21 Best Mountain Bike Shoes (Review) In 2022

- 1. Five Ten Men's Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes
- 2. Giro Rumble Vr Mountain Bike Shoes
- 3. Louis Garneau Women's Sapphire Mountain Bike Shoes
- 4. Tommaso Montagna 100 Men's MTB Spin Cycling Shoe
- 5. Giro Privateer R MTB Shoes
- 6. Fizik Women's M6 Donna BOA Mountain Cycling Shoes
- 7. Giro Women’s Petra VR Dirt Cycling Shoes
- 8. Venzo Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Shimano SPD Shoes
- 9. Louis Garneau Men's Gravel Bike Shoes
- 10. Five Ten Men's Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes
- 11. Giro Chamber MTB Shoes
- 12. Giro Jacket MTB Shoes
- 13. Pearl iZUMi X-Project PRO Cycling Shoe
- 14. Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Road Fuel v5 Cycling Shoe
- 15. Etnies Men's Jameson Mid Crank Brandon Semenuk Mountain Bike Shoes
- 16. Louis Garneau Granite 2 Bike Shoes
- 17. Sidi Dominator 7 SR Cycling Shoe
- 18. Giro Privateer R HV Shoe
- 19. Giro Riela R Womens MTB Shoes
- 20. Diamondback Men's Trace Clipless Pedal Compatible Cycling Shoe
- 21. Zol White MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes
Mountain biking is no sport for the faint hearted. The dizzying heights of the mountains alone is enough to reawaken your phobia of you and your bike slipping down the slope. Some scenarios are best left as phobias though and tumbling off the mountain side is one of those. With the right mountain bike shoes gripping the pedal, providing anti slip protection, these terrifying situations can remain the stuff of nightmares. Rather be sure you got the best MTB shoes money can buy with the array of options out there? This article will give you the information to get the right mountain bike shoes for you.
The Best Mountain Bike Shoe
1. Five Ten Men’s Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes

Available in six different colour options
Comes with a rubber sole
Fitted with mesh uppers for breathability
Highly recommended by 79% of users
Our top choice for the best mountain bike shoe is the Five Ten Men’s Freerider MTB Bike Shoes. This mens mountain bike shoe is made of both leather and synthetic material with a rubber sole that has been designed to give you a firm grip on the ground. With your feet safely tucked into this baby, slipping is no longer a concern. This performance footwear has its suede and mesh uppers set in such a way that your feet remain cool yet dry when active. And if style is your main concern, it also comes easy on the eyes with its neon orange laces. No doubt, this MTB shoe is the footwear of choice by many a mountain biker. If you also enjoy road cycling, be sure to check out our best road cycling shoes review.
Adhere well to the pedals
Anti-Slip
Breathable
A bit pricey
Available in only 6 colours
Overly long laces
2. Giro Rumble Vr Mountain Bike Shoes

Made of leather
Comes in three colours
Fitted with an EVA midsole
Designed with mesh uppers to keep feet cool and dry
Made of leather and fitted with EVA outsoles, your feet’s comfort in the Giro Rumble Vr MTB Shoes are guaranteed. This men’s mountain bike shoe is very flexible and designed for a good grip on your bike’s pedal. With its mesh uppers for enhanced breathability, stinky feet are unlikely to happen. This MTB shoe is very versatile and is as suitable for cycling as it is for walking the mountain trail.
Available in 14 sizes
Fitted with ecostep outsole
Lightweight
Shoes sizes run small
Stiff soles
Narrow fit could present a problem for wearers with wide feet
3. Louis Garneau Women’s Sapphire Mountain Bike Shoes

