The Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2026

Building off the success of the original Mallet mountain bike shoes, Crankbrothers recently added a new model to its lineup, the Mallet Trail BOA. While it shares similar looks and design to its more gravity-oriented sibling, the new Trail version has some new features and an all-around performance that we feel makes it the best mountain bike shoe of its kind on the market.

We are huge fans of the Crankbrothers Mallet (non-trail version), but the Mallet Trail is the shoe we’ve been waiting for. While the silhouette, closures, and foot protection are similar, Crankbrothers stiffened up the pedaling platform, gave it a new rubber outsole, and redesigned the uppers with a completely new material. The result is one of the most well-rounded trail and enduro mountain bike shoes that we’ve ever put on.

Crankbrothers nailed the sole stiffness with the new Mallet Trail. The fiber-reinforced shank is adequately stiff, so you won’t feel like you’re wasting energy on pedal-heavy trail rides, yet it’s just forgiving enough not to beat up your feet on long, rough descents. That’s coupled with a bit of EVA foam that helps mute trail feedback to keep the feet feeling fresh on the downhills.

The entire sole is covered in Match MC1 mid-friction rubber with a new tread design. The gum-colored sole looks awesome paired with the black uppers, and the large oval-shaped lugs provide stability on the pedals and good traction off the bike. A little rocker and flex in the toes allows you to walk relatively normally, while the wider, horizontal lugs at the toe and heel provide grip when you’re inevitably forced to push your bike up the hill. The Match Box cleat mount track has a large adjustment range that should suit everyone’s preferences.

The upper is made of a tough ripstop material with an abrasion-resistant layer covering the forefoot. The uppers are fairly thin to keep the weight down, but the toe box and heel are reinforced for impact protection, and the ankle collar is nicely cushioned. A stretchy gaiter extends a bit above the cuff and helps prevent debris from getting into the shoes.

The BOA Li2 dial tightens the shoe effectively over the midfoot while a hook-and-loop strap secures it at the top. If you’re not into BOA closures, Crankbrothers also makes the Mallet Trail Speed Lace ($180). We found these shoes to have a slightly wider than average width and volume, and our size 43.5 EU (10 U.S.) test pair fit true to size for length.

Just like Goldilocks, we’ve been waiting for a mountain bike shoe that is “just right”, and the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail BOA is it.

Specialized makes a full line of shoes for all types of riding, with the 2FO models covering the needs of riders ranging from trail to downhill. The budget-friendly 2FO Roost Clip ($130) and its flat-pedal twin, the 2FO Roost Flat, were greeted with much fanfare when they were launched a couple years ago. While not the least expensive shoe we tested, we feel its ratio of price to performance makes it one of the best values out there. This versatile trail riding shoe is impressively lightweight, has casual styling, and has a well-rounded performance within its intended application.

Specialized markets the 2FO Roost Clip as a shoe that can seamlessly transition from riding to post-ride activities, and they gave it an understated style. Hidden beneath that casual appearance are some great features that help it perform out on the trail. A 3/4 length Stiff Lollipop nylon composite plate runs from the cleat mount area back and provides a surprisingly solid pedaling platform. The Landing Strip cleat box offers ample adjustment that should allow most riders to position their cleats in their preferred location.

At the front of the shoe, the sole flexes quite naturally, allowing for a relatively natural gait whether you’re pushing your bike up a technical section of trail or wandering around the grocery store after your ride, and the full-coverage SlipNot FG rubber soles provide great traction on a wide range of surfaces and interface well with pedal bodies for lateral stability.

The shoes have a “relaxed fit” and incorporate Specialized’s Body Geometry construction and footbeds designed to optimize your leg alignment, and we found that they cradle and secure the midfoot and heel very nicely. Our test pair fit true to their EU size for length.

Simple laces tighten the shoes over the top of the foot. The uppers are constructed from supple synthetic leather lined with breathable AirMesh material that wicks away sweat and adds a little cushioning. The midsole features EVA foam that helps to dampen vibration, and a rubber bumper that wraps around the front of the toes provides a little added protection.

All this comes at a shockingly low weight of just 750g for our size 43.5 test pair, which is lighter than most comparable shoes on the market. Our only real gripe with the 2FO Roost Clip is the roomy fit in the forefoot and the inability to tighten that portion of the shoe for a more precise fit. That said, this will be fine for those who don’t require the tightest fit up at the front of the shoe or for those who have slightly higher volume or wider-than-average feet. If you’ve got a lower-volume foot, the Ride Concepts Accomplice BOA ($150) performs similarly but has a much snugger fit.

Still, we feel the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip is a solid option that will meet most riders’ needs without breaking the bank, and they’ll look pretty good doing it, too.

Learn more in our in-depth comparison of the Shimano XC9 vs. XC1 mountain bike shoes.

If you look around the starting line of any professional cross-country, gravel, or cyclocross race, Shimano’s flagship cross-country race shoe, the S-Phyre XC9 ($450), is one of the most common models you’ll see. This top-of-the-line shoe has been around for many years and has seen incremental updates to help improve its performance while maintaining its signature, recognizable style and top-shelf performance. It has some stiff competition from other high-end XC models, but the S-Phyre XC9 is still our favorite.

