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Which mountain bike shoe is right for me? The range is huge, but unfortunately there is no one MTB shoe for everything, just like there is no Easter bunny or Father Christmas. So before you decide on a model, you should be clear about your requirements.
Am I looking for a light and stiff shoe for fast laps on the cross-country course that converts every muscle twitch into propulsion? Or do I need robust shoes for trail and enduro use that allow me to stand securely on the pedals and master the occasional pushing passage? We use the most important criteria to explain which bike shoe is ideal for your intended use.
Weight
When every gram counts, there's only one choice and that's a really light race shoe. In our last Race shoe test the weights averaged 754 grams (size 44), while the models in the 2022 trail shoe test (BIKE 04/2022) weighed an average of 961 grams.
At just 653 grams (size 44), the Specialized S-Works Recon is probably one of the lightest shoes currently available. Interested? Then you should start putting some small change aside. These lightweight shoes currently cost 430 euros.
But even in the Entry-level segment there are a few really lightweight models. The Shimano SH-XC501 weighs just 682 grams and costs less than 150 euros. A real bargain for marathon bikers, especially as its Michelin sole is also good for off-pedalling - but more on that later.
For all those who consider weight to be of secondary importance, the Trail category a wide range of different models. They start at around 850 grams (size 44). Robust models can easily weigh a kilo or more. At 910 grams, the Crankbrothers Mallet E Speed Lace, for example, is a solid all-rounder that offers good protection, a high level of comfort and a sufficiently stiff sole.
Sole stiffness
If you want to get from A to B as quickly as possible, race shoes are of course the right choice, but with one restriction: only the models with carbon soles generate maximum propulsion, as our last comparison test also showed. Inexpensive race shoes up to around 160 euros are usually equipped with simple nylon soles. Although they deliver acceptable power transmission values, they still have significant flex and therefore a noticeable Loss of strength on.
Slight stiffness advantages over pure nylon soles are provided by models with a Mix of nylon and carbonbut these have become rare in the lower price segment. Things get really fast from around 200 euros. Manufacturers then laminate the shoe soles from carbon, which provides a significant increase in stiffness. For really fast lap times, racers should invest a little more.
By the way: Just because trail shoes are more All-round claim This does not automatically mean that their soles bend around the pedals like bananas. Stable models can certainly keep up with the stiffness values of inexpensive racing shoes. This means that even long tours with many metres of elevation gain can be mastered with little effort.
Treaded sole
The combination of stiff carbon soles and hard tread blocks makes running in race shoes a dance on eggshells. Even though some manufacturers have now rubber compounds with better grip from Michelin, Vibram and co. - pushing or carrying is rarely a pleasure with race shoes. Even the less stiff models often roll so badly that your heel almost lifts out of the shoe. For a little more Hold in muddy conditions cleats can often be fitted under the toes of race shoes.
If you have to get off the pedals off-road, the trail pedals are clearly ahead. Almost all models in the current test in BIKE 04/2022 are equipped with chunky treads. As a rule, manufacturers develop their own outsoles with rubber specialists such as Vibram, Michelin and SUPtraction.
With a grippy touring shoe, the bike can easily be carried a few hundred metres up the mountain. Zones with varying degrees of flex under the toes and at the rear provide some Walking comfort like with hiking boots. In this case, only the areas around the cleats are stiffened.
However, not all current models offer the necessary grip despite the grippy compound. Grip on rocks or roots. Profiles that are more orientated towards flat pedal shoes and are intended to provide more contact between shoe and pedal generally bite into the ground less well. If you are looking for maximum grip away from the pedals, you should prioritise open, coarse profiles.
Pedal selection
The choice of Pedals has a certain influence on power transmission and, above all, on stability. While the stiff race shoes are stable and secure even on pedals without an additional cage - such as the classic "snow broom" Eggbeater from Crankbrothers - trail and enduro bikers should opt for pedals with a larger contact surface.
Click pedals with enlarged footprint can provide additional support for the softer soles of touring bikers' shoes. On the one hand, this improves power transmission and at the same time increases stability in technical terrain. Some trail pedals, on the other hand, tend to have an alibi cage that only serves to protect the click mechanism. A glance from the side quickly reveals whether the soles even touch the mini cages.
Closure system
Every biker today knows the click of a twist lock. Thanks to Boa, the MTB shoe can be adjusted to the foot in micro-steps and opened again quickly by pulling the dial. For race shoes, the practical Boa twist fasteners are now widespread and are already used on inexpensive models. But then often in combination with an additional Velcro fastener. Classic laces, pure Velcro shoes or ratchets can now be found on race shoes almost exclusively in the entry-level segment for around 100 euros.
While the cheaper L6 fastener from Boa only rotates in one direction, the higher-quality Boa IP1 can also be fine-tuned in reverse. The L6 is based on a cartridge system that is less dirty and detaches from the bayonet in the event of a hard impact. The fastener can then simply be replaced and used again.
Depending on the manufacturer, the rotary knobs differ in design and features. For example, there are L6 fasteners with and without rubber coating, colour-coordinated or black. The combination of a Boa fastener and Velcro usually works better than a single dial, as it often does not provide enough tension on the forefoot. Even better: two twist fasteners, as found on the more expensive models. In the event of a defect, Boa provides a replacement for all fasteners. Free repair kits as long as the shoe in question is still usable.
When it comes to trail shoes, the trend is currently moving back towards laces, which doesn't have to be a disadvantage. Although classic lacing takes a little more time, it can be finely adjusted to the foot - and on the way to your favourite trail, it's rarely about tenths of a second. What's more, laces are easier to repair on the go than a Boa fastener. A broken lace can be replaced with a cable tie if necessary.
The upper shoe
A look at the upper material also quickly reveals the difference between race and trail shoes. Laser cuts, mesh inserts and ventilation slits are designed to keep the race shoes particularly well ventilated during the chase for the best time. Instead of comfortable padding, the focus is on the tightest possible fit on the foot and therefore better power transmission - which is not always really comfortable, but maximises efficiency.
If you want more comfort, you should opt for a trail shoe. These models are generally much more comfortably padded and offer more protection against contact with rocks or mud. Sturdy toe caps, raised sections on the inside of the ankle or water and dirt-repellent materials: trail shoes are better equipped for the battle against the terrain than for the battle against the clock.
On hot days, it can get a little sweaty in the shoe. In addition, the thick padding in combination with the closed upper material usually takes longer to dry again after a rain shower or a trip through water.
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Race shoes
Pro
- Better power transmission thanks to stiff soles, especially on the more expensive models
- Good ventilation and quick drying
- Quick adjustment even while travelling thanks to twist locks
- Low weight
Contra
- Really stiff models very expensive, only from approx. 200 euros
- Little running comfort, poor rolling behaviour, low grip off-road
- Reduced stability on the pedal
Trail / Enduro shoes
Pro
- High wearing comfort
- Good grip and high running comfort off-road
- Plenty of protection against contact with obstacles, water and mud spray
- Sufficient power transmission, especially in conjunction with a larger pedal cage
- Good models are usually cheaper than race shoes
Contra
- Often a little sweatier
- Less stiffness than race models
- Lacing usually a little more elaborate
Robust and comfortable: 2022 touring shoes put to the test
Touring shoes for mountain bikers have to combine the best of both worlds. Grippy and comfortable like hiking boots, but at the same time stiff and powerful like race shoes - criteria that are almost mutually exclusive. Our test shows which model manages the balancing act in BIKE 04/2022.
Stefan Frey
Editor
