The Best Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes of 2024

The Livewire shoes feature a synthetic canvas and microfiber upper, a traditional tongue, and a level of TPU toe/heel box protection similar to other all-around flat pedal shoes. We noticed that the upper felt a bit stiff out of the box and we experienced some pinching on the first few rides, but everything smoothed out as the shoes broke in. While we don’t have enough time in them to comment on long-term durability, the stitching and attention to detail are tight and consistent, and our impressions are good. 

The synthetic canvas upper is comfortable once broken in but did not handle wet conditions as well as we hoped. For the occasional puddle splash on a sunny day, they were fine, but for truly rainy rides, we found they could soak through to the liner and our socks, and the synthetic canvas remained wet.

On warmer days, we were generally comfortable in the Livewires, but they didn’t breathe or manage heat as well as the Crankbrothers Stamp Trail or Five Ten Freerider Pro. If you live in a mild, dry climate, the Livewire is a fine option. For riding in humid, wet, and hot Vermont, we’d look for a more versatile shoe to handle a wider range of environmental conditions.

On the trail, the MAX GRIP outsole provided very good traction. It’s not quite as tacky as Five Ten’s Stealth S1, Giro’s Tack, or Specialized’s SlipNot ST outsoles, but it is a reliable, grippy option that performs well across all terrains and riding styles. The hexagonal lugs are also a pattern we like for intuitive foot repositioning, and, like the Ride Concepts models, we never felt stuck or like we were trying to find the right spot when repositioning our feet. 

The 2024 Livewire’s sole stiffness is what we’d call medium. It’s strikingly similar to the Five Ten Freerider Pro and the Fox Union and slightly softer than the Giro Latch. This provides a good grip and a moderately supportive platform, though we’d recommend a stiffer sole if you are an endurance type of rider. That said, the stiffness is pretty well balanced and seems pretty ideal for most riders doing laps after work. 

While they weren’t our top choice in a wet, humid climate, the updated Ride Concepts Livewire represents a great value in MTB flat pedal shoes at $110. For newer riders or clipless riders looking to experiment, the Livewire is a solid option in terms of traction, support, and style that won’t break the bank.

Given the popularity of the Freerider Pro, the fit seems to work for lots of people. They are true to size, but after testing them alongside a selection of other shoes, they are a little higher volume in comparison to the Giro Latch or Fox Union, for example. The toebox is roomy but not cavernous. They should work well for those with average to slightly above average width feet, although riders with narrower feet may need to lace them a bit tighter to lock down the heel.

The Freerider Pro is a comfortable shoe and has a non-existent break-in period — the synthetic upper, midsole, outsole, and Ortholite liner are supple out of the box. The upper is perforated at the toebox and provides a reasonable amount of breathability. The water resistance is average — it handles puddle splashes and light drizzles just fine — and the synthetic upper dries fairly quickly. It isn’t a heavily armored shoe, but the stiff and lightly padded heel cup and the reinforced toebox provide adequate protection for most riding.

On the pedals, the Freerider Pro has an outstanding feel — which is the primary reason people love them. The thin sole has a low stack height and is profiled to give the toes a slight lift, making being on the balls of your feet the neutral position, which interfaces well with most pedals. The Stealth S1 rubber outsole is the gold standard for friction-based traction, and it certainly doesn’t lack grip.

The grip is consistent at all temperatures and on all terrain — it’s a tacky rubber that sticks well to the pedal pins and other surfaces off the bike. The sole isn’t super stiff. Instead, it flexes a little around the pedal body and provides a tactile feel. It is worth mentioning that the Stealth rubber does show wear marks from the pedal pins more quickly than other outsoles, though, in our experience, they continue to grip well and generally last for a season or two, depending on how much you ride.

