10 Best Mountain Bike Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Five Ten Trail Cross Mid Pro Mountain Bike Shoes have several strengths that make them a good choice for mountain biking enthusiasts. The EVA midsole provides cushioning that can help reduce foot fatigue on longer rides. With a lace closure, you get a customizable fit, though some might prefer the convenience of a quick-release system. The textile and mesh upper offers a regular fit and contributes to breathability, which is crucial for keeping your feet cool during intense rides.

The rubber outer and sole materials ensure good grip and durability, which are essential for tackling rugged trails and varied terrain. The shoes also offer machine washability, making them easy to clean after muddy rides. However, the synthetic-and-rubber fabric might not offer the highest level of breathability compared to other materials, which can be a drawback in warmer conditions. Additionally, the focus on regular fit means these shoes may not accommodate all foot shapes equally well.

While the lace closure system provides a secure fit, it isn't the quickest option for taking the shoes on and off. To summarize, these shoes are durable, offer good protection, and are most suitable for riders looking for a balanced mix of comfort and performance on the trails.

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 mountain bike shoes offer a solid performance with a few standout features. The BOA L6 Dial closure system with stainless steel laces ensures a secure and adjustable fit, making them convenient for quick adjustments while on the trail. The Tack Rubber outsole with a dual-layer EVA and Gamma tread design provides excellent grip on flat pedals, making them ideal for riders who prefer not to use cleats. The shoe's textile upper with Thermo-bonded PU overlays adds durability and protection against rough terrain.

Additionally, the shoes are relatively lightweight at 337 grams, which is a plus for long rides. However, one potential drawback is the lack of cleat compatibility, limiting options for riders who might want to switch to clip-in pedals. While the textile upper contributes to breathability, the weather resistance might not be sufficient for very wet conditions.

The die-cut footbed offers some comfort, but riders seeking extra cushioning or arch support might need to look elsewhere. These shoes are well-suited for flat pedal mountain bikers who value a secure fit and good pedal grip.