MTB cycling shoes are treated like mangy dogs. They are kicked and shooed, and at the end of the day they are left dirty and ragged outside the door. Yet they serve us faithfully. They take step after step, as calmly as a Tibetan monk - they give our feet a foothold. Without their stiff soles, the energy of our muscles would seep away on the pedals like a careless desert hiker in quicksand. Race shoes have a particularly hard time of it: in races, we always pedal at the limit - mercilessly, in all weathers. The shoes need to be as light, stiff and yet comfortable as possible. We asked the manufacturers for their best race models and received 14 pairs of shoes ranging from 149 to 199 euros for our comparison test.
You can find these MTB race shoes in the test:
- Bontrager Forey Mountain
- Diadora Vortex-Comp
- Fizik M5 Boa Man
- Gaerne G.Fast (BIKE Tip: Race)
- Diadora X-Vortex-Comp
- Giro Privateer R
- Lake MX168
- Mavic Crossmax SL Pro
- Northwave Blaze Plus
- Rose RMS MTB Carbon (BIKE tip: price/performance)
- Scott MTB Team Boa
- Shimano SH-XC61 (BIKE tip: test winner)
- Sidi Eagle 5 fit
- Suplest Edge/3 Sport
- Vaude Exire Pro RC
We deliberately chose the mid-range: affordable bike shoes for around 100 euros are the bread and butter of race shoes - not bad, but certainly not a highlight in terms of taste. They are usually fastened with three Velcro straps - which doesn't put much tension on the foot. In addition, their nylon soles are often as flexible as ballerinas. High-end racing shoes are the other extreme: complete with carbon soles, ultra-light upper materials and precisely adjustable fasteners. They are like Kobe beef and caviar. Exclusive and exorbitantly expensive, but too special for everyday use. The mid-range combines the best of both categories. Manufacturers combine robust nylon soles with carbon or fibreglass reinforcements under the cleats - so you can pedal well and still run sensibly. The top Velcro strap is replaced by a ratchet or a practical twist lock. Both not only give the foot more support, but can also be adjusted more precisely. With thinner padding and a slimmer cut, the mid-range racers offer the perfect compromise between a flip-flop and ankle cuffs.
We pedalled all the models mercilessly over our test lap - over steep climbs and rapid descents - and bent them in the lab on our stiffness test bench. And at the end of the day, we left them sweaty and dirty in the cellar - just like mangy dogs. We also wanted to clarify the question of how much money you really need to invest in a good race shoe with a blind test.
THE TOP 3:
What the testers say about the MTB shoes:
Ludwig Döhl, BIKE tester: Before the plastic soles of cheap shoes become soft, some other component, such as the ratchet or tread, usually gives up the ghost anyway. My tip: Buy normal shoes up to 150 euros and invest the rest in customised insoles, for example from Solestar.
Stefan Loibl, BIKE editor: The high-end model is allergic to running and pushing passages. On the Cape Epic two years ago, I completely battered one of these shoes in eight days. Expensive fun! Nevertheless, for marathons there's no getting round stiff, lightweight shoes.
Stefan Frey, bike editor: You can get really good bike shoes for as little as 100 euros these days. But are they real racers? For me, the sole is too soft and the padding too comfortable. The comfort shoes are great on long tours, but I would like a more direct shoe for racing....
...
Does it really always have to be expensive top-of-the-range shoes?
300 euros is now standard for high-end race shoes for mountain bikers. A blind test should show whether you can go fast for less money.
My colleague is lounging in a folding chair - blindfolded, ears plugged - and has his shoes tied. I kneel in front of him and slip overshoes over his feet. With his boots on, I send him off unsuspectingly on our test round. The task: to feel which of the three Northwave models he is pedalling in. We wanted to know: Is it possible to blindly experience the difference between the high-end and entry-level models, and is it really worth reaching for the top-of-the-range shoe? Three laps later, we determine the order. The result: test passed. We were able to clearly assign all models to their price category. The second question is more difficult. Although the inexpensive Scorpius caresses the foot and is comfortable to ride, it is not very direct and gives way noticeably when pedalling. The Extreme XC, on the other hand, transforms even the slightest muscle twitch into propulsion. On longer tours, however, it can quickly overstrain the foot.
