MTB shoes 2023: 14 lightweight shoes for racing and touring put to the test

14 lightweight MTB shoes for Race & Tour tested:

• Cube Peak Pro
• DMT KM30
• Fizik Vento Overcurve X3
• Gaerne G. Dare
• Giant Charge Elite MTB
• Giro Sector
• Mavic Crossmax Elite
• Northwave Rebel 3
• Scott Vertec
• Shimano XC7
• Sidi MTB Eagle 10 Mega
• Specialised Recon 3.0
• Suplest Mountain Sport
• Vaude MTB Kuro Tech

Click to go to the individual rating

All topics in this test:

Facts, figures and data: Stiffness & weight

Race shoe test: Results in detail

Interview with Oliver Elsenbach, Managing Director of Solestar and footwear expert

What is important for race shoes

In the beginning there were laces, then came Velcro, followed by the ratchet. Nowadays, race shoes are almost universally adjusted using a twist fastener. Over the years, these stiff shoes have undergone an enormous transformation.

The requirements, however, have remained largely the same: Race shoes should transfer the rider's power to the pedals with as little loss as possible. Ideally, they should also be comfortable enough to cope with pushing or carrying passages during a marathon or the Transalp. In adverse conditions, surefootedness is also necessary in cross-country.

While many shoes still fulfil the first point quite well, the running qualities are sometimes extremely varied. Of the 14 models we tested, only five were really sure-footed and offered impeccable grip on the terrain. With four of them, you should even practise your riding technique to avoid having to get off the pedals in wet conditions.

There are also really huge differences in the fit, the main criterion when buying an MTB shoe. As every foot is very individual, you should definitely try them on. The "Fit" field in the test letters provides clear information on the cut of the shoe. This allows you to better narrow down the possible candidates. Riders with slender feet in particular quickly reach the limits of the usual, often wide fits because the foot cannot be sufficiently fixed in the shoe. And then neither laces nor twist fasteners help.

Test race shoes: We noticed these details

Race shoes should never be bought purely for their looks! There are much more important details that a good shoe should fulfil.

Facts, figures & data

Stiffness of the sole

The stiffness of the sole determines to a large extent how well the rider can transfer his power to the bike. Pedal brings. To check how high the respective stiffness is, we determined the deflection of the sole under a load of 20 kilograms. The higher the value achieved in Newtons per millimetre, the higher the measured stiffness.

The sole stiffness is included in the judgement via the "power transmission" point. The two models from Cube and Sidi, which rely on a simple nylon sole, deform the most under load. The fibre-reinforced soles are significantly higher. Compared to a high-end shoe (reference Specialised S-Works Recon, with green bars in the diagram below; here in the test) with a carbon fibre sole, there is still room for improvement.

Weights

Just like Impellers, Pedals or cranks, the shoes are also part of the rotating mass in the overall bicycle system. This is where a low weight is most noticeable. The lightest shoe in our test comes from DMT and weighs just 646 grams in size 44. Test winners Shimano and Fizik also remain under 700 grams. The heaviest shoe comes from Vaude and weighs in at 810 grams.

The results of the race shoes in the test

Cube Peak Pro

• Price: 150,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 790 g / 36-48
• Sole material / rubber compound: fibre-reinforced nylon with rubber sole
• Features: 1 x Atop twist lock; toe protection; reflective heel
• Fit: Very wide cut throughout for wide feet with large volume

CONCLUSIONS: At a price of 150 euros the Cube Peak Pro is the cheapest shoe in this test and has a fibre-reinforced nylon sole with a grippy rubber coating. Cube relies on a single Atop twist lock for the fastening, with which the entire foot must be fixed. Due to the very wide, voluminous cut of the shoe, sufficient fixation is only possible with correspondingly wide feet. The heel hold when walking could be better despite the roughened heel material. The stiffness of the sole is low.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 3 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 2 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Cube Peak Pro: satisfactory - 29.5 points

