Shoes
There are two types of mountain bike pedal – clip-in and flat – and to get the maximum performance from either, it’s necessary to use a dedicated shoe. Since both pedal systems are equally popular, this test includes six of each type. Increasingly we’re seeing a crossover with newly released shoes, as brands design both clip-in and flat versions of the latest models. However, some companies still specialize in one particular type, such as Adidas Five Ten for example. Does that make them better at it? Not necessarily, but judging by past experience, it does seem to be easier to make a decent clip-in shoe than one designed for a flat pedal.
Of course, there is nothing stopping you riding flats in a pair of trainers. However, the shock-absorbing sole will sap energy, the rubber outsole will be too hard and slide on the platform, and the upper will not have enough support. So in our view it’s just as crucial to use a specific mtb flat pedal shoe as it is a clip-in design. With more grip comes more control over the bike, and your feet are less likely to slip off, which is obviously a lot safer.
With clip-in pedals, any SPD-compatible shoe is going to work well because it’s actually the pedal/cleat interface that is responsible for grip and security. That said, a clip-in shoe is under more load when pedalling and during the disengagement phase, and often is supported by a smaller surface area of pedal, so it needs to feature a more stable construction and often a reinforcing strap to reduce flex.
There are literally hundreds of shoes out there, but we’ve picked six of each for this test. Hopefully one of them will match your budget and pedal of choice.
CLIP-IN SHOES
BONTRAGER RALLY
£139.99
SPECIFICATION Weight: 812g• Sizes: 37-48 • Contact: trekbikes.com
With its synthetic leather upper, reinforced toe box and the GnarGuard abrasion-resistant coating on the heel and toe cap, the Bontrager Rally is a burly clip-in shoe. It comes with a Velcro strap across the top that holds the laces down and also adds extra tension. The sole features an in-house rubber, which we measured at around 65a – softer than some of the flat pedal shoes. The tackiness really helps stability when using a caged clipless pedal, but it also adds some extra security if you fail to clip in properly and end up just resting your foot on the binding. Off the bike, the grip is pretty good too, especially on wet roots.
The Rally’s shock-absorbing EVA insole isn’t quite as good as the Specialized or Ride Concepts insole, but it does boost comfort when rattling down a rough descent or overshooting a jump and landing flat. The
