Mountain biking shoes have stiff soles for efficient pedaling, and feature built-in grips for good traction. But with many female mountain bikers riding in smaller men's shoes, it's hard for women to know which shoes best suit their riding needs. There are a few top-rated mountain biking shoes for women to choose from, however.
Shimano SH-M121W Mountain Bike Shoe
The Shimano SH-M121W shoe has addressed the issue of women wearing men's mountain biking shoes. Often when women wear men's shoes, there's too much upper material for the typically narrower female foot. That's why these shoes
feature a coated leather upper and tough nylon mesh panels to protect your feet, while keeping them sufficiently warm and cool. The M121W uses three Velcro straps to keep your foot in place, and the outsole is designed to grip rough terrain.
BG Motodiva Shoe
"Bicycling" recommended the BG Motodiva Shoe in 2009. This comfortable shoe was built with women in mind. They are narrower at the heel and wider in the toebox, according to "Bicycling." And they feature a special Micromatrix fabric that is designed for feet of all different shapes. It also has a ratchet closure that keeps feet snug.
Shimano WM60 Womens Shoe
These shoes are "comfortable, airy and powerful," according to BikeRadar.com. There's plenty of padding around the ankle and heel cup for padding, and they feature a stretchy mesh top on the tongues to stop irritation and overheating of the foot. These shoes also have dual-compound soles for good traction.
Pearl Izumi Select Mountain Bike Shoe
The Pearl Izumi Select Mountain Bike shoe is recommended by REI.com. This shoe is an affordable shoe with a women-specific design. It takes into account women's foot dimensions and pedal stroke. It features a concave shaping of footbed/plate and cradles the foot for support, comfort and pedaling efficiency, according to REI.com. It's made of synthetic leather and features a nylon mesh upper, making for a breathable and durable fit.
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