The 8 Best Mountain Bike Shoes for Pedaling Rough Terrain

When searching for the best mountain bike shoes, Five Ten is a brand name you will encounter quite a lot. Their various shoe models pop up everywhere, and they are especially prolific when it comes to flat mountain bike shoes.

The first Five Ten offering on this list is also our first flat shoe. For those of you looking for something to go with flat pedals, this is an excellent place to start.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro has a slick urban design and comes in six different color schemes. Unlike many mountain bike shoes, these have the style of everyday runners, which will be a factor for more fashion-conscious mountain bikers.

As well as looking good, these shoes offer serious performance. Their fully synthetic upper body is lightweight, but also durable, and the toe box is designed to withstand heavier impacts. These features combine to make this one of the best mountain bike shoes around.

Giro’s Cylinder model is a tried and tested stalwart of the mountain bike shoe market. Like other clipless options, it has the versatility to work as a road cycling shoe as well.

Its premium design features a synthetic upper body and die-cut insoles. Its toe and heel are both reinforced with microfibers.

This shoe is a premium option that consistently receives positive feedback from cyclists, and should always be taken into consideration by serious mountain bikers with a preference for clipless pedals.

The Cylinder comes in three color schemes. Buyers can choose between a fully black motif or a black body with either light blue or dark red on the strap. The light blue strap is particularly striking, but all three are easy on the eyes.

This shoe is another option from flat-sole specialists Five Ten. It is a thicker, stronger shoe than the Freerider Pro discussed above. It prioritizes stability and security, and it offers a grip that is stickier than most flat-soled mountain bike shoes.

There is, unfortunately, a trade-off for the extra security of this shoe, and that is its aesthetic. While many might not be concerned by that, the shoe is much less appealing to look at than others on this list, its chunky sole letting it down in the beauty department.

There are different color schemes, but none that can do enough to escape the clunkiness of the frame.

That minor quibble aside, it remains one of the best mountain bike shoes around. The Five Ten design is as impeccable as always when it comes to performance, making this a strong contender for anyone in the market for flat-soled mountain bike shoes.

This offering from Five Ten is for female mountain bikers. Its
frame is noticeably narrower than the two other Five Ten models listed here. However, the range of sizes is similar to that of other options on this list, so this shoe is not necessarily only suitable for women.

These shoes are made from synthetic textiles and feature a removable insole. The grip of the soles is considerable, even with flat pedals, and offers beginners a degree of security that other shoes do not.

In terms of style, these shoes are somewhat neater than other mountain bike shoes. There are three color schemes to pick from, though these vary only slightly.

Shimano is a giant when it comes to cycling apparatus. With the SH-XC5, they’ve stated their claim as the manufacturers of one of the best mountain bike shoes around.

These clipless shoes boast many important features. The midsole is reinforced with carbon fiber, allowing for rigidity despite the shoe’s light weight. The synthetic leather that makes up the upper body is perforated for temperature regulation, as well as fit.

As well as this, these shoes feature a miniature power strap that offers added security and a non-slip outsole pattern.

Their appearance is no less impressive than their performance. The SH-XC5 comes in three color schemes, including an especially striking grey and orange.