Recommendations for the best MTB SPD shoes

Hi all

I have decided to venture into the world of MTB SPD's and just ordered my self some actual pedals but now I need to decide which shoes to buy.

I have looked at quite a few reviews of the Shimano and Specialised shoes but there are so many other brands as well.

Does anyone have any experience of many different brands or have a particular shoe or brand they really recommend?

I really need to go to a shop and try some but I am not sure where would be best, I live in West Sussex but would be prepared to travel a fair distance to make sure I got the best shoes for me.

Thanks

Gaz

depends what you want them for .

for xc riding and racing , go for SIDI .

yes XC riding and the annual trips to Wales.

Why SIDI?

I've had a few over the years and the best in my opinion were Specialized and Shimano. Not had Sidi so can't say.

I am getting Shimano XTR M985 Trail SPD Pedals if that helps.

Makes me think I should go for the M series shoes as you would expect them to be tested together the most?

I do like Specialised BG range though

They the new wide platform pedals with SPD in the middle ?


I think there where reports of shoes having problems clipping in them as the cleats where too recessed for them (not designed to have the platform there)
But any of this years model I would have thought would be fine, always best to test though.

Really just go try various ones on and read some reviews but ask around your local area or look what they are wearing if you can.

I have some of the lower model boots they are great for riding, give protecting, but for climbing (hiking) up slopes or sides of hills they are not so good. Just don't have the grip in the mud or have enough easy flex for that.


I would go and narrow the choice down and see what fits your feet IN the socks you'll be wearing and have enough give for winter socks if you wear say SealSkins thermal.

Many of us get by very well with Aldi/Lidl shoes for 15 to 20 quids.

But if it XC usage then I would personally go f r the roadie (or original MTB) styling of shoe rather than the All Mountain/Hiking boot style.

But it'll all be down to personal preference in the end, spend the money and you'll get better gadgets.
I wouldn't get to hung up about them at first. Get something cheap and comfy. Once you're used to them and get how they feel and where you want support and function, , then go looking for what you know you need. Not what somebody telly you you may want.

Especially as they are your first SPD setup.

I quite like the look of the Nrthwave

To be fair thats pretty good advice, I will get a cheapish pair and see how I get on.

Yes getting the spuds you referred to but the latest versions which have excellent reviews so hopefully they will be all good.

I am just worried about when going to Wales and riding on rock and needing to get off the bike occasionally. Most of the carbon sole reviews i have read say that they are dangerously slippery on rock?

There are many factors you should think about when buying spd shoes. What you will use them for, how much you want to spend on them, will you be likely to do a lot of bike carrying, what kinds of weather you will ride in, do you need arch support inserts etc. Above all comfort should be key as different manufactures fit and sizing will differ. Some will come up narrower than others so it would be wise to try as many as possible if you can. I have quite wide feet and a lot of shoes come in quite narrow for me. Also if you are likely to be walking any amount of time stiff carbon soles can be uncomfortable and you can't always tell this in the few minutes of walking in the shop.
I currently use specialized comp shoes. I think they are a good balance for my type of riding. They are very secure with two velcro and a ratchet strap and don't have a carbon sole so I find them a bit more flexible and comfortable when walking but not too flexible when riding. Stiff carbon soles will be more efficient when riding but I'm not a racer.
Specialized also do a variety of footbeds to get the correct allignment for your feet. I'm not a specialized rep by the way, just giving you my experience lol
I think buying cheaper shoes and then buying more expensive ones afterward is a false economy, you may as well get what you need from the start particularly if you have got the nice new xtr trail pedals. I was thinking about getting a pair of those myself.

SIDI are very rigid , but confortable at the same time and soles can be rebuild . they are not cheap , £150 for a good pair but well worth it in my opinion .

the new Mavic are very good too .

European shoes are always narrow in width, Shimano and USA brands are wider.

Cycle shoes are rotational weight, so lighter ones do make a difference

Velcro straps work better in mud

Ratchet systems look better with shiny shaved legs!!!

SIDI's are worth the cash, and make you go faster