DMT KM30

• Price: 239,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 646 g / 37-48; 40.5 -45.5 half sizes
• Sole material/rubber compound: Carbon sole with moulded tread blocks
• Features: 1 x Boa swivel fastener; heel and toe protection; shoe bag included
• Fit: Very wide cut throughout for wide feet with large volume

CONCLUSIONS: The DMT KM30 goes its own way and uses a flexible knitted sock as the upper material, which saves a lot of weight. Due to the strong rubberisation of the heel and the narrow opening, getting into the shoe is very fiddly. As the Italian brand's shoe is cut for a wide foot and offers plenty of space in the toe area, fastening with just one Boa wheel is often not enough. The stiff carbon sole causes slippage, especially on pushing passages. The tongue could be more padded and the tread blocks are not very grippy.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 2 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 2 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 8 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² DMT KM30: satisfactory - 30.1 points

Fizik Vento Overcurve X3

• Price: 219,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 699 g / 36-48; 37.5-46.5 half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP sole with tread blocks
• Features: 1 x Boa twist lock; toe protection
• Fit: Wide fit with roomy toe box

CONCLUSIONS: The Fizik Vento Overcurve X3 has a wide cut and a fairly spacious toe box. For slender feet, the one Boa fastener reaches the limits of adjustability. Slippage occurs at the heel, especially on steep slopes. The pre-shaped sole allows the foot to roll well. The hard profile and the lack of rubber under the midfoot offer little grip. On the pedals, the fairly stiff sole ensures good power transfer. The Fizik is also one of the lightest models in the test.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Walk / Grip (25 %): 3 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 5 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 6 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Fizik Vento Overcurve X3: satisfactory - 33.7 points

Yarns G.Dare

• Price: 209,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 750 g / 39-47
• Sole material / rubber compound: GRP sole, moulded throughout
• Features: 2 x Boa twist lock; toe and heel protection; reflective heel
• Fit: Narrow toe box with voluminous midfoot area and wide heel

CONCLUSION: The The large tongue and heel area of the Garne G.Dare are thickly padded, which means the foot sweats quickly in warm temperatures. While the toe area is rather narrow, the heel could be more compact and offer better support on steep sections. Due to the hard and high profile, there are more grippy and stable models in this test. As the mounted cleat is not positioned as deep in the sole, the cleats are not optimally supported on the pedal body. The toe and heel protection is exemplary.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 5 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Yarns G.Dare: satisfactory - 31.9 points

Giant Charge Elite MTB

• Price: 249,90 Euro
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 722 g / 40-48; no half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP/glass fibre with full-length rubber. rubber coating
• Features: 1 x Boa twist fastener + Velcro; heel and toe protection
• Fit: Medium-width cut with roomy toe box

CONCLUSIONS: At 249.90 euros, the Giant Charge Elite MTB is one of the most expensive race shoes in the comparison and comes with the typical Giant channel in the sole, which is supposed to combine stiffness and low weight. The grippy but less contoured rubber wastes potential, and the narrow profile makes the shoe slightly wobbly. However, the rolling behaviour and heel hold are very good. Thanks to the low-set cleat, the sole sits firmly on the pedal body for good power transfer. The insole with replaceable longitudinal arch support is pleasing.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Giant Charge Elite MTB: good - 38.9 points

Giro Sector

• Price: 250,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 737 g /39-50; 42.5-45.5 half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP with continuous rubber sole
• Features: 2 x Boa twist lock; heel and toe protection; reflective heel
• Fit: Narrow cut with medium-wide toe box

CONCLUSIONS: The expensive Giro Sector has everything a race shoe needs and, thanks to its narrow cut, can also be optimally fitted to slim feet. In addition, the plastic sole reinforced with carbon fibres has good stiffness, which puts a lot of pressure on the pedals. The Giro also impresses off the pedals with its grippy rubber sole and very good rolling behaviour. Sure-footed and without heel slippage, the Sector masters even the steepest of slippery passages. Even available up to size 50.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Giro Sector: very good - 49.9 points

Mavic Crossmax Elite

• Price: 175,00 Euro
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 705 g / 36-48 2/3 in 2/3 sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP/glass fibre with full-length tread. profiling
• Features: 1 x Boa twist fastener + Velcro; toe protection
• Fit: Overall wide cut with very wide forefoot

