MTB Shoes Review – Best Flat and Clipless Shoes Tested

Looking for an MTB shoes review? We’ve got you. Long story short, the best MTB shoes are the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA for flats and the Shimano XC7 for clipless. These two stand out for their grip, fit, and long-lasting build.

We tested them alongside other top models to see how they perform in the real world. You’ll get all the details here (plus extra crucial info). Everything is interesting.

Keep reading.

Key Takeaways

• Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA is the best flat pedal shoe for all-season grip.

• Shimano XC7 is the top clipless choice for power and racing efficiency.

• Ride Concepts Tallac BOA is ideal for all-mountain and wet conditions.

• Fox Union Flat is lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable on and off the bike.

• Crankbrothers Mallet Lace blends clipless performance with great walkability.

• Specialized 2FO DH Flat is built for aggressive downhill riding.

• Flats give you more freedom, while clipless gives you more efficiency.

MTB Shoes Review: Which are the Best Ones?

MTB shoes are made to keep you comfortable and stable. A good pair has a firm sole that helps you push power into the pedals while still feeling snug. The tread is deep and grippy, so you stay steady on wet grass or slippery roots.

In our experience, strong materials protect your feet from knocks and scrapes, and many shoes dry quickly after a wet ride. On top of all, easy-to-use closures like Velcro straps, ratchets, or BOA dials keep the fit secure.

Without any delay, here are the six best MTB shoes that we’ve picked for you:

Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA (Flat Pedal)

If you want the best grip on flat pedals, you’ll love the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA. The Stealth S1 rubber outsole feels locked onto your pedals, even when the trail is wet or loose. The tread pattern works perfectly with pedal pins, so you feel in control all the time. This is the shoe we trust when grip matters most.

When we first rode in these, the comfort surprised us. In our opinion, the EVA midsole is stiff enough for long descents. You can hike up a steep section without feeling like you’re in ski boots.

Sizing is mostly true, but you might feel a little extra room in the midfoot. The upper is tough and resists scuffs from rocks and pedals. While the toe protection could extend a bit more, it still handles most impacts.

If you also wear Chacos, then it’s crucial to know if they are right for hiking. Don’t worry. Find out whether Chacos are suitable for hiking or not.

Ride Concepts Tallac BOA (Flat Pedal)

If you want one shoe that can handle everything, the Ride Concepts Tallac BOA is a great pick. It has a stiff sole for strong pedaling power. The Cordura upper protects your feet from branches and rocks and shrugs off water with ease.

When we tested it, we rode through rain, mud, and rocky climbs. The MAX GRIP rubber felt almost as sticky as Five Ten’s, so we stayed planted on the pedals. The BOA system worked flawlessly, even when our hands were cold and muddy. It is a little heavier than some shoes, but on the bike, we didn’t notice the weight.

Fox Union Flat (Flat Pedal)

If you like a lighter feel without losing grip, the Fox Union Flat is worth a look. Its Ultratrac rubber outsole matches the grip of the big brands. The sole has just enough flex so you can feel your pedals without losing support.

We enjoyed how easy these are to clean after a muddy ride. In our experience, walking off the bike feels natural.

The TPU upper is tough, though we think the stock laces could be a bit longer. That’s an easy swap if you want more lace to work with.

Shimano XC7 (Clipless SPD, XC)

If you ride clipless, the Shimano XC7 is hard to beat. The full-carbon sole is incredibly stiff, so every bit of your effort goes straight into the pedals. That stiffness makes it perfect for racing or long XC rides.

We found the fit snug and precise, which gave us great control on climbs. The breathable upper kept our feet comfortable in both hot and cool weather. Even after long rides, we didn’t feel pressure points or hot spots.

If speed and power transfer are your main goals, this shoe is for you.

Crankbrothers Mallet Lace (Clipless MTB)

If you want clipless performance but still want to walk comfortably, the Crankbrothers Mallet Lace is a solid pick. The wide cleat box makes clipping in and out easy, even when the trail gets rough. The tread grips well when you have to hike, which is great for steep or loose sections.

We liked how comfortable they felt on both wide and narrow feet. But the thing we like the most is the speedlace system, which makes tightening quick and snag-free. We tucked the laces into the tongue pocket and never had an issue.

The only downside is that the laces and mesh can wear over time in rocky terrain.

Specialized 2FO DH Flat (Flat Pedal)

The Specialized 2FO DH Flat is a shoe made for riders who love the thrill of downhill trails. It gives you the grip, comfort, and protection you need when the terrain gets steep, rocky, or fast. The SlipNot ST rubber sole sticks to flat pedals so well that your feet feel planted and secure, even on rough sections.

Inside, the Body Geometry design keeps your feet supported and comfortable, which helps you ride longer without strain. The upper is tough and reinforced, with a toe cap that protects you from rocks and debris. The XPEL hydrophobic mesh helps water drain quickly and keeps the shoes lighter after wet rides. A cushioned EVA midsole softens the bumps, and the fit gives you space in the toes while holding your heel in place.

It is a shoe that feels strong, grippy, and ready for anything, yet still comfortable enough for all-day rides. If you want a pair you can trust on the most demanding trails, the 2FO DH Flat will not let you down.

If you love biking, then you should go for custom shoes. Here’s how you can get the best customized bike shoes in no time!

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best MTB Shoes

Here are seven things you should think about before buying MTB shoes:

Flat vs Clipless MTB Shoes – Which Should You Choose

Here’s the Flat vs Clipless MTB shoes:

The choice between flat and clipless MTB shoes depends on:

• How you ride

• What makes you feel most confident?

If you ride with flat pedals, you will enjoy the freedom to move your feet exactly how you want. Shoes for flats have sticky rubber soles that grip the pedal pins. This freedom can make you more confident to try new skills.

Clipless shoes work differently. They connect to your pedals with a cleat, holding your feet firmly in place. This secure connection lets you pull up as well as push down, making each pedal stroke more powerful. Your feet stay in the same position through bumps and rough terrain, which can give you better control.

If you are not sure which to choose, start with flats. They are great for building skills and comfort, and you can always switch to clipless later. The right choice is the one that keeps you confident, comfortable, and enjoying every moment on the bike.

Bottom Line

Finding the right MTB shoes is one of the best upgrades you can make for your riding. The perfect pair will give you a grip you can trust. You’ll enjoy comfort for long days and durability that lasts season after season. Whether you choose the rock-solid control of flats or the efficiency of clipless, there is a shoe in this list that will feel like it was made for you.

Get the one that matches your riding style!