The best clipless mountain bike shoes in 2023. SPD cleat shoes for MTB, Enduro, XC, cross country, and downhill. Men & women MTB shoes. Cheap to top for all budgets
Why should you care to buy the best clipless mountain bike shoes?
As a mountain biker, you have three main contact points on a bike; your feet, buttocks, and hands. These contact points have a crucial effect on your experience in terms of control and comfort.
Your feet are the most important contact point on your mountain bike. After all, keeping them protected and comfortable will improve your riding experience. And one of the best ways to keep your feet comfortable is to get the right MTB shoes, paired with the right cycling socks.
Mountain biking is a tough sport, and combining it with the right SPD MTB shoes can make riding fun and safe; that’s why getting the right shoes is important.
The right shoes can prevent fatigue, and blisters, and make your cross-country riding trips comfortable and fun. So, if you want to know our picks for the best clipless SPD shoes for mountain biking, please read on.
The best SPD MTB Shoes in a Nutshell
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How we compile our gear guides: during the almost 10 years of cycloscope.net our team personally tested dozens of similar pieces of gear. For what we can't test personally, we involve other people in the cycling community to give their feedback and opinion about gear they have used. Our decade-long experience in bicycle touring enables us to find the key cons and pros of every product we mention.
Best SPD cleat MTB shoes
- Fizik Overcurve R5, Cycling Shoes
- Fizik R1 BOA Cycling Shoes
- Louis Garneau Carbon LS-100 3 Cycling Shoes
- Tiebao Road Lock Pedal Cycling Shoes
- Giro Savix Cycling Shoes
- Mavic Cosmic Elite SL Cycling Shoes
- Triseven Premium Triathlon MTB Shoes
- Venzo Bike Cycling Shoes
The 2 Best Hybrid MTB shoes with cleats
Best SPD cleat MTB shoes
Fizik Overcurve R5, Cycling Shoes
If you’re looking for an exceptional cycling shoe that will guarantee you great performance and style, then you should purchase the Fizik Tempo R5.
Fizik Tempo R5 features an asymmetrical construction that conforms perfectly to your foot’s anatomy.
And the good thing about this pair is that it is available in a wide range of colors, so you can get a pair to match your style. This pair is ideal for all cyclists and can help you tackle a wide range of terrains.
This pair doesn’t disappoint when it comes to providing a stiff pedaling platform and efficient power transfer.
Besides being tuned for comfort, its nylon composite outsole delivers reliable power transfers; therefore, it guarantees you a perfect balance during your rides.
Fizik R1 BOA Cycling Shoes
Fizik R1 Uomo is a great pair that is designed to give you maximum comfort and top performance. This shoe is crafted from 100% Kangaroo leather, known for its lightweight, soft, and durable properties.
This pair’s amazing aesthetics, quality materials, and quality craftsmanship set it aside from other MTB shoes in the market.
Its amazing outsole was made from 100% woven fiber that provides a sturdy platform. And the fact that they are stiff means that they transfer power easily, making it possible for you to attain and maintain top speeds.
However, many cyclists have complained about its price. But if you are looking for a high-quality pair that is worth every penny, you should go for Fizik R1 Uomo.
Louis Garneau Carbon LS-100 3 Cycling Shoes
Whether you are an experienced or a beginner cyclist, this pair has everything you would ever expect from a pair of high-quality MTB shoes. The Carbon LS-100 comes with a carbon composite HM-air outsole that is rigid and ultra-lightweight.
Its unique sole provides through-and-through ventilation and ideal power transfer. This pair features a 4.3 mm platform that brings you even closer to your bike’s pedals for more power.
Unlike most cycling shoes, this pair allows your feet to swell, which is perfect, especially when cycling in hot seasons. Great shoes for bikepacking also!
Tiebao Road Lock Pedal Cycling Shoes
If you’re searching for stylish MTB shoes that can reward you with both comfort and performance, then the Tiebao road lock shoes are the best option for you.
Tiebao cycling shoes are one of the most stylish MTB shoes available in the market. Other than its stylish looks, this pair features an anti-slip lining that prevents your feet from lifting when pedaling.
This pair also comes with a durable toe box for enhanced protection. The toe box is made using a firm sandwich structure that helps with impact resistance. The integrated bumpers extend to the outsoles and protect you against rock strikes.
For extra comfort when cycling, this pair of MTB shoes feature fiberglass-injection nylon insoles. These perforated insoles help drain water and sweat when cycling.