One of its standout features, of course, is its exceptional pedaling efficiency facilitated by the carbon fiber composite sole that is ultra-stiff with a stiffness index of 11 on Shimano’s scale. There is virtually zero flex in this sole, and all of your precious watts are transferred directly into the pedals.

Dual BOA Li2 dials and a well-designed upper provide a very snug and secure fit that is not only comfortable but helps to maximize your power throughout the entire pedal stroke and enhances control and stability. Weighing just 616 grams for the pair in size 43.5, the XC9’s super-lightweight enhances efficiency even further.

The S-Phyre XC9 has a very precise fit in the “regular” width, which is on the narrow side of the spectrum. Fortunately, they also make a wide version of this shoe for those whose feet are wider than average. The closure system wraps around the foot for a very snug and secure hold, and the supple synthetic leather uppers conform to the feet very nicely.

The thin, high-density footbed has adjustable arch support, and the textured material in the heel pocket locks the foot in and helps prevent any unwanted heel lift. These shoes essentially become an extension of your body. The heavily perforated uppers also do a great job of ventilating and allowing heat and moisture to escape.

Other than the immediate cleat mount zone, the carbon sole is completely covered in Shimano’s Ultread rubber. This helps to protect the carbon from damage and adds grip during those inevitable dismounts. The toe and heel feature aggressive lugs for additional traction in loose soils or mud, and the cleat mount zone is bordered by “pontoons” that interface with the pedal body and provide lateral stability.

Shimano also includes a set of metal spikes that can be installed up at the toes for extra traction in extreme conditions you might encounter in a muddy cyclocross race. A rigid plastic heel cup and some light reinforcement around the toes add a small level of foot protection.

Given their outstanding performance, our complaints about the S-Phyre XC9 are few. As mentioned above, the fit of the latest version is relatively narrow, and we recommend that people try these on before they buy to ensure they work for their feet. Like most cross-country shoes, they also offer very little in the way of foot protection, and it’s best to avoid doing much walking or hike-a-bike in them.

The price is also pretty hard to overlook, but it may be worth it for those seeking the performance this shoe provides. Like the sound of the S-Phyre XC9, but want to save $150? The Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon ($300) is worth a look.

Specialized makes some of the most expensive footwear in the industry, but also some of the most affordable. The brand’s Recon line of cross-country and gravel bike shoes spans the price spectrum, from the range-topping S-Works Recon ($450) to the entry-level Recon 1 ($120). With a light weight, high-end looks, and BOA lacing, the Recon 1 is one of the best values we’ve found.

If you glance at the Recon 1 shoes, it would be easy to assume they are much more expensive than they are. That’s because they don’t look that much different than the S-Works model. The streamlined shape of the shoe, along with the clean, synthetic uppers, certainly looks the part. Those uppers were very supple and easily conformed to the feet for a comfortable fit right out of the box. Numerous perforations along both sides and above the toes provided great ventilation on warmer rides.

The Recon 1 shoes come in whole EU sizes between 36 and 49. Unfortunately, there are no half sizes, so it may be harder for some riders to get a perfect fit. We found that they run a tad large as well, with our size 43 test pair fitting more like a 43.5. If you’re between sizes, we recommend sizing down. Inside, Specialized’s Body Geometry footbed and shoe design aim to align the lower leg optimally for comfort and performance.

A novelty at the budget price point, the BOA L6 dial with the Dyneema yarn lace made it very easy to get the Recon 1 on and off the feet and tighten them up on the fly. The yarn lace moved a bit more easily than the wires used on many BOA-equipped shoes, and it was no problem getting them snug around the feet. Still, the forefoot had an accommodating fit, especially compared to some of the brand’s earlier models, which leaned toward the narrow side of the fit spectrum.

Underfoot, Specialized incorporated its Stride Technology design to allow flex through the toes for easier walking. The rest of the sole is fairly rigid, with a stiffness index of 6 on Specialized’s scale. That’s notably less stiff than the race-focused S-Works shoe, but the more forgiving flex still felt plenty efficient for non-competitive riding. The SlipNot rubber tread at the toe, heel, and under the instep proved to be plenty grippy off the bike, while the flex designed into the toe allowed for a relatively natural gait.

In the bike shoe market, price and weight often have a direct correlation. Which is why we were shocked to see the Recon 1 tip the scales at just 590 grams for the pair (size 43). For context, that’s the same weight as the $450 S-Works model, meaning these are some of the lightest shoes around.

Like other cross-country mountain bike shoes, the Recon 1’s foot protection is somewhat limited, with a stiff heel cup and a slightly reinforced toe box. And while the moderately stiff sole is perfectly adequate for recreational gravel and XC-style riding, it’s far from race-ready. If you have competitive aspirations, you’ll likely want to consider stiffer shoes, most of which cost around 3 times the price.

If you’re on a budget and looking for a cross-country or gravel riding shoe with the convenience of BOA lacing, check out the Specialized Recon 1. These sleek shoes are comfortable, slick-looking, and cost a fraction of the price of high-end race shoes.

In the worlds of cross-country mountain biking and gravel riding, the Giro Empire is an icon. The much-loved Empire VR90 went unchanged for many years, and the new Giro Empire SRC ($350) builds off its legacy of comfort and performance. Fortunately, Giro didn’t change it too much, and the Empire remains one of the most comfortable, efficient, and classy-looking shoes on the market.

