GROUP REVIEW

5 CLIPLESS MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES

4 WE LOVE, 1 WE DON’T

Over the course of each year we’re sent more product than we can usually test, and that includes MTB shoes. Often times you’ll see us in lots of different gear from pads to helmets and shoes, but if you look close, sometimes certain products stay around a lot longer than others. When we find a good pair of shoes, or four, we tend to hold onto them! We’ve rounded up some of the clipless mountain bike shoes that have been hanging around Drew’s gear back for a long time now. Read below to see which ones he likes best.

BONTRAGER RALLY

The Rally mountain bike shoe’s super durable design stands up to daily abuse no matter where you ride. It has added support and protection from toe to heel for confidence when the trail gets rough. Whether you’re on the Trek Factory Racing team trying to shave seconds off the DH and Enduro clock, or just need a super comfortable and highly practical trail shoe, the Rally is ready to blast down the mountain looking fresh.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• inForm Performance last offers a relaxed fit for more comfort on the bike and more utility off the bike
• Abrasion-resistant coating on the heel and toe caps for added durability
• A reinforced, durable toe box for improved protection
• Shock-absorbing EVA midsole
• Hook-and-loop strap provides a more secure fit that hugs your foot in place
• Compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats

THE WOLF’S TAKE

I first started riding these shoes in our eMTB Shootout back in Palm Springs 2020. Since then I’ve found myself keeping these around whenever I don’t have an obligation to wear another shoe. They have held up great, they’re comfortable and I really like the subtle styling of them. Our crew all got these shoes and despite a couple of the larger sized shoes breaking under the cleat track, it seems Bontrager made a running-adjustment and we haven’t had any other issues since, with lots of thumbs up from the Pack.

Long-Term Review: Check it out here

MSRP: $149.99
Website: Bontrager.com

FOX UNION CLIPLESS SHOE

From the bike park to the enduro course, riders need a shoe that delivers uncompromising grip and all-day comfort. The seamless upper features a lace and power strap closure to give a precise, personal fit and a molded toe cap to help defend the wearers toes from painful rock strikes. As riders tackle adrenaline-inducing descents, the 2-bolt cleat plate and super grippy Ultratac rubber ensure our feet stay planted securely on the pedals no matter how gnarly the trail gets.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Burly MTB shoe built for enduro, freeride, and downhill riding
• TPU upper provides lightweight durability for technical terrain
• Hook-and-loop powerstrap lets us lock in an incredibly secure fit
• Ultratac rubber outsole provides traction on and off the bike
• EVA midsole helps absorb shock from big drops and quiet trail chatter
• 2-bolt cleat plate is compatible with most cleat brands
• High and low arch support options allow for a completely custom fit

THE WOLF’S TAKE

These are likely my favorite shoe out. I have the BOA version and the lace version and like them both equally, but for different reasons. They look great, they’re super comfortable, have held up to tons of abuse by our entire crew and they just work well. They’re a bit spendy, but it seems you do get what you pay for out of them.

Long-Term Review: Check it out here

MSRP: $179.95
Website: Foxracing.com

LEATT 5.0 CLIPLESS SHOE

The MTB 5.0 is a clip shoe featuring a deep 25mm indexed cleat channel. The forward settings guarantee great pedal efficiency while the 15mm rear extension adds stability and comfort for rigorous gravity riding. Its water-resistant outer shell and great ventilation make it an ideal all round, multi discipline shoe for fast rides. The MTB 5.0 shoes is fitted with Speedlaces and cross- straps for added stability and control.

Looking for one shoe that lets you train on your hardtail, race enduro and get loose on the downhill track? Welcome to the family – this is your shoe!

