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The right, or wrong, mountain bike shoe can make or break your ride. Having a shoe that provides a solid connection between the rider and the bike is essential for a safe, fun, and fast ride. After spending a ludicrous amount of time scouring the internet and researching virtually every shoe available, we purchased nearly 20 to put through our rigorous testing process. Our team of testers rode these shoes as much as possible in conditions ranging from freezing muddy trails to scorching dusty ones. Our goal is to compile the most extensive comparative analysis possible to help guide you to the very best shoe for your feet, your riding style, and your wallet.
A standout in a crowded group of test shoes, the Five Ten Freerider Pro remains testers' favorite overall shoe. This versatile shoe uses Five Ten's famous Stealth rubber compound that delivers the best on-pedal traction out of any flat shoes on the market. The stiff sole allows for excellent power transfer when smashing the pedals and the weight is respectable.
If you're on a tight budget, the Five Ten Freerider offers amazing grip as it utilizes the same rubber compound found in the above-mentioned Freerider Pro
Editor's Note: We updated our mountain bike flat pedal shoes review in December, 2025. This update saw the addition of the Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA, the Five Ten Freerider, and the Shimano GF800.
The versatile Freerider Pro is the gold standard when it comes to flat pedal shoes. When evaluating shoes, grip is the critical metric, and Five Ten's Stealth rubber is widely recognized as the best rubber compound in the industry. With their Stealth rubber and full-dot outsole, the Freerider Pros have by far the best grip of all the models we have tested. They are, without a doubt, the closest thing to clipping in. The stiff midsole provides excellent rigidity, and power transfer is excellent. In addition, this stiffness helps keep foot fatigue to a minimum when the trail gets choppy. We found the medium volume fit to be comfortable and should suit a wide range of foot shapes. The shoes offer just enough foot protection without feeling overly bulky and heavy on the feet. The tough synthetic uppers impressed us with their durability and abrasion resistance.
Despite how much we love the tenacious grip of the Stealth rubber on the Freerider Pro, it might be a bit much for riders who like to adjust their feet regularly. When you need to shuffle your foot to reposition your stance, the ultra-tacky rubber works against you. The synthetic uppers are impressively durable but only offer average breathability, especially as the mercury rises. Nonetheless, this is an outstanding, versatile flat pedal shoe that can work in most applications. If you want a similar shoe with an ankle cuff, check out the Five Ten Freerider Pro Mid VCS.
The Latch is a mountain bike shoe from Giro Sport Design that challenges the standard set by other flat pedal shoe manufacturers. Previous flat pedal shoe models from Giro had a poor fit and lacked the tackier rubber compound preferred for optimal grip. However, the Latch flipped the script written by previous models and immediately stood out on test rides as a great all-around trail riding shoe. Its unique Gamma Tread Design and soft Tack Rubber compound hold the pedal pins with excellent grip. The microfiber upper is both durable and comfortable as it conforms to the foot and provides decent breathability. The Latch is the lightest flat pedal shoe we reviewed. The midsole is fairly stiff, making it a great option for extended pedaling missions. Sandwiched into the midsole is a layer of Mute Foam that helps improve grip and comfort in damping impacts and vibrations.
The Latch has a medium to lower volume fit and is snugger in the ball of the foot compared to other mountain bike flat shoes we tested. While this last felt comfortable for lower to medium-volume feet, those searching for larger-volume shoes (particularly in the toe box) may want to try these for size or explore different options. We were thoroughly impressed by the Latch and feel it is a terrific option for anyone who wants top-notch grip in a versatile and well-rounded flat pedal shoe. However, if you require a wider toe box, we found the Freerider Pro to be more roomy without feeling too loose.
Lacks the same rigidity and power transfer as the competition
Fit feels less refined
A little heavy
The Five Ten Freerider is a tremendous shoe that offers absurd grip at a very low price. This wallet-friendly shoe ticks all the boxes for riders seeking a quality all-mountain shoe. The foundation of the shoe is the grippy Stealth S1 rubber sole found on our Editor's Choice Freerider Pro. This top-of-the-line rubber compound beautifully mates with the pedal pins. This shoe really makes its money on the grip, but the comfort levels, stiffness, and power transfer were always solid.
