MTB & Gravel shoes

MTB & Gravel shoes

MTB/Gravel cycling shoes are designed for cyclists seeking off-road adventures, from rugged mountain bike trails to gravel roads. These shoes offer the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and versatility. Whether you're a serious mountain biker or enjoy gravel riding, the right MTB/Gravel cycling shoes are essential for a comfortable and efficient ride. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages of MTB/Gravel cycling shoes, how they differ from road bike shoes, and which pedal type is best suited to these shoes.

Benefits of MTB/Gravel Cycling Shoes

  1. Optimal Grip and Stability
    MTB/Gravel cycling shoes feature a rubber sole that provides extra grip, both on the pedals and when walking on rough terrain. This grip is crucial for navigating muddy or rocky trails, where you'll likely need to get off your bike or walk occasionally.
  2. Protection and Sustainability
    Compared to road bike shoes, MTB/gravel shoes offer more protection against sharp rocks, branches, or other rough terrain. They are often reinforced with extra protection around the toes and heel, so your feet stay safe, even during a fall or impact with obstacles.
  3. Flexibility for Walking and Cycling
    MTB/Gravel cycling shoes are designed with a flexible sole that makes walking easier, which is important for off-road riding where you frequently have to dismount. These shoes offer the right balance between stiffness that transfers power to the pedals and flexibility for a more comfortable walking experience.
  4. Ventilation and Comfort
    While more robust than road bike shoes, MTB/Gravel shoes are also well-ventilated, which helps keep your feet cool and dry during intense rides. The breathable material prevents your feet from sweating and ensures you stay comfortable, even on longer rides.

Difference Between MTB/Gravel Cycling Shoes and Road Cycling Shoes

While both MTB/Gravel cycling shoes and road cycling shoes are designed to improve performance, there are some key differences between the two:

  • Sole and Stiffness
    MTB/Gravel shoes have a more flexible sole than road bike shoes, making them ideal for running over rough terrain. Road bike shoes, on the other hand, have a much stiffer sole, which ensures more efficient power transfer when cycling on asphalt.
  • Grip and Protection
    The soles of MTB/Gravel cycling shoes are equipped with rubber lugs or grooves for better grip on unpaved roads and in muddy conditions. They also offer more protection against shocks and impacts, which is important for off-road cycling. Road cycling shoes are typically designed with a smooth, hard sole that is optimal for power transfer on asphalt, but less suitable for off-road use.
  • Laces and Closure Systems
    MTB/Gravel cycling shoes often use a combination of BOA dials and/or Velcro for a secure, adjustable fit. These systems help secure the shoes, preventing them from loosening while riding on rough terrain. Road cycling shoes typically have a tighter closure system for a snug fit, focused on speed and aerodynamics.

Which Pedal Type to Choose for MTB/Gravel Cycling Shoes?

When choosing MTB/gravel cycling shoes, it's important to choose the right pedal system and cleats for optimal comfort and performance. Most MTB/gravel cycling shoes are designed to work with SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) pedals. These pedals offer an excellent balance between power transfer and the ease of quickly clipping in and out of your shoes. There are several types of pedals to consider:

  1. SPD Pedals
    SPD pedals are the most popular choice for MTB/gravel cyclists. They offer a good balance between grip and performance. SPD pedals allow your shoes to stay securely attached to the pedals, yet still offer enough freedom to quickly release when needed. This is useful when navigating rocky trails or hiking through muddy areas.
  2. SPD-SL Pedals
    While SPD-SL pedals are usually associated with road bikes, some gravel cyclists and mountain bikers also choose them for added stability and a larger contact surface. They're ideal for gravel rides where you need more comfort on longer rides and prefer a larger pedal surface.
  3. Crankbrothers Pedals
    Crankbrothers pedals are another popular option for off-road cyclists. These pedals have a unique design with a twist action that makes clipping in and out easier, even in mud. They're often favored by mountain bikers and gravel riders for their robust design and versatility.
  4. Look X-Track Pedals
    The Look X-Track pedals offer a large contact surface and are designed for off-road cycling, including gravel and MTB. These pedals are ideal for cyclists looking for the performance of road bike pedals in an off-road setting.

Popular Brands of MTB/Gravel Cycling Shoes

There are several reputable brands that offer excellent MTB/gravel cycling shoes. Some of the best brands include:

  1. Shimano
    Shimano is one of the leading brands in cycling shoes and offers several models for MTB and gravel, such as the Shimano SH-XC9 and Shimano ME5 , which combine durability, grip and performance.
  2. Sidi
    Sidi has been offering top-quality MTB shoes for years, and their Sidi Dragon 5 and Sidi Trace are excellent choices for cyclists who need robust and comfortable shoes for off-road riding.
  3. Lake
    Lake Cycling is known for its excellent fit, durability, and advanced technology. With their focus on tailored fit options and innovative designs, Lake shoes are popular with both professional and recreational cyclists.
  4. Specialized
    Specialized is known for its innovative designs and offers several models for MTB and gravel, such as the Specialized Recon 3.0 and Specialized S-Works Recon , which offer performance and comfort for long rides on rough roads.

Conclusion

MTB and gravel cycling shoes are essential for anyone looking to take their adventures further on unpaved roads and trails. They offer benefits such as excellent grip, protection, and versatility for off-road riding. Unlike road cycling shoes, which are primarily focused on speed and efficiency on asphalt, MTB/gravel shoes are designed for a better balance between riding and walking on rough terrain. Choose SPD pedals for a secure connection and control, and consider brands like Shimano, Sidi, Giro, and Specialized for top-quality cycling shoes.