Comes with hook and loop straps for easy adjustment
Made of synthetic mesh
Fitted with HRS – 80 retention to keep your heel in place
Meet the Louis Garneau Women’s Sapphire MTB Bike Shoes. This mountain bike shoe for women is made of a synthetic mesh material that comes with SPD cleats that balance perfectly on most mountain bikes. Its reflective heel gives visibility under poor lighting. With an Ergo Grip 2 outsole that makes for enhanced traction and a hook and loop closure design, it is not only easy to wear and take off but also easy to adjust. To top it all off, this mountain bike shoe keeps your feet comfortable even when cycling for hours on end. If biking is also one of your passions, don’t forget to check out our selection of the best dirt bike boots.
Available in an attractive magenta colour
Thermobonded mesh uppers reduce pressure points
Has a reflective heel
SPD cleats sold separately
Available only in two colours
Quite pricey
4. Tommaso Montagna 100 Men’s MTB Spin Cycling Shoe

Comes with Velcro straps for comfort fit
Has a fiberglass reinforced sole
Fitted with mesh for ventilation
Simple design
Made with synthetic leather and a sole reinforced with fiberglass, with the Tommaso Montagna 100 Men’s Mountain Bike MTB Spin Cycling Shoe, you can make cycling count riding longer and using minimal energy while at it. Little wonder, this mens mountain bike shoe got a 5 star review from a whopping 76% of users. The versatility of this product makes it as good for mountain biking as it is for spinning and touring. With Velcro straps for better adjustment and comfort and a two year warranty thrown in, this is one of the most assurable biking shoes you can treat your feet to.
Good for clipless riding
Easy to install cleats
Affordable pricing
Available only in two colours
Does not come with cleats
Heavyweight
5. Giro Privateer R MTB Shoes

Available in four attractive colours
Comes with microfiber uppers
Has an EVA foot bed for foot support
Fitted with lugs for enhanced traction
Founded more than 30 years ago by Jim Gentes, Giro has been churning out quality cycling equipment since then. The Giro Privateer R MTB Shoes is designed to give cyclers improved traction on rocky terrain with rubber outsole featuring nylon for durability and lugs. To better support your feet, Giro added on an EVA footbed as well as an Aegis antibacterial treatment for protection against fungus. If you want additional support for your feet, pick a pair of best insoles from our list.
Competitively priced
Comes with an inner cleat plate
Brightly coloured designs
Runs a bit narrow
Synthetic leather does not stretch much
Might need one size up if wearing socks
6. Fizik Women’s M6 Donna BOA Mountain Cycling Shoes

Available in 14 different sizes
Can be adjusted for a snug fit through Velcro straps
Has a midsole reinforced with carbon
Made with Microtex fabric for improved breathability
This next performance MTB shoe would make for a great gift for your lady with its eye catching turquoise and lilac patterns laid over synthetic mesh. Hitting the mountain trail cycling together, her delicate feet protected by the reinforced nylon midsole and rubber outsole of the Fizik Women’s Mountain Bike Shoe is one present she will not be forgetting any time soon. These shoes offer a comfortable fit that offer an adjustable fit with its Velcro straps.
Runs true to size
Very comfortable
Can be used for spinning
Available in only one colour
Pricey
Can be a little stiff
7. Giro Women’s Petra VR Dirt Cycling Shoes

Features a lace up closure
Made with breathable mesh fabric
Has a padded tongue for greater comfort
Can be used with cleats
Giro is back again with yet another cute number that would look great on your lady’s feet while keeping them protected from the rigours of the mountain trail while cycling. The Giro Women’s Petra VR Dirt Cycling Shoes comes with breathable mesh cuts that help keep those pretty feet of hers cool and dry. With the molded EVA footbed the shoe comes with, you bet her arches will have all the support required. For more great shoes for the ladies, check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.
Can be used with two holed cleats
Fashionable look
Roomy toe box
Sizes run small
Mesh fabric over toe box makes for chilly toes on cold days
Does not come with Velcro straps
8. Venzo Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Shimano SPD Shoes

