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8 of the best XC MTB shoes you can buy in 2023
Fancy giving your cross country performance a boost? Clipless could be the way to go. From entry-level lace ups to high-spec disco slippers, here are the ones worth investing in.
After such incredible performances from the likes of Tom Pidcock and Evie Richards in the UCI Cross-Country MTB season, it’s no great surprise that cross-country riding is really growing in popularity. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into XC for the first time, or are a seasoned racer, choosing the right kit and equipment – not to mention bike – can be a pretty daunting task.
Here are a few things to look for when you’re shopping for cross country shoes, and eight of the best XC MTB shoe picks to consider.
How should a MTB shoe fit?
A good mountain bike shoe should be snug and secure but not so tight that they become uncomfortable during long periods of wear. You can argue that fit is of paramount importance, as it’s difficult to give 100% if you’re not comfortable. Some brands offer multiple fits for wider foot shapes, which might be worth investigating.
Once you've got the width sorted, the easiest way to tailor a shoe's fit is through its closure system, with there three main options to choose from – Velcro straps, laces or Boa dials – and each offering differing levels of adjustability. Cheaper shoes tend to use Velcro, whereas Boa dials are more common on high-performance options.
The bottom line is: the more you spend, the more precise you can get with your fit.
How stiff should cycling shoes be?
If you’re keen on racing, then a stiffer sole will be important to you: look out for carbon fibre here for improved power transfer. On the other hand, the benefit of a more flexible nylon or polymer sole is that it’s likely to be more comfortable for walking in – handy if you’re after an off-road shoe that can be used with other pursuits like bikepacking.
What are other key features to look out for on a MTB shoe?
Will you mostly be riding in really hot conditions, or on colder, wetter days? Look out for vents and mesh panels for more breathable options, or cuffs and waterproof fabrics for winter-specific shoes and boots.
New to off-road riding and not sure what cross-country mountain biking is? Let professional rider Emily Batty talk you through the ins and outs of the discipline
4 min
What is XCC and XCO mountain biking?
Wondering what on earth XCC and XCO racing are? Canadian National Champion Emily Batty runs us through the ins and outs of UCI MTB World Cup cross-country racing.
01
DHB Troika MTB shoe
The Rockerider XC 100 is a great entry-level MTB shoe
© Decathlon
Price: £80.00
Looking for your first XC shoes or on a tight budget? You get a lot for your money with DHB's Troika MTB shoes.
The perforated upper and mesh tongue help to keep your feet cool when pushing down on the pedals, and the fit is secured by three lateral Velcro straps.
On the sole, you’ll find ports for adding toe studs and mounts for 2-bolt MTB cleats, as well as chunky tread for off-bike use.
The Nylon sole won’t give the same level of power transfer as top-end carbon fibre equipped shoes, but on the plus side this means they’ll be more comfortable to walk in thanks to the extra flex.
02
Mavic Crossmax Boa
The Crossmax offers up a Boa dial set-up for a fraction over £100
© Mavic
Price: £130
Mavic’s understated Crossmax Boa shoes ooze style, without sacrificing on comfort or grip. They come out as pretty good value too at £130, and are impressively light.
Like many shoes in this category, Mavic has opted for a Boa dial closure to give easy fit adjustment on the fly. The aggressive directional tread should offer plenty of grip and mud-shedding ability – ideal if you need to pass unrideable spots mid-race.
For top performance racing shoes from this French brand, check out the Ultimate XC shoes at a heftier £399.
03
Shimano XC5
Like the range-topping S Phyre but can't stomach the price?Enter the XC5
© Shimano
Price: £139.99
The XC5 promises elite performance at a more affordable price than its World Cup-winning signature blue S-Phyre XC9 shoes.
A single Boa dial on the instep strap works together with the toe box Velcro strap to give a comfortable and very adaptable fit. The upper is highly perforated across the top and toe for breathability.
Widely spaced, aggressive tread on the rubber outsole is designed to provide ultimate grip while effectively shedding mud for those muckier rides and races.
These race-ready shoes also have ports for adding spikes, so you can fit them to suit course conditions.
04
Fizik Terra Atlas
The Terra X5 comes in five different colourways
© Fizik
Price: £159.99
Tough and durable, with an easily adjustable fit and plenty of grip underfoot: the Terra Atlas from Italian brand fizik might not be its top-end XC shoe, but they represent great value for the quality.
The sleek design features a breathable upper and a single BOA dial for a comfortable fit. This is complemented by a stiff nylon sole for excellent power transfer. The deep, rugged tread means that these also perform off the bike when you need them to.
Choose from plain black, pink and grape, grey and black, green and black or a couple of fun, splattered options.
05
Northwave Celsius XC Arctic GTX
Reflective detailing helps keep you visible in low light
© Northwave
Price: £242.99
Northwave boasts an extensive range of XC shoes, as well as winter booties like these Celsius XC Arctic GTX. These are specifically for use in cold, windy and rainy conditions – helping you stay riding year-round, no matter what the weather throws at you.
The high collar uses a combination of Gore-Tex membrane for breathable water resistance and neoprene for thermal insulation. A four-layer insole protects against the cold from the ground up, too.
They’re not just great for challenging climates either, and have a trick up their sleeve after dark. Detailing all around the outer is made of reflective material, helping you stay visible in low light.
06
Giro Sector
The carbon fibre sole has a tough rubber outsole to protect it off-bike
© Giro
Price: £229.99
The Sector off-road shoe from Giro features a unique ‘Synchwire’ one-piece upper that is engineered to allow greater breathability without compromising on durability. The heel and toe are both reinforced, where you might expect greater wear.
Adjust the fit using two Boa dials that are joined across the midfoot with a steel lace. Inside the shoe, you’ll find a moulded footbed to help enhance comfort.
The carbon fibre composite sole gives great pedalling efficiency and is covered with a rugged rubber outsole for when you need to step off the bike. Available in black, grey or blue.
07
Lake MX 238 XC
Got wide feet? Lake has got the shoes for you
© Lake
Price: £295
You should expect to shell out a little more for a pair of Lake Cycling’s shoes, but you’re sure to be rewarded with top quality. If you have wide feet, you’ll be pleased to hear that Lake offers its shoes in multiple widths: in this case, regular and wide.
Lake has many options for XC riding and racing and the MX 238 XC tops out its range.
These feature the MX Competition fit, with a comparatively larger toe box and tighter heel than the Comfort fit. This makes the shoe very secure on the foot for hard efforts when racing, but still gives enough space in the toe box for running.
08
S-Works Recon
At £370, the S-Works Recon shoes are a serious investment
© Specialized
Price: £385
Topping out Specialized’s Recon range of off-road shoes, the S-Works Recon prioritises ultimate power transfer and minimising weight for the most dedicated racers.
If the £385 price tag is a little too much to swallow, there are three other models in the range, priced from £99.99 to £230. These mainly differ by their closure methods and feature a more flexible composite sole compared to this stiffer S-Works option.
Specialized boasts an enviable reputation for its shoes and saddles, thanks to its ‘Body Geometry’ research. The Longitudinal Arch, Varus Wedge, and Metatarsal Button features here have resulted from this programme, and are designed not only to increase efficiency but also to reduce the risk of misalignment-related injury.