Giro Savix Cycling Shoes
If you’re searching for extreme comfort, then Giro Savix is the shoe for you. This pair is perfect for tackling long cycling trails and also for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Giro Savix has a breathable mesh upper that provides ample support.
Thanks to their unique setting and unique straps make them easy to wear and take off. The fact that they are comfortable and lightweight makes them ideal for beginners. Instead of having flat soles like some pairs, these cycling shoes’ soles have reinforced regions that add a bit of stiffness and strength.
Mavic Cosmic Elite SL Cycling Shoes
The Mavic cosmic elite shoe is an outstanding pair that hugs your feet in certain places for maximum comfort. This stylish pair is perfect for comfort and speed, thanks to its unique construction.
This pair is designed to maximize each ounce of effort you put on the pedals when riding, thus helping you climb hills faster. This pair features a breathable upper that will help you stay dry when cycling.
This shoe is perfect for tackling challenging hills and road cycling. Plus, they are very comfortable, so you can wear them for several hours without getting tired.
Triseven Premium Triathlon MTB Shoes
Triseven Premium Triathlon cycling shoes are one of the most reliable pairs in the market. These lightweight shoes are designed to provide maximum comfort and enhance performance.
The Triseven premium Triathlon shoes have a unique breathable upper made using microfiber and synthetic nylon material. Its sole is made using carbon to boost stability. This pair has a tall heel loop that allows for a quick transition.
Not only are they easy to wear, but the nylon outsole provides the needed stability, while its well-ventilated insole will help keep your feet dry for an extended period.
Venzo Bike Cycling Shoes
Are you tired of coming home and taking off your cycling shoes to a strong stench that is bad enough to knock out an entire room? If that is the case, then you need to purchase Venzo MTB Shoes.
This pair is ideal for preventing these cheesy smells after a long and exciting journey. Other than preventing foul smells, this pair can help you tackle a wide range of terrains. This pair has a stiff sole that helps prevent energy loss when cycling.
The 2 Best Hybrid MTB shoes with cleats
SHIMANO MX100 Off-Road MTB Shoe
Shimano has a few great models of mountain bike shoes. These new 2023 SHIMANO SH-MT501 off-road make it into this list thanks to their versatility.
We could call these hybrid cycling shoes, featuring a faux-leather sole that gives the comfort of a good trail shoe when hiking, the grip of a flat pedal shoe, and the option to mount cleats on and use it as SPD… seems it can be convenient in a lot of situations (think hike-a-bike).
The shank plate is reinforced with fiberglass, offering excellent power transfer while maintaining a good enough flex for walking.
The synthetic leather upper holds up against the wear and tear of MTB trails, while the mesh panels keep your feet dry and cool. The Speed Lace system ensures secure closure and quick adjustments.
Tommaso Vertice 100/200 All Mountain Vibram
Challenging Shimano on the hybrid MTB shoes market, these new shoes by Tommaso Vertice has all the versatility of the Shimano for a fraction of the price.
This shoe is of course compatible with SPD cleats, but it also features a marvelous Vibram sole for use on flat pedals or off-the-bike.
These nice hybrid SPD mountain bike shoes encase your foot like a glove, with generous and breathable soft padding.
The closure system is easy to adjust on the fly, featuring three ergonomic Velcro straps that are firm and easily accessed. The drawback of these fantastic and affordable MTB shoes is their weight is a few ounces heavier than their Shimano counterpart.
How to choose the best clipless shoes for mountain biking
Weight
Lightweight shoes require less energy to rotate around when pedaling. However, lightweight shoes are not always the best.
And that is because lightweight shoes compromise on support, stiffness, and protection. The importance of this factor varies with style. People tackling climbing lanes value lighter shoes more than gravity-focused options.
Retention
There are numerous retention systems that can provide a comfortable and secure fit. Some of these systems include Boa dials and ratchet; Velcro and lace mix; Velcro; and laces. Some shoes have combined two of the above systems for a more personalized and tailored fit.
Durability and Sole Stiffness
The outsole of most shoes is made from rubber, nylon, or carbon fiber. These materials differ in terms of applications and performance.
Carbon fiber is stiff; therefore, ideal for cross-country-style MTB shoes. Rubber provides a better grip. Nylon is not stiff, but it’s more durable and offers reliable comfort.
Conclusion
Cycling is more than a sport; it is a workout routine that is loved by many people. And your feet are the most crucial contact points when cycling.
However, many riders tend to overlook the importance of the right MTB shoes over upgrades. So make sure you purchase the best MTB shoes in the market for your long trips.
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