Crankbrothers Stamp & Mallet Trail: MTB shoes from Crankbrothers with new Boa twist

The predecessor of the Crankbrothers Mallet with Boa closure system has already accompanied me for many kilometres through sun, rain and snow. The carefree package for your feet - so to speak. apart from the defect with my colleague. And: Even in these half-shoes, after a while what the tyre throws at your feet between the seat tube and bottom bracket collects.

The update to the MTB shoes from Crankbrothers should now put an end to this: a very flexible fabric lip is added to the upper, which nestles almost tenderly against the ankle and seals the cycling shoe against flying material.

Crankbrothers: Bike shoes for flat and clipless pedals

The Stamp (for flat pedals) and Mallet (click pedals) models familiar from Crankbrothers are launched at the same time. The complete name: Stamp/Mallet Trail BOA. As the name suggests, the two newcomers are designed for trails and enduro. Compared to the "old" model, the new sole is striking. It has coarser studs and the sole is beige in colour. It should offer even better grip on all surfaces, whether wet or dry. The cleat channel has also been extended forwards by one centimetre to allow even easier access to the clipless pedal.

The upper material has also changed: the cap is still reinforced, but the airtight material towards the arch of the foot has been reduced in favour of breathability. The cap itself has also been given larger air holes. Thanks to the different fabric distribution, the new Crankbrothers Mallet is lighter than its predecessor and now weighs 441 grams in size 43 instead of the previous 455 grams. The flat pedal version Crankbrothers Stamp is said to be a further 100 grams lighter: 320 grams in size 42 according to the manufacturer.

Crankbrother Mallet & Stamp with BOA Li2

In addition to the raised shaft to protect against stones in the shoe, the new BOA fastening system is a real benefit for me. Having already tested it on other bike shoes, I really like the fact that it can be closed in very small steps and loosened by turning it in the opposite direction. During the ride, the shoe can be quickly tightened or loosened. Only when you pull the BOA button does the system unlock and you can open the boot completely. In addition, the opening is cut asymmetrically so that the exposed outer area of the shoe offers little contact surface for dirt, stones and thorns. And it doesn't put pressure on the sensitive instep of some people.

However, the Velcro strap put uncomfortable pressure on my instep - I had to try a bit to find the optimum balance between support and freedom of movement.

Overall, the sole of the new Crankbrothers Mallet/Stamp is around 8 mm narrower at the forefoot (in size 42). The new MTB shoe is also slightly narrower, as the upper is no longer as generously padded at the sides due to the new stone guard. From the top, it definitely looks less like a skate shoe and more like a race shoe.

The new Crankbrothers Stamp and Mallet Trail BOA MTB shoes are now available from dealers. Available in all sizes between 37 and 49, both bike shoes are only available in the black/gold/rubber colour combination shown.

• Crankbrothers Clip-in Mallet Trail BOA: 219.99 euros (RRP)
• Crankbrothers Flat Stamp Trail BOA: 199,99 Euro (RRP)

The price has therefore risen by 20 euros compared to the previous models, which will continue to be available for some time. The Mallet currently costs 200 Euro, the Stamp 180.

Now Crankbrothers has also brought out a more affordable model with laces. This version of the MTB shoe is also available as Clip-in Mallet Trail and Flat Stamp Trail.

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