While not overly flexible, the sole of the Freerider Pro is similar to the Ride Concepts Accomplice and slightly softer than the Giro Latch, Specialized 2FO DH, or Ride Concepts Tallac BOA. While those stiffer shoes will provide marginally more efficient pedaling, the Freerider Pro offers a little more tactility and a balanced flex that so many riders have come to know and love. Off the bike, they are easy enough to walk around in and fine for quick hikes or sessioning features, but there are better options for adventure rides with big hike-a-bikes, like the Five Ten Trailcross XT, for example.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro has enjoyed a long reign of dominance as one of the best flat pedal shoes on the market and is still a great option. The Stealth rubber outsole provides excellent traction and balances the softer feel and roomy fit to be a versatile shoe that will serve most riders well. There are stiffer and more protective options, but the excellent pedal grip and balanced ride feel of the Freerider Pro make it a safe bet.

At $200, the Tallac BOA includes some premium materials and components — a continuous, breathable, and fairly water-resistant welded Cordura upper, BOA lacing, MAX GRIP outsoles, and D30 impact foam panels built into the insoles.

The BOA closure and Velcro strap over the toes are quick and easy to use, making it easy to get consistent tension across the entire foot and a precise fit. The BOA system didn’t present us with any issues and worked particularly well in the wet conditions encountered during testing, but those who are wary of them will be happy to know the Tallac comes with the aforementioned lace closure as well.

We found the Tallac BOA to fit true to size, although the height of the toebox felt a touch restrictive at first. The Cordura upper material did break in pretty quickly, however, providing a bit more space for the toes to be comfortable. The uppers have a rugged and durable feel while still providing a great balance of breathability and water resistance.

The material allows more air to pass through than microfiber or TPU uppers on other shoes, helping to cool the feet in hot, humid conditions. Still, we found them to resist water impressively well while testing in some seriously rainy and wet weather. The gusseted tongue also helps keep dust, debris, and mud from making its way inside. They are not waterproof, mind you, but they stand up very well to sloppy conditions.

Intended for trail, all-mountain, and enduro-style riding, the level of protection is slightly above average, with a stiff heel and reinforced wraparound toebox. The Tallac isn’t a straight-up downhill shoe like the Specialized 2FO DH Flat, but provides a similar level of protection as the Five Ten Freerider Pro or the Giro Latch and more than the Ride Concepts Accomplice, for comparison.

On the pedals, the Tallac BOA has a moderately stiff sole and very strong traction. The stack height is a little taller than most other models we tested, which reduces the sensitivity or tactile feel on the pedals somewhat, but they provide ample support and great pedaling efficiency, while the EVA midsole and D30 insole help to mute trail feedback and keep the shoes from getting bounced.

The MAX GRIP rubber is perhaps a touch less tacky feeling than Five Ten’s Stealth S1, Giro Tack, or Specialized SlipNot ST, but when combined with the aggressive hexagonal tread design, it offers tons of traction on the pedals.

Another place the Tallac BOA shines is when the terrain forces you off the bike. Despite its stiffness on the pedals, the sole has been designed to walk well, and the more aggressive tread and reverse hex tread on the toe and heel provide great grip when your ride turns adventurous, and you find yourself pushing your bike up or down the hill or scrambling up to a rocky vista point.

The Ride Concepts Tallac BOA is a nicely balanced flat pedal shoe with a well-rounded on and off-the-bike performance. The MAX GRIP sole is comparable in traction to any competitor and one that we’ll be pulling out for long trail rides, wet or unreasonably humid days, or high-impact days at the bike park. While the stiffer sole and high stack may be a turn-off to those who prioritize pedal sensitivity and tactility, the Tallac BOA is a great option that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.

The 2FO DH Flat uses Specialized’s Body Geometry fit, which has three main components. The Varus Wedge, longitudinal molded arch support, and Metatarsal Button are intended to provide better alignment of the foot and lower leg to enhance comfort and power. While that is hard to quantify, we found the platform and fit of the 2FO DH Flat very comfortable for longer days in the saddle, and the feet felt fresher after long rides or when riding rougher terrain.

In terms of fit, the 2FO DH Flat feels like a shoe built for high performance on the bike. The heel pocket holds the heel securely and the laces over the mid foot make it easy to get adequate tension. The forefoot is a little roomier, but it is worth noting that the toebox is tapered a bit more at the front than some other models, and if you have notably wide toes, you’ll want to try these on before you buy to ensure you get the right size.

