MTB shoes Above all, they should fit well as they will be worn for many hours under stress. An optimal shoe does not cause any pressure points or circulatory disorders (foot falling asleep). It is perfect if you forget the shoe immediately after driving off!
In addition, the shoe should protect the foot and create a good connection to the pedal. There are optimized footwear for both clipless and flat pedals, but what about combination pedals?
PAW Combination pedals are characterized by an uncompromising implementation of click and flat performance. The pedals combine the best of both worlds, clicked in for optimal efficiency when pedaling and maximum grip on the flat side when going downhill. So are PAW Combination pedals are the ideal addition to all bikes that combine uphill and downhill performance.
Of course, combination pedals work with every shoe on which a cleat can be mounted (recess on the sole), but there are shoes on the market that offer particularly good grip and good features on the flat side. For a better overview, we divide the shoes into 2 categories according to the intended use.
1. SPD sneaker:
By this we mean classic downhill shoes with the option of mounting a cleat, i.e. making them clickable. We recommend these shoes if you want maximum grip on the flat side. In addition, these shoes are comfortable and stylish.
What features should SPD sneakers have:
- The sole should be soft, flat and slightly profiled so that all pins have uniform contact and can get stuck in the profile. This offers good power transmission on the click side - despite a soft sole TWO-FACE large contact areas for pressure distribution.
- Raised side surfaces on the inner ankle can dampen painful contact with stones.
- In addition to the actual lacing, a flap or a quick-release fastener at the upper end provides a better hold and a quick adjustment option (e.g. to fix the heel during longer periods of wear).
- Covering the lacing is an advantage if you often ride in muddy conditions.
- The shoes should have sufficient ventilation holes for good ventilation, as the base material is not breathable.
- Weight: ideally less than 800g, never more than 1,000g
Here are some shoes from this category to choose from:
2. Bike and Hike shoes:
By this we mean mountain-suitable shoes with the option of mounting a cleat. These shoes are recommended if the bike is worn frequently, but these shoes are also a very good option for the transitional period. Classic areas of application can be found with "trans-alpinists" or bike mountaineers.
Equipment features:
- The sole should be stable, strongly profiled and have a soft rubber compound. The contact to the PINs is a little less compared to the SPD sneakers, but these shoes offer a very good hold on the flat side.
- Anyone who has already ridden a transalp knows that waterproof shoes can be a blessing. Gore-, Trans- or similar Tex is generally an advantage.
- Weight: 900 to 1,100g
- As with the SPD sneakers, ankle protection, lacing cover, fastening tab, ventilation and cleat recess must be observed.
The Bike & Hike models from Shimano are the classics in this area.
The shoes by Northwave and Scott are B&H Light versions with great features and non-slip soles.