Made with synthetic and mesh textile
Features reflector strips
Low slung fit
Comes with removable sock liner
The Venzo Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Shimano SPD Shoes are low slung and come with mesh and synthetic uppers that are not only fast drying but also easy to ventilate which guarantee a cool and dry feet while cycling. Its toe box is roomy and has a comfortable fit and clipping and unclipping cleats from these shoes is a real piece of cake. The reflective strips on its design make for safer cycling in dimly lit areas. Even better, all this mountain bike shoe goodness can be yours for just $50.
Very affordable
Has a roomy toe box
Easy to unclip and clip on cleats
Sizes run large
They do not come with cleats
Not heavy enough for powerful pedaling
9. Louis Garneau Men’s Gravel Bike Shoes

Thermobonded mesh and synthetic leather
Large tongue to minimize foot abrasions
Can be easily adjusted with the hook and loop closure
Ergo Grip 2 outsole comes with removable studs
Louis Garneau is back again with this number for the newbies to mountain biking. Founded in 1984, Louis Garneau has about 35 years of experience producing quality gear for mountain bikers. This is a company you can trust your feet with and the same can be said about the Louis Garneau Men’s Gravel Bike Shoes. This mens mountain bike shoes with is attractive sapphire color and supple orange tongue is made with breathable mesh – comfort feature that will protect your feet from abrasions. To always keep your shoes fresh and clean, pick one of the best UV shoe sanitizers from our list.
Has a roomy fit
Hot stuff insole supports your foot’s arch
Can be used with SPD cleats
Sizes run small
Available in two colours only
High priced
10. Five Ten Men’s Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes

Comes with a stitched Stealth C4 rubber outsole
Has a mesh tongue for ankle support
Made of 100% polyester mesh
Has an EVA midsole for support
This next men’s mountain bike shoe just oozes masculinity with its black polyester mesh fabric with strips of red on its outsole adding a streak of bright colour to it. The Five Ten Men’s Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes comes a rubber outsole made of Stealth C4 rubber that is great for power transfer while pedaling. This makes it the ultimate performance shoe for mountain biking.
Compatible with all SPD pedals
Affordably priced
Good for pedaling
Sizes run narrow
They do not come in extra wide
Limited colour options
11. Giro Chamber MTB Shoes

Made of leather
Features medium arch support
Comes with an EVA midsole
Durable Vibram outsole
These feet hugging number made of pure leather is very smart looking and designed especially for mountain biking with an EVA midsole to keep your feet comfortable for as long as you are biking. The aegis antimicrobial treatment used on the shoe will keep your feet free of bacteria caused by moisture. With as low as $45, the Giro Chamber MTB Shoes is one of the best you can treat your feet to. If you also like running outdoors, be sure to check out our reviews of the best running sandals.
Built like a street shoe
Can be worn on flat pedals
Runs true to size
Clip mount is a little high
Heavyweight
Comes in only two colours
12. Giro Jacket MTB Shoes

Made of leather
Has a rubber toe cap
Comes with EVA midsole for shock absorption
Vibram outsole provides enhanced grip
This next leather MTB shoe from Giro’s stables is fitted with an EVA foot bed arch support and Vibram rubber outsole with lugs. Attractively designed with solid coloured leather and bright coloured laces for easy fit adjustment, the Giro Jacket MTB Shoes comes with a rubber toe cap will keep your toes protected from sharp flying rocks while on the trail. The EVA midsole provides your feet maximum shock absorption enabling them be ready to ride for yet another day.
Very affordable
Comes in six brilliant color patterns
Stiff soles sit well on pedals
A bit narrow for wide feet
Lack of mesh limits ventilation
Shoe’s tongue does not breathe
13. Pearl iZUMi X-Project PRO Cycling Shoe

