For trail, tour and enduro: MTB shoe test - 6 current models for trail bikers & enduro riders

Even if the term is as worn out as an old shoe sole: the MTB shoes in the test want to be the perfect all-rounders. With a firm step to the summit and a firm grip on the pedals back down into the valley. And if the terrain gets too rough, you can continue comfortably on foot.

What is important for MTB shoes for Trail & Enduro?

Trail and enduro shoes have changed a lot in recent years. While you could literally see their intended use in earlier models, some of them now look more like skate sneakers than bike shoes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the flat soles are particularly secure on pedals with a platform and - even if they are not as stiff as possible - are still easy to pedal uphill. However, if you're covering a lot of metres in altitude or aiming for the best time on the enduro course, you should still choose a shoe with a stiffer sole.

Partly little grip on wet stones and roots

Whereas just a few years ago you were stumbling through the terrain with wobbly treads, with the current vintage you are usually firmly rooted to the ground. Almost every manufacturer relies on non-slip rubber from Vibram, SUPtraction or their own brand. But a grippy name alone does not make a good profile. On weakly contoured soles, you quickly lose your grip on damp meadows, loose forest soil or mossy rocks. If the MTB shoes also roll poorly, the heel can be lifted out of the back of the shoe.

What is the optimum closure?

The question of the ideal fastening system is also exciting: classic lacing, twist lock, Velcro or a combination of different options? The six bike shoes here have them all on offer.

Turning wheels allow fine adjustment even while riding. However, with only one wheel, there is usually a lack of tension in the toe area. Classic lacing is a little more complex, but the MTB shoes can be adjusted to the foot over the entire area. Tip: If you thread the laces through the tabs from the outside inwards, they will hold the tension better when lacing. Flat laces also generally work better than round ones.

However, neither the one nor the other variant is ideal, as it only becomes a "shoe" when combined with a Velcro fastener. Both in combination with a twist fastener and with laces, a simple Velcro strap provides additional tension and fixes the foot. This not only improves power transmission, but also prevents the heel from lifting when pushing. Especially in combination with socks that are already wet, this could otherwise cause unpleasant friction and bring the tour to an abrupt end.

No more wet feet? For all those who can't do without a rain membrane on their bike shoes, we recently introduced four waterproof MTB shoes in our sights.

For me, laces are still unbeatable because they are simple and uncomplicated. They allow the shoe to be neatly adjusted to the foot. In combination with a Velcro strap, they provide a bombproof hold - and if they break, they are easy to replace. Everywhere. Boa at least offers free replacements for defective parts. But you're at a loss during the tour. What's more, only the versions that can be gradually loosened are really practical - like the X-Dial from Northwave. - Stefan Frey - BIKE test editor

Test: 6 MTB shoes for trail & enduro - details & rating

Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Lace

• Price 170 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Weight¹ / Sizes 884 g / 37-49; 37,5-46,5
• Equipment Lace pocket; Cleats; Toe protection; Cleat scale
• Fit Voluminous toe area; otherwise medium width

Conclusion & evaluation

The Mallet Trail is a real comfort shoe and comfortably wraps the foot in soft padding. The toes have plenty of freedom of movement and the heel has good support - both when pedalling and running. Practical: the laces can be hidden behind a flap. With its flat sole, the Mallet stands securely on the pedals and also offers sufficient stiffness. However, the profile and rubber do not generate the ultimate grip when running. A Velcro strap would be a useful upgrade, as would more effective ventilation openings.

Northwave Rockit Plus

• Price 150 Euro >> e.g. available here
• Weight¹ / Sizes 780 g / 37-48
• Equipment X-Dial twist lock; toe cap; Vibram sole; ripstop upper material
• Fit Medium-wide to narrow and rather flat cut

Conclusion & evaluation

The Rockit comes very close to the ideal of classic touring shoes: a comfortable fit, albeit somewhat narrow, a grippy Vibram sole with a decent profile and robust upper material. Even if the twist fastener is more complicated than the Boa system, it still secures the foot perfectly in the shoe and can be opened and closed in micro-steps. Unfortunately, some power is lost in the flexing sole when pedalling and the stance on the pedal is also a little wobbly. The ripstop material does not allow water or air to reach the foot.

Scott MTB Shr-Alp Evo Boa

• Price 160 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Weight¹ / Sizes 896 g / 40-48
• Equipment Boa fastening; toe cap; ankle protection; side ventilation; sole with pad
• Fit Medium to wide throughout and quite voluminous

Conclusion & evaluation

Last year's test winner has been slightly revised. If the slim cut suits you, you get a top trail shoe that offers plenty of comfort and protection and is passably ventilated. The single Boa fastener holds the foot securely in the shoe. You are stable and firmly connected on the pedals. The power transmission is also perfect. Thanks to the wide cleat channel, you can easily find your way into the binding. The Shr-Alp rolls comfortably when walking, the chunky tread works on many surfaces and offers grip and traction.

Shimano GE7

• Price 170 Euro
• Weight¹ / Sizes 874 g / 38-48
• Equipment Lacing; Velcro strap; TPU toe cap
• Fit Medium-wide to narrow, with significantly wider toe box

Conclusion & evaluation

Shimano's lightweight trail shoe flatters the feet with a very high level of comfort. The GE7 wears and runs almost like a trainers. The combination of lacing and Velcro allows it to be customised to the foot. The rubber compound and tread provide good grip off-road. On the pedals, however, you can clearly feel the flex in the sole. Without a large pedal cage, a lot of leg power is lost when pedalling. Thanks to the long pedal channel, getting on the bike is easy, but the adjustment range for the cleats is noticeably short. Good splash protection, little ventilation.

Suplest Trail Performance

• Price 199 Euro
• Weight¹ / Sizes 1146 g / 37-47
• Equipment Boa twist lock; Velcro; toe cap; cleat scale
• Fit Medium width throughout, slightly more volume in the toe box

Conclusion & evaluation

The Swiss haven't had a trail shoe in their programme for a long time and now they have hit the nail on the head: top comfort, excellent power transmission and a secure footing on the pedals. The Suplest is ideal for demanding trail and enduro tours. It also impresses off the pedals with its good grip and robust construction. The combination of Velcro and Boa straps optimally secures the foot in the shoe. Small drawback: high weight and little adjustment range for the cleat. For a little more protection, a slightly higher ankle area would be desirable.

Vaude Moab Tech Pro AM

• Price 180 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Weight¹ / Sizes 1084 g / 40-48
• Equipment Boa twist lock; ankle/toe protection; recycled materials
• Fit Medium-width fit with flat instep

Conclusion & evaluation

In technical terrain, the Moab scores with plenty of protection for toes and ankles. In addition, the flat and stiff sole provides a high degree of control and stability on the pedals, but hardly rolls when pushing. The robust upper material is not very supple, and the Boa fastener hardly puts any tension on the foremost strap - a typical problem. As a result, the hold in the shoe is not ideal and the heel has some slippage. A wide pedal channel makes clipping in easier. The Moab is very heavy and insufficiently ventilated.