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Leatt SPD Channel offers all-pedal compatibility
• RideGrip™ Compound delivers amazing traction for ultimate bike control: Maximum tear, puncture and abrasion resistance
• Hydradri 10K/10K water-resistant durable all-weather shoes
• Concealed speed lace compression system
• Control Flex Shank: Semi-Rigid Flex control for great bike feel
• Midsole: Anti-compression midsole for comfort
• Insole: Active Carbon moisture wicking, quick dry, anti-bacteria, anti-odor material for comfort and hygiene
• Protection: Molded stabilizing heel and rigid reinforced toe area
• Lining: Active Carbon moisture wicking, quick dry, anti-bacteria, anti-odor material for comfort and hygiene

THE WOLF’S TAKE

I’ve got a few things that I don’t love about this shoe. The Velcro cross strap is a bit of a pain to get through the loop if it slides out while putting the shoe on, it doesn’t have the same cushioned and padded insole as the 6.0 I love so much and I’ve had them rub on a couple of cranks due to the buckle placement on the inside of the shoe. I found that compared to the 6.0, my feet regularly get more fatigued and crampy feeling as it appears the EVS foam really does help! We see that Leatt has these shoes on a major clearance, so if you like stiff shoes, don’t have super long or rocky descents, you may want to take advantage of the deal…Or, perhaps wait for an updated version coming soon???

MSRP: $139.99
Website: Leatt.com

LEATT 6.0 CLIPLESS SHOE

A lightweight trail shoe with comfort and performance at the core of its design. The ATOP lace system is fast, convenient and precise. Make micro corrections fast and easily so that you have total bike control and comfort. This clipless shoe features a long cleat channel for the perfect pedal set up. Move the block forwards for a more power orientated ride, or farther back for more aggressive gravity riding.

If comfort and performance is what you are looking for, then the Leatt 6.0 are your next pair of shoes!

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Leatt SPD Channel offers all-pedal compatibility
• RideGrip™ Compound delivers amazing traction for ultimate bike control:
• ATOP lacing system allows single hand micro adjustments
• Adjustable, durable and breathable shoe upper: Breathable mesh construction allows great temperature regulation and quick drying
• Control Flex Shank: Semi-Rigid Flex control for great bike feel
• Midsole: Anti-compression EVA for vibration and shock absorption
• Insole: Anti-compression EVA insole for comfort
• Protection: Molded heel shield for protection and heel retention | Strategically placed TPU reinforcement on toe, heel and perimeter
• Lining: Active Carbon moisture wicking, quick dry, anti-bacteria, anti-odor
• Heel Grip: Directional heel grip lining allows easy foot entry and retention while pedaling

THE WOLF’S TAKE

If you’re looking for more of a techy, XC-styled shoe, these are my pick. I really love how comfortable they are. It does seem like the outsole has tried to peel back at a couple of spots, but it hasn’t progressed or worsened, so I could learn to live with this amount of gap after over a year of use. They are a good all around trail MTB shoe that are quick to put on and take off, will still hold up to hard riding and breathe pretty well. I am of fan of the Leatt 6.0 shoes.

MSRP: $159.99
Website: Leatt.com

SHIMANO AM903 CLIPLESS SHOE

The Shimano AM903 Bike Shoes offer a little extra toe protection, in a build that’s lightweight and breathable, yet doesn’t feel weighed down or end up with a wicked case of hot-foot mid lap. The AM903 is built to be tough and stand up to stray branches, grabby roots, and chunky rocks. It also features a tacky sole for when hiking a bike is a must, and a recessed clipless platform that stays out of the way when walking, but allows riders to snap in for maximum power when it’s pedal time.

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Downhill and enduro specific shoes for big days in the bike park
• Armored shield protects laces from debris and possible damage
• Speed lace system doesn’t need to be tied to get cinched down
• 18mm rearward cleat adjustment allows for complete control on the descent
• Large toe cap helps protect toes in case of impacts
• Raised padded ankle and sole for extra protection
• Shimano rubber sole is grippy and stays planted on pedals

THE WOLF’S TAKE

These shoes took a little while to get used to from a visual perspective, but they sure deliver when it comes to comfort and performance. The shoes aren’t as stiff as the Fox Union, so they offer a bit better walking traction, more compliance and still offer enough platform for hard pedals and big descents. They’re a great blend of comfort and performance. I grew to like the look and really appreciated how well the tongue cover keeps debris out of my socks, and especially my toes! Solid shoe all around.

MSRP: $170
Website: Bike.Shimano.com

We know there are a vast amount of shoe options on the market, the shoes featured in this group review are the ones we’ve been able to spend ample time in. If there are other shoes that you would like to see us throw into a group review, or if there are other product types you would like to see us review in a group fashion, let us know. Leave a comment down below and we will do our best to work on a feature in the near future.