While BOA dials may be taking over the cycling shoe market, there’s still just something appealing about traditional laces. Visually, they just look classic, like a high-end pair of soccer cleats. But it isn’t just about aesthetics. Laces are also very comfortable. Sure, they aren’t as easy to adjust on the fly as BOA systems, but based on our experience with all versions of the Empire, that’s not an issue. Just snug these shoes up tight to start, and you’re good to go all day.

Like its predecessors, comfort is one of the Empire SRC’s strongest suits. The one-piece Teijin Evofiber masterfully blends suppleness and support, resulting in a secure yet super comfortable fit. Fit-wise, Giro’s extensive experience making cycling shoes of all kinds shines through. Our test pair fits true to size, with a fairly average volume that leans slightly to the narrow side of the spectrum. Combined with the supple uppers and lace closure, this resulted in a very secure hold of the foot.

Inside, Giro’s SuperNatural footbed is one of the best stock footbeds on the market. This footbed is customizable and comes with three levels of swappable arch inserts to match your foot’s shape for optimal support. We found this added to our overall comfort and meant we didn’t need to upgrade out of the box.

Giro’s Empire shoes have always been race-ready with stiff soles and excellent pedaling efficiency. The carbon composite plate underfoot is as stiff as they come, and that equates to impressively direct transfer of your muscle power directly into the cranks. At the same time, they managed to balance that stiffness in a way that doesn’t punish your feet — these shoes truly remain comfortable all day long.

Off the bike, Giro’s Sensor rubber tread is co-molded to the carbon sole and provides great grip on a range of surfaces. The sole doesn’t flex much, but the rocker through the toe helped make walking feel relatively normal. If you’re expecting some aggressive walking or running — looking at you cyclocross racers — the TPU toe lugs can be swapped out for the included metal toe spikes.

One area where the Empire SRC falls short is breathability. The uppers have virtually no ventilation features, and these shoes felt a bit warm on the feet when the temperatures rose. At 720 grams for the pair (size 43.5), these shoes aren’t exactly heavy, per se, but they are around 60 to 100 grams heavier than similarly priced cross-country race shoes.

Regardless, if you value comfort and performance equally, the Empire SRC should be high on your list. These shoes meet the demands of high-performance riding and racing while providing impressive comfort over the long haul. The lace-up style and classic looks give them timeless appeal and will never go out of style.

When Fox Racing launched its line of Union mountain bike shoes recently, it became one of the few brands that can outfit riders from head to toe with helmets, apparel, pads, and now footwear, too. The Union BOA ($250) sits at the top-of-the-line model in their modest range of three shoes, and it quickly became a tester favorite for its versatility and all-around performance.

While the Union BOA is used by downhill racers at the top end of the sport, we found it to be impressively versatile. This has to do with several factors, one of which is the reasonable weight. At just 867g for the pair in size 9.5 U.S., this is in the realm of most trail riding shoes and makes it a viable option for those pedaling to the top of their descents or heading out for long, grueling trail rides. Another factor is the sole stiffness. The reinforced nylon shank provides a solid platform that provides excellent pedaling efficiency for most styles of riding short of XC racing.

Of course, Fox didn’t stop there. The midsole is cushioned with EVA foam, which helps to mute trail feedback during descents. The molded toe cap and heel are reinforced to offer protection against rock strikes, and the shoe has a robust and tough feel. This is partially to do with the weather-resistant welded uppers that easily shrug off abrasion and water.

The cleat box is long and offers ample adjustment range for folks to mount their cleats in their preferred location, plus it is surrounded by a full-coverage Ultratac rubber outsole for lateral stability on the pedals and traction off the bike.

The Union BOA has a “standard fit” that feels very average in terms of width and volume, and we found them to fit true to size when going off their US sizing (the EU sizing seems to run a bit smaller than other brands). The BOA dials make it quick and easy to get the shoes on and off and allow for on-the-fly tension adjustments.

Additionally, Fox has included insoles with adjustable arch support, so you can hopefully dial it into your needs. Perforations above the toes and on the sides of the foot do a commendable job of ventilating and allowing the feet to breathe on hot days.

Out of the box, we found the uppers to feel a bit stiff, but they broke in nicely after just a few rides. The stiff soles offer excellent power transfer, but the limited flex through the toes doesn’t make them the best for extended hike-a-bikes. They’re also fairly expensive, but you can opt for the standard Union with laces and a Velcro strap and save yourself a bit of cash. Or, if you like a more pillowy feel at a slightly lower price, the Crankbrothers Mallet BOA ($200) is our other favorite gravity-oriented shoe.

Regardless, the Fox Union BOA is an excellent entry into the shoe market, and we feel it is one of the best burly mountain bike shoes we’ve tested in recent years.

If your riding leans more toward the adventurous side of the spectrum or you regularly embark and multi-day bike-packing jaunts, then the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit ($150) is a shoe to consider. While they are certainly suitable for everyday trail riding, one of their greatest strengths is their performance off the bike. These shoes are comfortable, relatively lightweight, and offer a blend of on and off-the-bike performance that sets them apart from most other models on the market.

