Best Mountain Bike Shoes in the UK

Being one of the leaders in the cycling equipment industry, Shimano produces top-tier products that are sold all over the world. Shimano philosophy is based on developing high-quality products that would help people interact with nature through outdoor activities. The company does its best to develop products that make the life of outdoor enthusiasts more comfortable and exciting. And the Shimano XM7s are the proof.

The XM7 MTB shoes (without cleats) are extra-durable cross-mountain footwear that features added protection and walking stability. They have proved to be just comfy and equally grippy either on forest trails or slippery rocks, largely owing to an identical tread pattern in Vibram. That is to say, the Vibram® outsole ensures superior grip and foot control in any condition.

The shoes appear to be very well constructed - they are made from natural nubuck leather that seems to last a long time. The rubber toe box is made from stiffer material for extra protection and durability. The EVA sole is stiff enough for long rides yet quite comfortable to walk in. And the top Velcro strap over the lacing closure holds them nicely in place.

With that, these robust shoes are reasonably lightweight. They are suitable for both summer and winter riding. The Gore-Tex® performance comfort liner is breathable and waterproof to keep your feet dry while cycling around.

All in all, if you want premium-quality footwear for all-year-round adventures, the Shimano SH-XM7 Mountainbike shoe is a solid fit. This pair is well constructed, durable, and comfy.

The Five Ten brand has made its name with rock climbing shoes. The company is known for that soft, sticky rubber that most climbers depend upon when scurrying up vertical walls. And even though the shoes under review are intended for off-road biking, they are almost as grippy as climbing models. For this very reason, many cyclists choose these flexy shoes. They feel ultimately safe even without being clipped into the pedals.

Although the Five Ten Freeriders are mountain bike shoes for flat pedals, they provide exceptional traction. The secret of their astounding grip is the rubbery sorcery and the dotty Stealth rubber sole. Designed with the solid Stealth S1 sole, the Freeriders show excellent performance. Whether on dirt, rock, or even pavement, the shoes provide good traction in all but the snowiest conditions.

Besides excellent traction, the Five Ten Freerider shoes strike a good balance between weight, durability, and manoeuvrability. The black panels on the upper and sides are made of brushed nubuck leather. The shoes are waterproof to protect you from the whimsical British weather. Overall, the shoes are really sturdy and warm in the cold. However, they may sometimes get too warm inside if the weather is hot. That's why this mountain bike footwear is best for use in colder periods.

All things considered, the Five Ten Freerider casual shoes have a superior grip, which helps you keep your feet on the pedals on the rockiest trails. And as the shoes have a nice classic design, they are also well-suited for city cyclists who would like to hop on and off their bicycles without changing their shoes.

If you're serious about mountain cycling and look for true Mountain Bike shoes rather than hybrids, you should seriously consider the ZOL Predator pair. It's a pair of genuine mountain biking shoes that have inbuilt bolts and are compatible with most types of pedals.

The shoes securely attach to SPD, Crank Brothers, and all MTB shoe pedals. The only requirement is the presence of SPD cleats on your pedals - the shoes already come with 2 holes for screwing the bolts and attaching the cleats. So, all you need to do is centre the cleat in forward position, screw the bolts, and tighten them. After that, you can ride long hours, enjoying unrivalled traction. The boots will help you achieve the most convenient positioning of your feet and prevent them from sliding off during extreme manoeuvres. Thus, your rides will become not only incredibly quick but also safe.

The only downside to that is that the shoes aren't very good for walking, as they have hard plastic soles. Moving on with the positive note, the shoes have a solid construction with good wind and water-resistant properties. And since the uppers are made of synthetic leather and mesh, your feet will stay well-ventilated and, consequently, dry at all times.

Speaking about the soles, they are made from fibreglass-injected nylon. Hence, they are rigid enough to deliver you superior pedalling power and comfort during the longest rides.

To sum it all up, if you need a professional pair of downhill shoes to use on the extreme trails, the budget-friendly Zol Predators may be the ones you are searching for.

Produced by a respected English bike brand, Muddyfox MTB200 Cycling Shoe is a great choice for mountain cycling and spinning. The shoes are highly waterproof to be suitable for cycling in the rain, in shallow water, as well as flood/muddy water terrains. Still, they have micro-air inlets that allow air circulation inside so as to prevent heat and moisture build-up. Besides that, this cycling footwear has mesh panels, padded ankle collar, shaped heel, and the reinforced sole plate to increase confidence and comfort during riding.

The TRI100 mountain bike footwear is made to be compatible with standard, three-hole cleats, but take note that the cleats themselves aren't included with the purchase. These clip-in cycling shoes are designed to fit in with any standard SPD pedal system to give a rider increased control over the bike. The clip-in shoes fit stiffly with the pedal, so there is no way your feet can slip away, no matter how rough the terrain is. Especially useful for riding in wet conditions.

But what really sells these shoes is that they are designed with a fast-release ratchet strap and two hook and loop straps for a secure and comfortable fit. The quick-release ratchet buckle fastener gives you a great opportunity to conveniently put on/off the shoes.

The only thing you should keep in mind is that sizing may be on a smallish side, so it's better to go with one size up than you normally wear.

Overall, these all-weather Muddyfox shoes are excellent for experienced riders and new riders alike. They are also great for both road/mountain cycling and spinning.

Many riders really like to attract attention with their personal styling. If you're one of them and want your riding to tell your tale, then the Giro Men's Privateer R will do the trick. This is a super stylish pair of cycling shoes, and whether you ride urban, gravel, mountain, singletrack, or anything in-between, it will tick all the right boxes.

Whereas it's from the least expensive mountain biking shoes on the market, the Giro Privateer R offers an impressive value considering style, performance, and nifty features. The shoes have a nice cross-country race styling and deliver excellent power transfer. Plus, they are comfy enough for all types of riding, largely owing to their lightweight design.

Being just 375 g (42.5 EU size), these blue cycling shoes deliver unrivalled comfort and protection when you're riding a bike. The microfiber upper part feels and looks a lot like genuine leather. Plus, it's soft and supple enough to conform to your foot's shape within the course of two or three rides (might seem too stiff and narrow at first). Lots of small holes in the uppers provide good ventilation.

As for the outsoles, they are quite stiff, which results in optimal power transfer and pedalling efficiency. The nylon and rubber composite on the tread provides reliable traction in any condition - you'll get confidence during dismounts and hike-a-bikes.

Other Privateer's highlights include aggressive lugs, toe spike compatibility, supportive EVA footbed, micro-ratcheting buckle, and compatibility with SPD pedals.

In a word, the Privateer R lightweight shoes are extremely stylish shoes that are available in numerous designs to emphasize your style. They are best suited for general trail riding and cross country. They offer good foot protection and are comfortable on the feet, making them great for rides of any length.