May 17, 2024
Five Ten Sleuth DLX Mountain Bike Shoe

10 of the Best MTB Flat Shoes for Beginners – Beginner Mountain Bikes

MTB Flat shoes is typically the way beginners get to grips on their new mountain bikes. For some, it is a preference over clipless MTB shoes regardless of experience level. In contrast for beginners, they can be a stepping stone to get comfortable on the bike before switching over to the clipless system. Here we list 10 of the best mountain bike shoes for flat pedals available today. These are the shoes that provide the best performance, durability, comfort, style and have been proven in use by many riders.

 

10 of the best mountain bike flat shoes for beginners in no particular order…..

 

1. Five Ten Freerider Pro Flat Pedal Shoes

Five Ten Free Rider Pro Flat Pedal MTB Shoes

The Five Ten Freerider Pros are a favourite of many mountain bikers thanks to their soft and grippy sole. A product from the Adidas shoe company the Five Ten shoe has established a reputation as on of the grippiest flat pedal shoes on the market today. In short, their stylish looks, comfortable fit, and amazing performance has gained the Five Ten Freeriders their deserved reputation.

 

2. Shimano GR7 MTB Flat Cycling Shoes

Shimano GR7 MTB Flat Cycling Shoes

The Shimano GR7 MTB shoes are robust and feature an ankle sock to protect against residue entering into the shoe. These feature a sole pattern for lasting grip on pinned pedals and the tough build quality will carry you through multiple seasons.

 

 

3. Five Ten Trailcross LT Mountain Bike Shoe

Five Ten Trailcross LT Mountain Bike Shoe

The Five Ten Trailcross still gives you a grippy soft rubber sole however features a breathable soft mesh upper. This is most suitable for use in hot weather climates where heat can quickly build up and make you uncomfortable. In addition this soft mesh dries up quickly to get you back out on the bike in case of a wet spell.

4. Giro Riddance Mid Off Road Mountain Bike Shoes

 

Giro Riddance Mid Off Road Mountain Bike Shoes

The Giro riddance Mid is a mountain Bike Shoe with a more stylish higher ankle. The shoe is built to provide the most sole stiffness possible giving you the greatest connection between the pedals and the sole. In addition the Giro Riddance MTB shoes provide reasonable water proofing to keep your feet dry in wetter conditions.

 

5. Peal Izumi X-ALP Flat Pedal MTB Shoes

Peal Izumi X-ALP Flat Pedal MTB Shoes

The Peal Izumi X-ALP Flat Pedal shoes provide a smooth rubber outsole with tough rubber at the toe and heel for a longer lasting shoe. You’ll have excellent traction with the pedals thanks to the unique sole compound in the pedal zone and the flat design of the sole.

6. Five Ten Sleuth DLX Mountain Bike Shoe

Five Ten Sleuth DLX Mountain Bike Shoe

 

The Five Ten makes its third entry onto this list, this time with the Five Ten Sleuth DLX shoe. The clean suede upper design provides waterproofing and style. Lastly the sticky rubber soles are present yet again as is expected from the Five Ten brand of shoes. The round edge dotted on the sole pattern gives you addition room for micro adjustments for increased comfort.

7. O’Neal Pinned Flat Pedal MTB Shoe

O'Neal Pinned Flat Pedal MTB Shoe

The O’Neal Pinned Flat pedal shoes offer everything you’d expect from a quality flat mountain bike shoe. The uppers feature reinforced toe caps for protection against rocks,  the outsole features a rubber compound with a honey comb design for maximum grip.  Lastly the nylon sole inserts increase outsole strength and improve pedalling performance.

8. Bontrager Flatline Flat Pedal MTB Shoes

Bontrager Flatline Flat Pedal MTB Shoes

 

The Bontrager brand enter into the flat pedal shoe market with the Bontrager Flatline Flat Pedal shoes. Known for their quality mountain bike parts and accessories, these shoes follow the same trend with quality construction on the heel and outsole. The tread pattern is consistent for predictable performance and the soft Vibram sole ensures your feet stay glued to the bike.

 

9. Shimano GR5 MTB Flat Cycling Shoes

 

Shimano GR5 MTB Flat Cycling Shoes

Shimano GR5 flat MTB shoes are another from this trusted brand. These are the lower model to the GR7s listed earlier however they’re still a quality shoe that can perform through multiple seasons. With a extremely rigid sole for maintaining full contact with the pedals, the tread pattern is wide in the pedal zone giving you the stickiness where you expect it most. The casual look of he shoe gives it a few points in the style column and can be worn on occasional walks thanks to the different tread patterns in the sole and toe areas.

10. Giro Jacket 2 Flat Mountain Bike Shoes

 

Giro Jacket 2 Flat Mountain Bike Shoes

Finally we get to the Giro Jacket 2 Flat MTB Shoes. These shoes offer a grippy outsole and tough materials designed to handle a beating on the trails. In addition the synthetic fibre repels water to prevent the shoes from wearing down, even through the worst conditions.

Jason

As a keen mountain biker of many years, Jason enjoys providing straight forward advice to beginners looking to get started with their new hobby.

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