CONCLUSION: The Mavic Crossmax Elite is well below the 200 euro mark and is This makes them one of the cheapest shoes in the comparison. The fit is rather wide and offers a lot of volume, especially in the forefoot area. Narrow feet won't find enough support in the Mavic shoe and can only be fixed insufficiently. The CFRP sole has good stiffness, but the tread blocks are very hard and offer little grip and comfort. Due to the narrow tread width at the heel, the Mavic is also very wobbly, but at only 705 grams it is a lightweight.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walk / Grip (25 %): 4 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Mavic Crossmax Elite: satisfactory - 32.4 points

Northwave Rebel 3

• Price: 209,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 736 g / 36-48; 39.5-45.5 half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: carbon sole in the cleat area; plastic tread
• Features: 2 x Northwave twist lock; toe and light heel protection on the outside
• Fit: Medium-width cut with roomy toe box

CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to the stiff carbon sole and the tension-resistant upper material, the Northwave Rebel 3 puts a lot of power on the pedals. Thanks to the anatomically shaped upper shoe, even slender feet can be securely fixed in place, providing excellent grip in the shoe on the pedals and on foot. Only the toe box is a little bulky. The shoe can be easily adjusted using the two Northwave twist fasteners. However, the fasteners require more effort compared to Boa. The tread blocks should be grippier and wider at the heel.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Northwave Rebel 3: very good - 45.1 points

Scott Vertec

• Price: 199,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 801 g / 40-48, no half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP with continuous rubber sole
• Features: 2 x Boa twist lock; heel and toe protection; reflective heel
• Fit: Medium-width cut with roomy toe box

CONCLUSIONS: With its wide and grippy rubber sole, the Scott Vertec achieves top marks when walking, making it a sure-footed companion on rough terrain. The removable plastic studs only get in the way when rolling on hard ground. Thanks to the two Boa fasteners, the shoe sits very firmly without heel slippage, only the toe box is roomy. The anatomical insole also stands out positively and offers good support for the foot. There is criticism for the high weight and the low toe protection.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 2 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Scott Vertec: very good - 44.3 points

Shimano XC7

• Price: 219,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 678 g / 38-50, also in wide version
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP with continuous rubber sole
• Features. 2 x Boa twist lock; toe and minimal heel protection
• Fit: Medium-width cut with slim toe box

CONCLUSIONS: The clear test winner in this comparison has no weaknesses and delivers everything racers need. The Shimano XC7 has the stiffest sole, weighs very little and cuts a first-class figure with plenty of grip and stability, even on slippery sections. We were also impressed by the shoe's excellent adjustability thanks to two Boa fasteners and the secure heel hold. Thanks to the interlocking side sections and the fastener positioned far forward, even narrow feet can be optimally secured.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 6 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Shimano XC7: super - 60.9 points

Sidi MTB Eagle 10 Mega

• Price: 259,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 703 g / 40-50; 40.5-46.5 half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: nylon with plastic tread blocks
• Features: 2 x Sidi twist lock; heel protection; reflective heel
• Fit: Overall wide cut with very good heel hold

CONCLUSIONS: In the tested Mega version, the Sidi MTB Eagle 10 is four millimetres wider than the standard version, which offers additional volume for wide feet. Nevertheless, the adjustment range is very wide, which means it can be easily adapted to many foot shapes. The heel hold in particular is exemplary, even for narrow feet. Due to the excessively hard plastic profile and the insufficient support width, the Sidi feels like walking on raw eggs. The sole also offers extremely poor cushioning. The nylon sole offers little stiffness. There is no toe protection.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Walk / Grip (25 %): 4 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 7 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 4 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Sidi MTB Eagle 10 Mega: satisfactory - 33.7 points

Specialised Recon 3.0

• Price: from 188 euros >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 775 g / 37-49; 39.5-45.5 half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP with continuous rubber sole
• Features: 2 x Boa twist fastener + Velcro; toe protection
• Fit: Overall very wide cut with large volume in the toe area