Although the Freerider is adequately stiff underfoot, it's far from the stiffest model on the market. Riders looking for the absolute best pedaling efficiency and power transfer may want to consider other options. This mountain bike flat shoe is also somewhat heavy at 446 grams per shoe (size 11), which may deter weight-conscious riders. The fit also feels a bit less refined than some other shoes. The mid-foot feels a little sloppy and we experienced some lateral movement within the shoe, even with the laces cranked down. If you are after a more rigid pair with great power transfer, the Latch performs better in this area.
BOA closure is intuitive, secure, and makes it easy to fine-tune fit
Excellent grip
Superb power transfer and rigidity
CONS
Expensive
BOA system adds complexity, and there is a small risk of failure
Fit favors low to medium volume feet
The Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA borrows very, very, very heavily from our Editor's Choice Five Ten Freerider Pro. When we say it borrows heavily from that legendary shoe, we mean it is essentially the same shoe with a BOA dial and reworked tongue (to accommodate BOA cables). As a result, this shoe delivers the same dialed grip and amazing power transfer as the Freerider Pro. The BOA system is easy to use. A simple turn of the dial allows you to fine-tune the fit of the shoe without having to untie and re-tie a knot. This system works so well that many riders can adjust the BOA tension while still in the saddle. After a ride, pull up on the dial and the tension releases. We love it.
The BOA system is not for everyone. It does add a layer of mechanical complexity. Simple shoelaces are a proven closure system that can always be rigged up to work in any scenario. If a lace tears on the trail, you can always get the shoes secured again, one way or another. With a BOA system, any failure is catastrophic, and you will be finishing your ride with a very loose shoe. Our testers have bumped or smashed BOA dials on rocks before causing the system to lose tension. This is not a trailside fix. We loved these shoes, but they are one of the more expensive in the test class, and the fit favors medium to low-volume feet.
Excellent grip on bike paired with amazing hiking abilities
Highly breathable
CONS
Less supportive
Slightly higher stack height
The Five Ten TrailCross LT is a unique flat pedal shoe that blends the best qualities of a mountain bike and hiking shoe in one. If your idea of a fun mountain bike ride is more about exploring remote zones than full-on singletrack shredding, this may be a great option for you. The TrailCross LT beautifully combines solid on-bike performance with excellent hiking/walking abilities. We should emphasize that while these shoes focus on blending riding and hiking, they are still a Five Ten product and utilize the top-notch Stealth Phantom rubber. These tacky shoes provide great pedal grip and respectable levels of sole stiffness and power transfer. Thanks to the light and airy mesh upper, they deliver unrivaled airflow and dry out pretty quickly when things get damp. These shoes are an excellent option if your rides feature high-consequence stream crossings or extended hike-a-bikes.
If you're shopping for a mountain bike flat shoe to shred singletrack, know that better options are available. The TrailCross LT is solid on the trail, but the fact that it was designed as a crossover shoe slightly detracts from its on-bike performance. As they say, a jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. The soft, mesh upper material that aids in excellent airflow isn't as supportive as beefier materials. Moreover, the sole that provides such good walkability doesn't offer the best transfer of power to the pedals. Still, if you're looking for a shoe that works as well on the bike as it scrambles up the mountain, the Trailcross is a compelling option. On the other hand, those who want all-mountain performance with better power transfer and tougher uppers should check out the Freerider Pro.
The Shimano GF800 is a jack-of-all-trades in a sleek and quick-drying package. As the saying goes, a jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. While they aren't the absolute grippiest or stiffest shoe in this review class, the GF800 posts a solid score in all performance metric. They are pretty grippy, pretty stiff, and pretty comfortable. What really stood out is the minimalist design that ditches excessive bulk and padding for a lower-profile look. When saturated, the lack of material allows these shoes to dry out quickly, and on warm days, they definitely feel more airy than most of the test class. The BOA closure system is awesome and allows riders to fine-tune their fit on the fly.
The GF800 is a well-rounded shoe, but it has some flaws. Riders who love to ride rough and choppy trails might find the softer sole to be an issue. These shoes don't mute out rough trails as well as some of the stiffer shoes in this review. In addition, the Ultread GF rubber compound can't quite match some of the competition when it comes to pure grip.
