Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport that demands precision, skill, and the right gear. One critical piece of equipment for any mountain biker is their shoes. Whether you’re charging down a gnarly downhill trail like at RideBHM or navigating technical cross-country terrain, having the best mountain bike shoes can make all the difference in your riding experience. 

Gear Review: Mountain Bike Shoes

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the top downhill mountain biking shoes of 2023, putting them to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your next ride. 

Here’s the lineup:

Shimano ME7 – Best Overall Trail Riding Shoe

• Overall Score: 87
• Pros: Good power transfer, relatively lightweight, quick and secure closure system, ankle gasket helps keep debris out, good walkability.
• Cons: Only comes in full EU sizes, potentially polarizing style.

The Shimano ME7 earns our top spot as the best overall trail riding shoe for downhill mountain biking. This versatile shoe boasts excellent power transfer, a lightweight design, and a secure closure system. Its Michelin rubber sole provides reliable pedal contact, and the shoe offers great walkability. Despite its stiffness, the ME7 allows for comfortable walking and features neoprene ankle gaskets to keep out dirt and rocks. While some may find its style polarizing and it lacks half sizes, its overall performance is outstanding.

Giro Empire VR90 – Best Overall Cross Country Shoe

• Overall Score: 85
• Pros: Lightweight, stiff carbon soles, customizable insoles, comfortable.
• Cons: Expensive, no on-the-fly adjustments, limited foot protection.

The Giro Empire VR90 takes the crown as the best overall cross country shoe, offering a remarkable blend of light weight, stiffness, and comfort. With a supple synthetic upper and customizable insoles, it’s one of the most comfortable cross-country shoes tested. Although it’s on the expensive side and lacks on-the-fly adjustments, its lightweight design and Easton EC90 carbon sole deliver exceptional pedaling efficiency.

Specialized 2FO Roost Clip – Best Bang for Your Buck All-Mountain/Trail Shoe

• Overall Score: 80
• Pros: Casual style, good power transfer, lightweight, reasonable price.
• Cons: Roomy fit in the forefoot, not the best lateral stability.

The Specialized 2FO Roost Clip stands out as the best bang for your buck all-mountain/trail shoe. Despite being one of the most affordable options, it offers a casual style, good power transfer, and a lightweight build. While its roomy forefoot fit may not suit everyone, these shoes strike a great balance between performance and price.

Scott MTB Team Boa – Best Bang for the Buck Cross Country Shoe

• Overall Score: 81
• Pros: Comfortable, superb power transfer, secure closures, feature-packed.
• Cons: Less foot protection, not the most durable.

For those seeking an affordable cross-country mountain bike shoe with impressive comfort and features, the Scott MTB Team Boa is an excellent choice. While it falls slightly short in stiffness compared to high-end XC shoes, its Boa closure system and comfort make it a standout option for budget-conscious riders.

Fox Union BOA – Best Downhill Shoe

• Overall Score: 80
• Pros: Excellent power transfer, reasonable weight, versatile.
• Cons: No medial ankle protection, BOA system may be polarizing.

The Fox Union BOA, designed for downhill and enduro riding, earns the title of the best downhill shoe. Its lightweight nylon shank and long cleat channel provide impressive power transfer and adjustability. While lacking medial ankle protection and featuring a BOA system, these shoes offer excellent performance and versatility for gravity-focused riders.

Giro Gauge – Best on a Tight Budget

• Overall Score: 78
• Pros: Super walkable, athletic styling, good traction, very inexpensive.
• Cons: Below average sole stiffness, minimal protection.

The Giro Gauge, with its unique style and exceptional walkability, is our top pick for those on a tight budget. While it may not match the top shoes in performance, it offers incredible value, comfort, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for riders looking to maximize affordability without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

Ride Concepts Tallac Clip – Best for Foot Protection and Durability

• Overall Score: 84
• Pros: Well-padded, burly and durable design, comfortable.
• Cons: Heavy.

The Ride Concepts Tallac Clip shines as the best option for foot protection and durability. With robust construction and ample padding, these shoes offer confidence in challenging terrain. Although they are slightly heavier than average, they excel in providing long-lasting protection and comfort for all-mountain riding.

Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit – Best for Adventure Riding

• Overall Score: 81
• Pros: Excellent off-the-bike feel, breathable and quick-drying, comfortable, stiff enough.
• Cons: Jack of all trades, master of none, translates choppy trail surfaces to rider’s feet.

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit caters to adventure riders who value off-the-bike comfort and versatility. These shoes are perfect for exploring remote terrains and offer a reasonable level of power transfer and stiffness. However, they may not excel in specific on-the-bike categories, making them more suitable for riders seeking versatility over peak performance.

RideBHM

Selecting the right downhill mountain biking shoes is crucial for enhancing your riding experience and performance. Our comprehensive review of the best mountain bike shoes of 2023 has highlighted top options for various riding styles and budgets. Whether you prioritize power transfer, comfort, durability, or affordability, there’s a perfect pair of mountain bike shoes waiting to elevate your next trail adventure. Invest wisely in your footwear, and conquer those downhill descents with confidence and style. Come check us out at RideBHM. Get your passes today!