Mountain Bike Shoes

What are Mountain Bike Shoes? 

Mountain bike shoes are designed to be tough enough to withstand the challenging terrain of off-road riding.
When riding off-road, it is more likely that you will have to get your foot on the ground for grip, or even get off your bike and push. For this reason, Mountain Bike shoes have soles that are stiff enough for efficient pedalling but are more flexible than Road Cycling shoes. 

What pedals do I need for Mountain Bike Shoes?

Flat Pedals are one of the most popular types of pedals to come equipped, as standard, on a Mountain Bike. These pedals have large platforms with pins, or a raised profile, to stick into the rubber sole of a shoe and keep them connected. Flat Pedal shoes work best with this kind of pedal and feature a soft rubber compound to maximise grip. 
Another kind of Mountain Bike pedal is the clipped in variety or 'Clipless'. This system uses cleats fixed to the bottom of your shoe, these then fit into compatible pedal clips, holding them in place. Shoes that are compatible with Clipless Pedals have a cleat recess in the grippy tread where you can mount your cleat. The choice between the different kinds of pedals and compatible shoes is generally down to personal preference and driven by the kind of riding you do. 
A good place to start as a beginner would probably be on flat pedal shoes. 

What materials are used in Mountain Bike Shoes?

Most Mountain Bike shoes are made out of durable fabrics that are more capable of taking whatever the off-road terrain throws at them. They use fabrics that are water repellent and are shaped in a way to provide protection from the elements.
Mountain Bike shoes use various systems to keep them fastened tight and on your feet. Options include outdoor sports style laces, velcro straps and buckles, or a combination of both laces and straps, for extra security when things get wet and muddy. 
Another fastening system seen on Mountain Bike shoes is a twisting dial, popular on Road Cycling shoes, that winds the laces in and locks them tightly in place. 

Are Mountain Bike Shoes Breathable?

The majority of Mountain Biking shoes have some form of ventilation on them. This can be in the form of mesh panels throughout the shoe or air holes punched in the shoe panels. Ventilation not only prevents your feet from getting too hot, but it also allows any water that has managed to get in the shoe, an exit. 
Due to the nature of Mountain Biking and the general areas where you might be riding, there is a high chance you will be coming into contact with mud and water, so these features are very beneficial.