The Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2021
Whether you’re cruising singletrack and charging down hills, traversing hundreds of miles, or speeding through race events, here are the best mountain bike shoes for your ride.
Well-constructed mountain bike shoes provide power on the climb and security on the descent. A solid pair also protects and prevents foot fatigue without being restrictive — and hopefully feels good to wear.
When you’ve pedaled dozens of miles from civilization, nothing’s worse than getting caught in a pair of shoes that’s loose, cumbersome, undependable, or doesn’t fit right.
Over the past year, our crew of male and female riders grinded more than 4,000 miles while wearing a huge variety of the most popular, top-selling, and boutique mountain bike shoes throughout the country. We took these pairs along wooded singletrack, rolling gravel routes, rugged mountain passes, sagebrush-bordered desert, and rigorous hike-a-bikes.
Read on to see our team’s list of the best MTB footwear for an array of riders. And if you need more help choosing, check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ at the bottom of the page.
Browse the complete list of picks or jump ahead to the category that most interests you:
- Best Overall
- Runner-Up
- Best Budget
- Best Race Shoe
- Best for Flat Pedals
- Best for Cross-Country
- Best Bikepacking Shoe
- Best of the Rest
The Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2021
Best Overall: Scott MTB RC Evo — Men’s & Women’s
The Scott MTB RC Evo ($300) is our top choice. This stable pair tackles any type of ride and terrain. The shoe’s out-of-box fit was like Cinderella’s slipper — not too plush or too stiff — and remained steadfast after logging hundreds of miles.
This ultralight shoe is loosened and tightened via a quick-release BOA dial platform, which we appreciated. Our testers noted the upper felt protective and breathable, thanks to the mesh thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) construction. The materials felt built to last — like the carbon fiber outsole — and the hikability was excellent.
“These crush, and when you consider the price point against the competition, they are hard to beat. This is a shoe that allows you to race hard with high performance and still enjoy wearing on a casual ride. The design is comfortable off the bike, too, and aesthetically pleasing,” shared one rider.
Among the pairs tested, the MTB RC Evo was one of the stiffest, which enhanced responsiveness on the bike — but some riders could be keen to pull on a softer shoe.
- Weight (per pair): 770 g (size 42)
- Closure: Dual-zone BOA
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Very durable
- Super supportive
Cons
- Comfort is slightly sacrificed for rigidity
- Limited color options
Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at Backcountry
Runner-Up: Shimano S-Phyre XC9 MTB Shoes
The rigid Shimano S-Phyre XC9 ($425) is a beast at transferring power from our feet to the pedal, making it a premier pick for cross-country jaunts and cyclocross competitions. This design won the crown for stiffest-of-all yet still felt comfortable, which surprised us.
“The shoe has great heel retention and was surprisingly walkable for how stiff the build is,” shared one tester.
The lightweight midsole is built with a rigid carbon fiber composite. For added protection, the external heel cup hugs the foot to help prevent twists, and the toe is reinforced with molded rubber. For competitors or wet conditions, the pair also comes with optional 18mm climbing spikes.
- Weight (per pair): 718 g (size 42)
- Closure: Dual-zone BOA
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Extremely stiff
- Comfortable
- Excellent ventilation
- Great choice for cross-country riders
Cons
- Shoe likely needs a cover in the shoulder seasons
- Wide toebox might not provide adequate tension for narrower feet
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Jenson USA
Best Budget: Scott MTB Comp BOA — Men’s & Women’s
The Scott MTB Comp BOA Shoe ($110) aptly proved to be comfy and tough — even at a lower price point. If you’re hitting the trails every day, this pair is a great choice for crawling and pounding the roots, rocks, and dirt.
The shoe is super comfortable with no break-in period needed — the tradeoff being this design is less stiff and transfers a bit less power to each pedal stroke. Our testers found the shoes were cozy for hike-a-bike segments and dumped heat well through the plastic mesh upper.
