All-mountain shoes

The right questions to ask yourself before purchasing For flat or automatic pedals? Since the shoes are specific to the pedals for which they are intended, the first selection criterion should be based on the type of pedals you wish to use: flat or automatic? You have certainly already chosen your camp, but if you are new to the subject, automatic pedals will allow you to keep your foot fixed to the pedal, promoting rounded and more efficient pedaling, as well as the assurance of not seeing your feet hop when it shakes downhill. The downside is that when it comes to carrying your bike or spending long days on and off the bike, comfort can be reduced. Good to know, certain brands like Crankbrothers design both pedals and shoes, which makes it possible to maximize compatibility between shoes and pedals (on certain pairs of different brands, for example, you may experience difficulty unclipping depending on of the design of the sole at the wedge level). Efficiency vs comfort Within the flat or auto categories, shoes display different levels of stiffness. A rigid shoe will promote power, more flexible ones will promote comfort by ensuring greater mobility. At Shimano for example, it is possible to know the stiffness index of the shoe on a scale of 1 to 12. Depending on your practice, choose carefully where to put the slider. In all-mountain, if you are not competing, we will seek to prioritize comfort for long days of adventure. Portage and walking in sight? In all-mountain, you can quickly go through phases of carrying and pushing. During a trip, you can also explore the area on foot at the end of the day, for example. In these cases, you will want to choose a shoe with a studded sole which offers good grip on the pedals but also on the ground, with good traction and grip on uneven or muddy terrain. Breathability and protection Once again, you have to know where you choose to place the cursor. At least in all-mountain, we recommend protection at the toe level, the rest being adapted to your level of commitment on the trails. In terms of breathability, make sure that the shoe wicks away moisture properly, and if you are a diligent exerciser regardless of the conditions, it will quickly be necessary to ask yourself the question of a second pair suitable for staying in the right place. dry and enjoy all your outings comfortably. The closing system Certain types of closure such as BOA® systems have many advantages, but in the field, it is easier to change a lace that has broken than this type of system (which by the way benefits from a top guarantee when you encounters a breakage problem). Budget and sustainability Price is sometimes synonymous with more quality, more durable materials. However, this should be put into perspective because with certain brands, the price of the models can vary from one to two and use the same (and very good) sole. The latter will be the first element to wear out, and the lifespan of the shoes will therefore be equivalent between these models. To try ! We talked about comfort but remember: the fit can vary considerably from one brand to another and sometimes from one model to another. If you are moving towards a new model, the ideal is to be able to try it on at your favorite retailer, to find a shoe that offers a precise fit, without creating pressure points! our selection 3 shoes for clipless pedals Crankbrothers Mallet E Speed Lace Designed with a perfectly matched pedal/shoe system in mind After having developed and marketed recognized pedals, Crankbrothers decided to offer its own shoes. This model is therefore particularly well suited to Crankbrothers pedals, but is compatible with other brands of automatic pedals. Crankbrothers pedal cleats come pre-installed in the neutral position. On the protection side, there is an EVA midsole to absorb shock and reinforced areas at the heel and toes. The main sole has been designed to make it easier to engage the cleats, but also to ensure good grip when walking on the steepest terrains. Velcro and a quick lacing system allow you to adjust the tightness of the shoe, the ventilated areas of perforated mesh ensure the breathability of the product. Price: €169.99 Shimano ME5 Light and effective The rigidity of these fairly light shoes (362g per shoe in size 42) is located right halfway between a shoe favoring comfort, and a shoe designed for competition from Shimano. It therefore offers very good pedaling performance with a correct level of protection thanks to a reinforced frame. The outsole has been designed to remain grippy when walking, even in wet weather. The tightening and good support of the foot is ensured by a Velcro strap and a BOA wheel. Please note if your practice is rather committed, the latter is not protected and rather exposed. Price: €150 Vaude Minaki Mid II STX Ready to face the worst conditions Designed for winter, this mid-cut pair is waterproof and windproof thanks to its Sympatex membrane. The PrimaLoft lining provides good insulation to keep feet warm up to above the ankle. Its profiled, non-slip sole, also designed for walking, is compatible with automatic pedals. The closure is partly entrusted to the BOA system for easy donning and readjustments. The latter is correctly protected by a tab with a waterproof zip. The icing on the cake is that we are dealing here with a product benefiting from the Green Shape label guaranteeing an ecological and sustainable product. Price: €230 3 shoes for flat pedals Northwave Freeland The versatile The Nothwave Freeland represents versatility for the spring/summer seasons in our selection. It uses a Vibram sole with a wide section at the front for good grip on the pedals, with studs on the heel to ensure good grip when it's time to walk. Like most other models, it has an EVA midsole improving shock absorption. On the breathable mesh tongue, there is an elastic band which allows the laces to be held correctly during your activity. Price: €125 Endura MT500 Burner The MTB shoe according to Endura The well-being of your feet was not left to chance when designing these shoes, which are closed with laces and a Velcro strap. Reinforced at the toes and heel, benefiting from an EVA midsole, they are also equipped with Ergonomistry technology (EGM), ensuring optimal support and comfort. The central part of the sole is made of Endura StickyFOOT Grip rubber, the surface of which fits the pedal pins. The sculptures on the front and back of the sole promote grip when the weather is bad. The materials used are presented as very resistant, and promoting rapid drying. Price: €139.99 Adidas Five Ten Trailcross GTX Perfect for the rainy season These Five Ten shoes are reinforced on the forefoot, have an EVA midsole to absorb shock, and benefit from the Stealth sole which has made the brand's models famous for their grip on the pedals. The design of this sole, however, differs from the emblematic models. It has been designed to provide better grip at the toes and heel when walking. A real ally when rainy weather sets in, this model is equipped with a neoprene ankle which prevents mud and stones from entering. Waterproofing is ensured by a Gore-Tex membrane. Price: €180

All-mountain shoes

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