Our favourite for racers: the mid-range model. The nylon-carbon sole is stiff and durable, the firmer upper material transfers power directly to the pedals, and even pushing passages can be mastered without contortions.
...
MTB SHOES: HOW THE MID-RANGE PERFORMS IN THE TEST
Spending more than 200 euros on a race shoe? Actually completely unnecessary. Many of the models tested offer everything a racer's heart desires. Fizik, Gaerne, Lake, Northwave and Sidi offer stiff soles. Gaerne, Northwave, Shimano and Sidi produce excellent lasts with a racy fit. Sophisticated closures? Shimano, Gaerne and Lake. Bontrager, Giro, Lake and Mavic offer grippy soles that allow you to master the occasional unrideable passage. In our eyes, however, the most convincing complete package is provided by Shimano with the SH-XC61. It combines a very direct ride feel with a great fit and a simple but well thought-out closure system.
Bontrager Forey Mountain
Price 159,90 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.trekbikes.com / Rovv Mountain
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 752 g / 2.4 Nm/°
Sizes 39 - 48, half sizes from 41.5 - 45.5, also available in Wide
Sole material Nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 7 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Good all-rounder with large reinforcement in the wide toe area. Runs comfortably and provides sufficient power on the pedals. However, the Boa fastener does not provide enough traction in the front area, and you stand on the pedal slightly tilted outwards. The long tongue can pinch. Attention: runs large.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Diadora X-Vortex-Comp
Price 190 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.thalersports.de / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 703 g / 2.3 Nm/°
Sizes 38 - 47, half sizes from 41.5 - 45.5
Sole material Carbon-reinforced nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 4 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The lightweight Diadora is very wide, the soft upper material hardly puts any traction on the foot. The sole offers no support for the feet and only moderately transfers muscle power to the pedals. The plate under the cleat increases the contact area but slips easily when you unclip. The grippy tread sole bends sharply when walking.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
Fizik M5 Boa Man
Price 179 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.fizik.com / M5B Donna
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 893 g / 3.5 Nm/°
Sizes 40 - 48, half sizes from 40.5 - 46.5
Sole material Carbon-reinforced nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 8 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Chic Italo racer, not just for the ice cream parlour. The sturdy upper material offers a firm grip and plenty of comfort. The sole is stiff and lies flat on the pedal - secure footing guaranteed. The seams in the ankle area can pinch and the wobbly sole was not entirely convincing when walking. There is no reinforcement on the toes.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Gaerne G.Fast
Price 199,95 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.gaerne.com / G.Iris
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 802 g / 3.5 Nm/°
Sizes 39 - 47, no half sizes
Sole material Plastic
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 8 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION: The Gaerne brings power to the pedals even without carbon. With a sporty cut and little padding, it is nevertheless very comfortable to wear. The Boa fastener in the centre works perfectly. The heel also finds good support when walking, soft rubber provides grip. Only the front Velcro strap is of little additional benefit.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Giro Privateer R
Price 149,99 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.grofa.com / Manta R
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 831 g / 2.4 Nm/°
Sizes 39 - 48, half sizes from 42.5 - 44.5
Sole material Nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 7 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: More sporty tourer than racer. The Giro is short, narrow and flat, but very comfortable to wear. Thanks to its grippy sole, it is very secure, yet still delivers plenty of power to the pedals. Its classic fastening with ratchet and Velcro secures the foot very well in the shoe. They are robust, but not lightweight.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Lake MX168
Price 163,95 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.lakecycling.com / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 840 g / 4.1 Nm/°
Sizes 36 - 50, no half sizes, available in a wide version
Sole material Plastic
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 10 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The heavy and robust Lake has a very touring look. The highly profiled sole offers plenty of grip, is very stiff and generates excellent power transmission. The Boa fastener can be moved, but can be a little tight at certain points. Plenty of room in the toe box and a little less support in the heel when walking.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Mavic Crossmax SL Pro
Price 170 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.mavic.com / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 807 g / 2.7 Nm/°
Sizes 38 ²/³ - 47 ¹/³, in ²/³ size increments
Sole material Nylon, carbon-reinforced
