Best MTB Shoes of 2022

BEST FOR: DOWNHILL RIDING

Drawing its DNA from the Freerider mountain bike shoe, this completely updated model contains many of the features that Five Ten customers have come to expect. And so many more. Founded in 1985 as an approach shoe company, the proprietary Stealth Rubber has become synonymous with grip. Since those early beginnings, the brand was purchased by Adidas who has since utilized the rubber compound with other brands under the company’s umbrella. This is the only true flat shoe in this guide and thanks to the grippy rubber sole, you can be assured that your shoes will remain connected to the pedal regardless of the terrain.

TOP OVERALL CLIPLESS CHOICE

If you’re looking for a shoe designed to take you on adventures through rugged backcountry terrain, look no further.

Specialized is a popular name in the mountain biking world — and deservedly so. The nylon composite shank provides for a solid pedaling platform while the hydrophobic mesh upper keeps your feet dry in the event of a stream crossing or large puddle. The upper is designed for stability and breathability without interfering with pedal performance.

What I like most about these mountain bike shoes is the rugged Vibram sole.

BEST SHOE ON A BUDGET

When you’re searching for a performance biking shoe and you don’t have a lot to spend, the $70 flat pedal Livewires are a great investment.

This entry-level trail offering boasts a tough rubber outsole complimented by a stylish modern look. The midsole is thick enough that the shoe functions as well on trail days as it does doing laps in the park. While the brand’s proprietary rubber outsole isn’t as grippy as top-of-the-line alternatives, its durable budget alternative.

What I like most about the Livewire shoe is the impact protection at the heel and the ball of the foot.

BEST FOR CROSS COUNTRY RIDING

When you’re spending long days in the saddle, you need a shoe like the Empire VR90 — minimalist, comfortable, and high-performing.

These race-inspired clipless shoes are the stiffest in this line-up, thanks to the Easton EC90 carbon sole. This translates to the best power transfer of any shoe on our list, as well. Just a little bit of flex in the toe makes these off-the-bike walkable. There’s little padding in this shoe but a rubber rand and toe box reinforcement provides some protection from rocks and debris.

What I like most the VR90s is the customizable insoles that allow you to choose between three different sizes of arch support, providing for the capacity to really dial in the perfect fit.

BEST FOR: DOWNHILL AND ENDURO RIDERS

For top-of-the-line gravity performance, don’t settle for less than best — opt for the Chamber IIs.

Giro’s Chamber II features an even more enduro-specific race design than the original Giros. These shoes sport a seamless upper, a shank that balances rigidity and comfort, and an adjustable cleat position. What makes this shoe so unique is how deceiving its appearances are. It mean seem like a casual, flat pedal shoe and indeed, it has the cleat setback positioning of one — but it offers the power of a clipless connection.

What I like most about the Chamber II is that the cleat setback of 10 millimeters means your feet fatigue less quickly and you have better control on gnarly, more technical terrain.

BEST FOR: ALL-MOUNTAIN RIDING

Founded more than 30 years ago, Giro was started to meet the growing needs of cyclists. Over the last three decades, the name has become a world leader in creating products across an array of categories including helmets, apparel, goggles, and of course, shoes. And while many performance racing shoes feature the stiff pedaling platform, Giro took the design of the Terraduro Mid to the next level by adding grippy rubber outsoles for those hike-a-bike sections. A low profile buckle allows for fine tuning the fit while twin straps ensure a secure feel on the trail. The reinforced toe box will provide extra protection against trail obstacles.

BEST FOR: MOUNTAIN BIKING ON A BUDGET

Pearl Izumi has been a household name in the cycling realm for more than sixty years. This shoe was designed from the ground up. The lugged outsoles feature a grippy rubber that is comfortable and ideal for those hike-a-bike sections. The 3-layer seamless upper is designed to breathe well while providing all-day comfort. The buckle closure allows the tension to be cranked down to the desired fit while the dual Velcro straps allow for customizing fit across the top of the foot. Aside from the obvious features that are designed for cycling, this shoe could easily be mistaken for a hiking shoe at first glance (especially if you aren’t standing with or near a bike).

BEST FOR: TRAIL RIDING

Since 1985, Giro has been serving the cycling community by creating products that enhance the experience every time you saddle up. This entry level cycling shoe features the convenience of the BOA lacing system that allows the rider to find the perfect fit each time with a convenient dial. And with a quick pull of the dial, the tension is released and the shoe can easily be removed. The outsole is created using a combination of nylon and rubber to enhance traction when off the bike. Additionally, the outsole accommodates steel toe spikes for additional traction. Riding trails can often be rough on shoes and the Cylinder has a mid-foot scuff guard to increase durability and increase the lifespan of the shoes.

BEST FOR: MOUNTAIN BIKING

Founded almost a century ago, Shimano is a household name for almost anyone who’s ever ridden a bicycle. Let’s face it, sooner or later on most rides, we all end up walking the bike whether on a washed out section of trail or perhaps even through an area off-limits for riders. Shoes that excel at pulling double duty are a bonus. The SH-ME5 is just such a shoe. The shoes possess reinforced uppers that provide additional protection and durability while still remaining breathable for long hot rides. Utilizing a combination of the BOA dial lacing system and a Velcro strap, this low-profile shoe can be dialed in for a perfect fit every time you hit the trail.

BEST FOR: MOUNTAIN BIKE RACING

Specialized makes a wide range of footwear but this is the Cadillac of cycling shoes. The Specialized S-Works Recon checks all the boxes you would expect from a premium cycling shoe: excellent power transfer, lightweight construction, and extremely stylish design. A stiff carbon plate offers excellent power transfer while the dual, independent BOA dials create an excellent fit. The heel and toe tread feature a proprietary rubber that provides excellent traction when you’re off the bike as well as while you’re riding. And while you might naturally gravitate towards the black model, the white shoe is exceptionally stylish. Why blend in when you were born to stand out?