Mavic Deemax Pro shoes review
Mavic’s Deemax Pro has a stylish look blending a downhill shoe with all-mountain capability.
What is it
As trail bikes become more capable, the natural result is riders who want to push further into remote, rugged terrain. For those types of riders, footwear must match the all-terrain capability of the bike they’re riding. They have to be well padded and offer plenty of tread bite underfoot while still being stiff enough to pedal, but not so stiff that you can’t hike over boulders comfortably.
Mavic understands this development better than most, and their Deemax Pro is the latest example of this evolution. Designed with input from professional enduro racer Fabien Barel, the Deemax Pro does away with ratchet straps or fancy BOA-style closure systems, opting instead for good old fashioned laces and a Velcro strap. The shoes feature Contagrip soles, a nicely padded Ergo 3D tongue, Ergo Fit OrthoLite insoles for improved comfort and padded protection from rocks, a high arch on the inside ankle bone, and a larger volume toebox for wide feet.
Pros
- Well padded for all-day comfort
- No buckles or ratchets to break on rocks
- Great grip for off bike sessions
- Good breathability
- Good balance of stiffness and flex
- Designed for wide feet
Cons
- Only two color options
- Extra padding takes longer to dry
Mtbr’s Take
Three months into testing the Deemax Pro after switching over from the Crossmax XL Pro, it’s evident that Mavic has made some noticeable improvements. First is the elimination of buckles or closure systems that can get crunched and broken on rocks, opting instead for a simpler, lighter lace and Velcro strap. Additionally, the Deemax Pro offer more padding throughout the foot with a thicker more grippy sole.
The Contagrip tread pattern is outstanding in even the most jagged, dangerous scree field hike-a-bikes.
The Deemax Pro strikes a good balance between pedaling stiffness and flex for walking comfort. The tread pattern is well siped with plenty of Contagrip rubber, and the cleat mounting surface is deeply inset to help avoid the metal cleat from contacting and slipping on rocks when hiking. Unlike many other all-mountain shoes that sacrifice padding in the name of weight and breathability, the Deemax Pro is the most padded shoe I’ve ever worn that still breathes well. Although the Deemax Pro does not dry as quickly as a less padded shoe, they still dry out in a reasonable amount of time.
Inner ankle bone support adds to the padding characteristics of the Deemax Pro.
The lone downside is that once dry, the shoe seems to shrink in size, making it feel a size smaller until the feet work the padding back in again. Those on the fence about sizing should go one size larger than you normally wear. But even when the shoe feels tight, it’s not uncomfortable. In fact, the Deemax Pro feels snug and secure. It’s quite a nice feeling when you accidentally punt a rock that would leave you in a torrent of curse words with some other shoes. The Deemax Pro blends the durability and comfort of a downhill shoe with the pedaling efficiency of a cross-country shoe.
Rating: 5 out of 5 
Price: $180
More info: www.mavic.com
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