Updated on January 21, 2024

Whether you like to ride for the sheer enjoyment or you like to push the boundaries for an adrenaline rush, mountain biking can check all of the boxes. Some shoes are designed for a specific type of riding and can often help enhance the experience for a day on the trails. Biking shoes are designed with the rider in mind, but we know that selecting the best mountain biking shoes can seem like a daunting task. 

Don’t stomp your feet out of frustration. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves in helping you pick the best gear for your next biking adventure. In this guide, we’ll break down the barriers to help you decide which mountain bike shoes are the best so you’ll be ready the next time you hop in the saddle.

For more of our top mountain bike gear recommendations, check out the Best MTB Shorts.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Mountain Biking Shoes

  1. Five Ten Freerider Pro
  2. Specialized RIME 2.0
  3. Ride Concepts Livewire
  4. Giro Empire VR90
  5. Giro Chamber II
  6. Giro Terraduro Mid
  7. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit
  8. Giro Cylinder
  9. Shimano SH-ME5
  10. Specialized S-Works Recon

 

Comparison Table - Best Mountain Biking Shoes

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NameClosurePedal CompatibilityUpperPriceRatingReview
Five Ten Freerider ProLace-UpFlatSynthetic$4.8Read Review
Specialized RIME 2.0Lace, BOA L6-Snap dial2-bolt and flatXPEL hydrophobic mesh, synthetic$$4.8Read Review
Ride Concepts LivewireLace-upFlatSynthetic suede/synthetic nubuck leather (polyurethane)/anti-abrasion mesh-4.4Read Review
Giro Empire VR90Lace-upCleatTeijin Samo microfiber/rubber/rockprint heel$$$4.6Read Review
Giro Chamber IILaces, VelcroCleatMicrofiber$$4.4Read Review
Giro Terraduro MidBuckleCleatSynthetic$$4.5Read Review
Pearl Izumi X-Alp SummitVelcro StrapCleatSynthetic/Textile$4.6Read Review
Giro CylinderBOA Dial / Velcro StrapCleatSynthetic$4.6Read Review
Shimano SH-ME5BOA Dial / Velcro StrapCleatSynthetic$$4.7Read Review
Specialized S-Works ReconBOA DialCleatSynthetic$$$$4.9Read Review
NameClosurePedal CompatibilityUpperPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Shoes for Mountain Biking

Five Ten Freerider Pro

Specs
  • Closure: Lace-Up
  • Weight: 1lb 8oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: Flat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: No
Features
  • Impact-Resistant Toe Box
  • Removable Molded Sock Liner
  • Proprietary Rubber Sole
Five Ten Freerider Pro

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.

Specialized RIME 2.0

Specs
  • Closure: Lace, BOA L6-Snap dial
  • Weight: 13.5oz
  • Upper: XPEL hydrophobic mesh, synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: 2-bolt and flat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • XPEL mesh lining resists water and mud
  • Body Geometry construction naturally aligns joints to reduce fatigue
  • Lollipop nylon composite plate adds stiffness and support
Specialized RIME 2.0

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.

Ride Concepts Livewire

Specs
  • Closure: Lace-up
  • Weight: 2 lbs (pair)
  • Upper: Synthetic suede/synthetic nubuck leather (polyurethane)/anti-abrasion mesh
  • Pedal Compatibility: Flat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: No
Features
  • Custom molded toe and heel guard protection
  • EVA midsoles provide support and shock absorption
  • D3O High Impact Zone Insole Technology
Ride Concepts Livewire

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.

Giro Empire VR90

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Specs
  • Closure: Lace-up
  • Weight: 1 lb. 6.9 oz. (pair)
  • Upper: Teijin Samo microfiber/rubber/rockprint heel
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Rubber toe caps provide added durability
  • SuperNatural Fit footbeds
  • XT2 antimicrobial fiber top layer
Giro Empire VR90

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.

Giro Chamber II

Specs
  • Closure: Laces, Velcro
  • Weight: 1lb 12oz
  • Upper: Microfiber
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Tri-mold nylon plate with 10mm cleat setback
  • Vibram MegaGrip rubber high-traction lugged outsole
  • Rubber-reinforced toe cap and heel

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.

Giro Terraduro Mid

Specs
  • Closure: Buckle
  • Weight: 14.8oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Flexible Forefoot Region For Walking
  • Rubber Toe Cap
  • Lugged Outsole For Traction

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.

Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit

Specs
  • Closure: Velcro Strap
  • Weight: 1lb 14oz
  • Upper: Synthetic/Textile
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Breathable Upper
  • Outsoles Provide Traction On Wet And Dry Surfaces
  • Low-Cut Design Feels Comfortable And Looks Cool
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit

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).

Giro Cylinder

Specs
  • Closure: BOA Dial / Velcro Strap
  • Weight: 11.5oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Sole Accommodates Toe Spikes To Provide Additional Traction While Riding Rough Trails
  • Mid-Foot Scuff Guard Increases Durability And Lifespan Of The Shoes
  • Reinforced In The Heel And Toe For Extra Protection On Rugged Trails

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.

Shimano SH-ME5

Specs
  • Closure: BOA Dial / Velcro Strap
  • Weight: 1lb 11oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Breathable Upper Keeps Feet Cool
  • Durable Rubber Soles Provide Excellent Traction
  • Reinforced Midsoles Enhance Power Transfer
Shimano SH-ME5

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.

Specialized S-Works Recon

Specs
  • Closure: BOA Dial
  • Weight: 1lb 9oz
  • Upper: Synthetic
  • Pedal Compatibility: Cleat
  • SPD Pedal Compatible: Yes
Features
  • Rubber Heel And Toe Tread Provide Excellent Traction Off The Bike
  • Roomy Toe Box So Your Feet Don’t Feel Cramped
  • Proprietary Heel Construction Cradles The Heel And Keeps It In Place While Riding
Specialized S-Works Recon

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?

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING MOUNTAIN BIKING SHOES

RIDING PREFERENCE

The style of riding typically dictates the type of mountain bike shoe best suited for that particular style without getting too technical, we will break it down into just two main categories: clipless and flats.

Clipless: Contrary to its name, you are clipped into the pedal. The bottom of the shoe accommodates cleats that will ‘clip’ into the pedal. There are a variety of pedal manufacturers and SPD may be one of the most widely used. The misleading term clipless has a long history but we’ll save that story for another day. 

Flats:  Flats are truly that. They don’t accommodate cleats and/or have the option to use both options. Flats are great for downhill riding, bike parks, lift assist, etc… Because the shoes don’t have a clipping mechanism, the pedals are usually larger to provide a more stable platform.

 

COST

Mountain bike shoes prices can range all over the spectrum. Shoes like the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit are a great entry level shoe that won’t break the bank while the Specialized S-Works Recon are a premium shoe and are usually reserved for those that know what they want in a shoe and perhaps veteran riders or competitors. 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

CLEATS

When used in conjunction with the clipless pedal system, cleats are attached to the bottom of cycling shoes and the cleat clips into the pedal. If you have a specific brand of pedals already, make sure that the shoes accommodate those particular cleats. 

SPD

SPD is a proprietary system created by Shimano and it stands for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics. It is one of the most prominent styles in biking.

CLIPLESS

Despite the irony in the name, these pedals actual require you to clip-in, they allow for a better transfer of energy through the foot and prevent your shoes from slipping off the pedals when riding on uneven terrain. They are ideal for cross-country and all-mountain riding.

FLATS

Flats is another term for platform pedal shoes. They are much beefier shoes to protect your foot and can be worn for normal use, unlike shoes with cleats.