The GF800 is a versatile shoe with subdued styling. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
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Testing shoes is serious business. They may all look similar, but on the trail, performance can differ drastically. Credit: Laura Casner
How We Tested
There are a whole lot of options when it comes to mountain bike flat pedal shoes. Over the years, we have put over 30 pairs of flat pedal shoes through our side-by-side testing. Our review process begins with spending dozens of hours scouring the internet to identify the most compelling flat pedal mountain bike shoes available. Next, we bust out the credit card and purchase top models for our rigorous testing. We weigh, analyze, and scrutinize the design aspects of each shoe prior to riding them. The next part is simple. Ride these shoes as much as humanly possible in all conditions. After our testing concludes, we look at our field notes and score each pair of shoes in each of our performance metrics, including:
• Grip (30% weighting)
• Fit and Comfort (25% weighting)
• Rigidity and Power Transfer (20% weighting)
• Breathability (10% weighting)
• Durability (10% weighting)
• Weight (5% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing grounds were primarily the areas that we could access from our home base of South Lake Tahoe, California, and included Lake Tahoe, the western Sierra foothills, and the northern Nevada desert. One rogue tester has been riding these shoes in the Cascade mountains of Central Washington.
Our lead flat pedal shoe reviewer, Pat Donahue, is a mountain bike fanatic originally from New England. He's been riding mountain bikes for over 20 years, and his experience ranges from the gravity-fed downhill shredding to all-day trail riding epics and fat biking. He is happiest while riding burly and steep trails. He is also a bike shop owner and, in recent years, has been in dad mode and can be found on his local trails at the most bizarre of hours.
Ian Stowe also contributed to our flat pedal shoe review. Ian has spent years working in the cycling industry, first as a wheel builder with Santa Cruz Bicycles and then as a graphic designer for Cervelo. He is a talented rider with experience in many disciplines, but he spends the majority of his time trail riding and prefers the freedom and feel of flat pedals over clips. Hailing from his home base of Santa Cruz, California, Ian has a wealth and variety of trails nearby and the ability to ride year-round.
Our team of mountain bikers took these shoes on a variety of trails to find the best on the market.
How to Choose Mountain Bike Flat Shoes
Finding the right shoe can be downright overwhelming. Between technical terms and marketing jargon, things can get confusing quickly. That said, it doesn't need to be hard. There are several key factors to consider, from the different closure systems to the rubber compounds and upper materials. We have compiled five important buying considerations to help narrow down your shoe options. This is just a summary of our much more complete buying advice.
What is Your Riding Style?
Choosing a shoe that matches your riding style will ensure you get the most out of your flat pedal shoes. Downhill-oriented riders will want more protection and grippy soles to help stay connected to the bike on the steeps and in ultra-rough sections of trail. Trail and cross-country riders want significantly lighter and slimmer shoes for endeavors with lots of pedaling.
What About Traction?
Having reliable, sticky traction and grip is a top priority for flat pedal riders. Rightfully so. The locked-in feeling can help improve the control and confidence in your riding. Others may prefer a slightly less grippy compound to help with foot movement and placement. If you value more freedom in foot placement, then it's worth considering less-grippy shoe options.
locked down grip can be your best friend during turns, jumps, and descents. Credit: Laura Casner
Do You Need Stiff Soles?
The stiffness of your sole is critical in transferring power to your pedals. Typically, someone who spends more time turning the cranks uphill will appreciate the rigidity and feel of a stiffer sole. Downhill riders will also prefer a stiff sole as it provides some protection from the rough trail surface. On the other hand, softer soles have a place too. They are much easier to walk in and might be a better choice for riders who care less about crushing the trails but value the adventure aspect of mountain biking.
What About Closure Systems?
Flat pedal shoes traditionally use standard laces. They are simple, reliable, and can be rigged up on the side of the trail if a shoe rips. Recently, flat pedal shoes have been seeing an increase in BOA systems, a technology previously reserved for clipless/clip-in shoes. BOA dials are great for easy adjustability throughout your ride. Where they can become less enticing is in terms of reliability and more expensive repair, for which many companies have begun offering warranties. If the easy and quick adjustments that BOA dials offer sound enticing, consider making the switch. Otherwise, laces tend to do their job well and are easy to replace.
BOA closure systems are becoming more common on flat pedal shoes. They are clean-looking and easy to use. Not everyone loves them. They are more complex and can fail. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
Does Climate Matter?
