There are so many MTB shoes out there, what's the best and how can you tell? You've come to the right place!
We'll be looking at the best MTB flat pedal shoes available to you and also breaking down what you should be looking for when you're buying yourself a pair so you can have the best riding experience straight away.
Sounds good? Let's get to it!
Mountain Bike Flat Pedal Shoes vs Other Types Of MTB Shoes
In the main, there are two types of mountain bike shoes; flat pedal and clipless pedals. Both come with advantages and disadvantages.
Clipless Shoes
Going for a clipless pedal will effectively clip you to your bike. If you're getting used to this style of pedal, you will want to take it easy, you're also highly likely to forget that you're clipped in and you'll probably fall over. Just consider it a right of passage.
Benefits of clipless pedal:
- No more slipping as your feet are attached
- Going uphill becomes easier
- Some mountain bikers feel more secure and stable
- Can increase power transfer as the sole stiffness is greater
- Better protection
If you're looking for a disadvantage, it would be that your feet can get pretty cold but you can always pick up some shoe covers to warm your feet on the pedals.
Flat Shoes
Flat shoes bring about their own benefits too. You're going to get a good grip and you're less likely to slip than regular shoes. The benefits are:
- Better pedal grip due to the rubber used. Stiffer midsole increases your ability to get decent power transfers
- You get a good amount of protection, particularly from branches, trees, or rocks.
- The best mountain bike flat pedal shoe will be water-resistant and they will dry out more quickly than trainers or regular shoes.
- These shoes are designed to keep mud and dirt from getting. Different manufacturers will feature different systems for this.
- You get a good level of stability as they come with a wider profile in the arch area
Buyers' Guide: How to Choose the Right MTB Flat Pedal Shoes
Fit
As with pretty much, anything cycling-related, fit is one of the most important things to consider when buying mountain bike shoes.
If you're in the market for a flat pedal shoe then getting the right 'feel' is crucial.
You don't want the fit to be too tight as you'll lose circulation in your feet. Ultimately they will go numb and you won't be able to feel where your feet are in relation to the pedals.
Even if shoes are just a little too tight, it can cause cramping sometime after the ride (I'm speaking from experience here!) so getting the right fit is key.
Making sure your flat pedal shoe isn't too loose is a fine balance too. Foot placement will be difficult if that's the case.
Different manufacturers' shoes will fit differently so it's always worth checking the size guide of each to be sure that you get the right fit.
Weight
Weight comes into so many things related to cycling and shoes are one too!
Basically, the lighter the shoe, the less energy you use by rotating them with the pedal.
Though it's about getting the balance right, a super lightweight shoe and you might be compromising on protection and stiffness, even support.
Depending on what your riding style is will impact how important weight is.
Trail rider? A lighter-weight shoe will be valued.
Protection
A lot of cyclists who wear the best flat pedal mountain bike shoes are focused on gravity and the desire to travel quickly, with that does come the need for some protection.
If that's you, you should look for a mountain bike shoe that has hardened a toe box and heel cups. These are going to be your protection from rocks, roots, etc.
Don't forget to consider the sole material, you want something that will absorb impacts.
Retention System/Fasteners
For those who don't know, the retention system keeps the mountain bike shoes on your feet.
Laces are the traditional option but these days you have other options.
There's a reason laces are still used, they offer lots of benefits. You can influence the feel and fit of the shoe with great control and if you need to make an adjustment, you can do so very quickly.
The downside of laces is that they can get quite muddy and a bit gross depending on where you're cycling - a lace flap can help this!
Then there are Boa systems, they use a ratchet dial and you'll see a wire with goes through the shoe's opening. Boa systems are easy and super quick to use. You get a good amount of control too for adjustments.
This type of system does tend to be found on the more higher-end shoes as they tend to be the lightest option.
Up next is velcro straps, which are common too. They're durable, very simple to use but they do weigh a little more.
Sole/Grip
For a lot of people, the sole will determine how the mountain bike shoe will perform.
If you're into Cross Country then a stiff sole is going to help you get watts and power to the pedals most effectively.