As a DH shoe, the 2FO DH offers quite a bit of foot protection. The toebox is heavily reinforced, and the medial ankle cuff is raised to add some coverage from ankle strikes. The cushioned EVA midsole provides a good level of vibration dampening and is paired with an internal shank that adds stiffness and stability.

Pedaling efficiency is solid, given the stiffer sole, and they don’t fold over the pedal the way some softer models do. Conversely, they don’t provide the same level of tactility as softer flexing shoes, but there is still enough feedback and pedal feel while delivering smooth and consistent power transfer. And while they are marketed as DH shoes, they also work well for all-day pedaling missions.

The SlipNot ST (Super Tacky) rubber is extremely tacky and grippy. If grip is your highest priority, the 2FO DH Flat has you covered. These shoes have the “stickiest” feel on the pedals of any shoe in this round of testing, providing a truly locked-in feel. They are so grippy, in fact, that they require very deliberate movements to reposition the feet.

While this level of grip may not be ideal for those who like a bit of foot mobility, it is truly impressive and will definitely appeal to those who want to feel glued to the pedal pins. This is particularly great for their intended use, where you don’t want to worry about blowing off the pedals at high speeds in aggressive terrain.

During some particularly wet testing rides, the leather/textile upper proved to be surprisingly water-resistant and was easily one of the best at keeping the feet dry in sub-optimal riding conditions. Still, they remained relatively breathable despite the small and minimal ventilating perforations.

While the uppers don’t let a lot of airflow into the shoe, the porous structure of the Xpel mesh lining and footbed does a solid job of transferring heat and moisture away from the feet while also providing a bit of cushioning. To be clear, they aren’t exactly airy like the Five Ten Trailcross XT or the Ride Concepts Tallac BOA, but they keep the feet quite comfortable.

For a burly, extremely grippy, protective shoe that manages water resistance and breathability quite well, the Specialized 2FO DH Flat is an excellent choice. The high performance and impressive pedal traction make these an excellent option for outright grip and aggressive riding on rough terrain.

The overall fit of the GF800s is very similar to the GF600s, although they have some different features. The fit is mid-volume and relaxed, similar to the Five Ten Freerider Pro, and easy to fit thick socks into on cold days. The GORE-TEX lined synthetic upper is perforated above the toes and outer mid-foot but not through the waterproof membrane, which keeps moisture from seeping in while allowing some breathability.

The BOA L6 cable is well executed, with no hot spots and even tension across the metacarpals, and it has a “bash guard” that should help protect it from damage. Additionally, the BOA is easy to use with cold, gloved hands, and it handles water and mud much better than absorbent laces. The lower lace (or BOA cable) cover also does a nice job keeping water out of the edges of the “tongue”, which is also backed up by the continuous GORE-TEX liner.

The medial ankle is raised for additional support and impact protection with a tall, supple, sock-style GORE-tEX ankle cuff that helps to keep water, mud, and debris from entering the top of the shoe. Slipping the foot into the sock-style liner takes some getting used to — pull tabs at the front and rear of the ankle help – and the liner is not constricting, sagging, or irritating while riding. When worn with long enough pants, you can tuck the upper cuff of the shoe under the pants to keep water from running down your legs and into the shoes. Whether riding on super wet days or standing in puddles, the GF800s thoroughly impressed us with their weather resistance, and despite their cold-weather pedigree, we found them to be comfortable in temperatures up to around 70 degrees F.

Like with the GF600s, the sole is moderate in flex and conforms nicely to the pedals when weighted. The hexagonal tread lugs have deep channels that grab hold of pedal pins, and the ULTREAD GF rubber is grippier than previous Shimano soles. While they still aren’t the tackiest soles, they provide a consistent and predictable grip with a bit more of a mechanical connection. The TORBAL 2.0 midsole is a standout feature of Shimano’s new GF line that allows the heel to twist torsionally while keeping the sole under the toebox flat, making corner initiation easy and intuitive and, in our opinion, enhancing the feeling of grip and control.

