She enjoys helping others feel more confident on the bike and improve their skills. The Ride Concepts Hellion is very similar in fit to the Freerider Pro and provides very good impact protection thanks to D30 inserts in the footbed in addition to a two-panel, anti-peel upper, but also weighs over 60 grams per pair more than similar shoes. We think this is the perfect shoe for someone looking to get a quality flat pedal shoe without breaking the bank. There are two areas in which the Latch did not score as highly and that is breathability and protection. Fast-drying and lightweight flat pedal MTB shoe, Minimal padding so a good choice for warm weather riding, Sole isnt quite as grippy as the category leaders Five Ten, Comfortable, grippy flat pedal MTB shoes designed for women, Superb, supportive fit that keeps feet feeling fresh on long rides, Unparalleled flat-pedal grip and wide range of sizes, Range-topping flat-pedal shoes with impressive grip and features, Boa offers secure, no-fuss closure system, Gripper dots in the heel prevent heel lift, Not as much grip as category leaders Five Ten, Padding can be hot in warm weather and slow to dry, Stiff and efficient yet comfortable shoes for cross-country riding, Chunky tread and studs give excellent off-bike grip, Stiff carbon sole provides efficient power transfer, Stiff sole isnt great for long walks or hike-a-bikes, Comfortable, versatile and robust do-it-all clipless MTB shoes for women, Purple color is an eye-catching change from black, Clever design make these a comfortable, practical and efficient choice, Off-set closure and wraparound style is comfortable and protective, Stiffness makes longer off-bike walks/pushes hard, Aggressive, performance-focussed clipless shoes for enduro and downhill, Set back allows for a more aggressive cleat position, Works well with wide platform clipless pedals, Womens specific MTB shoes for trail riding and XC racing, Lots of room for cleat position adjustment, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Best women's clipless mountain bike shoes, Black, Black/Red, Dark Blue/Brick Red, Grey/Yellow Fluro, Dark Shadow/Black, Military Green/Tangy Green, Fiberglass reinforced nylon with Michelin rubber outsole, EWS, Black, Blue Jewel/Moonlight, Dark Shadow/Black, Gwin Black/White, Light Blue/Black, Matt Black/Turquoise Blue, Fibreglass reinforced nylon sole with Sticki rubber outsole, What to look for when buying women's mountain bike shoes, Road superstar Peter Sagan to race this year's e-MTB Worlds in Les Gets, Restrap Bar Bag Small review A shoe with a thick and stiff midsole makes it hard to feel the pedal underfoot and to control the bike. The midsole flexes nicely underfoot without being overly stiff. Its synthetic uppers are highly perforated and helped to keep our feet reasonably cool on rides. }); Specialized uses a SlipNot ST rubber sole that provides exceptional grip and connection between the rider's foot and pedal. Typically, a blend of such characteristics is reserved for higher price points, which makes the 2FO Roost Flat even more attractive. The upper is breathable and forms securely and supportively around the foot thanks to the design and the Boa dial system which makes one-handed adjustments a doddle. $("#covid-messaging").slick({ LC_API.open_chat_window(); speed: 300, }, 500); Specialized managed to combine the right amount of stiffness for power transfer while being supple and flexible enough to comfortably walk in. Specialized describes the fit of the 2FO Roost Flat as relaxed, however, it never felt boxy or loose, and we never experienced heel lift while climbing on the bike or walking uphill. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. $.fancybox.close(); We have included both womens and unisex models in our review since some companies have stepped away from gender labels on shoes. Bike: $.trim($(".product-name h1:first").text()), Your shoes form one of the three major connections between your body and your bike, so it's important to get them right. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. This offer is only available to physical shipping addresses in the 48 continental United States (no PO Boxes), and some exclusions apply. } } All of the shoes in our test can be used for every type of riding, but some are better designed for certain types of riding in comparison to others. // ]]> window.renderBadge = function() { An EVA midsole provides impact-absorption with plenty of cushioning which provides comfort and keeps the foot securely in place. } var bikePresent = false; Wearing a heavy, downhill-specific shoe every day might not be the best choice when you only spend a day or two at the bike park each season. Ideally, we prefer a shoe that combines power transfer with just enough flex to remain sensitive to the pedals and allows for a normal walking gait. The eyelets on the Crankbrothers