A good pair of mountain bike shoes can protect your feet from the hard plastic or metallic pedals featured on off-road bikes. The best mountain bike shoes allow your feet to remain positioned over the pedals during high-speed maneuvers. Mountain bike shoes are equipped with a few special features to boost the efficiency of your pedaling.
Flat Pedal Shoes
Entry-level mountain bikes generally feature conventional flat pedals. Regular athletic shoes can easily slip off the pedals during hairpin turns. To ensure you remain in position, the best mountain bike shoes have a thick outer sole for extra grip. According to Vital MTB, top-rated flat pedal mountain bike shoes are equipped with a durable outer sole made from rubber. Flat pedal mountain bike shoes generally feature a lacing system that allows you to customize the fit.
Clip-in Shoes
Advanced and expert models of mountain bikes are equipped with a special pair of clip-in pedals. The clip-in pedals allow you to fasten the cleats of your mountain bike shoes into a locking device. The best clip-in shoes for mountain biking feature a quick release mechanism that allows you to easily remove your cleats from the pedals. According to ABC of Mountain Biking, the best clip-in mountain bike shoes feature a lightweight plastic sole as well as perforations for increased airflow.
Special Features
The best mountain bike shoes are equipped with a few special features for added comfort and support. Hanging laces may get caught up on the edges of the mountain bike pedals. To avoid this potentially hazardous situation, top-of-the-line mountain bike shoes often feature Velcro straps. The mountain bike specialists at REI state that higher-priced shoe models feature removable toe spikes as well as a waterproof lining. The toe spike provides increased traction when dismounting your mountain bike.
Fit
Mountain bike shoes should fit snugly while providing heel and ankle support. Loose-fitting shoes can cause your toes to smash against the inner lining. For the proper fit, your toes should have a minimal amount of wiggling room. Mountain bike shoes that feature a rigid sole may not feel comfortable the first time you try them on. However, the sole will gradually mold to the unique shape of your foot after a few rides.
Brands
"Bicycling Magazine" selected the Specialized BG Pro MTB model as one of the best mountain biking shoes of 2010. The Specialized BG Pro MTB shoes feature a rigid mid sole constructed out of carbon fiber. The Impact Low 2 from Five Ten is another top-of-the-line model of mountain biking shoes, designed for flat pedals. Other top-rated shoe brands include Shimano, Sidi and North Wave.
Member Comments