How To Choose The Right MTB Shoe

How To Choose The Right MTB Shoe

SHIMANO’s Purpose-Built Mountain Bike Footwear

From the fastest tracks on the World Cup circuit to the biggest days through the backcountry and every trail in between, SHIMANO mountain bike shoes are purpose-built to deliver on any ride, any time. As MTB segments have become more specific, so has footwear. Consider the following characteristics of each style to find a fine-tuned shoe, perfectly fit for however you like to ride.

Cross Country

For off-road riders and racers who demand uncompromising performance and speed combined with all-day comfort.

Shimano Sh-XC502 mountain bike shoes

XC shoes are built for speed and flow, especially the SHIMANO S-PHYRE XC9. These featherweight kicks deliver our most advanced shoe technology for superior power transfer and comfort and are the choice of off-road champions from World Cup Cross Country to the muddy fields of cyclocross.

Shimano SH-XC502 mountain bike shoes

SHIMANO’s full range of XC footwear features trickle-down technology from the flagship XC9, including BOA dial closures for on-the-fly micro-adjustment and surround wrapping uppers that provide seamless design for fewer pressure points even on all-day hammer fests. Paired with SHIMANO SPD pedals, this fast and ferocious lineup is second to none when it comes to going the distance across any terrain as fast and efficiently as possible.

The SHIMANO Cross Country Lineup

  • XC9, XC7, XC5, XC3, XC1
  • Opt for SHIMANO XC shoes if: You yearn for speed on the way up, down, and everywhere in between.

    Shimano XC shoes line upMountain Enduro / Trail

    For trail riders and enduro racers who want a rugged blend of gravity toughness and protection with the support and solid pedaling platform of SHIMANO SPD.

    Shimano ME mountain bike shoes

    The ME series features armored construction combined with a stable, stiff SPD pedaling platform for earning turns on big trail days and extreme enduro conditions. Speed lacing and buckle combos create a secure, easily adjustable fit so you can adjust the fit based on the terrain. A neoprene ankle cuff on the top-of-the-line ME7 provides additional protection from flying chunk and chunder from trail debris, while the dual-density tread pattern offers high grip and sure footing on hike-a-bikes and burly transfers.

    Shimano ME Mountain bike shoes

    The SHIMANO Mountain Enduro Lineup

    • ME7, ME5
    • Opt for these if: You live for big backcountry days or enduro stages and need a shoe that efficiently pedals up while standing up to high speeds and hairy terrain on the way back down.
    shimano ME footwear mountain bike shoes

    Gravity

    For downhill riders, racers, or freeriders who prefer the freedom of flat pedals.

    Shimano GR mountain bike footwear

    SHIMANO's gravity shoes feature a fun, casual skate shoe style but are built to withstand the serious demands of gravity riding. They offer a reinforced construction to protect against roots, rocks, and unplanned dismounts, and they deliver gravity-driven speed that has been proven on World Cup DH tracks and lap after lap at the bike park. The extra sticky ULTREAD sole has better grip on flat pedal pins, while a tough yet breathable synthetic upper gives more protection and comfort. The durable rubber outsole provides maximum cushion while maintaining the perfect blend of pedal feel and support.

    SHimano GR mountain bike footwear

    The SHIMANO Gravity Lineup

    • GR9, GR5
    • Opt for these if: You love World Cup DH speed with the added freedom of flat pedals. It's not called foot-out-flat-out for nothing!
    Shimano SH-GR footwear

    All-Mountain

    For gravity and DH riders and racers who prefer the added security and connection of SPD clipless technology.

    Shimano Am Mountain bike shoes

    SHIMANO's AM range features rugged construction that protects the feet on the rowdiest DH tracks, with the added benefit of SHIMANO SPD technology. This delivers a more secure connection between rider and bike for those who prefer their gravity escapades fully clipped in. A robust toe cap and heel cup offer more protection, while an armored lace shield gives additional protection on top of the foot. The ample grip and tread pattern of the AM shoe line keeps the foot locked on the pedal even after unclipping for hairy turns or bucking along an off-camber. Look no further for the ultimate in gravity protection, feel, and connection.

    Shimano Mountain bike shoes

    The SHIMANO All-Mountain Lineup

    • AM9, AM5
    • Opt for these if: You seek ultimate downhill speed and performance while demanding perfect control and a stable pedaling platform for hard accelerations out of every corner.

    Shimano AM footwear