MTB shoes

The sole is where most differences are found in mountain bike shoes. The main difference is the tread, which can be with or without lugs, have more or less grip or vary in rigidity of the midsole, depending on what discipline the shoes are designed for. A numerical stiffness index,ranging from 2 to 14, classifies the shoes, but can vary depending on the brand. The higher the index number, the greater the stiffness.

Insoles provide greater comfort and optimise foot support, from a biomechanical point of view, in the higher quality models. For the most demanding cyclists, who do intense training and long sessions, it is important to look for a shoe with good arch support, which is achieved with a preformed insole or midsole. This is especially important for cyclists with a very pronounced arch, or pes cavus, as well as for those with flat feet. In both cases, a good insole that replaces the standard insoles is a must.

Most MTB shoe uppers are made of synthetic leather, combined with other fabrics, which will be more or less lightweight and breathable, depending on the specific type of activity they are designed for. It is important they are reinforced in the contact areas, such as the toes and heel, to maximise durability.

There are four shoe closure systems used for MTB shoes:

• Velcro straps are the main closure system in more economical models and they offer strong, quick and easy adjustment.

• Ratchet fasteners with a toothed strap provide a more precise fit and can even be adjusted on the move.

• Micro-metric cable closure, popularly known as BOA, which is a specific brand name and the undisputed best-seller of this system, but not the only one. This system provides the most precise adjustment and distribution of pressure, especially if it has two independent wheels.

• Laces are economical, provide comfort and distribute the pressure on the instep evenly, but adjustment is laborious, especially with gloves on, and cannot be done while on the go. It is advisable that they have a Velcro strap or some other system to hide the laces and prevent them from getting tangled in the bicycle chain.

And finally, mountain bike shoes can either be compatible or incompatible with cleats for use with clipless pedals. Most models have cleats and are compatible, although some MTB shoes are only for flat pedals and others are mixed and hide the cleats with a removable cover.

The different options and qualities of these shoe components will depend on the disciplines they are designed for, and they can be divided into several types: Initiation and urban, Spinning, XC, Trail/Enduro and Downhill.

A basic MTB shoe is very similar to a conventional sports shoe, but with a slightly stiffer and more rigid sole to facilitate power transfer pedalling. However, their priority is comfort and the stiffness index is usually between 2 and 5. Models designed for mountain use usually have marked lugs to facilitate grip, especially on walking sections. Models intended for urban use tend to have a flat sole, with tread, but no lugs, as they are not needed. In both cases, they usually have a cleat cover in the sole so that you can use either clipless or flat pedals. Entry-level MTB shoes usually have laces and Velcro straps.

Indoor cycling shoes have a thinner sole and lighter upper. As they are for a static bike, they do not need to provide much cushioning and the power transfer is more direct, as with road shoes.

The XC MTB range of shoes is where you will find the greatest variety, with MTB Sport shoes and MTB performance shoes. Performance and power transfer when pedalling is a priority and the soles are usually stiffer.

For more recreational use, midsoles are constructed from nylon and other plastic compounds, while still maintaining some flexibility. Stiffness ratings range from 6 to 8 for the most comfortable models, and from 8 to 9 for the most demanding. The more advanced models feature soles with a natural flex zone for walking, but with a high overall stiffness for pedalling. They usually have a good number of lugs to enhance grip when walking. The majority ofMTB shoes for gravel are found in this range. Most have Velcro, ratchet or boa closures or a mix, depending on the range.

For XC competition use, shoes are designed with extremely stiff composite or carbon fibre soles in order to achieve greater pedalling power and the lowest possible weight. Their stiffness index is usually over 9 and up to 14, in the most exclusive designs, and they are only recommended for competition. Only the most critical parts have lugs, but removable lugs can be added in the toe area to enhance grip on loose, wet or rocky terrain. They mainly use the BOA system, although some top of the range models have laces.

MTB shoes for Trail, Enduro and Downhill have thick soles for extra cushioning. The upper is stiffer and more resistant and there are more reinforcements and a higher ankle cuff for greater protection. The soles are usually flat, without cleats, made in soft materials to ensure excellent grip on flat pedals with pins. For Trail, MTB shoes with cleats, for use with clipless pedals, still predominate. Enduro MTB shoes do not have cleats and are mainly for Downhill.

All the types of mountain bike shoes above also have winter-specific versions, which is the best option for cold or wet weather. MTB boots for winter climates with greatest protection have a Gore Tex membrane, and these are the most popular for winter cycling and are manufactured by numerous brands.

When buying mountain bike shoes, it is very important to choose the right size and last.

The last can vary considerably from brand to brand, and even different models by the same brand can be wider or narrower. Of course, the size and last also differs between men's and women's MTB shoes. To choose the size and the last correctly, if possible, try on the shoes in a specialised shop, such as Mammoth, and wear the same type of socks you use for cycling.

Ensure the shoe is not too tight. It should be comfortable and allow blood circulation, which is the body’s main thermal regulation system. There should be space between your toes and the end of the shoe to avoid chafing and other pressure injuries.

As a starting point when choosing mountain bike shoes, bear in mind that we usually use one size larger than our normal size of road shoes. And for winter MTB boots, even two sizes up. When trying on MTB shoes for men and women, use the same procedure as for other sports shoes: if you push the foot to the front end of the shoe, there should be between 1 and 2 centimetres of free space in the heel, which will be the space you have in the toe box, once your foot is in its correct position and the shoe is tightened.

If you choose your mountain bikeshoesonline, where there is no possibility of trying them on, always consult the size charts of each brand.

At Mammoth, you will find the most extensive range of the best MTB shoes. From lightweight MTB shoes for maximum performance to MTB shoes and boots with Gore Tex and similar membranes for maximum comfort in winter.

We also have permanent offers and seasonal campaigns, so that when buying mountain bike shoes at Mammoth, you can always find the best option if you are looking for good, economical MTB shoes.

Depending on the season, you will find MTB shoe sales, MTB clearance shoes and/or MTB winter and summer Outlet shoes. And you can always choose the best brands of your MTB shoes and boots for men and women.