For winter and rainstorm warriors, the Shimano GF800 GTX is a great choice to ensure your feet stay cozy, dry, and warm. We were impressed with the TORBAL 2.0 midsole’s torsional flex with all of Shimano’s new models, and while the ULTREAD GF outsole is not the tackiest rubber on the market, it provides reliable enough traction that we will be pulling the GF800 GTX on our feet for wet and cold rides on all types of terrain. If you are a Type II fun enthusiast, we recommend checking out the GF800 to keep you rolling through the toughest conditions.

While the Method feels a little bit under-gunned during rowdy trail and downhill riding, it quickly became the go-to choice of choice for laps on the local pump track, dirt jumps, and more casual trail rides (especially any that ended at the pub).

Like Specialized’s downhill-focused 2FO DH Flat, the 2FO Method employs Specialized Body Geometry fit with a varus wedge, longitudinal arch, and metatarsal button. These features seem a little less dramatic/pronounced on the Method — it feels like a normal shoe (Vans come to mind) with some slight tweaks for better performance on the bike.

Like other Specialized shoes, the Method fit more or less true to size. The toebox is a bit more tapered than some other brands, but the canvas upper is quite forgiving and broke in quickly. The internal heel counter works well and the feel of the low stack height and cup sole feels great on and off the pedals. Still, these wouldn’t be the first choice for long hike-a-bikes, but they are certainly comfortable enough for walking around town.

The 2FO Method has the most flexible sole of all the models tested, but it is not excessively soft. The overall sole stiffness and pedaling efficiency are a touch lower than the Freerider Pro, for example, but more in line with the Five Ten Freerider (not the Pro version) or Five Ten Sleuth. While this level of sole flex might cause some foot fatigue on a long, pedal-heavy trail ride, it is perfectly appropriate for the pump track, dirt jumps, shorter neighborhood trail riding, or anyone who prefers a softer flex and higher level of pedal feel. The SlipNot ST outsole is very tacky, much like the 2FO DH Flat, providing a trustworthy grip in most situations.

Interestingly, we found it could be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain or situations with high-frequency impact, primarily due to the softer, thin sole providing less support and dampening. That said, we found the grip and pedal feel to be great for their intended purpose, though they could be a little too grippy for those who prefer greater foot mobility.

The canvas material of the upper is not water resistant, nor does it promise to be. It readily soaks up moisture and dries slower than microfiber, TPU, or Cordura uppers, making these shoes less than ideal for riding in wet conditions. Breathability is fair, slightly less than a pair of canvas Vans due to the thin layer of padding throughout. That said, they work well enough on hot days, assuming it’s also dry.

Though we can’t comment on long-term durability yet, our test pair is holding up well so far. Given the canvas uppers, we expect they could be more prone to damage from abrasion and may wear out a bit quicker than some models made with tougher, more technical materials. Still, they seem well constructed and we expect them to have an average lifespan.

While the 2FO Method isn’t our top pick for aggressive trail riding or wet days, they are a great choice for playing around on the bike and can seamlessly transition from your neighborhood ride, pump track, or dirt jump session to dinner, a friend’s house, or the bar. They look great, and the sticky SlipNot outsole provides enough traction and support to push yourself on casual rides while still looking sharp. It’s a good shoe with a great feel for having fun on the bike, learning new skills, and not taking yourself too seriously.

The Stamp Trail is a lower profile shoe, and the thin synthetic upper is comfortable out of the box, with hardly any break-in period. The TPU-reinforced toebox provides a similar level of protection as most competitive shoes, and the sturdy heel cup locked us into the shoes reliably with no lifting or movement once we gave the laces a quick pull.

Speaking of the laces — we are big fans of the lacing system — the thin laces are easy to work with in wet conditions, and the stash location at the top of the tongue is more aesthetically pleasing than the elastic loops at the middle of the tongue on most other options.

In terms of breathability and water resistance, the Stamp Trail is well-balanced. While it is not a dedicated wet weather shoe, the vented synthetic upper repels moisture well enough to handle light precipitation and most puddle splashes yet is breathable enough that we never ended a ride with excessively sweaty feet on hot days.

