What should MTB shoes have?
If we compare MTB shoes with road cycling classics, The sole is thicker, high and reinforced. Are more focused on struggle Against the elements. In addition, it is common to stand up and push the bicycle when the land becomes especially demanding. That is why they have tacos, to provide grip, protection and resistance. [Captation id = "Attachment_7672" Align = "Alignnone" Width = "900"]
Image: Scott shoes.[/caption]
Soles with tacos, rigid entela and reinforcements are essential elements.The reinforcements of the shoe should also be extended to the area of the toecap and the heel. First, to keep your foot as fixed as possible. Keep in mind that we talk about disciplines where there is more lateral movement of the limbs. And second, to protect the foot from impacts of stones, branches and other elements with which we can stumble on the mountain. In any case, the reinforcements of the shoes should not compromise factors such as comfort, ventilation or rigidity. We are looking for pedaling efficiency. The tissues of the upper part must have some flexibility and be breathable. And the sole, meanwhile, must have a rigid structure, focused on entresuela, to effectively transmit the energy of our legs to the pedal.
Dials, strips or cords: How should your adjustment be?
As in the road cycling shoes, a shoe Mountain Bike They can have a classic adjustment of laces or with more sophisticated and customizable mechanisms, such as Micrometric adjustment or wheels. Likewise, the closure at the top can be reinforced with strips of Velcro. In fact, there are many models that only use this adjustment. The micrometric dial (system BOA and ATOP They are the most frequent use) extends the closure tension to a larger area of the shoe and its release is rapid.📺 If you have doubts, with this video you will perfectly understand the operation of the BOA closing system. [embed] https://youtu.be/nqd6yp0o-u4[/embed]
You can see all these closures separately or combined in the same shoe. The question is to choose the most comfortable based on your pedaling and the type of route you make. If you are looking for more tension to pedal effectively, even sacrificing some mobility, the appropriate adjustment will be the dial, and even velcro strips. On the other hand, some laces will contribute more flexibility, although the adjustment will be more imprecise. In addition, they are cheaper.
Types of MTB shoes according to modality: XC, trail, enduro or descent
Let's see what models of sneakers are adequate for each modality or type of route in MTB.Cross country (XC)
XC shoes will be more Compact and light, with profile Racing similar to those of road. But it is also important that they have a rubber tacos sole, even if they are small. Here the importance of Carbon entresses (in high -end models) or fiberglass and nylon (in cheaper versions). Both provide lightness and rigidity to the service of an efficient and energetic pedaling. The speed is key in XC circuits and routes. The sections of plain, the explosive increases and the rapid descents are a constant. For the performance to be maximum, an effective adjustment is key. Here are recommended micrometric wheels (BOA or ATOP), although they are more expensive. However, there are models that combine dial and velcro strips, which correctly fix the foot at a contained price. The use of laces is not very advisable in this case. Fast and prolonged pedaling can affect the closure tension. In addition, there is a risk of hitching with the transmission of the bike.Trail/All Mountain
Trail's modality represents the essence of MTB; Mixed routes with technical trialeras, obstacles and prolonged ups. Here, the competitive factor loses importance, so the ideal is to opt for comfortable and resistant shoes. Here the casual models For platform or automatic pedals. The sole can be completely rubber, or combined with a more rigid entresuela. In any case, tacos gain in importance, since leaving the ground is common in this modality. The closure of Laces or velcro It is more common here. There are also high -end shoes that introduce at least a micrometric dial for enclose better foot and keep tension.Enduro
If you dare to practice enduro, you should get specific shoes. They are casual design and look more like trekking shoes or mountain boots. What is sought is, above all, foot protection.
They must have some flexibility and their sole must be high and reinforced, with high grip tacos. On many enduro routes, you will have to walk the bike, since the trialeras or impossible slopes are common. For adjustment, velcro strips and laces They are the norm.
Decline
The descent routes sneakers share models with the enduro. They have reinforcements similar to the shoes of that modality and those of Trail. In this modality radical The models charge prominence casual with 1OO% rubber and slot sole For the coves.Frequent doubts about MTB shoes
We will try to answer the most frequent doubts that arise when we decide to buy our MTB shoes.Sole with more or less tacos?
This doubt may arise before buying new shoes from Mountain Bike. More tacos in the sole implies greater comfort when walking, better grip and even greater absorption of vibrations from the terrain when you pedal. On the other hand, they are heavy and affect the transmission of energy to the pedals.More lightness or more reinforcement?
What do we recommend in terms of the tissues of the body of the shoe? If you are only pedaling for simple terrain, we recommend you opt for a light and breathable fabric shoe, without too many reinforcements. On the contrary, if you are going to enter high mountain paths, trialeras or technical declines, it is convenient that the footwear has heel and toe reinforcement fabrics: that it generates protection and resistance.Carbon entresuela: yes or no?
The price increase in shoes with carbon inserts in the sole can be an inconvenience. Many models exceed € 150. In many cases, they use the same type of carbon as for bicycle frames. If you are looking for maximum performance and compete in races, investment can be worth it. Outside that context, a fiberglass or nylon entemps will be enough. [Captation id = "Attachment_7671" Align = "Alignnone" Width = "900"]
Image: Specialized.[/caption]