Attractive burnt orange colour
Vibram outsole
Shock absorbing EVA midsole
Medium arch support
Meet the Pearl iZUMi X-Project PRO Cycling Shoes. Although quite pricey, they are totally worth every penny. With its two arch supports and one of kind burnt orange color, it totally fits in on a mountainous landscape. Super comfortable and running true to size, these mens mountain bike shoes with its EVA midsoles provides superb shock absorption and BOA straps for adjustment to a snug fit. Its rubber outsoles give an unparalleled grip on the pedal making for efficient power transfer. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best insoles for plantar fasciitis in case you suffer from this condition.
Runs true to size
Vibrant colour
Very comfortable
Steeply priced
Heavy weight
Poor ventilation
14. Pearl iZUMi Men’s X-Road Fuel v5 Cycling Shoe

Made with synthetic materials
Built like a sneaker
Comes with two holed nylon plate
Fitted with a thick tongue
This next offer from Pearl is a lot more moderately priced than its screaming orange cousin yet does not compromise on quality. This can be seen from its flexible underfoot which makes learning the ropes a whole lot easier for those new to riding with clipless pedals. Built to look like a sneaker, the Pearl iZUMi Men’s X-Road Fuel v5 Cycling Shoe come with a two holed mounting designed nylon plate that are the rave among mountain bikers keen on SPD cleats. With the plate positioned just at the point where you add on the cleats, this MTB shoe can very well serve as a sneaker
Can double as a sneaker
Nylon plate positioned only at the point where cleat attaches
Moderately priced
Sizes run narrow
Requires breaking in time
Lace up design do not make for easy adjustment
15. Etnies Men’s Jameson Mid Crank Brandon Semenuk Mountain Bike Shoes

Built like a tennis shoe
Six colours to choose from
High collar for ankle protection
Comes with strobel board midsole
Although it looks very much the part of a tennis shoe, the Etnies Men’s Jameson Mid Crank Brandon Semenuk Mountain Bike Shoes packs quite a punch with its 100% leather fabric and rubber sole for increased traction and grip on the pedal. With a strobel board midsole, power transfer to the pedal while riding has never been easier. Built with a high collar, your ankle enjoy additional protection from chaffing or friction. And with six colors to choose from and costing less than a $100, this moderately priced mountain bike shoe isn’t one to be missed. We have prepared our selection of the best pickleball shoes, so be sure to check them out.
Moderately priced
Lightweight
Can be used as casual footwear
Small shoe tongue
No Velcro straps for easy fit adjustment
Narrow toe box
16. Louis Garneau Granite 2 Bike Shoes

One way BOA L4 adjustment
Fiberglass outsole
Fitted with a heel retention system
Reflective heel
Louis Graneau is back again, this time with a roomy fit mens mountain bike shoe with the Louis Garneau – Granite 2 Bike Shoes. This shoe comes with a BOA L4 adjustment for a snug form fit as well as a Velcro strap that was thrown in to give the wearer better control on fit. Its outsole built with fiberglass and Ergo Grip nylon will shake off that mud like no other while giving you stronger grip on the pedal. With its reflector heel, visibility while riding the trail is taken care of.
Great ventilation
Roomy fit
Enhanced traction with Ergo Grip nylon
Expensively priced
Available in only two colours
Sizes run large
17. Sidi Dominator 7 SR Cycling Shoe

Lightweight RS 17 sole
Padded tongue
Replaceable toe insert
Enhanced grip tread pattern
The Sidi Dominator 7 SR Cycling Shoe with its spectacular patterns is a lot lighter than it looks with a replaceable toe insert and padded tongue to reduce friction to your ankle as well as chafing. With strategically placed mesh panel offering greater breathability and a caliper ratchet for easy adjustment, this men’s mountain bike shoe though steeply priced sure is worth every last penny. If you are a passionate runner, check out our guide to the best stability running shoes.
Technomicro microfiber mesh uppers provide cooling
5 star rating from 100% of users
Lightweight sole
Steeply priced
Does not come with studs
Does not come with cleats
18. Giro Privateer R HV Shoe