For a do-it-all trail riding shoe, this versatility is a strong selling point, and we feel the Stamp Trail is a top performer in handling a wide variety of environmental conditions. These are also one of the lightest shoes we’ve tested, and we immediately noticed how light they felt on foot.

On the trail, the level of grip is notably improved from the Stamp BOA (non-trail version) we tested previously. The MC2 rubber outsole compound is unchanged, but the tread design is far more versatile and plays nicely with a wider range of pedals. We were generally happy with the traction on our Nukeproof Sam Hill Enduro Pro, Chromag Dagga, and Raceface Atlas pedals. The grip still isn’t as tacky as the FiveTen, Fox, or Giro shoes we tested — but it is good enough that these shoes have worked their way into our regular rotation for other reasons.

If we go to ride something scary or exceptionally rough in the rain, we’ll probably grab another shoe. But in most trail riding scenarios, the traction is confident, and repositioning the feet is easy and intuitive. Off the bike, the deep heel and toe lugs also provide a notable improvement in walking performance over the previous Stamp BOA pattern.

We categorize the Stamp Trail as a medium-stiffness shoe. It is stiffer than the Fox Union or Freerider Pro, very similar to the Giro Latch, and a touch softer than the Ride Concepts Tallac BOA. This is a good level of flex for trail riding, providing just enough flexibility to bend over the pedal for grip while maintaining a stable, supportive pedaling platform for long days in the saddle. We feel it hits a good middle ground that we typically prefer for those longer rides.

At $150, the Crankbrothers Stamp Trail Lace is price-aligned with similar trail riding options, and while they don’t have the tackiest soles in the group, the overall performance is within range as well. We also think these are some of the best-looking shoes on the market and appreciate having a versatile, simple, and clean new option from Crankbrothers.

The Accomplice is designed around Ride Concepts’ low volume last which they claim is intended to provide a secure fit without the need to crank down on the laces. The flexibility of the nylon upper is comfortable right off the bat, and the snug fit of the sock-like slip tongue really hugs the entire foot and locks it and the heel into place.

The large heel loop helps with slipping the sock-like design on, and the feel on the foot is reminiscent of a comfy skate shoe, though the Accomplice is relatively low-volume and low-profile overall. Like the Tallac BOA, we found the height of the toebox to be a touch lower than similarly sized models from other brands, though it broke in nicely after a couple of rides and didn’t pose any further fit or comfort issues.

The light amount of TPU reinforcement at the toebox is slightly less than shoes like the Five Ten Freerider Pro or Giro Latch but provides adequate protection for most trail riding scenarios. The nylon upper is padded consistently throughout the inside of the shoe, which adds to the high comfort but makes the Accomplice one of the warmer shoes tested.

Though you can feel some air passing through the nylon upper, the cushioned lining and sock-like fit tend to trap heat and moisture a bit more than other shoes. And while it looks great, the nylon material absorbs moisture a bit more readily in super wet conditions. Likewise, the woven texture tends to trap dust and dirt and is generally harder to clean than smoother materials.

On the trail, the Accomplice is very similar in stiffness and power transfer to the Five Ten Freerider Pro – it’s a medium flexing sole with a very tactile feel and flex that drapes slightly over the pedals when weighted. While the softer flex may marginally reduce pedaling efficiency, it’s a familiar feel that many riders prefer and already get along with.

Like the Tallac BOA, the level of pedal traction provided by the MAX GRIP outsole and hexagonal tread is impressive. Comparatively speaking, the grip offered is nearly as good as the Freerider Pro or the Giro Latch. Off the bike, the Accomplice is comfortable for pushing the bike short distances or leaving on while you run errands after a ride.

The Ride Concepts Accomplice is offered at a fair price and it tops the comfort charts with its sock-like fit, and the on-trail performance is right up there as well. It’s a solid contender as a very comfy all-rounder and fans of models like the Five Ten Freerider or Giro Latch should consider them when it’s time for their next pair.

