Mountain Biking Shoes
Updated on May 31, 2024
Shop the best shoes for mountain biking
When you’re flying down a trail on your mountain bike, the last thing you’ll want to think about is your shoes. Superior performance on the trail starts with superior footwear.
Wearing high-quality mountain biking shoes for women and men can help reduce the risk of your feet slipping off the pedals. Sticky rubber outsoles and high-quality arch support can keep your feet comfortable and stable for long days on your bike.
No matter the terrain—uphill or downhill, rocky or smooth—you’ll have better control of your bike with mountain bike riding shoes. Be sure to only pick and ride with the best mountain bike shoes for the best results.
KURU’s line of outdoor shoes feature traction-heavy outsoles, durable materials, and our pain-relieving supportive technology for a stable, comfortable ride.
What are Mountain Biking Shoes?
Men’s and women’s mountain biking shoes are specifically engineered for the demands of mountain biking. They feature grippy rubber outsoles and durable materials for lasting performance. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, mountain biking (MTB) shoes can help you perform at your best.
There are generally three types of mountain bike shoes: flat pedal, flat clipless, and clipless MTB shoes. The type you pick often depends on personal preference and mountain biking experience.
On this page, we’ll focus on MTB shoes for flat pedals without clips. The best women’s and men’s mountain biking shoes for clipless pedals are those with sticky rubber outsoles and water resistance for traction even in wet conditions. You’ll also want plenty of support and cushion as you transition from sitting to standing on your bike.
KURU’s line of outdoor shoes can help you stay stable and comfortable on the trail with plenty of traction, wide toe boxes, durable materials, and built-in arch support.
Types of Mountain Biking Shoes & Finding the Best Fit
There are generally three types of mountain bike shoes: flat pedal, flat clipless, and clipless MTB shoes.
Flat pedal shoes are best for enduro, all-mountain, downhill, and dirt jump riders while flat clipless shoes are best for enduro, all-mountain, downhill, and trail rides. Clipless shoes are best for cross country and trail rides.
Mountain biking shoes should offer a snug fit without pain or discomfort. Each shoe should have at least a finger-width gap between the end of your toes and the end of the shoe. Always wear appropriate cycling socks when trying to fit MTB shoes for the most accurate fit.
Cycling Shoe Maintenance and Care
- If your pair is dusty or dirty from the ride, simply wipe them with a damp cloth. If your shoes are full of mud and crusted dirt, be sure to wash them more thoroughly.
- First, remove the insoles and loosen the buckles and laces or velcro straps, then soak a wet cloth with mild dishwashing soap and rinse away the dirt. Then scrub it using a soft brush with special attention to the cleats and buckles.
- After cleaning them, leave them out to dry, away from sunlight. Remember to never leave your shoes near any heated surface (or source) or in the dryer.
FAQs
What kind of shoe is best for mountain biking?
The best shoe for mountain biking will depend on your experience level, the terrain you want to traverse, and the type of pedal on your bike. In general, a high-quality mountain biking shoe includes grippy rubber outsoles for traction, durable materials for lasting use, water-resistance for wet conditions, and adequate arch support for all-day comfort.
Can you wear sneakers for mountain biking?
While you can wear sneakers while mountain biking, they may not provide the traction, sturdiness, and durability needed for your best performance. Outdoor shoes that feature grippy rubber outsoles can work even better to meet the demands of mountain biking.
Can you wear hiking boots for mountain biking?
While you can wear sneakers while mountain biking, they may not provide the traction, pedaling efficiency, and durability needed for your best performance. Outdoor shoes that feature grippy rubber outsoles can work even better to meet the demands of mountain biking.
Athletes, active individuals, and even those embarking on a new fitness regimen face a higher risk of experiencing foot and ankle injuries, whether from trauma or overuse.
In fact, 47% of respondents in our study reported that their foot pain began due to an injury.
Trending Articles
21 Healthy Snacks to Pack On Your Next Hike-
Hiking Shoes vs. Hiking Boots: What’s the Difference?
Hiking Checklist: 45 Essentials to Pack [+Printable]
How To Choose Mountain Biking Shoes
There are four main aspects to consider when selecting mountain biking shoes: the right kind of sole for you, the right kind of closure, important features, and the right fit for your feet.
The type of sole is crucial for the terrain that you’re going to traverse. The closure system will determine comfort, safety, and convenience, including boa (most expensive/fastest), ratchet/velcro, velcro, and laces (cheapest/slowest).
Features like waterproofing, additional protection, ventilation, and sole material will increase the quality of your shoes. And of course, the right fit will increase comfort and help prevent injury.
Comfort, safety, convenience, high-quality materials, and performance—these are some elements to look for in a pair of mountain biking shoes. A high-quality pair of shoes can help you keep your focus off your feet and on the frail.
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
- 1
KURUSOLE
Your heel is a vital part of your foot that works hard along with your whole foot as you pedal on your mountain bike. Our patented …Show More
Your heel is a vital part of your foot that works hard along with your whole foot as you pedal on your mountain bike. Our patented KURUSOLE shoe technology cups your heel and dynamically flexes with your movement. KURUSOLE effectively redirects stress and helps guide your body to a more healthy alignment.
…Show less - 2
KURUCLOUD
When riding your mountain bike, you constantly push down hard on your pedals as you gain speed and momentum. That’s why our KURUCLOUD …Show More
When riding your mountain bike, you constantly push down hard on your pedals as you gain speed and momentum. That’s why our KURUCLOUD base layer is essential for outdoor shoes. Made of lightweight EVA foam, KURUCLOUD offers cushion and bounce to keep you comfortable and offers shock absorption to protect your bones, joints, and ligaments.
…Show less - 3
ULTIMATE INSOLE
When you step into a pair of KURUs, the first point of contact with your feet is our ULTIMATE INSOLES. Unlike thin, traditional inserts that simply …Show More
When you step into a pair of KURUs, the first point of contact with your feet is our ULTIMATE INSOLES. Unlike thin, traditional inserts that simply offer some extra cushion, our insoles strategically blend areas of softness and firmness for superior arch support. ULTIMATE INSOLES are made of durable polyurethane foam to keep you going all day on the mountain.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Your heel is a vital part of your foot that works hard along with your whole foot as you pedal on your mountain bike. Our patented KURUSOLE shoe technology cups your heel and dynamically flexes with your movement. KURUSOLE effectively redirects stress and helps guide your body to a more healthy alignment.
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Stay informed on the latest in foot health and wellness. Gain access to advanced foot care knowledge and receive tips for healthy feet from our team of experts.