CONCLUSIONS: The Specialised Recon 3.0 features the coarsest profile in the test field and a very grippy rubber sole. Rolling behaviour and grip are very good. The Specialized also stands out in terms of closure with two Boa straps and an additional Velcro fastener. However, due to the very wide fit, the triple fastening is not enough to guarantee optimum support for every foot shape. The heel could be better positioned on steep sliding passages. The sole stiffness is in the mid-range, the toe cap offers little protection against stones.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 6 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 2 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 2 out of 10 points

BIKE verdict² Specialized Recon 3.0: satisfactory - 31.1 points

Suplest Mountain Sport

• Price: 189,00 Euro
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 787 g / 37-47, no half sizes
• Sole material / rubber compound: CFRP with continuous rubber sole
• Features: 1 x Boa twist lock; toe protection
• Fit: Wide cut with roomy toe box

CONCLUSIONS: With the Suplest Mountain Sport, the Swiss manufacturer has opted for an affordable shoe with a single twist lock combined with a very grippy and flat rubber sole. The wider cut shoe is very comfortable to wear and offers a high level of walking comfort. On steep terrain, however, the heel hold could be better despite the rubberised heel cap. In addition, a second width adjustment would be desirable for a better fixation of the foot. The sole stiffness is average.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 9 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 5 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 2 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Suplest Mountain Sport: good - 38.6 points

Vaude MTB Kuro Tech

• Price: 190,00 Euro >> available here
• Weight (size 44)¹ / sizes: 810 g / 36-48
• Sole material / rubber compound: Nylon with continuous rubber sole
• Features: 1 x Boa twist lock; toe protection
• Fit: Narrow cut with compact toe box

CONCLUSION: The Vaude MTB Kuro Tech is also below the 200 euro mark and comes with simple features. Compared to the majority of the rest of the field, the Vaude has a narrow cut and therefore also offers slim feet a very compact hold, whether on the pedals or on running sections. The grip and stability off-road are also very good. The only criticism is the ease of adjustment. This makes it difficult to fix or relieve the foot in a targeted manner. The shoe does not rest directly on the pedal body.

Rating:

• Power transmission / stability (35 %): 8 out of 10 points
• Walking / Grip (25 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Closure / Handling (20 %): 10 out of 10 points
• Weight (20 %): 1 out of 10 points

BIKE judgement² Vaude MTB Kuro Tech: good - 43.2 points

Interview with Oliver Elsenbach, Managing Director of Solestar and footwear expert

A race shoe should fit snugly and as short as possible without pinching.

BIKE: What is the main criterion when buying a race shoe?

Oliver Elsenbach: By far the most important thing is that the shoe fits properly. For a racing shoe, this means: as tight and as short as possible without pinching. The foot should be optimally fixed in the shoe. The overall weight and stiffness of the sole should also be right. So the rule of thumb is: the lighter and stiffer, the better.

So what mistakes should you avoid when choosing a racing shoe?

Race shoes are often bought too big. However, unlike running shoes, where there should be room for a thumb at the front due to the great flexibility of the sole, much less space is required for stiff cycling shoes. Some riders with wide feet simply buy one or two sizes larger, which can lead to problems with correct cleat adjustment.

The fit of a shoe is very individual and depends on the shape of the foot. What should you pay attention to when trying on shoes?

The width of the forefoot is usually decisive for a good fit in the shoe. If a shoe pinches as soon as you try it on in the shop, you should get rid of it immediately. Otherwise pressure points are inevitable in the long term.

The market for retrofit insoles is growing all the time. What properties can they influence?

A good insole has hardly any influence on the fit of the foot in the shoe, but it helps to fix the foot so that it twists less under load. A stiff carbon insole therefore ultimately ensures better performance and helps to prevent injuries and overloading.

¹ BIKE measured values

² The BIKE judgement is independent of price: super (from 56 points), very good (from 44 points), good (from 36 points), satisfactory (from 26 points)

>> Read all articles on the topic of MTB shoes here <<