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 6 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The Mavic is a very comfortable tourer with a grippy profile and top running characteristics, but noticeable flex in the sole. The adjustable Velcro straps put very little strain on the instep. The long, comfortable tongue and very good ventilation in the toe area are just as pleasing as the supportive insole.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Northwave Blaze Plus
Price 169,99 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.northwave.com / BLaze WMN
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 787 g / 3.8 Nm/°
Sizes 38 - 47, half sizes from 39.5 - 45.5
Sole material Nylon, carbon-reinforced
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 9 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Classic racer: slim fit, firm cushioning, stretch-resistant upper material and a very stiff sole. You can really kick in with the Blaze. However, it hardly rolls when walking and is a little wobbly on the ground. The twist fastener offers good adjustment options, is very flat, but a little difficult to use.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Rose RMS MTB Carbon
Price 149,95 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.roseversand.de / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 670 g / 3.4 Nm/°
Sizes 42 - 48, no half sizes
Sole material Carbon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 9 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Light, stiff and well ventilated. For just 150 euros, Rose offers a thoroughbred racer with a carbon sole and spikes, which is comfortable to wear even without thick padding. On the other hand, the RMS offers hardly any walking comfort, little grip and slightly less heel support. The cheap ratchet can be forgiven at this price.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Scott MTB Team Boa
Price 199,95 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.scott-sports.com / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 816 g / 2.7 Nm/°
Sizes 40 - 48, no half sizes available
Sole material Nylon-fibreglass mix
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 7 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Good power transmission thanks to a snug fit and carbon-reinforced sole. The insole can be adjusted to the foot. The upper material is somewhat flexible. The scaling helps with cleat mounting. The area around the ankles and the Boa mounts cause pressure points. Wide footprint, but not very grippy profile.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Shimano SH-XC61
Price 199,95 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.paul-lange.de / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 698 g /2.4 Nm/°
Sizes 38 - 50, 41 - 48, also in wide version
Sole material Glass fibre with carbon reinforcement
RATING
Weight (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 7 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Despite its low sole stiffness value, the SH-XC61 delivers plenty of power to the pedals. A flat cut, excellent fit and the counter-rotating Velcro straps ensure great grip in the shoe and a very direct riding feel. The insole supports the foot. Good running comfort, but little grip on the hard tread sole.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Sidi Eagle 5 fit
Price 199 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.sidisport.com / MTB Eagle 5
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 798 g / 4.7 Nm/°
Sizes 36 - 52, half sizes from 37.5 - 46.5
Sole material Nylon, carbon-reinforced
RATING
Weight (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 9 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION: Typically Italian: The Sidi has a narrow (especially at the midfoot) and racy cut. Good power transmission thanks to the stiff sole and firm upper material. The ratchet is a little fiddly and pinches the foot, the strap can be easily centred. The plastic profile provides little stability on the pedals and hardly any when running.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Suplest Edge/3 Sport
Price 189 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.suplest.com / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 771 g / 2.4 Nm/°
Sizes 37 - 47, no half sizes
Sole material Nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 6 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 5 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The voluminous Suplest provides little support for the foot, but is otherwise very comfortable to wear and has a top finish. The Boa fastener provides little traction because the circumferential tongue locks, and the Velcro has practically no effect. The profile is very high, making it difficult to click in. The sole is only moderately stiff.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Vaude Exire Pro RC
Price 160 Euro
Info / Ladies model www.vaude.com / -
Weight / sole stiffness¹ 863 g/3.5 Nm/°
Sizes 40 - 48, no half sizes
Sole material Nylon
RATING
Weight (25 %) 4 out of 10 points
Power transmission (35 %) 8 out of 10 points
Closure (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Walk / Grip (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Wellness wrap: Lots of padding wraps the foot comfortably in the rather wide-cut Vaude. Despite the roughened material, the heel only gets moderate support. The stiff sole transfers power well to the pedals. The footbed could provide a little more support. The Exire offers good comfort and stability.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
¹BIKE measurements: Weights measured in size 45 (exception Sidi: size 46) ²The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
Stefan Frey
Editor
