Mountain bike shoes feature cleats bolted to sole that must match your mountain bike's pedals, thus working as a system. Your shoes and pedals likely feature a two-hole cleat pattern, called the SPD-2 two-bolt drilling pattern after Shimano Pedaling Dynamics. Manufacturers design other features, such as the uppers and closure devices, so that your shoes will avoid filling with mud and offer continued service even when wet or used in sloppy conditions.
Step 1
Convert your American shoe size to a European size using a size conversion chart, such as the one online at REI.com or Dick's Sporting Goods. Try on the mountain bike shoe to check fit, and ask for a wide or mega designation if your regular shoe width is "C" or wider.
Step 2
Invest in a shoe that feels comfortable, that fits well such that the fastenings do not constrict your feet or create numbness. Look for room in the toe area, heel support and comfort around the ankle, recommends BikeCyclingReviews.com.
Step 3
Select a mountain bike shoe with three straps, or with two straps on the mid-foot and a racheting mechanism at the top of the foot, to achieve the custom fit of more expensive models. Select a two-strap model if you need to economize with an entry-level model. Buy a shoe with laces for a custom fit, suggests REI, but note they will get dirty in inclement conditions.
Step 4
Pick a mountain bike shoe with a stiff sole if you mainly race or do cross-country riding, recommends Performance Bicycle. Look for prominent treads for gripping when you have to push your bike across rough terrain.
Step 5
Purchase a shoe with rubberized areas on the uppers for the mid-foot, heels and toes, which will resist mud and dirt thrown up on the trail. Look for easy-to-clean materials such as synthetic leather, poly-coated leather and plastic as well as rubber.
Step 6
Buy a mountain bike shoe with a carbon-fiber outsole to reduce weight by up to 25 percent, while stiffening the shoe for greater power, if your budget allows, Outside.online recommends.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for high-tech innovation from manufacturers of mountain bike shoes. Shimano, for example, offers a women-specific fit accounting for proportionately lower, narrow heels and lower-volume front end for women. Shimano also offers heat-activated mountain bike uppers and insoles customized to your exact foot shape by shoe shop personnel.
- Nylon mesh panels added for ventilation to a mountain bike shoe may not keep water and mud out. Synthetic and poly-coated leathers do not stretch over time, notes Performance Bicycle, so try for a perfect fit when you first put on the shoe.
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