To be clear, these aren’t the highest-performance shoes around. Those seeking a super stiff sole and the utmost pedaling efficiency will be a little disappointed by the middling stiffness of the X-Alp Summit. For more casual trail riding, however, the nylon composite soles offer adequate stiffness, assuming you aren’t trying to PR every climb.

The middle-of-the-road stiffness is also why they work so well off the bike. The soles have ample flex through the toes, and when combined with the aggressively lugged Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsoles, they make walking in loose conditions or scrambling over chunky rocks feel quite similar to wearing hiking shoes.

Overall, the fit is fairly neutral, about average from the heel through the mid-foot, and slightly roomier up in the toe box. Folks with average to slightly above average width feet will get along with them well, but those with narrow feet may find them to be a little too roomy. The synthetic uppers are quite supple and relatively thin, helping to give them a light and airy feel on the feet, with ventilation enhanced by perforations above the toes and along the sides of the feet.

A single BOA L6 dial pulls tension over the upper and mid-foot, along with a Velcro strap to snug things up down by the toes. The uppers aren’t the most supportive, but they certainly are quite comfortable.

While the X-Alp Summit shoes fit into their niche very nicely, they sacrifice a bit of performance in some areas as a result. The soles are far from the stiffest out there, and you can feel it flex a tiny bit under hard pedaling efforts and the cleat is slightly noticeable under the ball of the foot. They also offer very little in the way of foot protection, and vibration dampening isn’t on par with most of the trail or gravity shoes we tested.

They also only come in whole EU sizes, so those between sizes may have a harder time getting the perfect fit. For a slightly stiffer pedaling platform, more sizing options, and more casual style, the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip ($130) is worth a look.

Those concerns aside, the Pearl Izumi X-Ap Summit is a sensible option for the rider who prioritizes off-the-bike traction and walkability and wants a comfortable shoe that performs quite well on the bike too. If you’re the type of rider who scrambles to every vista point or likes going on far-flung adventures that involve pushing your bike for extended periods, these may be just the shoes you’re looking for. Adventurous ladies will also be happy to know they make the X-Alp Summit Women’s.

Crankbrothers recently leveraged its experience making some of the best trail and gravity mountain bike shoes on the market to create its first cross-country and gravel riding shoe, the Candy Lace. While this may be the brand’s first foray into this style of footwear, they created an undeniably great-looking, comfortable, and well-rounded cross-country mountain bike shoe at a reasonable price.

Borrowing some style cues from the new Mallet Trail BOA, the Candy Lace has a super clean and classy aesthetic. The seamless synthetic uppers, lace closures, and contrasting gum soles give them timeless appeal, and the black color we tested looks great — they also come in blue and white.

We tested a size 43.5 EU (10 U.S.) and found they fit true to size with a lower volume that worked very well for our tester. Despite an initially tight feel, the synthetic uppers broke in nicely after the first few rides. The lace closure makes it easy to get even tension over the foot, and an elastic lace retainer keeps them tidy while you ride. Laces aren’t quite as user-friendly as BOA systems, but they help to keep the price of these shoes reasonable and are inexpensive to replace if/when the time comes.

Crankbrothers gave the Candy Lace a fiber-reinforced nylon sole that provides a solid pedaling platform. They aren’t wildly stiff like some of the premium race shoes, but they don’t feel inefficient, nor do they beat your feet up over rougher terrain. The entire sole is wrapped in Match MC1 rubber with aggressive lugs on the toe and heel, and broad pontoons border the cleat box. For an XC-style shoe, the Candy Lace walks pretty well and has great traction in loose conditions.

The toebox and heel are reinforced for some foot protection, but like similar shoes, they don’t offer much. They also aren’t the stiffest, but for non-racers, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, either. Perforations above the toe and on the side of the foot help them breathe, but these aren’t the airiest shoes around. If you ride in the heat regularly, the super-airy Giro Sector ($240) will cost you a bit more but provide much more ventilation.

For cross-country or gravel enthusiasts, the Crankbrothers Candy Lace hits the sweet spot of pedaling efficiency, comfort, walkability, style, and affordability.

The Crankbrothers Mallet BOA ($200) is a clipless model that was designed to meet the needs of enduro and downhill racers and riders. While it may be aimed more at gravity-fueled riding disciplines, this versatile shoe is also great for trail riding with a reasonable weight, good pedaling efficiency, and supernatural comfort. The Mallet shoes also come in Speedlace and Lace versions that will save you $30 and $50, respectively.

Given its extensive line of pedals, it makes sense that Crankbrothers designed its shoes to work in combination with them, and they even include a set of Crankbrothers cleats pre-installed on all Mallet shoes. If you ride Crankbrothers’ pedals you get a fresh set of cleats, and all you need to do is position them in your preferred location to be ready to roll.

If you ride any other brand of pedals, fear not — the Mallets also work with any mountain bike pedals that use 2-bolt cleats. The Match Box cleat box is generously sized and allows for ample side-to-side and fore-aft adjustability, including the “Race Zone” for those who like to slam their cleats way back for stability on the descents.

Getting in and out of these shoes is quick and easy with a single BOA Li2 dial and a Velcro strap at the top of the tongue, both of which make it a snap to dial in the tension for a secure and stable hold of the foot. Our test pair fit true to size with an average width that should work for most people’s feet. We’ve heard others mention the EU sizing runs a tad big, however, so it might be good to try these on before you buy to ensure you get the correct size.