Designed with pure microfiber uppers
Uppers made with stitched seams
Comes with Aegis antimicrobial treatment
Nylon outsole has rubber lugs attached
The Giro Privateer R HV Shoe has got its uppers made with pure microfiber and an EVA footbed with arch support. This ventilated upper is attached onto the shoe with stitched seams reducing the possibility of your feet getting blisters. With aegis antimicrobial treatment, you can safely remove your shoes without stinking up the mountains. Add to that, a nylon outsole with rubber lugs and a scuff guard protecting the sole and you have got yourself one of the best MTB shoes ever made.
Superb ventilation
Higher volume great for wide feet
Has a mid-foot scruff guard
Comes only in one color
Compatible only with 2 bolt mountain bikes
Expensive
19. Giro Riela R Womens MTB Shoes

Nylon and rubber molded outsole
EVA support foot bed
Three Velcro straps for easy adjustment
Made with breathable synthetic fiber
With Giro releasing a women’s MTB shoe this cute, making mountain biking an opportunity to spend quality time with your lady has just gotten way easier. Gift the special woman in your life the Giro Riela R Womens MTB Shoes that comes loaded with comfort features. This includes an EVA footbed and a nylon/rubber outsole that will give her a great grip both on the pedal and trail. With a mountain bike shoe this comfortable and in such attractive colour patterns, you are guaranteed a riding buddy of the sexy variety for life. You may also like to check our guide to the best martial arts shoes.
Very comfortable
Enhanced breathability
Attractive color options
Sizes run small
Does not come with cleats
Not compatible with Peloton
20. Diamondback Men’s Trace Clipless Pedal Compatible Cycling Shoe

Made of suede
Has many mesh panels for greater breathability
Comes with a reinforced toe cup
Fitted with both Velcro strap and laces for fit adjustment
The Diamondback Men’s Trace Clipless Pedal Compatible Cycling Shoe is big on ventilation and keeping your feet free of moisture with its numerous mesh panels. Its fiberglass reinforced outsole does wonders for pedal grip, making for efficient power transfer. Multipurpose as this men’s mountain bike shoe is, it would work just as well for indoor cycling and touring.
SPD compatible
Can also work for touring and indoor cycling
Comes with cleats
Only one color option
Noisy cleats
Heavy weight
21. Zol White MTB Indoor Cycling Shoes

