10 Best Mountain Bike Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Five Ten Freerider DLX is a solid choice for mountain biking, especially for riders who prefer a lace-up closure for a snug, customizable fit. Its one-piece molded cupsole is designed to be stiff enough to provide good power transfer on pedals, which is important for efficient pedaling. The rubber sole is known for excellent grip, making it very compatible with flat pedals and helping prevent slips during rides.

The shoe’s synthetic and coated leather upper adds durability and some weather resistance, which can protect your feet from rough trails and light wet conditions. However, because it’s made mostly from leather, breathability might be limited, potentially making your feet feel hotter during long or warm rides. The regular fit should be comfortable for most riders, though those with wider feet might find it a bit snug.

These shoes offer great protection and grip but might not be the best if you often ride in very wet or muddy environments where waterproofing is crucial. The Five Ten Freerider DLX works well for riders looking for durable, grippy shoes with a classic lace system and solid pedal connection, but if breathability or heavy weather resistance is your top priority, there might be better options out there.

The Crankbrothers Unisex Flat Mountain-Biking-Shoes offer impressive grip and durability thanks to their MC2 rubber sole and Stamp tread pattern, which helps maintain a solid connection with pedals. The rubber sole is designed to absorb pedal pin impacts and resist wear, which is great if you ride on rough terrain. These shoes use a classic lace-up closure, providing a secure and adjustable fit, though some riders might prefer quicker closure systems for convenience. They are specially made to work well with Crankbrothers Stamp pedals, ensuring good pedal compatibility.

Comfort is enhanced by a cushioned EVA midsole that absorbs shocks, while TPU reinforcements and a padded tongue add protection against impacts and abrasion. Breathability is taken care of with mesh panels and a perforated tongue, helping keep your feet cool during rides. The shoe also features a lace pocket to keep laces safe and prevent snagging. While these shoes offer excellent traction for walking, thanks to strategically placed toe and heel lugs, they might lack more advanced weather resistance features like waterproofing, so they may not be ideal in very wet conditions.

In summary, these shoes suit riders looking for durable, grippy flat pedal shoes with good protection and breathability, especially if using Crankbrothers pedals, though those needing quick closure systems or strong waterproofing might look elsewhere.

The Giro Tracker Men BOA shoes are designed specifically for flat pedal mountain biking and e-biking, offering a strong grip and durability for rough trails and all-day rides. They use a rubber sole with aggressive lug patterns that work well with pedal pins, providing solid traction and stable footing on pedals. The twin BOA L6 dials allow for quick and precise adjustments, making it easy to get a snug fit without fuss.

Breathability comes from a textile mesh upper that keeps your feet ventilated while the thermobonded PU overlays add protection and resist wear, especially at the toe and heel where shoes often face the most damage. Comfort is enhanced with a dual-layer EVA midsole and a molded footbed that supports your arch, which is important for long rides. These shoes are designed for flat pedals only and don’t work with clip-in systems, so they might not suit riders who prefer pedal clipping.

The sole is not extremely stiff, which favors comfort and grip but may not be ideal if you want maximum power transfer on pedaling. These shoes successfully balance comfort, protection, and grip, making them a solid choice for riders who prioritize flat pedal performance and all-terrain versatility.