For those happy to spend a little more on a stiff sole, you can expect the sole to be made from carbon to keep the weight down. Mid-low budget mountain biking shoes will use plastic. It has the benefit that it's very flexible but you gain a little weight.
If your focus is on gravity then you aren't often concerned about the weight or sole stiffness. Placing more emphasis on the pedal feel and the protection offered.
The tread on the sole is also something to consider. You will find that some mountain bike shoes give you minimal tread and that's ideal if you're racing. Though if you need to walk/run on the trail, you may struggle.
Shoes that come with more tread obviously give you more grips but at the expense of weight.
Our Top 5 MTB Flat Pedal Shoes
1. Five Ten Freerider Pro
Want something beefier than the Five Ten Freerider? Then this Pro version could be the mountain bike shoes for you.
As for where the Pro sits in the Five Ten lineup, it sits firmly between the Freerider (which has a thinner sole) and the more heavy-duty Impact DH.
The mid-sole of this shoe is surprisingly stiffer than you'd think on the first appearance. Though this isn't a bad thing, you still get a good pedal feel once you've broken the shoes in.
On the upper part of the shoe, you should find that it's tough enough that cuts and abrasions won't be an issue - these shoes are also going to hold their shape, meaning you aren't going to lose support over time either.
You won't have to worry about dirt getting inside these shoes as the ankle collars (which are nicely padded by the way!) stop your heel from lifting or rubbing as well as doing a great job at stopping the stones or dirt from making their way inside.
Durability is really good and you get a decent level of shock absorption when you're on the most difficult of descents. The toe box is durable too.
Five Ten have even thrown in scuff guards to really nail durability.
That's all well and good, but do they actually grip?
You bet they do. Kitted out with Five Ten's Stealth S1 soles, you're going to get some of the best mountain bike grip offered from pedal shoes. They do deliver that locked-on feeling. This extends to when you're on rough terrain, bouncing around, or in wetter conditions.
These Five Ten Freerider Pros even allow you to tread up a slippery hill if you need to.
When you put all the package together it's easy to see why we rate Five Ten Freerider Pro as one of the best mountain bike flat pedal shoes on the market today - ideal for trail riding.
Pros
Cons
These shoes from Ride Concepts are a downhill boot.
For some, this may seem odd as a lot of downhill riders like to clip in, however, the reason it makes the review is that we believe these mountain bike shoes make for an ideal pair of winter rail riding boots.
In the Ride Concepts sole range, there are 3 different rubber compounds offered. The TNT features the DST 4.0 MAX GRIP rubber. This sole is the softest one in the Ride Concepts range.
You are now possibly thinking it could be too soft but let me tell you that the density is pretty close to the Five Ten's Stealth rubber so you can be sure of superb traction and grip from these mountain bike shoes.
In terms of grip, what works well for these shoes is that the rubber is due to its relative softness, it's tacky and that helps to keep your feet on the pedals, almost regardless of what type of trail riding you're doing.
For us, it's the best mountain bike rubber that Ride Concepts produce so we wouldn't have any complaints if all of their mountain bike shoes featured it!
Of course, the compromise with such a rubber compound is that the wear may be greater, though lots of reviews have reported that these Ride Concepts flat pedal mountain bike shoes are wearing well, even after months of use and tricky trail riding. So ultimately, the cost per shoe over the years should work out well in our book.
This could be down to the added durability in places. Namely, the rubber toe cap and heel protection. A toe box is becoming increasingly popular on the higher-end models.
Comfort is considered too, and the insole is made from D30 so it will remain soft until impact.
Overall, the fact that the Ride Concepts TNT is a boot and not a shoe may bother some riders but they do compare well to the Ride Concepts Livewire shoe (which we look at lower down!).
Here's the thing.
The extra ankle protection and the stability these boots offer make them ideal for when you want to hit the trails in the winter. They're solid and snug.
Pros
Cons
Five Ten again? Absolutely. They offer some of the best mountain bike shoes around.
The shoes we're looking at here are the Low Version (LT), though there is Mid-range if you're after more of an ankle boot.
