If you are a fan of MTB, you have surely wondered at some point: Which mountain bike shoes should I buy? Choosing the right footwear is key to improving performance, comfort, and safety on the bike. Depending on the discipline you practice, you will need a specific type of shoe, since riding on forest trails is not the same as tackling technical terrain or demanding descents.
The shoes for mountain bikes can be classified into two main groups:
- Stiff and lightweight: ideal for Cross Country (XC) and routes where pedaling efficiency and power transfer are prioritized.
- Durable and reinforced: designed for disciplines such as Trail, Enduro or Downhill, where protection and grip are fundamental aspects.
Although this article focuses on MTB footwear, if you practice road cycling, it is also important to choose shoes for road bikes that offer a good combination of lightness, ventilation, and stiffness to maximize performance over long distances.
Below, we explain the main characteristics of each type of shoe, their differences, and which is the best option according to your cycling style. 🚴♂️🔥
What should MTB shoes have?
If we compare MTB shoes with classic road cycling shoes, the sole is thicker, higher, and reinforced. They are more focused on battling the elements. In addition, it is common to put your foot down and push the bike when the terrain becomes especially demanding. That is why it is important that they have lugs, which provide grip, protection, and durability. 
Soles with lugs, a stiff midsole, and reinforcements are essential elements.
The reinforcements on the shoe should also extend to the toe and heel area. . First, to keep the foot as fixed as possible. Keep in mind that we are talking about disciplines where there is more lateral movement of the limbs. And second, to protect the foot from impacts from stones, branches, and other elements we might trip over in the mountains. In any case, the reinforcements of the shoes should not compromise factors such as comfort, ventilation, or rigidity. We are looking for efficiency in pedaling. The fabrics in the superior area should have some flexibility and be breathable. And the sole, for its part, should have a rigid structure, focused on the midsole, to effectively transfer the energy from our legs to the pedal.
Dials, straps, or laces: how should they fit?
Just like in road cycling shoes, a Mountain Bike shoe can have a classic lace-up fit or more sophisticated and customizable mechanisms, such as dials or micrometric adjustment wheels. Likewise, the closure on the superior part can be reinforced with velcro straps. In fact, there are many models that only use this adjustment. The micrometric dial (the BOA and Atop
systems are the most frequently used) distributes the closure tension over a larger area of the shoe and its release is quick.
📺 If you have doubts, this video will help you perfectly understand how the BOA closure system works.
You can see all these closures separately or combined in the same shoe. The point is to choose the most comfortable one depending on your pedaling and the type of route you do. If you are looking for more tension to pedal efficiently, even sacrificing some mobility, the right adjustment will be the dial, or even velcro straps. On the other hand, laces will provide more flexibility, although the fit will be less precise. In addition, they are more economical.
Types of MTB shoes by modality: XC, trail, enduro or downhill
Let's see which shoe models are suitable for each MTB modality or type of route.
Cross Country (XC)
XC shoes are more compact and lightweight, with a racing profile similar to road shoes. But it is also important that they have a rubber lug sole, even if the lugs are small. Here, carbon midsoles (in high-end models) or fiberglass and nylon (in more affordable versions) are important. Both provide lightness and rigidity to ensure efficient and energetic pedaling. Speed is key in XC circuits and routes. Flat sections, explosive climbs, and fast descents are constant. For maximum performance, an effective fit is key. Here, micrometric wheels are recommended. (BOA or Atop), although they are more expensive. However, there are models that combine a dial and Velcro straps, which secure the foot properly at a reasonable price. The use of laces is not highly recommended in this case. Fast and prolonged pedaling can affect the closure tension. In addition, there is a risk of getting caught in the bike's drivetrain.
Trail/All Mountain
The Trail modality represents the essence of MTB; mixed routes with technical trails, obstacles, and long climbs. Here, the competitive factor loses importance, so ideally you should opt for comfortable and durable shoes. This is where casual models for platform or clipless pedals come into play. The sole can be entirely rubber or combined with a stiffer midsole. In any case, the lugs become more important, since putting your foot down is common in this modality. Lace or Velcro closures are more common here. There are also high-end shoes that introduce at least one micrometric dial to lock the foot better and maintain tension.
Enduro
If you decide to practice enduro, you should get specific shoes. They have a casual design and look more like trekking shoes or mountain boots. What is sought above all is foot protection. 
They should have some flexibility and their sole should be high and reinforced, with high-grip lugs. On many enduro routes, you’ll have to walk while pushing the bike, since technical trails or impossible slopes are common. For adjustment, Velcro straps and laces are the norm.
Downhill
Shoes for downhill routes share models with those for enduro. They have similar reinforcements as the shoes for that modality and for trail. In this radical modality, casual models with 100% rubber soles and no slots for cleats take center stage.
Frequently asked questions about MTB shoes
We will try to answer the most common questions that arise when we decide to buy our MTB shoes.
Sole with more or fewer lugs?
This question may arise before buying new mountain bike shoes. More lugs on the sole means greater comfort when walking, better grip, and even greater absorption of vibrations from the terrain when pedaling. On the other hand, they are heavier and affect the energy transfer to the pedals.
More lightness or more reinforcement?
What do we recommend regarding the materials of the shoe's body? If you are only going to pedal on easy terrain, we recommend choosing a shoe made of lightweight, breathable fabrics, without too many reinforcements. On the other hand, if you are going to venture onto high mountain trails, technical descents, or rocky paths, it is advisable that the footwear has reinforced fabrics on the heel and toe: for protection and durability.
Carbon midsole: yes or no?
The price increase in shoes with carbon inserts in the sole can be a drawback. Many models exceed €150. In many cases, they use the same type of carbon as is used for bicycle frames. If you are looking for maximum performance and to compete in races, the investment may be worth it. Outside of that context, a fiberglass or nylon midsole will be sufficient. 
Flat pedal or clipless shoes?
There are MTB riders who use only flat pedals: both at a beginner level and in more extreme disciplines such as enduro or downhill. If you have been mountain biking for some time and aspire to improve your level, we recommend clipless pedals and buying shoes designed for them. In that case, make sure the midsole has slots inserted for screwing in the cleats.
Look for comfort and protection
There is a type of shoe for every type of mountain biker. Sometimes, finding the ideal model may seem complex. But don’t worry. You just need to be clear that there are two types of MTB shoes: lightweight, stiff shoes (focused on XC), and more reinforced, casual-style shoes (intended for trail, enduro or downhill riders). With this distinction in mind, your purchase choice will be more accurate.