- Weight (per pair): 718 g (size 42)
- Closure: BOA and Velcro strap
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Hard-to-beat price
- Excellent comfort
Cons
- Single BOA system lacks fine-tuning, which might not cut it for narrow feet
- Sole is not very stiff
Check Men’s Price at Scott SportsCheck Women’s Price at Backcountry
Best Race Shoe: Specialized S-Works Recon Mountain Bike Shoe
For competitive riders, the Specialized S-Works Recon Mountain Bike Shoe ($425) is fully constructed with high-end, extremely lightweight materials that take a beating without weighing you down. Despite being featherlight, the overall build is super stiff and durable.
Hats off to the space-grade Dyneema mesh and TPU upper completely devoid of stretch! The integrated carbon plate is the stiffest one the brand produces. Plus, the shoe is well-ventilated for those heat-building climbs.
“This shoe is very responsive, stiff, and light. I felt completely connected with the bike and the pedals while wearing these shoes. It’s exactly the power transfer I’d expect from a shoe of this caliber plus a quality fit and attention to detail in the design. The shoe is well-made and didn’t show any signs of weakening throughout hundreds of miles of test rides,” reported one of our riders who tackled miles in this pair.
Riders and bikepackers with comfort, hikability, or coffee shop stops as the top priorities — this pair won’t be your first choice.
- Weight (per pair): 540 g (size 42)
- Closure: Dual-zone BOA plus Velcro strap
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Pure hard-charging race and ride shoe
- The shoe breaks in after use
Cons
- Not comfortable out of the box
- Discomfort while hiking and walking in shoe
- Pricier option
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Jenson USA
Best for Flat Pedals: Five Ten Freerider MTB Bike Shoes — Men’s & Women’s
This top-selling flat design ($100) continues to be a bar-setter for flat pedals. Loads of mountain bikers prefer to ride unattached to their pedals, and this is a great choice for the style.
The outsole is made with tried-and-true Stealth rubber, enabling high-friction grip, which is key on trails with segments of boulder fields or rocky, steep terrain with hike-a-bikes.
The tread features a polka-dot style design that aids the outsole’s solid grip on speedy descents. To relinquish heat, the shoe’s upper has sections of mesh coupled with leather for long-lasting durability. And the footbed is made of compressed foam.
Overall, if you find yourself exploring the high mountains or rocky desert terrain — and arm-hauling your bike a bunch — this comfortable, well-cushioned shoe will let you focus on the journey. Then you can stroll into a restaurant patio with your crew.
- Weight (per pair): 783 g (size 43)
- Closure: Laces
- Cleat Compatibility: Flat sole for platform pedals
Pros
- High-traction Stealth rubber outsole
- Excellent flat-pedal option
- Lower price tag
- Very hikable
- Laces provide a huge amount of adjustment
Cons
- Not as streamlined as other pairs
- Laces require a bit more time to adjust than a dial closure
- Tread isn’t the most aggressive
Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI
Best for Cross-Country: Giro Empire VR90 Shoe — Men’s & Women’s
With a stiff build, the Giro Empire VR90 Shoe ($300) delivers excellent power transfer, and the shoe prevails season after season. One of our testers has a 4-year-old pair with more than 12,000 miles under the soles, and they’ve hardly aged.
The design is constructed with a carbon fiber outsole and a lugged tread, made of grippy Vibram rubber. The one-piece upper has no seams or adhesives, and the fabric repels water yet provides a fair amount of breathability.
“Once you have a few rides with these shoes, the upper is uber-comfortable, and the design is pretty lightweight,” noted one tester who added the break-in time was noticeable.
Bonus: The shoe comes with several arch support insertions for a customizable fit.
- Weight (per pair): 630 g (size 42.5)
- Closure: Laces
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Super durable
- Laces allow for a wide variety of adjustment
Cons
- Laces don’t provide the fine-tune of a dual BOA system
- Not a good match for the widest foot
- Pricier
- Not the most breathable for hot weather
Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at Backcountry
Best Bikepacking Shoe: Bontrager Avert Adventure Mountain Bike Shoe
Our rider tested multiple pairs of footwear on rugged multiday, high-mountain, and desert routes, and the Bontrager Avert Adventure Mountain Bike Shoe ($175) reigned supreme.
