MTB Clipless Shoes

Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes for Improved Pedalling Power

Clipless mountain bike shoes are a popular alternative to flat pedal shoes. They offer a number of advantages, including better pedalling efficiency and power. Better yet, clipless shoes are made for a wide variety of riding disciplines, so you can get the shoes that best suit your needs.

Clipless vs. Flat Mountain Bike Shoes

What’s the benefit of choosing clipless mountain biking shoes and pedals over flat shoes and pedals?The main difference is efficiency. With clipless shoes, you can pull up on the pedals as well as push down on them. That adds more power to your pedal stroke, especially when you’re working hard to get up a steep climb.On top of that, clipless shoes have a much stiffer sole than any flat shoes. That’s a huge advantage for pedalling efficiency since you have a base to push your foot against.However, the stiff sole can be a drawback if you have to get off your bike and walk.Stiff clipless shoes can be pretty difficult and uncomfortable to hike in. Worse, many clipless mountain bike shoes have plastic lugs rather than true rubber studs on the bottom, so you won’t get the same traction on rocks and dirt as you would with flat bike shoes.Of course, using clipless shoes also means that you’re attached to your bike. That can be a dangerous situation during a crash, although most pedals are designed to release if there’s any torque on your leg.

Choosing the Best Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes

There’s a lot to consider when finding the right pair of clipless shoes for mountain biking. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features to think about.

Shoe Style

There is a virtually infinite number of styles of clipless mountain bike shoes. Youcan opt for a standard, performance-oriented cycling shoe, or you can find a shoe that’s designed for recreational riding and hiking. For example, there are clipless sandals, hiking boots, and street shoes that you can use with two-hole cleats.If you need a pair of clipless shoes that are strictly intended for riding, you’ll also want to consider what types of riding you’ll be doing. Cross-country and enduro shoes are more likely to have rubberised studs for traction when walking off the bike than downhill shoes are. On the other hand, downhill shoes may offer more protection and less ventilation.

Material

The material that the stiff sole on the underside of clipless mountain bike shoes is made from can vary. Entry-level shoes typically use a nylon shank, which is inexpensive but heavy. Higher-end clipless shoes may be made from lightweight carbon fibre. If you’re racing over a hilly course, the weight savings from a carbon shoe may be worthwhile.

Closure System

Closure systems also differ between clipless mountain bike shoes. Velcro straps are common, but premium shoes also typically offer a Boa-style lace closure so youcan dial up the tightness.

Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes at bikester.co.uk

The easiest way to get the perfect pair of clipless bike shoes for your trail rides is to shop our huge selection at bikester.co.uk. We carry hundreds of clipless mountain bike shoes for men, women, and kids, and offer everything from casual bike shoes to lightweight racing shoes.