Best women's mountain bike shoes to shop 2023

Feb 19, 2024

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Including flat-pedal and clipless styles 🚴‍♀️

Mountain biking requires dedicated bike shoes that are built for off-road riding. Compared to a casual Sunday cycle that can be done in sturdy summer sandals or your favourite gym trainers, mountain bike shoes are designed especially to withstand tough terrain and daring downhill trajectories. Which those old adidas running shoes just aren't quite up to the challenge.

A stiff, robust sole is key to achieve efficient pedalling along with moulded toe caps for protection against debris, but they actually tend to be a little more flexible than road cycling shoes. Most importantly, mountain bike shoes are built to keep your feet staying firmly on the pedals.

With that in mind, there are two types of mountain bike shoes to choose from. Those that use cleats, aka a clipless pedal style, which despite the very confusing name means that the shoe's sole has holes that allow you to clip in and attach to the bike pedal - and flat-pedal styles which don't attach. The decision between clipless shoes or flat-pedal can depend on the style of mountain biking you're doing - from cross country or trail to enduro - or simply how comfortable you are riding with cleats.

Flat-pedal mountain bike shoes tend to be more popular with beginners and riders who are trying it out for fun, as most people need to learn how to use the clipless pedal system which can take some getting used to at first. The freedom of movement is a major advantage, allowing riders to easily remove their feet off the pedal and place it back on again. This comes in handy when riding loose corners and makes people feel more at ease. The soles need to be extra grippy, made from sticky rubber compounds to stop feet slipping in wet and muddy conditions.

If you can get on board with clipless mountain bike shoes, it'll be worth the practice, as it's the preferred choice if you're cross country racing. The shoes big plus is when riding over rough terrain they stop your foot from bouncing off the pedals and keep them set in place, whilst transferring your pedalling power to the wheels. Flat-pedal shoes are easier to walk in off the bike, so clipless shoes will usually have extra tread or studs on the sole to help if you need to push your bike up steep inclines.

Whether you want to clip in or go for flat, we've rounded up the best mountain bike shoes to invest in now for mountain bikers heading out on trails this summer.

A mighty mountain bike shoe that's worth the investment. The Kestrel Boa is engineered for demanding, downcountry rides. Sustainably made with repurposed materials, the plate is reinforced with glass fibre and the clip-in pedal cleat design offers excellent power transfer. The boa dial system also means you can reach to easily adjust the fit as you ride.

If you're new to the world of mountain biking and looking to experiment with mountain bike shoes compatible with clipless pedals, Decathlon declare these NORTHWAVE shoes to be perfect for beginners. With a well ventilated upper and easily adjustable three velcro strap do ups, the Origin 2 have stiff, sturdy soles that provide great power transfer as they clip in to 2-bolt standard pedal systems. They're also reinforced on the toe and heel for added protection.

Shimano's simple lace up trainers disguise all the tech for a safe, sturdy mountain bike shoe. The outsole is built with a durable grip as well as their own Shimano clipless-pedal compatibility. They've also got a raised ankle protection and reinforced toe and heel so you feel safe out on those rigorous rides.

From gravel rides to XC adventures, Giro's Cylinder II are a reliable choice. The sole combines stiff nylon to keep your pedalling smooth and sturdy with a rubber lugged tread for when you need to hop off the bike. They have a 2-bolt cleats clip in, a secure fit with a BOA dial, plus, rubber reinforcements to protect those toes from unexpected debris and rocks popping up across your trail.

Now, before we dive into all the techy goodness let's appreciate the cool camo design and reflective heel print on these stylish bikes shoes from Shimano. The RX600 not only look great, but the BOA dial and velcro strap provide a safe, secure fit and the reinforced nylon sole features lugs for uninhibited movement when you're off the bike. Compatible with 2-bolt pedals, they are super lightweight and well ventilated, too.

These affordable clipless mountain bike shoes are currently half price so jump in quick. A robust pair in a sleek black design, they sport three secure velcro straps as well as a soft padded collar. Plus, the reinforced toe box will prepare your tootsies for those inevitable rocky knocks.

Specialized's 2FO mountain bike shoes earn their higher price tag since their sole construction and footbed have been ergonomically designed and tested by optimising hip, knee and foot alignment which reduces the chance of injury. Not only this, but the 2-bolt cleat has a landing strip making it easy and quick to secure onto the pedals.

Now for fans of the flat pedal mountain bike shoes, Five Ten have some of the coolest styles out there. Their Sleuth style features a leather and canvas upper for a stylish, casual look, on or off the bike combined with a thick Stealth Marathon rubber sole that provides ultra stickiness on the pedal.

Flat pedal mountain bike shoes mostly use traditional laces, and we're loving the sage green mixed with the off white on this stylish contemporary pair from Shimano. Abrasion-resistant with a reinforced toe, this breathable pair will look great as you tear up the rough trails over the summer. Just be prepared to clean these babies if you want that white staying white.

First Degree offer an allrounder MTB shoe with the F-Lite style. Durable and abrasion resistant with a rock guards at the toe and heel, the rubber outsole features a hexagonal tread pattern for extreme grip on the pedals and along with the shock-absorbing lining ensures excellent power transfer.

Ride Concepts' Livewire shoe is an unbeaten classic. Both comfortable and protective - and now with an upgraded Max Grip rubber outsole - they boast a cushioned insole, moulded toe and anti-abrasion mesh fabric, so you can stay on the bike as long as you please knowing these have you covered.

Another pair from Five Ten had to make the cut because they have the best colourways. This stylish suede leather design is ideal for daring summer rides downhill. With optimal grip thanks to the soft Stealth S1 sole, your feet are staying firmly in position on those pedals.

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