Stamp Boa are hidden under the shoe's upper to protect them and the toe box is reinforced with TPU. var ca = decodedCookie.split(';'); if($(".product-name h1").html() == "JensonUSA Gift Card"){ } //clearBikeDates(); This rubber is in a hexagon dot pattern lugs on the outsole and is designed to maximize the connection between the pedal and shoe. The Freerider Pro has a streamlined fit and envelops the rider's foot, securing it inside the shoe. Each shoe tested provides some protection, from reinforced uppers, to mid-top designs, absorbing midsoles, and impact protection zones. $("#chatNow").click(function() { The Freerider Pro is comfortable, yet not bulky with a mid-volume fit that wraps the rider's foot. While riding downhill bikes in Lake Tahoe, we realized that Five Ten's Impact Pro was the preferred shoe for the terrain. //$("#register-form").html("

Our registration system is currently undergoing maintenance and creating accounts is currently unavailable. Shes tested a LOT of bikes and kit, and is passionate about making cycling accessible for everyone. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Also, keep in mind that these shoes run a bit small when you're considering sizing. Finding the right flat pedal shoe can be challenging and we hope you now know more about the characteristic of a flat pedal shoe and what might be important for you. The Giro Chamber II shoe combines the styling and fit of gravity-focussed flat pedal shoes with a set back cleat bed. } Plenty of these shoes are also versatile enough to handle a range of different riding styles, and pair up with the best mountain bike pedals, so take a look and see which ones suit you best. Only up to three bikes can be compared at once. } The synthetic outer repels splashes, cleans up well, and the shoes dry relatively quickly and never feel heavy when wet, making them a good choice for wet weather riding. Email: $.trim($("#customBikeEmail").val()), }); $("body > main > div > div.grey-block.order-details > div > div > span:nth-child(4)").remove(); Other companies such as Specialized have developed their own rubber compounds. When selecting a shoe think about one that will work for a majority of your riding. No ads. } Some gravity-oriented shoes such as the Five Ten Impact Pro, weigh almost 400 grams per pair more than the lightest shoe in our review. $(".delivery-cost:contains('FREE')").siblings(".delivery-date").html("Standard (3-5 business days)"); Phone: $.trim($("#customBikePhone").val()), Looking for a new womens flat pedal mountain bike shoe? A Velcro strap at the toe gives an additional level of support. if($("#priceMatchContainer #comments").length > 0){ Shoes are one half of the equation of how your feet connect to the bike, so flat pedal shoes work with flat pedals, with the pins on the pedal digging into the grippy rubber of the sole to provide traction. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. speed: 300, If you like the shoes and dont want to fork out for the top model, or if you want a clipless version, Crankbrothers have cheaper models of the Stamps with lace-up closure, and the Mallet clipless shoes give a similar fit. There are pros and cons for both systems and ultimately its a question of personal preference, but the main thing is to make sure the shoes you choose work with the pedals you have. For some of us who have made the switch from clipless We conducted a mind-numbing amount of research to identify Searching for the best multi-tool for biking? Our primary complaint with these shoes is their lack of breathability when compared to other top models. If your preference is clipless, the Bontrager Foray are robust, versatile and blend stiffness with comfort well. $(".cart-item-detail-proditemnum").each(function(){ In general, we prefer a grip that holds on technical sections of the trail while allowing for small foot adjustments on the pedal. Regardless of how breathable a shoe is, we found none to be perfect in truly hot and humid conditions. if (c.indexOf(name) == 0) { We Price Match | See Details. Many of the shoes in our review feature abrasion-resistant materials at the heel and toe, reinforced eyelets, and elastic lace retainers. All bikes are built, tested, tuned, and ready to ride upon shipment. if(bikePresent){ The lug grips nicely with flat pedal pins and allows position adjustment, but doesnt give masses of grip for walking. The mid-top Ride Concepts Wildcat provides plenty of protection, grip, and trail absorption for a shoe that weighs less than some low-top models. if(getCookie("IsKiosk") && $("body > header > div.header-top.clearfix > div > div > div.dropdown.header-account-menu-container.hidden-xs > ul > li:nth-child(1) > a").html() =="Sign out"){ } A supportive midsole helps keep the feet from fatiguing on longer rides, aided by D30 impact-absorbing material in the insole. These conditions helped our