Despite the tough and almost rubbery feel, the synthetic uppers are quite supple and conform nicely to your foot shape, and the padded tongue keeps the BOA wires from digging into the tarsal bones. Generous padding in the heel/ankle pocket is both plush and protective, and small silicone dots at the back of the heel help hold it in place.

The sole isn’t super stiff, but it feels very well-balanced, and at no point did it feel like it was sapping power or efficiency, even on long trail rides with lots of climbing. It’s also well-damped and absorbs trail feedback and vibration to keep your feet feeling fresh.

Other than the cleat box, the sole is fully covered with Match MC1 rubber that provides great grip off the bike, and the horizontal tread at the toe and heel works to add some traction when walking in loose dirt. A generous sole rocker and a little flex through the toes make walking feel impressively natural. A sturdy rubber bumper wraps up over the toes for protection from rock strikes, and the whole package feels tough and well-made.

Though the Mallet BOA is billed as a downhill and enduro race shoe, its reasonable weight of 860g for the pair (size 43.5) makes it well suited to any type of riding you’re doing short of XC racing. They quickly became the go-to for after-work trail rides. This versatility makes them a great candidate for a one-shoe quiver if you split your riding between the bike park, enduro laps, and trail riding.

Our only real complaint is that they aren’t the most breathable, and they can get a bit sweaty in hot weather. If breathability is high on your list, the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail BOA ($220) provides a touch better ventilation along with a slightly stiffer sole.

The Ride Concepts Accomplice Clip BOA ($150) is a relatively new addition to the brand’s growing lineup. This unique-looking shoe employs a highly breathable upper and comfy slip-tongue design with a BOA lacing system and textile TX4 laces. This design has some advantages and drawbacks, but overall, it’s a solid all-around trail riding option and a good value for a shoe with a BOA closure.

While they have a silhouette similar to that of many other modern trail and gravity-oriented mountain bike shoes, the Accomplice Clip BOA looks somewhat unique. This is mostly due to the “lightweight nylon tech upper” material along with the slip-tongue design. The textile upper gives the shoes a more casual look and also aids in breathability compared to shoes that use synthetic leather.

You can feel the air passing through these shoes. The slip-tongue is a stretch affair that wraps the whole foot and is immediately comfortable, although it does take a little more effort to pull on than shoes with more traditional tongues that open wider.

Ride Concepts calls the fit of the Accomplice Clip BOA low volume, and we’d agree. The mid-foot feels relatively average, but the toebox is fairly snug, even on our low-volume foot. If you have wider toes, you may get away with sizing up, but these are a good candidate for trying on before you buy to make sure they work for you.

Fortunately, they broke in a little after a few rides, and ours got a tad roomier but still low-volume. A single BOA L6 dial tightens TX4 laces over the top of the feet. The textile laces move very easily, pull even tension, and don’t dig into the tarsal bones the way other BOA laces can. The slip-tongue is moderately padded, as is the ankle cuff, and the heel stays nicely in place, even while walking.

Underfoot, an EVA midsole provides some cushioning, and a nylon shank stiffens up the sole for pedaling efficiency. Still, these aren’t the stiffest shoes around, but they are appropriate for the intended use of more casual, everyday trail riding. The entire sole is covered in Ride Concept’s CLIP GRIP rubber outsole and signature hexagonal tread pattern.

This provides relatively good traction off the bike, although the limited flex through the toes makes hiking up steep slopes feel a little clunky. A 42mm-long cleat box provides a massive range of adjustability for all riders to get their cleats positioned just how they want.

There’s little not to like about the Accomplice Clip BOA shoes, but the low-volume fit, especially in the forefoot, will be a limiting factor for many riders. The breathable upper makes them a solid choice for warm to hot weather, but it provides virtually no water resistance and is not ideal for wetter climates. The material also doesn’t support the foot laterally quite as well as materials with a bit more structure, and the texture hangs on to dust and dirt and isn’t the easiest to keep clean.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail BOA ($220) provides a more accommodating fit, a slightly stiffer sole, a bit more water resistance, and walks a little better, too.

Still, the Accomplice Clip BOA is a solid value for riders seeking a reasonably priced, casually styled shoe for general trail riding in mostly dry conditions. These shoes look good, breathe well, and are quite comfortable if they fit your foot.

Read review: WorldTour Winning Cycling Shoe Gets Gravel Treatment: Specialized S-Works Recon First Look

Specialized uses the S-Works moniker on its top-of-the-line, race-ready bikes and other products, including shoes. The Specialized S-Works Recon ($450) is their range-topping mountain bike shoe aimed squarely at the XC racing and gravel riding crowd. These shoes recently got a complete redesign, addressing some of the complaints about the previous version while making them lighter, sleeker, more accommodating, and better-looking than ever.

Many high-end XC racing shoes are essentially copies of road bike shoes, so it’s not too surprising that the S-Works Recon looks nearly identical to the S-Works Torch road shoe. Of course, there are some minor differences, but they are the same in many ways. One of those is the full carbon fiber sole that is incredibly stiff, thin, and lightweight with an “Internal I-Beam” for added strength.

These soles have a very low stack and don’t flex under power, no matter how hard you mash on the pedals. The uppers and closures are the same as the Torch as well, and while they are incredibly supple and comfortable, it’s easy to get a very snug, stable, and secure fit that helps further enhance both efficiency and control.