On the 145-mile Kokopelli Trail from Fruita, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, she appreciated the cushioned EVA midsole for jumping on and off the bike along cliffy sections of singletrack, scrambling over piles of huge boulders, heading down climbs, and huffing uphill in sand.
“I love that the tongue is integrated into the upper, so it never shifts around or creates a pressure point. With that feature, the shoe also seamlessly pulls on and off, which is really important after a 50-mile day when my feet are fatigued and sensitivity is high,” noted the rider.
The lugs on the outsole provide adequate grip while rolling a bike down or up steep, loose dirt and scattered rocks. An elastic band holds the laces in place, preventing any flyaways.
The upper features small aeration holes above the toes and is constructed with CORDURA and suede. The fabric is weather-resistant, breathable, durable, and a big reason the shoe doesn’t reflect any wear and tear after bikepacking hundreds of miles.
“Instead of classic clipless pedals, I use the Hustle REM Pedal and plate, a magnetic pedal design made by Hustle Bike Labs. When I use this Bontrager pair, the plates that attach to the bottom of each shoe are flush with the outsole.
“So, I really like that the outsole’s shape and tread is level. As a result, the Avert Adventure Mountain Bike Shoe connects like a glove with the wide base of my pedals,” added the rider.
- Weight (per pair): 788 g (size 41.5)
- Closure: Laces
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Excellent hikeability
- Plush, supportive midsole for long days
- Integrated tongue
- Relaxed fit offers space for swollen feet
Cons
- Some riders might prefer a more fitted, streamlined silhouette
Best of the Rest
Giro Ventana Fastlace Shoe — Men’s & Women’s
The Giro Ventana Fastlace Sport Mountain Bike Shoes ($130) in women’s and men’s models provide a grippy sole and stitch-free, strong upper. Our bikepackers found the design is immediately comfortable and optimal for hike-a-bike sections.
That said, the stoutness and power transfer aren’t supreme. Overall, the shoe is a sturdy, well-ventilated design.
“This shoe is incredibly comfortable for all-day wear. There’s a roomy toebox for long rides when your feet swell. And it’s super easy to get the shoe on and off.
“When you hike with your bike, it feels more like you’re wearing regular shoes than cycling shoes. The ventilation is great, and the shoe works with flats or clips,” noted our tester.
- Weight (per pair): 834 g (size 42.5)
- Closure: One-piece synchwire and Velcro strap
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Solid choice for bikepacking
Cons
- Sole is a little chunky
- Roomy toebox leads to a lack of precision
- A tad heavier than other shoes
- Velcro can get clogged and attracts foliage
Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI
Shimano RX8 Mountain Bike Shoe — Men’s & Women’s
One of the lightest shoes we tested is the Shimano RX8 Mountain Bike Shoe ($250), which is a great choice for gravel riders. The upper is a synthetic mesh and leather blend. And the outsole is made of a carbon fiber composite. Overall, the fit hugs the foot and is rigid.
According to our rider, “This shoe has a really strong balance of comfort, stiffness, performance, and durability. And it has a killer price-to-weight ratio. It’s only 15 grams heavier than the lightest shoe but $200 cheaper.”
This design also features women’s and men’s options.
- Weight (per pair): 530 g (size 42)
- Closure: BOA and Velcro strap
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- A dual BOA system would enhance its microadjustment capability
Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at Backcountry
DMT KM1
The DMT KM1 ($440) features a unique upper with a knit construction in order to alleviate pressure points — a priority for racers.
“This shoe feels similar to a comfortable running shoe with great breathability. The sole feels stiff and race-worthy, and the BOA system provides a snug fit. Plus, the shoe is extremely lightweight and aesthetically very pleasing,” our rider found.