Different climates can affect your shoes' comfort in warm and cold weather. Some brands utilize waterproof membranes and synthetic uppers to help protect against the weather, but this may lead to hotter feet. Other brands may offer a shoe with great breathability through mesh and ventilation but will be more prone to getting wet on damp rides; for those in specific climates that often deal with uncooperative weather, it's worth considering how your shoe will hold up while out in the elements.
Impressive Grip, low price...It is hard not to love the Freerider Credit: Suzanne Brydges
Analysis and Test Results
For our latest review of flat pedal mountain bike flat pedal shoes, we tested over three more pairs to add to our review. After rigorously testing each pair of shoes, we rated them on the predetermined metrics of sole grip, fit and comfort, rigidity and power transfer, breathability, durability, and weight. Each rider will have personal preferences on what factors are most important to their riding, which should be kept in mind when looking for a new shoe.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Price doesn't affect our assessment of the performance of shoes. That said, Everyone appreciates a strong value. Price and performance often go hand in hand, and our top-rated models, like the Five Ten Freerider Pro happen to be among the most expensive. Boasting an excellent price-to-performance ratio, we feel the Five Ten Freerider offers the best value in the pack. It's one of the least expensive shoes we tested, and it performs nearly as well as shoes that cost significantly more.
If grip is a primary concern, and it should be, the Five Ten Freerider Pro and its Stealth S1 Rubber is the gold standard. Credit: Laura Casner
Grip
Grip is the most important metric in this review. Unlike clipless shoes/pedals, flat pedals do not have a mechanical connection between the rider and the pedals. Instead, you have to rely on the sole's rubber compound and tread pattern, as well as the pins on the pedal to create grip. We tested a shoe's grip by riding a variety of types of terrain, especially rough and chunky surfaces that can quickly expose a shoe's grip or lack thereof. A higher level of grip gives the rider greater control over the bike. Less tacky soles can result in excessive foot movement, slipped pedals (possibly leading to injury), and less control. Of course, the pedals you use can also be a major factor, as their grip varies as well.
Five Ten's Stealth rubber has long set the grip standard for flat pedal shoe soles, and the Five Ten Freerider Pro and its Stealth S1 soles continue that tradition. The tacky rubber pairs with the full-dot tread pattern to deliver a locked-in, confidence-inspiring grip. The Freerider Pro BOA, Freerider, and Freerider Pro MID VCS also use the same rubber and full-dot tread pattern. As a result, they all offer unrivaled grip.
Giro's Latch shoe with its Tack Rubber compound, Gamma Tread Design and Mute Foam midsole is a strong performer in this metric. These elements combine to give the Latch a level of grip that clings to the pedals with tenacity.
For the money, it is impossible to beat the grip of the Freerider. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
The FiveTen TrailCross LT has a Stealth Phantom rubber sole. It is very, very similar to the Stealth S1 compound found on the Freerider Pro. The TrailCross delivers a very impressive hold on the pedal despite its slightly smaller footprint and slightly higher stack height.
The Shimano SH-GF600 and Shimano SH-GF800 are both honorable mentions in this category. While the grip is certainly a step down from the best, these shoes provide a solid grip thanks to deep grooves in the tread pattern. Plus, they feature some subtle styling that we were fond of.
Comfort is key for all types and lengths of rides. Credit: Laura Casner
Fit and Comfort
There are many variables in comfort, including a shoe's construction, materials, and intended use. Obviously, the rider's foot shape and overall volume also play an enormous role. For this metric, we looked at support, padding, and cushioning for riding and walking, as well as shoe shape and volume. Other factors, like the footbed and protective features, are also taken into account.
Both the Five Ten Freerider Pro and the Freerider Pro Mid VCS are snug enough through the heel cup and arch without being too narrow or restrictive and have a fit that should work well for a wide range of riders. As you move forward, both shoes widen significantly at the toe box, which is roomy and spacious without feeling clumsy or too loose. The Freerider Pro BOA is, unsurprisingly, very similar in fit. After all, it is a Freerider Pro with a different closure system. That said, it feels a little different on top of the foot due to a slightly thinner tongue used to work the BOA system's cables.
Some of the budget-minded shoes posted quite well in this metric. The Ride Concepts Livewire and Five Ten Freerider both have a plush, heavily padded feel. All of this cushion is very nice against the foot. The Livewire runs a little tight, so we recommend sizing up. The Freerider is a great option for riders with slightly wider feet as it is a spacious shoe.
