Mountain bike shoes (otherwise known as ‘flat cycling shoes’) are specifically designed to maximise comfort and grip when riding with the flat pedals found on mountain bikes.
You don’t have to break the bank to own a pair, though—the products on our list of the best flat mountain bike shoes start at £49.99, so you can grab a budget-friendly pair without sacrificing quality.
Here you’ll find the best flat MTB shoes on the market, so you can ride in style and maximise your on-bike power the next time you hit the trails.
1. GIRO Latch MTB shoes, £129.99
Key features:
- Fast-drying textile and microfiber
- Reinforced toes
- Gamma tread design optimised for pedal pins
GIRO’s Latch flat cycling shoes are specifically designed for fast and rowdy trails. The reinforced toes help protect your feet from injury, and their flat sole profile brings your foot closer to the pedal to optimise contact and control.
Riders prioritising performance and comfort will benefit from the Mute Foam midsole layer—it’s specially engineered with a slow-rebound action to reduce vibration and help keep your feet in control of the pedals, even on the rougher rides.
The Gamma tread design is constructed from Tack Rubber, which is highly elastic and matches grip with durability to give you ultimate control over the pedals.
2. Crankbrothers Stamp MTB shoes, £113.43 (€129.99)
Key features:
- Match system for pedal platform compatibility
- MC2 high-friction rubber compound
- Classic lace closure system with pocket
If you’re looking for the best flat mountain bike shoes, you don’t want to overlook this pair from Crankbrothers during your search.
Thanks to their high-friction rubber compounds and optimised outsole, a secure pedal connection is guaranteed. The lugs are abrasion-resistant for long-lasting grip and directionally angled to improve your off-bike traction—they’re some of the most versatile flat cycling shoes on our list.
The tread pattern is designed for maximum compatibility with the pedal platform since the lugs are modelled around pin dimensions for better absorption. So, you’ll benefit from reduced vibration and more control.
3. Pearl Izumi flat cycling shoes, £49.99
Key features:
- Lightweight uppers and minimal seams
- EVA midsole
- Traditional lace closure with pocket
If finding lightweight MTB shoes is your priority, this pair won’t disappoint. Their lightweight uppers and lack of seams emphasise comfort so that you can go longer on tough trails.
Shock absorption on hard landings isn’t an issue for these shoes—their EVA midsole provides a protective yet flexible layer between your foot and the bike and reduces the impact on your muscles and joints.
There are chevron-shaped lugs along the toe and heel areas to provide exceptional traction and grip in all conditions, even when you’re off the bike.
The traditional lace closure system with a place to stash your laces keeps them clear of your drivetrain and prevents mishaps.
4. Ride Concepts Wildcat flat cycling shoes, £77.27-£113.50
Key features:
- High-grip rubber outsoles
- D30 high-impact zone insole technology
- PU Nubuck and anti-abrasion mesh outer material
Ride Concepts has created some of the best shoes for mountain biking through their Wildcat range.
They come with D30 high-impact zone insoles that are lightweight and moulded for comfort yet provide long-term shock absorption.
Their outer material features PU Nubuck synthetic leather for incredible tear strength and anti-abrasion mesh for added breathability. Along with the fully gusseted tongue, these features prevent the intake of dirt and debris to improve your comfort in all conditions.
The Rubber Kinetics and DST high-grip rubber outsoles are carefully crafted to improve traction in a way that surpasses many other flat cycling shoes on the market—Rubber Kinetics have specialised in rubber compounding for decades.
5. VAUDE MTB cycling shoes, £111.26-£190
Key features:
- Conventional lacing paired with Velcro fastener
- Sympatex membrane
- Hexagon profile SUPtraction
What’s striking about these flat cycling shoes is their high-top design. It combines conventional lacing with a Velcro fastener, making them the ideal shoe for those looking for extra ankle support.
Despite their design, they’re still impressively lightweight and incredibly breathable—their Sympatex membrane creates a pleasant foot climate by expelling moisture and dirt.
The AM Flat outsoles are designed by SUPtraction, a company based in Switzerland that tests their outsoles on the Swiss alps, arguably the perfect location for this task. So, you’ll know that grip is never an issue with these shoes.
6. O’Neal Pinned Pro flat cycling shoes, £53.99 (RRP £89.99)
Key features:
- Reinforced toe cap
- Protective inner ankle design
- O’Neal’s unique Honey Rubber sole
Having issues with your ankles whilst out on your bike? If so, these are some of the best flat MTB shoes for comfort and appearance—they feature a higher-cut inner ankle design whilst maintaining a sleek, flat exterior.
The reinforced toe cap protects your feet further, alongside the Honey Rubber sole that provides excellent grip, allowing you to reposition your feet as needed.
The PU upper is lightweight and durable and will stand the test of time when pitted against all weather conditions out on the trail.
They’re a great pair of budget-friendly mountain bike shoes if you’re looking for a bargain.
7. Sandugo MTB shoes, £69.99
Key features:
- Flat and SPD pedal compatibility
- Dual-density rubber compound outsole
- Nylon wire laces
The outer material is important to consider when shopping for flat cycling shoes. On this pair from Sandugo, the outer is a blend of mesh, TPU, and synthetic leather for added comfort and breathability.
The outsole is compatible with flat and SPD pedals, known for their efficiency and lightweight design, so you can completely customise your mountain biking experience with these shoes.
Not a fan of traditional laces? You’ll be impressed with the nylon wire alternatives on these flat MTB shoes. They’re quick to put on or remove as the knob assembly controls the tightness, making them incredibly convenient.
Specialist mountain bike insurance through Cycleplan
While shoes come and go, your mountain bike is a huge investment. This is why you may want to protect it with specialist mountain bike insurance before you get out and test the terrain.
At Cycleplan, the cover is designed to protect both you and your bike in the worst-case scenarios.
You can cover your bike against Theft and Accidental Damage and yourself for Public Liability, which protects you if you’re deemed liable for injuring someone or causing third-party property damage whilst cycling.
Learn more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote now.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.