- Weight (per pair): 590 g (size 42)
- Closure: BOA
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- True to size
- Very comfortable on and off the bike
Cons
- Knit upper might not be the most durable
- Could use more impact protection across upper
- Ankle area is not well supported
- Higher price
F’iz:ik Vento Overcurve X3
The F’iz:ik Vento Overcurve X3 ($250) is an all-around well-built shoe from singletrack to gravel grinds.
“This is a great everyday shoe that can handle mountain biking through the glades and traveling over roads in the high country,” noted our tester. “The upper is comfortable. The outsole is very stiff but comfy. And the power transfer is better than some of the high-priced models.”
Plus, the shoe’s single BOA is threaded through a series of grommets, which helps tailor the fit without the price hike of a double BOA setup. Overall, the fit is on the narrower side.
- Weight (per pair): 590 g (size 42)
- Closure: BOA
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Upper is comfortable
Cons
- Lacks the fit refinement of a dual BOA or full lace-up
- Some riders might prefer a stiffer fit
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon
Northwave Enduro Mid Cycling Shoe
To support leaps on and off the bike and carrying your wheels, the outsole and rugged tread of Northwave Enduro Mid Cycling Shoe ($170) bites into a variety of terrain. The lugs are deep and angular from toe to heel.
These shoes might be a tad heavier than the others listed here, but the material adds protection that some of our testers appreciated.
“I used these shoes on a 2-day 56-mile bikepacking trip in Colorado’s Elk Mountains with 7,600 feet of ascent. The route was full of segments with boulders, chunky rocks, or loose gristle, and these mid-top shoes offered the most ankle support I’ve experienced with any mountain bike shoe.
“The thermo-welded upper and reinforced toe also protected my feet. I experienced zero bruises. The breathability was excellent. Despite my heel being narrow, I never experienced any heel lift. The downfall of these shoes is they’re not easy to pull on and off,” noted the bikepacker who tested these shoes.
- Weight (per pair): 1,014 g (size 42)
- Closure: BOA and Velcro strap
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-bolt
Pros
- Rockstar ankle support
Cons
- Difficult entry and exit
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Mountain Bike Shoes
Comfort & Fit
How a mountain bike pair feels depends on the overall design of the shoe as well as the shape of your foot. In general, silhouettes can offer a more relaxed fit or a precise, snugger fit. The latter is usually preferred for greater power transfer, which racers typically appreciate. Folks with narrower feet also might find that a more streamlined design fits better.
When you pull on your bike shoes, your toes shouldn’t be scrunched or rub against the end — they should have enough room to move. Similar to a hike or run shoe, you don’t want your heel to slip up due to a mismatched fit.
Many designs are on the firmer end of the spectrum and tend to break in after a few rides. That said, a handful of steely designs are constructed to stay stiff as a board — a feel that some riders prefer.
On the flip side, a shoe with a more cushioned midsole and beefier outsole can decrease a shoe’s streamlined feel, rigidity, and power transfer.
Breathability
A mountain bike shoe’s breathability is determined by the material of the upper and the number of ventilation ports integrated into the design. Uppers are made from a range of materials, including leather and synthetics.
If you tend to ride high-volume days in hot conditions and direct sunlight, generally have sweaty feet, or experience foot swell, the breathability of your shoes should be a top priority.
Power Transfer & Stiffness
In addition to a precise fit, an unyielding upper enhances the shoe’s ability to transfer power from the foot to each pedal stroke. The more unmalleable the materials, the more energy can be exchanged.
However, high rigidity and a decisive fit can occasionally sacrifice comfort off the bike, which can be felt while hiking your wheels, walking around post-ride, or pulling on and off the shoes.
That said, stiffness can also provide the top-tier longevity and support some riders prefer in their footwear. It’s personal preference. Other riders opt for more out-of-box comfort and hikability.
Hikeability, Outsole, & Tread
If you’re riding rough trails, chances are you’ll need to hop off and hike your bike, especially on multiday bikepacking ventures.
A shoe’s hikeability includes a mix of variables. If you’re hiking a ton or on back-to-back days, the overall comfort and impact absorption is important.