Fitted with a fiberglass – nylon outsole
Quick dry inner sole
Comes with both Velcro and buckle straps
Compatible with 2 bolt cleats
Founded in 2006 by David Mesqueue, Zol shoes has committed itself to providing quality biking equipment for mountain bikers worldwide. Zol’s White MTB Indoor Cycling Shoe is no exception with its quick drying inner sole which reduces the likelihood of stinky shoes caused by sweaty feet. Its breathable upper mesh panels keep your feet cool while riding while its fiberglass – nylon outsole is simply magical during power transfer. For more cool footwear, check out our selection of the best inline skates.
Runs true to size
Very affordable at less than $60
Great arch support
SPD clips may not stay in place
Does not come with cleats
Available in only one colour
Mountain Bike Shoes Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Mountain Bike Shoes
Reviews - Shoes with a five star review from at least 50% of users are generally worthy of consideration. When 5 star rating start getting into the 70 – 100% range like the Pearl iZUMi X-Project PRO or the Sidi Dominator 7 SR Cycling Shoes, you have got yourself some of the best MTB shoes ever made.
Brand - Some brands specialize only in cycling equipment such as Giro and Louis Garneau with about 35 years in producing mountain biking equipment. All that experience sure counts for a lot.
Price - Brands such as Sidi and Pearl iZumi offer quality shoes but are often quite expensive with prices starting from $200. If you are on a budget though you might want to consider lower end brands who also produce good shoes such as Venzo and Giro with MTB shoes starting from as low as $45.
Features To Look For In Mountain Bike Shoes
Fastening System - MTB shoes typically come with a variety of fastening systems such as laces, Velcro, ratchet, or the BOA system. Some even feature a number of fastening systems in one pair such as the Sidi Dominator which comes both with Velcro and ratchet. Laces typically offer wearers less control in terms of adjustability while Velcro makes for a more comfortable fit and BOA gives a form fit.
Grip - A good grip on the pedal is a big deal when purchasing MTB shoes to ensure your ride isn’t unnecessarily tedious. MTB shoes such as the Diamondback Men's Trace Clipless Pedal Compatible Cycling Shoe are known for giving riders an excellent grip on the pedal which is largely attributable to its reinforced fiberglass outsole.
Power Transfer - Power transfer from foot to the pedal is key when mountain biking. You have got to make every pedal count. The Zol White MTB Indoor Cycling MTB shoe has a reputation for power transfer during rides with ease.
Weight - Weight is a bit of a delicate matter with MTB shoes. Too heavy and it becomes a problem for use in spinning or walking. Too light and you can have pedal grip problems. MTB shoes such as the Louis Garneau - Granite 2 Bike Shoes have been able to attain that perfect weight balance just right for mountain biking.
Weatherproof - Most MTB shoes typically are not waterproof but many offer reinforced toe boxes that offer protection from loose rocks on mountainous terrain and Aegis microbial treated insoles for anti-bacterial and moisture protection.
Durability - Durability is important when buying MTB shoes to avoid having to purchase a new pair every other ride. Shoes with nylon and rubber co-molded outsoles typically last longer, taking a while to wear.
Breathability - Foot ventilation when mountain biking is important to reduce the possibility of bacteria build-up and moisture. The more mesh panels an MTB shoe has, the better its breathability. MTB shoes such as the Diamondback Men's Trace Clipless Pedal Compatible Cycling Shoe is a winner in this area.
Riding Comfort - EVA midsoles are a major comfort feature to look out for when making MTB shoe purchases.
Walking Comfort - Some MTB shoes are built purely for mountain biking and won’t offer much by way of comfort when used for anything else. Some though like the Giro Rumble Vr MTB Shoes are very multipurpose.
Fit - Going for MTB shoes that run true to size is your best bet. However, some brands run wide will some run narrow. In the case of either scenario, going for one size up or down will usually do the trick.
Types Of MTB Shoes
Flat Pedal - Flat pedal MTB shoes come with metal pins that rubber-soled shoes that hang on to. It is far easier to get on and off a bike with flat pedals especially in cases of an emergency dismount. Little wonder they are the shoe of choice for beginners and non-competitive cyclers.
Clipless - Clipless MTB shoes with its provision for cleats that lock onto the pedal give you a connection to your bike like no other making for very efficient power transfer. With your clipless MTB shoes safely locked onto the pedal, you can put your muscles to good use for forward propulsion. Clipless pedals are also known as SPD pedals.
Mountain Bike Shoe FAQ
Q: What is the difference between MTB and road shoe?
A: MTB shoes are actually built with a bike’s pedal in mind which is why they come with cleats or have provision for them to be attached on for clipless biking and its attendant efficient power transfer. They offer a better grip with stiffer soles for pedaling compared to road shoes.
Q: Do MTB shoes make a difference?
A: Yes, they do especially for competitive riders who require the extra advantage MTB shoes feature such as SPD pedals, stiffer soles, enhanced traction, and shock absorption Vibram outsoles and EVA arch support midsoles offer.
Q: How do I clean MTB shoes?
A: Your MTB shoes can get to be pretty muddy after a day’s ride. Clean them using a stiff brush and a bowl of water to take out the mud. Stuff them with old newspapers and leave them in an airy place or in front of your refrigerator vent overnight while the newspaper sucks out the moisture. You could also sun dry then if possible, changing the newspaper every 4 – 6 hours and taking out the insoles first. Prefer a machine wash? No problem, just make sure to take off the mud first, put them in a pillow case then wash. Let the dryer be on low heat though. Check manufacturer’s instructions first though if this is recommended.