You'll be glad to know that Five Ten use their fantastic Stealth S1 rubber outer sole - a good way to start, isn't it?
The Five Ten TrailCross LT may not be as well known (yet) as their older brother (and market-leading), Five Ten Freerider Pro but they do pose some serious competition.
When you compare this pair of shoes, you'll see that the fit is different than that of the Five Ten Freerider Pro. The body is thinner and the toe-cap is boxier - as a result, the sizes tend to come up about half a size bigger so do factor that in!
You get a higher ankle cup at the back and it lowers on the sides.
If you're familiar with the Five Ten Freerider Pro, then you will know that the sturdy shell doesn't leave much room for twisting. However, with the Trail Cross, things are flexible. You don't get as much support but you do gain in breathability.
The impact is absorbed well due to the thickness of the cushions and what makes these some of the best mountain bike shoes is the fact they're water-resistant and they do it well!
You will also find that the power-delivery from the sole is some of the best mountain bike shoes on the market, as it's stiff enough but you won't experience any pressure points so you should find yourself comfortable for hours!
If you're after the best waterproof flat pedal MTB shoes, then get your feet into the Five Ten TrailCross LT!
Pros
Cons
Giro's Riddance is offered in both men's and women's versions. Looking at the two different versions, it seems like the difference is the color options.
These shoes are Giro's gravity-oriented line-up and you get a velcro lace strap to keep everything in place.
When you compare the Giro Riddance to the Five Teen Freerider Pro, you will notice that they are bulkier. Whether that's your thing will come down to personal taste but there isn't a sizable difference and it's not big enough to rule them out on that fact alone - we don't think.
The appearance per shoe is quite subdued and toned down. Though you do get a decent choice of colors and choices like that are always pleasing!
At the heel of the shoes, there's a rubber panel and this helps to give the best flat pedal shoe an extra bit of reinforcement.
The remaining parts on the top part of the shoe are made from microfiber fabric. The tongue also uses this microfiber fabric, though it is padded. It's held in place by the lace. The eyelets at the top are reinforced using metal.
Giro uses Vibram's Megagrip ISR rubber on the outsoles. They claim that this rubber doesn't have the same stickiness as the Vibram's IdroGrip though it does benefit from greater durability.
Durability isn't the only benefit you get, the rubber compound also works well to dampen vibrations. Pedal feel on the ball of the foot and grip is good as there is a lot of options for pin engagement. Hiking will be ok but you are relying on the rubber's grip for your traction. Which in most cases will be sufficient.
Comfort and power transfer shouldn't be an issue with the Giro Riddance, they perform well! This is partly thanks to the midsole using EVA for the full length, with enhanced vibration damping.
These shoes are quite stiff, though the Five Ten Freerider Pro are stiffer.
Mountain bikers wanting to spend all day in the saddle, should find these pedal shoes to be comfortable and possibly the best mountain bike shoes to walk around in. There aren't many options when you're looking for shoes that will be good for walking around in so there's a lot to be said for these ones!
Padding and ventilation are good, though the Ride Concepts do provide more padding, this does mean that they breathe well.
Overall, these may not be the absolute best mountain bike shoes but they're the best budget MTB flat pedal shoes around.
Sure, some of the features you see on the more expensive shoes aren't there but the grip on the pedals is brilliant, minimal signs of wear, and power transfer is good. It's difficult to argue that these aren't good value.
Pros
Cons
5. SHIMANO GR7
With the Shimano GR7, they are available in both men's and women's versions.
The name GR7 comes from a trail used for hiking and these mountain bike shoes are for those riders wanting an enduro or trail flat pedal shoe.
Appearance-wise, they're pretty unique and make a statement!
A lot of shoes in this review have used leather, faux, or real. This isn't the case with the Shimano GR7. They've opted to use synthetic materials all the way through the construction of these shoes. Initially, that may not sound as good, however, it really does give it a technical appearance.
On this mountain bike shoe, there is a sleeve that acts as the collar, it's neoprene and gives that heavy-duty appearance. It does have a purpose though, it is good at preventing gravel and general debris from ending up inside of your shoe.