An EVA midsole is more plush, while a polyurethane midsole is usually a bit firmer. For some riders, having stiff support around the ankle is key, too.
The outsole’s lug design, as well as the material, can help provide traction and grip on steep slopes, loose dirt, and rocks. Deeper lugs spaced apart generally provide more traction and can be more easily cleaned out.
A shorter, broader lug or lugs spaced closer together usually increase grip on surfaces such as rocks. Some outsole materials specifically use sticky rubber to help improve grip, too.
Price & Durability
Dependable, well-made mountain bike shoes come in a huge price range from $100 to $440 per pair, as reflected in our top picks. Generally, the more expensive a shoe is, the more precise the design is to the foot’s anatomy. A higher price also reflects the use of more expensive, lightweight materials or a complicated, unique manufacturing process.
Generally speaking, a shoe built around providing more comfort with an EVA midsole will wear down more quickly and is less expensive than a polyurethane midsole. That said, the upper and outsole material can still be hardy on a comfortable shoe.
The median price of a solid mountain bike shoe is $250.
Weight
Some riders and racers prefer to wear footwear that feels super light with each pedal stroke. Other bikers don’t mind additional grams for bonus features, such as a dual BOA system or a plusher midsole. Often, the lighter a material is, the more expensive it is.
Pairs of mountain bike shoes range from close to 530 g to 1,014 g, with the latter providing beefier protection. The median weight is around 718 g per set.
Closure
Most mountain bike shoes have an upper that opens and closes via laces or a quick-release system such as synchwire or the dial-controlled BOA system with lightweight laces and guides.
A dual-zone BOA system includes two separate microadjustability zones that can be tightened or loosened across the feet. A BOA can also be a single-dial setup that pulls down or opens the upper, which is generally cheaper.
Some designs also use hook-and-loop straps with Velcro, and others have notched straps that close via a buckle.
You definitely want to be sure the laces can be tucked away — various shoes include elastic bands to hug the laces — so they don’t fly and get caught in the bike chain or trip you on a hike section.
Cleat Compatibility
Clipless mountain bike shoes directly clip in and out of the pedals by way of cleats. The outsole features a two-bolt system, which is usually compatible with the common SPD cleats, manufactured by Shimano.
A handful of other companies make compatible cleat kits and pedals, including Crankbrothers and Look. The two-bolt system is also typically compatible with magnetic pedal setups such as the Hustle REM Pedal. Other footwear designs have a completely level outsole, with no integrated two-bolt system, to have full contact with the flat or platform pedal.
A handful of mountain bike shoes have both: an even outsole with universal lugs plus an inlay for the two-bolt system, like the Bontrager Avert Adventure Mountain Bike Shoe. With those, you can experience the feeling of your weight being evenly, broadly distributed over the surface area of the pedal but can also add a magnetic setup for a more powerful connection.
Many riders prefer to ride clipless for the power transfer. Others would rather have the nimbleness and freedom to quickly set down their foot. Also, some riders are sensitive to the pressure or heat that can build beneath their foot while standing up or pedaling beefy miles with clipless pedals and prefer to adjust their foot placement on a platform pedal.
As a middle ground, a magnetic pedal provides connectivity on a platform setup without the rider’s foot being attached to the pedal. Keep in mind that if you opt for a magnetic setup, you’ll need to attach the plate to the bottom of your shoe, so you’ll need a pair with a two-bolt system.
Why You Should Trust Us
Altogether, our team has dozens of years of mountain biking experience from Colorado to Utah to Minnesota. For this test round, we took each pair through the paces, riding more than 4,000 miles from sunset to sundown in beaming sunshine, broiling heat, and harsh hailstorms.
After pounding the trails, our testers recorded their impressions, and each pair was rated on a 10-point system including comfort, power transfer, stiffness, hikeability, durability, and breathability.
FAQ
What Are the Advantages of Mountain Bike Shoes?
