maximum grip?
Consider the tread pattern and your riding conditions, then buy shoes accordingly. For flat pedal systems, choosing shoes with a grippy rubber sole is better. However, if you want to purchase clipless shoes, then make sure they have a compatible tread pattern for sufficient grip.
Which kind of shoes will provide better protection?
For protection against rocks, roots, and other trail obstacles, look for shoes with strong toe caps and proper ankle support. Choose shoes with extra features like impact-resistant fabrics and padded collars for improved protection.
How to choose breathable MTB shoes?
Choose MTB shoes made from breathable materials. The ventilation in shoes keeps your feet cool and dry during faster riding. Look for the mesh panels, which can manage internal temperature and decrease the risk of blisters.
Which MTB shoe closure system is right for you?
Mountain biking shoes feature various closure systems, each with its own advantages. Have a look at these attachments and choose one that suits your preferences:
- Velcro straps are adjustable and provide a secure fit. They are long-lasting; however, they may collect dirt over time.
- Laces offer a customizable fit. But they might need to be adjusted from time to time during riding.
- Boa dials are easy to use and provide accurate, real-time adjustments. They are durable but can be more expensive.
Now look at the best mountain biking shoes, reviewed by thousands of customers on Amazon.
Best Mountain Biking Shoes
Here, I’ve discussed the best mountain biking shoes available on Amazon at affordable rates. These recommendations are based on personal experience and customer feedback for each product. You can also conduct your own research. Here are my top picks:
Five Ten Freerider DLX Mountain Bike Shoes Men’s
The Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes are ideal for both performance and comfort. They are made from top-quality leather and textiles for better durability and breathability. The lace-up design offers an adjustable fit. Click here to see the price.
Features:
- Rubber soles for outstanding grip on the pedals.
- The shoes are comfortable for long rides.
- Durable and sturdy construction that withstands rough trails.
- Stiff soles for efficient transfer power from the rider’s legs to the pedals.
- Customized fit and are affordable.
- Ideal for mountain biking and other extreme sports.
Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes Men’s
The Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes offer maximum comfort and are super functional for mountain biking. These shoes feature a Stealth S1 rubber outsole and a combination of leather and synthetic materials on the upper side. Click here to check the price.
Features:
- Lace-up closure system for a secure and adjustable fit.
- Reinforced toe box for better protection against trail obstacles.
- Top-notch quality leather offers maximum durability.
- Cushioned and water-resistant materials.
Tommaso Vertice Men’s Mountain Bike Shoes
The Tommaso Vertice Men’s Mountain Bike Shoes provide maximum power transfer and excellent grip on the bike. Designed from moisture-wicking materials, they keep your feet dry and cool. These MTB shoes offer secure fit and are affordable. Click here to check the price.
Features:
- Suitable for mountain, gravel, commute, outdoor, and indoor cycling.
- Durable materials that can withstand extreme riding conditions.
- Feature comfortable and breathable materials.
- 3 strap design for secure and adjustable fit.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your feet is as important as protecting your head. It’s better to invest in mountain biking shoes than to risk severe injuries. In this blog, you’ve learned the importance of MTB shoes, why you should choose them, and how to select the right ones. So, what’s next? Get a pair that suits your preferences and riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of shoes should I wear for mountain biking?
You should wear Mountain Biking (MTB) shoes with stiff soles and good traction. They offer better protection to your feet and prevent you from injuries.
Do you need certain shoes for mountain biking?
Yes, it is important to wear shoes designed specifically for mountain biking. Otherwise, you can harm yourself, especially if you are a beginner. MTB shoes offer better grip, power transfer, and protection.
Can I use running shoes for mountain biking?
Yes, you can wear running shoes for mountain biking. It is not obligatory to wear mountain biking shoes for mountain biking. But it is not recommended to wear running shoes for mountain biking. The reason is your safety.
Are walking shoes good for mountain biking?
Walking shoes are not ideal as they don’t provide the necessary grip. However, if you are new and want to explore easy-going trails, you can wear walking shoes that offer better grip. Again, it is better to wear MTB shoes.