The Best Men’s and Women’s Mountain Bike Shoes for Flat Pedals
Riding in flat shoes is liberating and helps you hone your skills. Bonus! They can be worn casually, too.
Flat shoes can remove a level of fear for both beginners and experienced riders. New shredders can focus on fundamental technique without having to worry about the motion of clipping in and out of pedals, or slamming to the ground when they can’t free themselves in time. Experienced riders can hone their technique because, knowing they have a faster escape route, they might be more daring on technical terrain than they would if they were attached to the pedals.
Because you are not locked into the pedals (like you are with clipless shoes), the ride feel can be more fluid. The sacrifice: Without the ability to pull up on the pedals, you have to put forth a greater effort on climbs.
These flat shoes have a sticky rubber sole for better grip on the pedals and when walking on slippery and rocky terrain. They have a firm midsole to provide a good pedaling platform and often include some impact-absorbing material in the sole for cushioning hard impacts. They also have some flex for more comfortable walking. Most shoe companies have their own rubber compound and lug pattern. The pattern usually consists of circles or polygons that are designed to work with pedal pins to keep your foot in the correct position. Some soles use the same compound and pattern across the entire sole, while others have a contact pad under the ball of the foot. This area is made of a softer, stickier rubber designed for maximum grip on the pedal, while the toe and heel area use a more durable rubber that can better withstand walking on the trails. A stickier sole means better grip but almost always at the expense of durability.
How We Chose These Shoes
Every flat shoe on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience riding and hike-a-biking in these shoes—and wearing them long after the ride ends—to determine the best options. We evaluated these flat shoes on performance, value, comfort, durability, aesthetics, grippiness, and off-the-bike appeal to come up with these top nine models. The first five on our list are for both men and women.
Five Ten Freerider Pro
Price: $150
Five Ten has become a dominant brand for flat shoes. Its models can be seen at the Enduro World Series, in the bike park, and on your local trails. The Freerider Pro pretty much perfected the category. The sole is stiff enough for riding and has enough flex for walking, plus it sticks to your pedals like glue. The latest version vents well, dries quickly, and has enough protection on the toe and around the heel. They are light and comfortable, and won’t look out of place if you find yourself in an unexpected social situation. They’re also reasonably priced at $150.
Giro Riddance
Price: $130
The sole uses Vibram’s new Megagrip ISR rubber—claimed to be the company’s stickiest ever. The dotty sole pattern, which appears to be heavily influenced by the Five Ten Freerider Pro, provides additional crannies for pedal pins to grip. Underneath the sole rubber is an EVA-foam midsole said to damp vibrations. The microfiber upper is claimed to be breathable and water resistant, with a material called Rockprint reinforcing some areas for improved durability. Rubberized bits around the toes and heel offer additional protection.
Ride Concepts Livewire
Price: $100
Ride Concepts’s line of mountain bike shoes focuses on the trail/enduro/downhill side of the sport, and the Livewire is the company’s do-it-all flat-pedal option. The sole is made of a rubber blend with a medium-high level of grip. The hexagon pattern across the sole looks similar to the Five Ten dotty grip and is designed to work with your pedal pins to prevent the shoe from slipping out of position. The insole incorporates D30, which is commonly found in knee pads to offer a little protection and cushioning from hard impacts. There’s molded toe and heel protection and an asymmetric cuff to keep your sensitive areas protected. The laces keep the pressure even across your foot as you ride, and there’s a women’s option in different colors.
Bontrager Flatline
Price: $130
This flat shoe from Bontrager features a synthetic leather upper and a Vibram rubber sole for ideal connection with your pedals. And for those times when you’re not exactly on your bike, directional treads on the heel and toe area help you keep the rubber side down, whether you’re riding or hike-a-biking.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Flow
Price: $100
The X-Alp Flow uses a contact pad in the middle of the sole that has a different pattern from the toe and heel area. The chevron pattern at the toe and heel is constructed of a more durable rubber that will withstand walking rough trails, while the softer, grippier, siped rubber under the ball of the foot provides optimum grip on your pedal. An EVA midsole works as a shock absorber to protect you from hard impacts. The seamless upper keeps the shoe light and protects from the elements. The look is casual, so you’ll need to bring only one pair of shoes if you plan to spend some time with friends after the ride.
Specialized 2FO 2.0
Price: $110
The 2F0 2.0 uses Specialized’s stickiest rubber to ensure the best possible connection between shoe and pedal. The lug pattern is designed to work with your pedal pins to help keep the shoe in the correct position. The dual-density midsole adapts to the shape of the pedal while also protecting the foot from hard impacts. The upper uses padded sections to protect from trail debris, and the toe box will keep your digits safe from rock strikes. The 2F0 offers a comfortable fit around the ankle and protection from the elements.
Northwave Clan
Price: $150
The Clan is part of Northwave’s first line of flat-pedal shoes. The rubber used on the sole was developed in collaboration with Michelin and is designed to ensure maximum pedal grip. The midsole is stiff enough to provide good pedaling efficiency as well as shock absorption on rough trails. The breathable upper keeps your feet cool, and the durable, abrasion-resistant material should keep these shoes on the trail for many miles. A padded mesh tongue provides another layer of protection. Non-stretch laces, with an elastic keeper for storing them, means they won’t end up in your drivetrain.
Afton Keegan
Price: $100
The Keegan is a deceptively technical shoe with plenty of thoughtful features hidden in its laid-back look. The brand developed a proprietary rubber for the sole, which is relatively hard for extra durability, but soft enough to grip your pedals. The mono-directional shank was designed to provide a stiff pedaling platform and easy walkability. There are plenty of vents in the tough upper to keep your feet comfortable, but for those really hot days, an antimicrobial insole helps keep ’em from getting stinky.
DZR Sense Grey
Price: $100
One of the more burly options in DZR’s line, the Sense model has a beefy upper for protection and support, a full shank for pedaling efficiency, and a molded heel cup to keep your foot secure. The soles are designed to maintain traction in wet and dry conditions, and a reflective heel badge will catch drivers’ attention when you venture onto the pavement at dusk.
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