One of the big changes to the S-Works Recon is more width in the forefoot, which should be accommodating to more riders compared to the narrower fit of the previous version. While this will be less ideal for those with narrow feet, the new arrangement of the dual BOA S3 dials manages to secure the shoes for a precise fit and easy micro-adjustments.

Additionally, the ankle cuff has been lowered to prevent irritation and allow for excellent ankle mobility, while the heel pocket is snug with friction material added to keep your heel firmly in place. Specialized included its Body Geometry design into the shoe and footbed with the goal of aligning the lower leg, and the footbed provides great support despite being thin and firm.

The is a lot of visible carbon fiber on the sole of the S-Works Recon, but Specialized added beefy, but not replaceable, lugs at the toe and heel, a small patch of rubber under the instep, and large “pontoons” on either side of the cleat. The pontoons are “tuneable,” and the shoes come with shims, so you can adjust their height to dial in the shoe-pedal interface to your liking or specific pedals.

Specialized also offers additional 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm shims, and a cleat stacker should you need to account for leg length discrepancies. The aim of the tuneable pontoons is to provide a road bike-esque connection to the pedals for enhanced pedaling efficiency. In the stock configuration, our test shoes mated very well with all the different pedals we used them with.

Weight is also a concern for racers, so it’s not surprising that the S-Works Recon is absurdly lightweight at just 590g for our size 43.5 test pair. This is particularly impressive given how stiff, secure, and stable they are on the feet. Breathability is also fairly good, mostly due to the super thin and light construction of the shoes.

As with most XC racing shoes, foot protection is very minimal and is limited to a small rubber bumper in front of the toes and the asymmetrical plastic heel cup. There’s also virtually no sole damping of any kind. And, while it is definitely possible to walk in these shoes, the unflinching stiffness of the sole and all the exposed carbon make these a very poor choice for rides that involve much time off the bike, especially if there are sharp rocks involved.

Additionally, the wider fit in the forefoot may be too roomy for the narrow-footed among us. They are also very, very expensive. For similar performance with a slight weight penalty, the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon ($300) can save you a good bit of cash.

That said, if you’re seeking the top-level performance and comfort these shoes provide for XC or gravel racing, the cost of the Specialized S-Works Recon shoes may well be justified.

The latest iteration of the Five Ten Hellcat Pro ($180) has been around for a couple of years and has improved on the heavy and bulky predecessor in several ways. It’s still the burliest clipless model in the Five Ten lineup and is designed to meet the demands of downhill and enduro riders and racers. Given the significant reduction in weight compared to the old version, however, the Hellcat Pro’s appeal has expanded to include trail riders seeking extra foot protection on aggressive trails.

Despite the downhill focus of the Hellcat Pro, it has a surprisingly stiff sole that helps make it an efficient pedaler. Whether you’re grinding uphill for another lap or laying down the power in a sprint, there’s really no noticeable flex in the sole underfoot or torsionally. This translates to the descents as well, where the sole supports the foot and doesn’t flex around the pedal. It offers moderate vibration dampening, though not quite as much as some similar models.

Full coverage Stealth Marathon rubber soles with Five Ten’s signature raised dot tread pattern provide good traction on firm surfaces and is harder-wearing than the rubber found on the brand’s flat pedal shoes. While these shoes are okay to walk in, the minimal sole rocker and stiffness through the toes make them feel a little blocky underfoot.

We found the Hellcat Pro to fit true to size with average volume through the mid-foot and a slightly roomier forefoot. The fit of these shoes will be welcome for those with wider feet, but may prove to be a bit spacious for those on the narrower side. The laces work very well to secure the shoes snugly over the tops of the feet, and the broad Velcro strap at the top of the tongue helps keep the heel planted firmly in the heel pocket and keeps the laces tidy.

A large mesh panel on the outside of the mid-foot and some perforations above the toes do a commendable job of ventilating, though these are far from the airiest shoes around. Given the gravity-oriented focus of the Hellcat Pro, foot protection levels are high, particularly at the front of the shoe, where the toebox is heavily reinforced and coated in abrasion-resistant material.

While our test pair has held up well, we have seen a friend’s Hellcat Pros suffer from sole delamination issues. A quick search online reveals that this isn’t an isolated problem, but it doesn’t affect all of the shoes either. It’s safe to assume that Adidas/Five Ten is addressing the issue, and it is typically covered by warranty should yours suffer the same fate.

Based on our experience, however, the Five Ten Hellcat Pro is a solid option for trail, enduro, and gravity riders seeking a protective and stiff shoe for tackling aggressive terrain and riding at high speeds. If you prefer a BOA closure system, the Fox Union BOA ($220) is strikingly similar but a little quicker and easier to get on and off the feet.

The Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon ($300) tops the brand’s range of performance off-road shoes geared toward XC and gravel racers. These shoes borrow some features from Fizik’s popular road models, and they are lightweight, super stiff, and minimalist in their design. They also cost a fair bit less than other brands’ top-of-the-line models, though, at $300, they still aren’t exactly inexpensive either.

