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The Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Last updated on September 30, 2020

We looked at the top 6 Mountain Bike Shoes and dug through the reviews from 17 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Mountain Bike Shoes.

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Our Review Process

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If you’re planning to hit the trails on your bike, you need to have the right shoes. They help keep your feet securely on the pedals and ensure you don’t slip off — especially during crucial moments when you’re standing up on your bike. The kind of mountain bike shoes you need actually depends on the kind of pedals your mountain bike has.

If you have flat pedals that have a large platform for your foot, you can get away with any kind of shoe that has a strong grip. However, shoes that are meant for the rugged terrain of a mountain enable you to perform much better than your standard tennis shoes. Ideally, look for shoes that have a flat sole. This way, you can maximize the amount of contact area between the shoe and the pedal. Ensure that the sole is thick and sturdy. And if the shoes have laces instead of Velcro, be sure to tuck them into your shoes. This way, they won’t get caught in the pedal or drivetrain.

If you have clipless pedals, then you’ll need a mountain biking shoe that has a small recessed area for the cleat. These kinds of mountain biking shoes are incredibly stiff on purpose. They are designed to keep your feet firmly on the bike pedals, even when you’re bouncing up and down and standing up. Keep in mind that these kinds of shoes are not great for walking. If the trail requires you to walk in certain areas, you may need to have a different pair of shoes on hand. If the shoes have lugs, you’ll want to make sure they are not too slippery when you’re walking on wet rocks or branches. Opt for shoe closures like Velcro or dials instead of laces.

Our Picks For The Top Mountain Bike Shoes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Mountain Bike Shoes

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Five Ten

Men's Freerider MTB Mountain Bike Shoes

Get unparalleled grip with these high-performance mountain bike shoes. They are designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable during long rides. They can be worn on the bike and off.

Overall Take

Technical Advantage on the TrailThese mountain bike shoes are designed for the ultimate performance.

Pros
" This shoe has been around for several years and is a top seller; the shoe is described by Five Ten as their "most versatile all-mountain flat shoe" and we wholeheartedly agree"
Cons
"A bit narrow, lack of tread can get slick when hiking"
 Runner Up

Tommaso Montagna 100 MTB Spin & Mountain Bike Shoes

Tommaso

Montagna 100 MTB Spin & Mountain Bike Shoes

These mountain bike shoes have fiberglass reinforced soles which offer optimal stiffness. They are designed to help you ride longer and use less energy. Note that they do not include cleats and only work with 2-bolt cleats.

Overall Take

Fiberglass Reinforced SoleGet optimal stiffness and maximum power transfer.

Pros
" Durable fiberglass reinforced soles"
Cons
"Your actual shoe size may be smaller for some people, order the next size"
 We Also Like

Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes

Five Ten

Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes

You can wear these shoes on the trails or the roads. They have a fast-drying synthetic upper and are highly durable. Plus, the rubber outsole has an unbeatable grip.

Overall Take

Ideal for the Mountain or TownThese versatile shoes can be worn on and off the bike.

Pros
" It's sure to please most riders, from casual weekend riders to aggressive enduro riders and everyone in between."
Cons
"I've had mixed luck with the fit of Five Ten's shoes over the years. Some models fit me just fine, while others have felt boxy and overly roomy."
 Strong Contender

Fizik X5 Terra Carbon Fiber MTB Mountin Bike Shoes

Fizik

X5 Terra Carbon Fiber MTB Mountin Bike Shoes

This mountain bike shoe is ideal for long rides. It has a single L6 dial B closure system with a single strap. The outsole is durable and injected with carbon.

Overall Take

Support and ComfortThis innovative design offers support for the entire length of the foot.

Pros
" Luxurious fit, sole grip and flex suited to off-road use"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
13

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the mountain bike shoes available to purchase.
6

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

17

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Gear Bikes Review, My Pro Scooter, Best Consumer Reviews, Best 10 Choices, Mountain Bike Reviewed.

9,384

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 6 Mountain Bike Shoes and also dug through the reviews from 17 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Mountain Bike Shoes.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Tommaso Montagna 100 MTB Spin & Mountain Bike Shoes

Our Expert Score

10.0
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.8
270 user reviews

Our Take

These mountain bike shoes have fiberglass reinforced soles which offer optimal stiffness. They are designed to help you ride longer and use less energy. Note that they do not include cleats and only work with 2-bolt cleats.

What other experts liked

Durable fiberglass reinforced soles
- Sauser Wind
Durable
- Top Best Product Review
For those avid spinning class members who are on a budget, look no further than the Tommaso Montagna 100. This cycling shoe is set up for use with SPD cleats, making it one of the indoor cycling shoes in the market.
- Lotus Kitty
Perfect for biking, touring, and commuting
- Home Fitness Edge

What other experts didn't like

Your actual shoe size might be smaller
- Sauser Wind
Your actual shoe size may be smaller for some people, order the next size
- Top Best Product Review
Sizing Problems
- Home Fitness Edge

What to Look For

  • The most important thing to look for when you’re on the hunt for mountain bike shoes is the fit. If they are too big, too small or just uncomfortable, you’re not going to have an enjoyable ride. Keep in mind that mountain bike shoes are naturally stiff and are meant to be that way. As a result, the soles are not going to become soft after a few wears.
  • If you have the perfect fit, you should be able to easily wiggle your toes in the shoe. The heel of your foot should not slide up and down when you walk. Also, your arch should feel cozy and well-supported. If your heel is slipping in and out of the shoe while you walk, you likely need a smaller size.
  • Be sure to measure your foot and use the sizing chart when buying mountain bike shoes online. Not all brands have the same sizes, so it’s best to consult the size chart if you haven’t bought that brand of shoe before.
  • In addition to the fit, you’ll want to note what kind of closure the shoes have. While laces are common in running shoes, they are not the best option in mountain bike shoes as they tend to get muddy and wet pretty easily. Plus, they can be dangerous if they get untied and caught in your pedals. Opt for hook-and-loop straps, which are sturdy and secure. They won’t loosen up if they get wet and they are easy to adjust. The other option includes a dial system where you turn it to tighten a system of cable laces. They offer a great fit but can be a hard to get used to.

Mountain Bike Shoe Rankings

1. Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Mountain Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 5

2. Tommaso Montagna 100 MTB Spin & Mountain Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 5

3. Five Ten Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

4. Fizik X5 Terra Carbon Fiber MTB Mountin Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

5. Gavin Mesh SPD Cycling & Mountain Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

6. Venzo SPD Cycling & Mountain Bike Shoes

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

When you’re enjoying a day out on the trails, it’s likely your mountain bike shoes are going to get wet and muddy. Be sure to take good care of them so they last several seasons. Use a rag to wipe off any dirt and debris. Use a brush with warm water and a bit of soap to clean off any stubborn dirt and stains. It’s important to dry off your shoes after your ride. Use a towel to dry off the top and take out the footbeds to dry separately. A quick way to absorb moisture within your shoes is to pack them with crumpled newspaper. Change out the paper every few hours till the shoes are dry.

More to explore