testers to really focus on a shoe's breathability, especially when we wore a different shoe on each foot. Adversely, if the shoe has a very soft midsole the rider may feel too much vibration from the trail, causing foot fatigue and a reduction in pedaling efficiency. published 25 February 22, The best womens specific flat-pedal and clipless mountain bike shoes for tackling trails, cross-country, enduro and downhill. The design of these shoes wraps around the foot, which helps keep water out and prevents pressure hot spots on the top of the foot as the closure is slightly offset to the side. These shoes are a good choice for all-mountain adventures. A rigid midsole can also prevent a good interface between the pedal and shoe and feel like your foot is bouncing on the pedal. function loadSeatpost(letter){ $(".seatPostElement").on("mouseout", function(){ Comfort is highly subjective because our feet vary greatly in terms of volume, length, width, arch size, and more. Companies use a variety of materials on their uppers. The Crankbrothers Stamp Boa has mesh side panels similar to those found on the GR7, but do not breathe quite as well. Related: How We Tested Mountain Bike Flat Shoes for Women. var giftAmount = window.location.href.substr(window.location.href.indexOf("JensonUSA-Gift-Card-") + 20); This 2FO Roost quickly became one of our favorites thanks to its incredible grip and comfort. $("body").prepend("

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"); // bike customization modal We researched Are you in need of a new rack to transport your beloved How We Tested Mountain Bike Flat Shoes for Women, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, fantastic grip, great power transfer, durable, Lightweight, awesome grip, absorbs trail chatter, Excellent grip, Lots of foot protection, durability, Good grip, very good power transfer, stiff, durable, Excellent grip, comfortable, lightweight, breathable, reasonable price, Breathability is not the best in hot conditions, Bulky and heavy, poor ventilation, not the best choice for trail riding, A bit heavier than other comparable shoes we tested, breathability is lacking in hot and humid conditions, A great performing all-round shoe with great power transfer and the right mix of stiffness, flex, and comfort, A lightweight, well-balanced shoe with incredible grip, all-day comfort, and great trail absorption make this shoe stand out in the crowd, These are great for a downhill-specific rider, as they provide tons of foot protection and tenacious grip, An ultra stiff and durable shoe with a no-slip grip and an impact absorbing midsole, An excellent performing shoe for all types of flat pedal riders that has outstanding grip, comfort, and value, A great choice for beginner through advanced riders looking for a do-it-all shoe that balances grip, power transfer, flex, comfort and durability, This shoe quickly rises to the top thanks to its grip, trail absorption, comfort, and weight, A grippy and protective shoe for gravity riding, A no-slip, confidence inspiring grip, impact absorbing midsole and durable materials make this one of our favorites, An affordable do-it-all shoe that balances grip, power transfer, comfort, and durability, A grippy, durable shoe that provides lots of protection for your feet well suited for the gravity crowd, A high-quality, versatile flat pedal shoe at a reasonable price, This super durable shoe has lots of protection and is comfortable, but its price tag and lack of breathability are drawbacks, Worthy of consideration for riders seeking freedom on the pedals and a shoe built for durability and protection in a relatively lightweight package, Boa lacing makes getting these shoes on and off a breeze, but the sole's design can be an unhappy marriage with non-Crankbrothers pedals, While the Stealth rubber is very grippy, we found the shallow pattern of the tread made them less grippy than other Five Tens we tested, Good for hot days but lacks the grip and power transfer of models at a similar price point, We were disappointed with this shoe; the Vibram rubber is slippery, the tread is shallow, and the upper is very stiff. null, "json"); $("#mainForm").hide(); While not the most protective shoe, they do offer adequate protection for most riding and breathe fairly well. For those who prefer more freedom to move their foot on the pedal, we suggest the Shimano GR7 which balances grip and adjustability, allowing you to move your shoe freely on the pedal while still maintaining a solid grip. if($(".container-account").length > 0){ The Latchs microfiber upper breathes fairly well but was not as breathable as our top performers in this metric. Specializeds proprietary SlipNot 2.0 rubber compound on the sole provides a good level of grip, though not quite as much as the category leader Five Ten. $(".container-default").css("padding-top", "0px"); But, not to