The Giro Latch has a very similar look to the Freerider Pro, although the fit in the forefoot is a bit snugger overall, but loosens up over time.
Comfortable shoes allow you to focus on the trail ahead. Credit: Laura Casner
Rigidity and Power Transfer
The sole rigidity on a mountain bike flat shoe is an important part of how well it performs. We test this metric by pedaling extensive miles in each shoe to determine how much flex the shoe has while pedaling and walking. A shoe that is too stiff can potentially bounce off your pedal pins and isn't so pleasant to walk in. On the other hand, a soft sole can absorb some of the power you are trying to transfer to the pedals. A flexible sole can cause foot or lower leg discomfort and fatigue while pedaling or on extended rough descents. Stiffer isn't always better, and we find ourselves gravitating towards shoes with balanced sole stiffness that provide good power transfer, a nice pedal feel, and work well when off the bike, too.
The Ride Concepts Livewire, and the Giro Latch seem to have nailed the happy middle ground of sole stiffness. All of them are stiff enough from the ball of the foot back that power transfer feels direct and efficient, yet not so stiff that pedal sensitivity is sacrificed. They also have adequate flex through the toe to allow for good off-the-bike walking performance. Whether for a long trail ride or ripping shuttle laps, these shoes strike an excellent balance of sole stiffness.
The GF800 shoes might not be the most rigid shoe in this test class. But they do well enough and offer a natural walking motion. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
The Five Ten Freerider Pro, Freerider Pro BOA and Freerider Pro Mid VSC both offer all of the rigidity you need. These shoes are among the stiffest in our review but still retain an okay walking motion. When smashing down a super-gnarly rock section, the sole remains composed and doesn't want to bounce off the pedal or fold around it. In addition, the Stealth S1 rubber compound seems to work along with the EVA midsole to provide a small amount of damping. When putting the power down, energy is transferred directly into the cranks, and these shoes felt quite efficient. Yes, some shoes perform better when hiking or pushing the bike. That said, these are cycling shoes, and the high levels of rigidity deliver excellent performance on the bike. We can live with an okay walking experience.
The Best Buy Five Ten Freerider lacks the power transfer of some of the stiffer shoes in this review. Still, the pedaling experience should be satisfactory for most riders.
The Five Ten Trailcross have a mesh upper construction that is by far the most breathable we tested. Credit: Laura Casner
Breathability
A mountain bike shoe's breathability becomes more critical as the length of the ride increases or when the thermometer climbs. For a short ride, particularly in cooler temperatures, breathability is relatively unimportant, but as the ride length increases, it becomes more important for your shoe to breathe well. Keep in mind the climate where you live when considering how much breathability you want in a shoe. If you live in regions where temperatures approach triple digits in the summer months, breathability will be critical. If you ride and live in cooler climates or primarily ride in the early morning or at night, it might not be so important. We test breathability by evaluating the shoe's ventilation features and by riding in varying temperatures.
The Five Ten TrailCross LT are supremely breathable shoes. The uppers are constructed almost entirely of a highly breathable mesh material that promotes exceptional airflow. Additionally, the thin tongue and thin laces allow plenty of air to enter through the top of the shoe. The downside of this ventilation is that these shoes don't ward off the elements but dry out very quickly.
The Shimano GF800 and GF600 are both low-profile, minimalist shoes that dry out quickly. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
The Shimano GF600 and GF800 are both relatively sleek shoes with decisively less padding than many other trail/enduro shoes in this review. The lack of padding keeps your feet a good bit cooler compared to bulkier options. In addition, they also dry more quickly after a soggy ride.
The heavily padded shoes, like the Five Ten Freerider and Ride Concepts Livewire, didn't fare so well in this metric. Simply put, more padding results in a slower-drying and less breathable shoe. Hey, you can't have it all.
When choosing a mountain bike shoe, you want something that is going to withstand multiple seasons of abuse. Credit: Laura Casner
Durability
The world's most high-tech, feature-loaded, and expensive shoe quickly loses its appeal if it falls apart shortly after purchase. This is especially the case if it leaves you stranded on the trail in the middle of nowhere. To test a shoe's durability, we carefully examine it after each ride, looking for wear spots or failures. We also look at the overall construction of the shoe and the materials used. Most of our test shoes feature primarily synthetic materials, with rubber and foam comprising the outsoles and midsoles. After using and abusing our test shoes for over two months, we didn't experience any catastrophic failures, and most shoes showed only minor wear.