Like the other models in Five Ten’s Trailcross line, the GTX has more of a running shoe or light hiker look than your typical flat pedal shoes. For some, the looks alone will be a non-starter, while others may find the aesthetic to be a refreshing departure from the norm. Looks aside, Five Ten still aims to pack all the performance you’d expect from a flat pedal shoe in a package made to stand up to rain, mud, slop, and cold temperatures.

The fit of the Trailcross GTX is similar to that of the XT model and more akin to a running shoe than other models the brand makes, like the Freerider Pro. They fit true to size, but the toebox is a bit more tapered overall, comparatively speaking. Still, they have a fairly average width and volume, but it might be worth trying these on if you’ve got wider-than-average feet or toes.

One of the most important aspects of any flat pedal shoe is grip, and Five Ten gave the Trailcross GTX a Stealth Phantom outsole that uses dual rubber compounds. While it is a bit less grippy than the Stealth S1 rubber on the Freerider Pro, we still found them to provide a confidence-inspiring level of grip no matter the conditions, aided by the dotty tread design and the moderate stiffness of the EVA midsole.

Like other Trailcross models, the GTX also performs quite well off the bike with a heavily rockered toe and directional sole flex that allows for a very natural gait. The wider tread lugs at the toe and heel also work well to optimize grip when hiking on a wide range of surfaces and conditions.

The waterproofness of the Trailcross GTX got put to the test during a Scottish winter on the feet of tester Jessie-May Morgan. Through months of riding in notoriously wet and cold conditions, the GORE-TEX membrane managed to keep her feet dry, even when subjected to additional off-the-bike hose tests.

Of course, it is still possible for some moisture to enter the shoes through the top of the neoprene ankle gasket, but when layered properly with the cuff of your riding pants over the gasket, they do a better job of keeping your feet dry than any other flat pedal shoes we’ve tried.

On top of that, the GORE-TEX membrane breathes fairly well, helping evacuate perspiration, and we found the additional lining in the shoe helps the feet stay warm even in temperatures just above the freezing mark. That said, they aren’t ideal for riding in hot temperatures.

If your riding doesn’t stop when the seasons change, the temperatures drop, and precipitation starts to fall, then you should check out the Five Ten Trailcross GTX. With Five Ten grip and a GORE-TEX membrane to keep your feet dry, these shoes will help keep you comfortably on the trails through the worst conditions.

The Union Flat sets itself apart from those shoes with its tough, rubbery upper, thin sole, and tacky Ultratac rubber outsole that can hold its own against any direct competitor.

The Union Flat is a unisex model that fits true to length in U.S. sizing and has an overall lower volume fit. Similar through the midfoot to the Giro Latch but with a narrower toebox, and less roomy overall than the Five Ten Freerider Pro. Though they are lower volume, the general feel on the foot is reminiscent of both the aforementioned shoes and the level of protection is similar, maybe a touch higher with the tough TPU upper. 

With a moderate sole stiffness, pedaling efficiency is similar to the Freerider Pro – stiff enough to be problem-free on most rides and with a nice tactile pedal feel. Riders looking for a slightly stiffer sole might lean towards the Giro Latch, but it was rare for the sole to fold over the pedals and lose support. The Union has a thin sole with a low stack height, which brings your feet closer to the pedals, and the slight flex in the sole helps them conform to the pedal shape for stability and control.

Off the bike, the rockered profile and slight flex through the toes make them comfortable enough for short walks and hikes, but the Union is by no means a crossover bike/hike shoe, nor is it intended to be.

While isn’t meant to be a waterproof shoe, the one-piece welded upper is great on wet days. Some moisture can get in through the ventilation perforations, but otherwise, they shrug off mud, puddle splashes, and light rain much better than most. In normal wet riding conditions, the Union is a great choice that will keep your feet and socks dry longer than most other non-waterproof options. Strong water resistance through the rubbery, welded upper does come at the cost of less breathability than some other shoes. The rubbery upper excels in keeping water out, which means it does keep some self-generated heat and moisture in.

