MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES

ATV shoes: what you need to know

Just as every field has its own arsenal of tools, so do all-terrain bike (ATV) riders. These include the mountain bike in question, the mountain bike helmet, special mountain bike grips, clothing, mountain bike pedals, not forgetting the one we're most interested in: mountain bike shoes. You may be wondering why you need mountain bike shoes rather than conventional footwear. Here, we'll let you in on all the secrets about mountain bike shoes, and convince you of their usefulness. Let's go !

MTB shoes: what are they?

MTB shoes are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. They have rigid soles for efficient pedaling, but tend to be softer than road bike shoes. This makes walking easier. Mountain bike shoes are designed to keep your feet firmly on the pedals. There are two basic types of shoe: those with holes in the bottom, for cleats that attach to SPD pedals without a clip, and those designed to work with flat pedals.

What are the different types of mountain bike shoes?

Finding the best mountain bike shoes to suit your riding style is as important as finding the right bike or helmet, yet this aspect is often overlooked in favor of other mountain bike improvements. Not only will a good pair of mountain bike shoes give you a better, more personal fit, they'll also make you faster and more efficient when paired with the best mountain bike pedals.

In the world of cycling, there are two types of shoe suitable for mountain biking. These are "flats" and "clipless" mountain bike shoes. The professional mountain biker will need to choose between these two types of shoe, depending on his or her bike's pedals and the type of race circuit.

Shoes with flat pedals are often reserved for trail, endurance and gravity riding, and offer easy maneuverability on the bike, not to mention excellent pedal feedback. On the other hand, shoes with straps mechanically secure the shoe to the pedal by means of a cleat that offers a secure connection for better power and control. This system is used throughout the mountain bike spectrum. At Tonnycat , these different types of shoes are available. They are available under several brands, including ONEAL, CRANKBROTHERS and POLISPORT. Our shoes are available in a range of colors. What are you waiting for? Come to Tonnycat!

How to choose the right type of shoes?

So, do you need specific shoes for your mountain bike? This will depend on how you ride. If you spend a lot of time in the hills, doing long mountain rides then yes, you may find the benefits of shoes with crampons. But, if you hike once in a while by way of cross-country and maybe bike parks then you'll find that flat pedal shoes are what you need.

So what should you look out for when it comes to choosing the right one for you? Let's take a look at some of the key features. First, let's talk about the rubber sole. If you use flat pedals the rubber of your sole is going to be super important. And this is an area that some companies have struggled with in the past, but today they've really mastered it. If you combine them with extra-long stems on your pedals, you can have a really intense and secure contact with your bike. With clip-on shoes, when it comes to the rubber of the sole the area around the cleat shouldn't be very sticky, as this can prevent you from grabbing onto that pedal, but elsewhere on the shoe if you want it to be super grippy.

Protection is also something you absolutely must consider when it comes to choosing the right shoes for you. With an electronic mountain bike, you're going to be riding on slightly more technical terrain than on a normal one. For example, when you climb a technical slope in a rut, you might find yourself hitting some roots and rocks with your toes. So definitely, toe protection should absolutely be in the form of a toe box. On the shoe and elsewhere, you need to think about ankle protection too.

There's also the durability of the shoe to think about. Now, pedal compatibility is something that absolutely must be considered when it comes to choosing these shoes. Too-flat pedals come in all shapes and sizes, with different widths and different-sized platforms. So finding the shoe that fits is key. Ultimately, try to find the pedal that works with the shoe choice.

Stiffness is something that also needs to be factored into the equation. With a flat-pedal shoe, you really need a stiff sole to deliver power without compromising the feel of the pedal under your feet; because you need to get your foot in the right position and feel what the bike is doing under your feet on the track. With spiked shoes, the stiffness of the sole is probably the most important thing to consider, as it can really make the difference in how comfortable the shoe is on long rides and how effective it will be at delivering that power.

Now, getting the right fit for your shoes is really important when it comes to mountain biking. If you're using clamps and you're using a shoe that's too big for your height, you'll struggle when it comes to slipping off the pedals, as your foot will move in the shoe and won't allow you to disengage properly. On the other hand, if you use smaller shoes, it'll be more uncomfortable. And when it comes to sizing, many manufacturers actually offer their shoes in half sizes. So to make sure you get the right size, don't forget to take into account that in summer, you'll have to wear thin socks, and when it comes to winter riding sessions, you could be wearing waterproof socks which will be much thicker. So don't compromise when it comes to sizing.