The Vento Ferox Carbon has, not surprisingly, a full X1 carbon sole that has a 10/10 on Fizik’s sole stiffness index. This stiffness is in line with their top road cycling shoes and ensures that none of your precious watts get wasted when smashing down on the pedals. Our size 43.5 test pair fit true to size with an average width that avoids being excessively narrow or too spacious.

The uppers are made from a tough but thin and lightweight woven mesh and laminated upper secured over the foot with a BOA Li2 dial and a wide Powerstrap at the top of the tongue. We found it easy to crank these shoes down over the feet for a very snug and secure fit from the forefoot to the heel, and small grippy dots at the back of the heel pocket help to prevent any unwanted heel lift. This secure fit further enhances pedaling efficiency and power transfer throughout the entire pedal stroke.

Most of the carbon sole is covered by rubber with small lugs at the toes, larger lugs under the heel, and long pontoons bordering the cleat box. Not only does this protect the carbon from damage, but it also allows you to walk reasonably sure-footed, and the pontoons interface quite well with pedals for increased contact and stability.

The Ferox Carbon is also ready to accept toe spikes for you CX racers, although it doesn’t come with them. Ventilation is a strong suit as the thin uppers allow plenty of air to reach the feet. The reinforced toe cap and rigid molded heel provide protection on par with other cross-country shoes, though it is quite minimal.

While the Vento Ferox Carbon are undoubtedly excellent shoes for laying down the power and maximizing your efficiency, we found that the minimalist design could lead to some minor discomfort over the course of longer rides. There is very little padding in the heel pocket or the tongue, and those with sensitive tarsal bones or heels may start to develop hot spots after several hours of riding, but this may not be an issue for everyone.

Similarly, and this goes for most carbon-soled race shoes, the soles offer very little in the way of vibration dampening. If you’ve got wiggle room in the budget, we found the Shimano S-Phyre XC9 ($450) to be a bit more comfortable and slightly lighter, too.

Still, the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon has a lot to offer those looking for a stiff, lightweight, and well-ventilated shoe for gravel or XC that costs less than the competition.

The Giro Sector ($240) is a lightweight shoe geared toward cross-country and gravel riders that’s made with Giro’s proprietary Synchwire upper material. Though they aren’t quite as stiff or light as the top-of-the-line racing shoes we tested, they also cost significantly less and offer a more balanced performance that most non-racers and even some racers may prefer.

One of the primary things that set the Sector apart from similarly styled shoes is the use of Giro’s Synchwire material. This mesh-like material is quite unique in that it is very flexible and incredibly air-permeable yet still quite supportive. In the case of the Sector, it also has a “thermo-bonded exo structure” that provides a little additional support and structure to the uppers while still leaving plenty of room for these to be some of the best-ventilated shoes we tested.

These shoes ventilate so well that riding in brisk conditions can be a bit chilling, so it’s definitely worth considering the climate where you ride. They also allow water to pass through freely, but they dry pretty quickly as well.

Slipping them on, the comfort is immediately apparent as the uppers conform to the feet easily, and the Giro 3D-molded medium arch support footbed cradles it nicely from below. Our size 43.5 test pair fit true to size with an average width, and the dual BOA L6 dials secure the shoes over the top of the feet and allow for micro increases to tension or full macro-release. We found it easy to get these shoes as tight as you want to really lock your feet and heels in place.

The sole is made with a carbon composite plate that is adequately stiff for most types of riding. It can’t match the unrivaled stiffness of full carbon soles, but instead, it feels solid underfoot while remaining a bit more forgiving than full-on race shoes. This is particularly noticeable over the course of a long gravel ride or chunky mountain bike descent, as they don’t punish your feet the way that some stiffer shoes can.

Pedaling efficiency isn’t top of the heap, though it isn’t far off, thanks to the relatively stiff sole and precise fit. The sole is covered in rubber from front to back to provide off-the-bike grip and a reasonable walking experience. The lack of well-defined lugs, however, doesn’t give them the best traction in loose, dry, or muddy conditions.

For those who don’t need a super airy shoe, the Crankbrothers Candy Lace ($160) is worth checking out. The soles are a touch less stiff, but they are a bit nicer to walk in and have a classic, almost retro style that we think looks great. Plus, you’ll save a bit of dough for new bike parts, too.

If you’re looking for a super comfortable and well-ventilated shoe for light trail, cross-country, or gravel riding, we feel the Giro Sector is a great option that looks good, fits great, and isn’t super expensive. Female riders will also be happy to know that Giro makes a women’s version of the Sector as well.

The new Five Ten Kestrel BOA ($230) is a dramatic departure from its predecessor and a unique entry into the shoe market from the traditionally more gravity-oriented brand. They claim it “pairs XC performance with Five Ten’s gravity credentials and mountain bike expertise,” and it is marketed as a “down-country” shoe with some design elements that speak to the brand’s roots.

The previous Kestrel Pro BOA was a beefy shoe for aggressive trail riders and enduro racers, and the latest version resembles its predecessor in name only. This shoe is aimed squarely at the growing down-country market that has been spurred on by the evolution of more capable XC bikes. The full-length glass-fiber reinforced sole is very stiff, and power transfer felt on par with some of the more expensive competition.

This took us somewhat by surprise, actually, as we didn’t expect such good pedaling efficiency. The heel pocket is well-shaped, and the BOA closure over the upper foot does a great job of locking the heel down in place.