As the flat pedal shoe market continues to mature, more brands have begun to crack the rubber code and challenge Five-Ten’s dominance in the grip department. Fox’s Ultratrac sole is an example of this – we found the traction of the Unions comparable to Ride Concept’s MAX GRIP compound and Five Ten’s Stealth S1, some of the grippiest options on the market. The tacky, slow-rebound rubber and slight damping from the EVA midsole provide reliable and predictable grip on the pedals in conditions ranging from dry to historically wet.

Riders looking for a versatile, grippy, and relatively water-resistant flat pedal shoe with a great pedal feel should consider the Fox Union Flat, especially those with a slimmer foot or who ride in damp conditions frequently. The low platform height provides a tactile pedal feel, and the Ultratac outsole is competitively grippy with other popular models. While there are stiffer and more protective shoes out there, the Union is a strong contender that can cover the bases from everyday trail riding to the bike park and is an exciting addition to the flat pedal shoe market from Fox.

Out of the box, the quality of construction is immediately apparent. There are no loose ends on the stitching, no glue flashing where the outsole meets the upper, and the laces are high quality with minimal stretch, even if they are a tad long. They have a relaxed, medium-volume fit, though we found they run a tad larger overall than other shoes we tested in the same size.

The heavily perforated synthetic leather uppers provide better-than-average breathability and water resistance in line with similarly constructed shoes. The level of protection is relatively standard for all-purpose trail riding shoes, with a reinforced toebox and tough outsole material. The raised medial ankle cuff provides a bit of additional support and light protection from crank or frame strikes.

The hexagonal sole pattern of the ULTREAD GF outsole is deeper than most and gives a more mechanical style of traction that really grabs onto the pins when they are nestled into the channels, but the traction can be a tad unpredictable when they are not. Due to this, they felt a bit more sensitive to foot positioning, and repositioning the feet could be a little trickier when the pins were deep in the channels. That said, the level of grip was good and an improvement over past Shimano soles, even if they aren’t quite as tacky as the top competitors.

The moderate flex of the GF600s is very similar to the Five Ten Freerider Pro, which seems relatively standard across most flat pedal shoes. This allows the sole to flex around the pedal slightly which seemed to enhance their grip when descending with consistent pressure on the pedals. That said, they did seem a bit more prone to bouncing when the feet were lighter on the pedals, mostly during climbs.

Where the flex is unique on the GF600 is when the shoe is in torsion. Shimano’s TORBAL 2.0 for flat pedal shoes uses slits on the outer edge of the internal shank to tune twisting motion, allowing the heel to twist while keeping the sole under the toebox flat. While this might sound a little gimmicky, we found it to be quite noticeable. Initiating turns and maintaining the proper body position when holding turns felt more natural, and the torsional flexibility and slightly raised medial ankle cuff proved to be a good combination. 

While the ULTREAD GF outsole doesn’t provide the outright traction of the tackiest compounds, it’s grippy enough, and combined with the Torbal 2.0 flex, the new Shimano GF600 is a great option for anyone seeking a shoe with torsional forgiveness. They look like your standard flat pedal shoe with minimal branding, but the feel is noticeably different in turns, and they are a marked improvement over past Shimano models that is worthy of consideration.

The tread design is optimized to work best with the platform shape and pin layout of Crankbrothers Stamp pedals. Although the Match MC2 outsole rubber isn’t as grippy as the outsoles on most other shoes we tested, they do, in fact, work better with Stamp pedals, and riders who appreciate a little easier foot mobility might still want to check out the Stamp BOA for their great fit, form, and finish qualities. The BOA version is the most expensive at $180, but they are also offered in Speed Lace and Lace versions that cost $150 and $130, respectively.

The Stamp is a very comfortable shoe right out of the box. Laces are still the dominant closure system for flat pedal shoes, but BOA dials are becoming more common, and they make it very easy to get the shoes on and off and fine-tune the fit. The Stamp shoes fit true to size and have a relatively average width. Once they are on your feet, they feel very secure, and it is easy to lock down the heel and get a very precise fit with the BOA system and Velcro strap.