Mountain bike shoes and classic shoes: differences

Whether you're into mountain biking or road cycling, you'll quickly realize that normal shoes don't offer enough grip and traction for either. That's why appropriate cycling shoes, both road cycling shoes and mountain bike shoes, have become popular for different types of cycling. But unfortunately, not all shoes are created equal. Some shoes are better suited to certain types of cycling, and when it comes to mountain bike shoes versus road shoes, there are some glaring differences.

Road cycling shoes are, as the name suggests, designed for road cycling, which is the most traditional type of cycling.

On the other hand, MTB cycling shoes, known as mountain bike shoes, are specifically designed for cycling on rough, uneven terrain, and focus more on better grip and control.

You've probably noticed that road bikes and mountain bikes are quite different, so it's natural to have different types of shoes too.

• Classic shoes

On a road bike, your body remains in the same position for long periods. On a mountain bike, on the other hand, you use your whole body to control your bike over rough, uneven terrain. With this in mind, road shoes are designed to provide comfort over long periods. The sole is very rigid and does not bend. They are light and elegant. And they're not designed for walking! In fact, they're incredibly uncomfortable to wear off the bike. The high-end versions are made with expensive lacing, carbon-fiber soles and wood soles.

The design of the cleats at the bottom of the sole conforms to road bike pedals. They are usually three-bolt and allow you to hold on firmly to your road bike, keeping your feet in a fixed position and distributing the power ratio over your whole foot.

• Mountain bike shoes

MTB shoes differ in that they are often simpler in design and a little sturdier, making them heavier. The sole is normally flexible and sturdy, giving a very different feel to a road shoe. This is because mountain bikers have to adjust the position of their feet much more quickly to reflect the terrain they're riding on.

One of the main design differences between the two types of shoe is the compatibility of MTB shoes with running and walking. You can easily get off your bike and go for a walk, something you certainly wouldn't want to do with the rigid wooden soles of a road shoe. This is a big advantage for those looking for a versatile cycling shoe. As far as cleats and snapping on are concerned, MTB shoes feature a two-bolt system and are also easier to snap on and off, as well as to adjust in different positions on the pedals. This also opens the doors to a variety of cycling styles.

Why should you use mountain bike shoes?

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of mountain bike shoes and why you should consider saving up to buy a pair. Mountain bike shoes have a number of advantages and can take your riding to the next level, as well as boosting your confidence on the trails.

- Stiffness

Stiffness is one of the main differences between ordinary shoes and mountain bike shoes. When you flex the sole of a mountain bike shoe, you'll find it's a little stiffer than that of an ordinary shoe. Stiff shoes allow more power to be transferred to the bike as you pedal, which is very useful on big climbs. They also make riding much more comfortable. The shoe keeps your foot in line with the pedals and prevents twisting and bending on descents.

- Durability

Durability is another important factor to consider when assessing whether buying a pair of mountain bike shoes is right for you. Unfortunately, mountain bike pedals usually destroy ordinary shoes. Most of the time, this is due to the pins and grooves in the pedals. You need these to keep your feet on the pedals, but the soft rubber of ordinary shoes is simply eaten away.

Therefore, normal shoes are fine for a short period, but if you want them to last, I suggest you get a pair of mountain bike shoes as soon as possible.

- Support and grip

Mountain biking puts your foot in odd positions and calls on muscles you wouldn't normally use. Shoes are designed with rigid soles and uppers to keep your foot level with the pedals.

Mountain bike shoes are also made from a specific rubber compound designed for maximum grip on the pedals. The rubber sole is very grippy and, as they are designed for mountain biking, the spikes on the pedals don't eat into the shoe like ordinary shoes.

- Protective features

MTB-specific shoes also have a sturdier, thicker upper, which protects your feet from stones that may be thrown as well as anything else you may snag with them on the trails.

No one likes to talk about it, but this extra protection comes in very handy in the event of a bike fall. If your foot gets caught in the bike or something, you'll be grateful for the extra protection. That said, it doesn't happen that often, so you can carry on wearing normal shoes.

- Clipless pedals

The final reason why you should consider getting a specific pair of mountain bike shoes is that it gives you the option of getting a set of clampless mountain bike shoes. This implies the purchase of another set of pedals, which means a slightly higher cost for this option.

If you're just starting out, automatic pedals aren't necessary, and it's best to start with a set of flat MTB shoes. You'll only need to switch to automatic pedals when you're confident and ready for the change.