While some of the rigid sole is exposed, much of it is covered in Five Ten’s signature Stealth Marathon rubber. This includes a small patch under the instep, as well as aggressive lugs at the toe and heel that provide excellent traction in loose soils. While the soles are quite stiff, these shoes are a bit more friendly to walk in than some similar models.

The cleat bolt channels offer a huge range of adjustment, especially for an XC shoe, and are bordered by two large pontoons that help you stabilize on the pedals. Additionally, Five Ten added a beefy piece of rubber that wraps up and over the toes to ward off rock strikes when you’re getting aggressive on your XC rig.

Our test pair fit true to size in length. They have a nice snug fit in the heel and ankle, and are slightly higher volume in the forefoot than most other XC shoes. We’ve read complaints from others that they weren’t able to adequately tension the shoes over the forefoot, but we were able to get them snug enough with the two Velcro straps.

We got along fine with the fit with thicker socks, but it may be worth trying these on before you buy to make sure the volume jives with your feet. Those with narrower/lower-volume feet might find a more precise fit in a shoe like the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon ($300), but with a bit less foot protection.

The ventilated mesh panel above the toes and on both sides of the feet works effectively. And, while they aren’t the lightest shoes out there, they’re still fairly lightweight at 724g for the pair. We came away pleasantly surprised by the performance of the new Kestrel BOA, which is a solid option for those who want XC performance with a bit of added foot protection. They come in two color options, and they are also offered in a women’s version with two different colorways.

The Fizik Terra Atlas ($160) is a moderately priced shoe that combines a comfortable fit with an all-around performance that many riders will appreciate. While it may not be the lightest or stiffest shoe around, it offers a nice balanced ride that should work for everything from casual XC riding to gravel or bike packing for riders without competitive aspirations.

The Terra Atlas has a nylon plate to provide pedaling support, and it falls at a 5 out of 10 on Fizik’s sole stiffness scale. While it is noticeably flexy under very hard efforts compared to the 10-rated Fizik Veto Ferox Carbon, we didn’t find it to be excessively soft under power or fatiguing to the lower legs or feet.

Ample flex through the toe of the shoe allows for a natural walking motion off the bike, and the grippy rubber outsole provides good traction on most surfaces. The cleat mount area offers a generous adjustment range that should accommodate most riders’ preferences.

The supple uppers of the Terra Atlas feel great right out of the box, and we found the length to be true to size. The width feels a touch wider than other Fizik shoes we’ve tested, but not excessively voluminous. A single BOA dial pulls tension over the asymmetric opening and tongue of the shoe to tighten the entire thing from the top down to the forefoot.

While this works OK, it can be a little tricky to get even tension throughout, especially if you need to decrease volume closer to the toes. This seems partially due to the fact that the wires crisscross and tend to hang up on each other. And, while we found the supple uppers to be very comfortable, they aren’t the most supportive.

The uppers and tongue are heavily perforated and do a good job of ventilating the feet. The construction seems solid, too, with good attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Foot protection, however, is quite limited, so that’s something to be aware of depending on the type of riding that you’re doing. The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit ($150) is quite similar in terms of sole stiffness, but it has a roomier fit and a more aggressive sole for hiking.

Overall, the Fizik Terra Atlas is a versatile and comfortable shoe for those who aren’t too concerned with having super stiff soles. They feel good on the feet, and we think they look pretty good too.

Mountain biking is an expensive sport, and it can be a challenge to find a decent entry-level clipless shoe for less than $100. The Giro Berm ($80) bucks that trend with a very wallet-friendly price, a high level of comfort, and a respectable on-trail performance. These shoes won’t blow you away with any one aspect of their performance, but they are simple and effective, leaving little to complain about, especially when you take the price into consideration.

With two broad Velcro straps as the closure, getting into, out of, and adjusting the tension over the foot is quick and easy. Our size 44 test pair fit true to size in length, and the width is fairly average. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about their fit, but we found them to be surprisingly comfortable and very easy to get along with.

There’s a decent amount of padding about the heel, some light reinforcement in front of the toes, and they offer protection similar to many trail-riding shoes. Despite their appearance, they also proved to be fairly well-ventilated, with a large mesh panel over the toes and a few smaller mesh panels by the instep, allowing for better-than-expected breathability.

The soles aren’t super stiff, but they’re not meant to be, either. Under power, you can feel the sole flex slightly, especially when compared to stiffer XC shoes, but it isn’t egregious, and we didn’t find that it caused foot or calf fatigue on the climbs or descents. That sole flex goes the other way, too, and from the cleat mount area forward, it allows for a very natural walking motion.

The outsole is fully covered in grippy rubber with a unique tread design that provides excellent traction on loose surfaces and rock. The cleats themselves sit just low enough to avoid clicking on the floor when you walk, and the tread on either side interfaces well with pedal bodies. Our test pair also came with a “cover” that bolts into the cleat holes, so you can use these shoes with flat pedals, too.

Now, no one will mistake these shoes for their high-end counterparts, but that’s also not the point. The Giro Berm is a great entry point to clipless mountain bike shoes that are sure to satisfy the needs of most new recreational riders. If you’ve got a bit of flexibility in the budget, you’ll find a step up in performance with the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip ($130) with a stiffer sole, more size options, and better style, too.