The rubbery upper is supple and conforms nicely to the feet, while the fully wraparound armored toebox and generously padded heel provide a mid-high level of foot protection. The toe is rockered significantly, which gives a very good feel on the pedals.

While the rubbery upper of the Stamp looks like it could be quite hot, the mesh panels and toe perforations provide a pleasant level of breathability. The rubber-coated upper repels water very well and the mesh panels have a hydrophobic coating and don’t easily soak through, making the Stamp a solid choice for damp rides. The uppers also have a durable feel and shrug off abrasion, suggesting they will also have a long lifespan.

As mentioned previously, the tread pattern on the Stamp shoe is designed to work with the Stamp pedals, though Crankbrothers states it should work well with any pedal. The Stamp pedals come in two platform sizes, with the small versions recommended for shoe sizes 5-10 U.S. and large sizes for 10-15 U.S. As we noticed when testing our size 7 US shoes, the deeper channels in the Match MC2 rubber outsole match up quite well with the small Crankbrothers Stamp 7 pedal, putting the pins within the channel and providing more of a mechanical connection to the pedals.

In addition to the Crankbrothers Stamp 7, we tested them with the grippy Nukeproof Sam Hill Horizon Pro Enduro pedals. While the traction was acceptable on both pedals, it is not at the level of the grippier options, resulting in more foot bouncing, particularly in rougher, faster terrain. The traction was more reliable on the Stamp 7 pedals, where you can feel the pins locked into the channels, but on either set of pedals, the overall level of friction grip isn’t really on par with grippier compounds.

However, if you feel too stuck on some of the stickier compounds or just want to be able to reposition your feet more easily, the Crankbrothers Stamp BOA is an otherwise outstanding shoe, even with the lower overall level of traction.

Right out of the box, the Trailcross XT fits like a comfortable sneaker. Given the sneaker-esque style, it has a lower volume fit and slimmer toebox compared to the Freerider Pro. Still, the mesh upper is relatively forgiving and accommodating and doesn’t require a break-in period. The heel is padded and shaped well, holds the heel securely, and provides good ankle support. The toe cap and high-wear areas for pedaling are reinforced with a light rubbery layer.

The toebox reinforcement provides some protection on the trail but is a bit softer than other reinforced options in the test. Similar to a trail running shoe, the sole is heavily rockered through the toe and thicker under the heel than the flatter, thinner soles of other riding shoes. The sole flexes naturally, and they walk as well as a regular pair of running shoes with wider tread lugs at the toe and heel that help to enhance grip while scrambling up or down steep trails.

The mesh upper is exceptionally airy, dries extremely quickly, and evacuates heat well. It is easily the best-ventilated and most breathable shoe we tested and helps keep the feet cooler and more comfortable on the hottest of days. This comes at the cost of foot protection and also water resistance, as water can easily pass through the mesh to the feet.

That said, the material doesn’t soak up much moisture (though your socks will get wet), and the shoes dry out very quickly. While the mesh on our test pair is holding up well so far, it does seem a bit less durable and more prone to damage than tougher, thicker materials.

But how do they perform on the bike? The Trailcross is a unique shoe that has its place. Pedaling efficiency is similar to the medium flex shoes like the Freerider Pro, Giro Latch, and Fox Union, and Five Ten did a great job making the sole flex directional. They flex easily when walking, yet they avoid folding over the pedals excessively, similar to the aforementioned models.

The Stealth Phantom rubber isn’t quite as grippy on the pedals as the Stealth S1 on the Freerider Pro but is adequate for casual rides on mellower terrain. The slight reduction in grip can also be attributed in part to the slightly higher stack of the sole and the slight reduction in support from the uppers. That’s not to say they don’t grip well enough for most trail rides — they just wouldn’t be our first choice for high-speed, aggressive riding.

Much of our time testing the Five Ten Trailcross XT was spent coaching a summer mountain bike camp, and they quickly became a favorite for that application. While they aren’t the shoes we’ll grab for the most aggressive riding, they are definitely in the rotation for the hottest days, more casual rides, and any time there will be equal time spent on and off the bike.