Generally, mountain bike shoes have a stiffer sole and upper than other athletic footwear. As a result, they’re more protective, tenacious, and stable for off-trail miles in the saddle.
Also, to complement streamlined pedal strokes, mountain bike shoes have a more contoured, less bulky form compared to other outdoor designs like trail running or hiking shoes.
Can You Walk in Mountain Bike Shoes?
You can walk in your mountain bike shoes, but some designs are more comfortable to hike in than others.
The designs that are the cushiest for hike-a-bikes and walking post-ride generally have a more relaxed fit and flat sole. The more inflexible and well-defined a shoe is, the less comfortable it can be off the bike.
Typically, the cleats for clipless mountain bike shoes are recessed into the outsole so they aren’t obtrusive while walking.
Should You Use Clip-In Shoes for Mountain Biking?
Clipless mountain bike shoes—which clip in — have a two-bolt system nested into the outsole, where a cleat is attached. The cleat allows the shoe to clip in and out of the complementary pedals. Often, clipless mountain bike shoes have an articulated last and closely follow the natural shape of the foot and arch.
But some clipless mountain bike shoes have an outsole that sits flush with the ground and pedal. Another handful of designs lack a two-bolt system, so the sole is entirely flat without that inlet.
So, clipless or not? The choice comes down to personal preference and ride style. Some mountain bikers prefer to ride with a very close foot-to-pedal connection, believing the clipless setup provides more power transfer.
Other riders would rather use platform pedals so they can adjust their foot placement and quickly set down their foot in uneven or challenging terrain. A broad, flat pedal also distributes weight slightly more evenly than a clipless pedal, which usually has a more concentrated point of contact.
Another lesser-known option is a magnetic pedal, which can deliver powerful connectivity on a platform setup without the rider’s foot being physically attached.
How Long Do Mountain Bike Shoes Last?
A spectrum of variables impact how quickly a mountain bike shoe wears down.
If a mountain biker frequently hops off and hikes in high-altitude boulder fields with their bike, their shoes will receive the abuse of the rough route.
Bikepacking and hike-a-bike segments can beat up shoes faster than smooth, buttery singletrack. So can high-charging races. Repeatedly hitting your shoes on the pedal can impact them, too.
Regardless of how aggressive a rider is, the natural interaction with rain, snow, hail, sunshine, and mud can all break down materials with time.
In general, we’ve had well-constructed pairs last us 12,000 miles across 4 years and longer.
How Should You Dry and Clean Your Mountain Bike Shoes?
Drying your moist or soaked mountain bike shoes can prevent funky smells and bacteria from forming inside the shoe. It can also make your next ride more comfortable. So don’t store your shoes wet and assist them with drying out.
First, you can wipe down the exterior of your shoe with a cloth. Remove the insole to help expedite drying the shoe’s interior and set that aside.
Our riders prefer to use an electronic boot dryer that pushes heated air through the footwear — the DryGuy Force Dry ($55) is a great choice and pretty easy to transport, too.
Spoiler alert: It’s not a good idea to leave your shoes next to a fireplace or radiator, which could build heat and potentially melt or deform the material.
If you have laces, you can remove and hand wash them in a sink with any type of soap — like dish soap or Dr. Bronner’s — or in the machine on gentle cycle. Generally, it’s not recommended to put your mountain bike shoes in the washing machine or dryer.
When Should You Replace Your Mountain Bike Shoes?
When the upper becomes too loose or has holes, that’s a fair sign your mountain bike shoes could use a replacement. The closure can also wear out, be it traditional or BOA laces, strap, or ratchet system.
Old-school laces are the easiest setup to replace. A BOA dial and lace kit can also be replaced but can be time-consuming and a challenge.
Likewise, if the outsole is falling apart, that’s a good indicator that it’s time to invest in a new pair that’s stable. In addition to rigidity, if your shoe starts to lack the comfort that it initially provided, that’s also a red flag the materials have worn out due to use, environmental conditions, and time. Pay attention to how your feet feel post-ride.
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