worry, we have you covered. These are based around average female foot dimensions and tend to have a smaller heel-cup, lower ankle cut and run to smaller sizes than unisex shoes. The shoe you use with your flat pedal can greatly affect your control of the bike and your overall ride. if($("#shopping-cart-container").length > 0){ if($("#covid-more").length <= 0){ Fiberglass reinforced nylon soles provide great power transfer due to their stiffness, and theres also plenty of room to adjust the cleat position to suit personal preference. The EVA foam midsole flexes nicely just above the ball of the foot and stiffens towards the midfoot, right where your foot contacts the pedal, creating good power transfer. $("#closeWinDone").click(function(){ $(".store-pickup-opts").after("
NOTE: In-Store Pickup is available at the Riverside Will-Call location only. A low stack height combined with a fiberglass-reinforced nylon sole provides excellent power transfer and stability for the foot, which will keep them feeling fresher for longer. During college, she would take to the trails in the Santa Cruz mountains before and after school to blow off some steam from her studies. PLEASE NOTE: Firstly, a stiff sole offers great support to the foot and optimal power transfer so if riding fast and hard is your goal, a stiffer sole is the way to go which is why carbon- and nylon-soled shoes are popular with cross-country riders and racers. $("#seatPostGraphic").attr("src", "https://www.jensonusa.com/globalassets/product-page-assets/SEATPOST-GEO.jpg"); }); }); If you ride in a warm climate or enjoy long rides with lots of pedaling, breathability will be a more important factor to you as compared to someone who lives in a cooler climate or prefers shorter rides. Most notably, the Latch does a great job at keeping your feet connected to the pedals on chunky terrain while dissipating those forces before they reach your feet thanks to a Mute Foam midsole that is paired with Tack Rubber with Giros Gamma Tread design. } function checkForm(){ if($.trim($("#customBikeName").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikeEmail").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikePhone").val()) != "" && $.trim($("#customBikeTellUs").val()) != ""){ return true; } return false; } Whether your preference is gravity-fuelled technical descents which require supreme pedal grip, or fast cross-country riding where power transfer is the main concern, we've done the legwork (pun intended) to find the best womens mountain bike shoes for all needs. When you need to hop off the bike, the sole has enough flexibility, while the lugged rubber provides enough grip to make muddy or wet technical walks easier. How can we improve GearLab? Depending on the type of terrain you ride, you may need a shoe that offers additional protection for your feet. When it comes to the best women's mountain bike shoes, comfort and performance can make all the difference to how you perform on the bike, and for many, women's specific MTB shoes will make all the difference. The Impact Pro is designed for lift access and enduro riding and their weight makes them ill-suited for well suited for cross-country or trail riding. The bike build process typically takes 2-3 days to complete depending on the bike model and the complexity of the build. var c = ca[i]; It is not uncommon for a shoes upper to develop holes or for the pedal pins to wear away at the soles rubber. The stiffness of the midsole also affects how comfortable a shoe is to walk in and plays a part in long hike-a-bikes. Aside from the dampening properties of the Mute Foam midsole, there are no reinforced protection areas for your foot such as TPU. Flat pedal riders tend to favor a shoe that falls somewhere in the middle in terms of stiffness, as compared to clipless pedal riders who tend to prefer a very rigid sole. Other shoes that blended comfort and protection well included the Shimano GR7 which has a gusseted ankle gaiter to keep debris out of the shoe and a reinforced forefoot. Depending on the materials used in the shoes upper it can also deteriorate or deform over time. $("#sendEmail").click(function(){ } With a deep, varied dot pattern, it allows your foot to not move unless it is intentionally lifted off the pedal. No sponsored content. There are many shoes in our testing that fall within a similar price range but have differences in performance. That said, if youre a lift-accessed, freeride, or enduro rider looking for a shoe that is light, protective, and grippy we recommend looking at the Wildcat. The newest addition to the flat pedal market, Crankbrothers Stamp pedals offer a great fit and excellent performance. Finding a shoe for every type of terrain and condition may be an impossible task, but you can likely find something that will fit the bill a majority of the time. $(".slick-next").css("display", "none");