For riders seeking the most durable option, the Ride Concepts Livewire is a good choice. Their synthetic uppers and beefy soles have shown almost no signs of wear. Each rider should decide how much emphasis to place on durability, performance, and comfort, and choose accordingly. Overall, the higher-performance shoes also showed the best durability after testing.
The Ride Concepts Livewire should be able to withstand anything you can dish out. Its heavy, protective, and built to last. Credit: Laura Casner
The Five Ten Freerider Pro features a durable synthetic upper construction that shows no signs of falling apart. It should, however, be noted that the more supple Stealth S1 rubber sole may be prone to wearing out slightly more quickly than a harder rubber compound. That said, we feel the additional grip is absolutely worth a slightly shorter lifespan, and we recommend reserving your shoes for on-bike use instead of heading to the grocery store or pub.
The Shimano GF600 should live a nice, long, shreddy life. The construction is robust, and the design's simplicity reduces unnecessary stitching and other features that could fail.
The Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA is slightly lighter than its laced brother. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
Weight
Weight is an exciting metric and accounts for 5% of a shoe's score. For this metric, we weigh each shoe on a kitchen scale. Some riders scrutinize every gram on their body and bicycle, while others couldn't care less.
Regarding shoes, weight can be important. If your idea of fun is a 30-mile trail ride, weight may be necessary in your purchase decision. If your idea of fun is shuttling and ripping laps at a bike park, you probably don't mind a few extra grams on your feet.
Despite their hefty weight, the Five Ten Freeriders have outstanding grip. It is up to you to decide how important a few extra grams are. Credit: Suzanne Brydges
Giro's new Latch shoe was the lightest of the bunch at just 358 grams per shoe in size 10.
The supremely tacky Five Ten Freerider Pro BOA hit the scales at 392 grams in a size 11. The BOA system uses a thinner tongue construction, shaving some weight. The laced Five Ten Freeride Pro is just several grams heavier
The budget-friendly options are a bit heavier. The Ride Concepts Livewire is 458 grams per shoe in size 11. The Five Ten Freerider weighs 446 grams per shoe in size 11. It shouldn't come as a surprise that these less expensive shoes are slightly heavier, as a lower price often comes along with a higher weight. That being said, only being 50-60 grams heavier than our Editor's Choice Freerider Pro BOA really isn't that bad.
Testing mountain bike shoes is hard work. We hope this review provided you with some helpful information. Credit: Laura Casner
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Other Flat Shoes to Consider
Five Ten Sleuth - This is a combo of an everyday shoe and a dedicated mountain bike shoe. It looks great around town and offers decent performance on a bike. It is not the grippiest shoe on the pedals, and it offers little stiffness or structure. It was designed with style in mind, not performance. They are surprisingly durable. We wore one pair for three years until the tread finally wore through on the ball of the foot. We never damaged any seams. If you want a shoe you wear mostly as your everyday sneaker but also want the flexibility to jump on a bike at any moment, this is a great option.
Five Ten Trailcross Mid Pro - While expensive, these shoes deliver a lot of protection and comfort. The mid-top design helps protect your ankle and gives support on long hike-abike sections. The neoprene cuff helps keep out dirt and debris, especially on overgrown trails and bushwhack adventures. There is enough flexibility in the boot that we never felt constrained. The major downside, other than the high price tag, is that they take a little longer to get on. We feel we always have to wrestle the neoprene a little to get them on. That said, once on, they feel secure. They are ideal for cool temperatures. While they breathe well, they are still mid-top, which is not ideal for hot weather. And there is not enough insulation to make these ideal for cold-weather use. We love taking these on rugged backcountry trails and exploration missions. But if we could only have one pair of shoes, it would be the lowertop version of this shoe, the Five Ten TrailCross LT.
Conclusion
When looking for mountain bike flat pedal shoes, sifting through the technical features and marketing jargon can be difficult. Things can get confusing very quickly between the strange names of rubber compounds and exotic features. Our most sincere advice is to be honest about the terrain you ride most frequently. Honing in on the riding you do most of the time will steer you towards the correct shoe category. From there, our detailed analysis should make it simple to find the right shoe.