On the outsole, you will find Michelin rubber paired with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
When Shimano did this in the first edition of the GR7, it was received with mixed reviews. The grip wasn't great. HOWEVER! Things are different this time around...and it's good!
The rubber compound doesn't give you that sticky feeling when you touch it but when your foot is on the pedal, it's a different story.
Overall, the outsole looks set to withstand wear a lot better than compounds that are soft - which is really encouraging.
On the Shimano stiffness scale and the Gr7's come in at 4/12 on the scale. One thing to keep in mind is that road shoes (in fact all Shimano shoes) are included in this scale.
So, you might be thinking that 4 doesn't sound all that great. Yet, testing has shown that the platform of these Shimano G7 mountain bike shoes is very stiff - impressively so and great when it comes to power transfer!
With that type of stiffness, you do lose a degree of flexibility. That can be good, that can be bad. They aren't ideal for the times when you do need to walk - manageable though and actually the tread pattern makes them fantastic for the times when you have very rough terrain.
The weather protection level is good, as is ventilation. Shimano put in holes for ventilation along the toe and heel - to be honest, we found that they didn't do much for the airflow, nice idea though.
Where the ventilation really comes into its own is in the side panel on these shoes.
On the upper part of the shoe, there is a coating that looks quite plastic-like. this works well at keeping your feet dry. You also get a collar on each shoe and it does a good job at stopping any general trail debris from ending up inside of your shoe.
Everything considered these Shimano GR7 mountain bike shoes have come a long way since their initial version, with some encouraging additions (especially the grippy soles!). Flat pedal riders who are after a good balance between weather protection and the ability for your feet to breathe, need to look no further.
Pros
Cons
Other Options
1. Ride Concepts Livewire Shoe
The Ride Concepts Livewire shoe is unquestionably a quality shoe. When you consider the price to performance ratio - it's remarkable.
The grip on the sole is fantastic on the Ride Concepts Livewire, as is comfort. The appearance is quite shoe-like on the Ride Concepts Livewire and that can be deceiving but you get a good level of protection too!
They aren't the lightest or have the most ventilation in our test but you get a well-rounded shoe for not a lot of expense, making the Livewire Ride Concepts a good option for many.
2. Shimano GR9
Another entry from Shimano. The sole is made from Michelin rubber so the grip is great, either on or off the bike.
Extra protection on the Shimano GR9 comes from the toe and heel reinforcements. Similar to Ride Concepts design, your anklebone is protected by a padded ankle collar.
Shimano ranks these as a 3 on their stiffness scale. Now do remember that this includes road clipless shoes that can be very stiff.
Either way, you shouldn't have any concerns surrounding the Shimano GR9 and its ability to get power to the pedals.
The grip on the sole is so good, that you shouldn't experience much in the way of movement of the shoe. Durability is also brilliant as each shoe doesn't seem to shoe up scuffs very easily - always a good thing!
Whilst sole grip and power to pedals are strong, the Shimano GR9 is let down by the fact they do seem to keep your feet a little too warm at times. Now, if you're in a cooler climate, this is probably music to your ears!
Common Questions & Answers
What shoes go with mountain bike flat pedals?
Any shoe that is dedicated to a flat pedal will work well. Look for a sole with the best grip. Consider what type of riding you will be doing, cross country, trails, etc?
Then read our buyer's guide and you'll be able to make the best purchase!
Can you use SPD shoes on flat pedals?
In theory, yes.
It won't be very comfortable most of the time and grip could be an issue but it's doable.
Long term? Get yourself the best mountain bike pair of shoes you can.
Do I need special shoes for flat pedals?
No, you don't. You can wear normal shoes/trainers and you will be fine.
It's not the best solution and there's a very good reason why these specific shoes exist - the best mountain bike when it comes to footwear. Enhanced grip, reinforced toe, stick to the pedal pins more and you're usually able to get a better power transfer too.
Final Verdict
So which ones are our best MTB flat pedal shoes?
The Five Ten Freerider Pro steals the show. The best in every category - what's not to like?