A Guide to Choosing the Perfect MTB Shoes for You
If you're a mountain biker who loves to push hard on climbs and rip the descents, to pin a number on each weekend, or challenge your friends to local hot laps, if you want the ultimate in performance and comfort, Shimano's lineup of cross-country mountain bike shoes has something for you. With years of innovation and testing from top professional riders, Shimano’s range of mountain bike footwear offers the best possible blend of power transfer, fit, protection, grip, and stability for every level of rider. Whether you’re a World Cup athlete or just getting started on the trails, look no further than Shimano XC shoes.
SHIMANO S-PHYRE XC9 – The Ultimate Racer
Cross-country mountain bike shoes are built for speed and flow, especially the SHIMANO S-PHYRE XC9. These featherweight kicks deliver Shimano’s most advanced shoe technology for superior power transfer and comfort and are the choice of off-road champions from World Cup Cross Country to the muddy fields of cyclocross.
Featuring SHIMANO's ULTREAD sole technology, the XC9 rubber outsole offers a lightweight, technical tread pattern with optional talon-shaped metal spikes for ultimate traction and racing grip.
The shoe features two BOA Li2 low-profile dials for quick and precise micro-adjustments with Power Zone lacing guide to securely hold the foot in place. Plus, the surround wrapping upper design constructed from microfiber synthetic leather brings a snug and comfortable performance-fit. Optimizing power transfer, the XC9 also implements the S-PHYRE anti-twist heel cup structure, stiff carbon sole, and harder SPD contact blocks.
SHIMANO XC7 – Premium All-Around Mountain Bike Shoe
SHIMANO’s XC7 mountain bike shoes feature trickle-down S-PHYRE technology along with ULTREAD XC sole for high performance and premium fit but with a focus on more of an all-around riding experience. The proprietary ULTREAD XC rubber outsole includes slightly larger lugs aimed at off-bike durability and a carbon midsole that offers a bit more flex than the XC9 shoes.
The XC7 brings the same surround-wrapping upper construction but with a synthetic leather and lightweight mesh/TPU combination. Twin BOA L6 dials and Power Zone lacing system help optimize fit for a race-ready cross country, cyclocross, or gravel race shoe for all riders.
SHIMANO XC5 and XC5W - Mid-Level Cross Country Shoes
The versatile mid-level XC5 and women’s specific XC5W shoes feature the SHIMANO ULTREAD XC sole technology for reduced overall weight and improved traction on and off the bike. They include synthetic leather and mesh upper construction and fiberglass midsole with a 7 out of 12 stiffness rating for all-day comfort. The single BOA L6 dial combined with a Velcro strap provides foot stability while keeping the overall shoe weight down to an impressive 300 grams (size 42).
SHIMANO XC3 and XC3W - Performance Value MTB Shoes
The XC3 and XC3W women’s mountain bike shoes utilize key trickledown innovations and designs from Shimano's elite XC platform at an astonishing $125 price point. These value shoes deliver functional features, including an updated midsole structure with a lower stack height to stabilize the foot and maximize power transfer and pedaling efficiency. The XC3 and XC3W shoes also utilize Shimano's surround wrapping synthetic leather composite upper, providing a breathable, glove-like fit.
SHIMANO XC1 and XC1W - Entry-Level MTB Shoes
SHIMANO’s XC1 and XC1W MTB shoes blend high-value performance features at an entry-level price. They deliver a comfortable, secure fit and sleek appearance thanks to a synthetic leather and mesh construction and feature the same rubber sole as the XC3 shoes for optimal grip on and off the bike. Utilizing a three-strap Velcro closure system, the XC1 and XC1W shoes are impressively lightweight and create a secure fit for a broader range of foot shapes and sizes.
