If you’re ready to hit the great outdoors on your bike, you’re probably doing a last-minute equipment check to make sure you’ve packed everything you need while you’re out on the trail.
A helmet is obvious, as is a fully charged phone.
But what about your footwear?
Do you slip on a pair of Air Jordan’s, or do you need to run out and buy a pair of mountain bike shoes?
Are they worth it?
Yes, mountain bike shoes are worth investing in as they provide enhanced support, a firmer grip, and better protection. If you have clipless pedals, then mountain bike shoes are a must. But, if your bike has flat pedals, then you don’t need to purchase new shoes, but you might want to make the switch to clipless pedals.
In this article, we will take a look at the difference between mountain bike shoes and sneakers, how long mountain bike shoes last, whether they are dangerous or not and much more!
Let’s not waste any more time and get right into it!
What Is The Difference Between Mountain Bike Shoes And Normal Sneakers?
Mountain bike shoes are known to have more grip and also feel a little stiffer on your feet compared to a regular sneaker.
If you’re just starting mountain biking, you’ll want a shoe with medium stiffness.
This type of footwear will be more comfortable when you step off of your bike and stretch your legs before you head back.
Mountain bike shoes also offer more protection against the elements compared to sneakers.
When you’re out in the open, the odds of your feet getting wet increase significantly.
So, you don’t want to be riding around with wet shoes and socks.
They also protect you from rocks, branches, and any other hazards that mother nature will throw at you.
While everyday sneakers will get work just fine on mountain bikes with flat pedals, mountain bike shoes offer better protection when you’re out in the open, which is why they are worth investing in.
How Long Do Mountain Bike Shoes Last?
Everything has an expiry date, but mountain bike shoes have a long lifespan compared to most other footwear.
Provided they don’t sustain a lot of damage on rides and are taken care of, mountain bike shoes can last up to five years before they need replacing.
If you see any signs of rips, tears, or the clips wearing down, then these are signs that you should purchase a new pair of shoes.
But this type of wear and tear shouldn’t occur until after several years of use.
Most good mountain bike shoes cost between $100 and $200 and are worth the price if you’re serious about mountain biking.
What Are The Benefits Of Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes?
Making the switch to clipless shoes might sound odd for most new mountain bike riders, as the only time you can wear them is when you’re cycling.
However, there are several benefits to using clipless shoes that riders have noticed after taking their first cycle.
The first thing riders notice is that they can generate more power on their upstroke.
Clipless shoes will help you go faster because you’re connected to the pedal.
Your foot doesn’t come off the pedal when you bring your knees up.
This allows you to put more power into your downstroke, and in turn, increase your speed.
Riders will also notice that your feet won’t slide on the pedals.
While it can take some getting used to, once you’ve made the necessary adjustments, you’ll notice that your riding will become more efficient.
Your feet will naturally be in the proper position, which makes for more effortless pedaling.
It’s also beneficial if you’re riding in the rain or when there is moisture in the air.
Being clipped into the pedal means that your feet won’t slip as often.
If you want to go faster on your rides without pushing your body harder, then making the switch to clipless pedals and mountain bike shoes will help you achieve this result easier.
Are Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes Dangerous?
The thought of being locked into a mountain bike can give some riders the impression that clipless shoes increase the risk of injury.
The view is that if they fall or crash into something, they’re unable to stop themself with their legs.
However, there is no scientific evidence or statistical data to show that clipless mountain bike shoes are more dangerous than regular sneakers.
If you do crash while wearing clipless mountain bike shoes, your feet will instantly disengage due to the torque of the pedal.
But if you’re about to fall and want to stop yourself, you’ll need to practice unclipping your shoes, which is done by twisting your ankle to unlock your feet from the pedal.
While there are some risks with wearing clipless mountain bike shoes, they are no more dangerous than any other footwear and do not increase the odds of injuries or accidents according to reports.
What Are The Benefits Of Non-Clip Mountain Bike Shoes?
Even though there are several benefits of being clipped into your mountain bike, it’s not for everyone.
You might not get the same speed or enjoyable experience as you would with clipless shoes, but some other advantages are known while wearing non-clip mountain bike shoes.
Some of these include:
More comfort on jumps
Different skills acquired compared to clipless shoes
Requires a full-body handling experience
Increase of focus needed to manage all body parts
Infinite foot positions due to not being locked in
Increased mobility advantage when approaching crashes or falls
No issues with loose cleats, sloppy pedal springs, and mud-packed cleats
Doesn’t require a second pair of shoes if you’re driving to a track
Non-clip mountain bike shoes are generally reserved for beginners who are still starting out, but there are some advantages for experienced riders who prefer keeping their feet free at all times.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Non-Clip Mountain Bike Shoes?
Despite some positives, there are some disadvantages to non-clip bike shoes that you need to be aware of before you run to the shops to buy some.
The most obvious is that your legs won’t generate as much power compared to clipless shoes.
This means you’re unlikely to reach the same types of speed.
This is fine if the trails you’re riding on are full obstacles that limit your speed, but are not great for wide, open spaces.
You’re also going to need to pay more attention to your foot placement.
Because your feet aren’t locked in to the optimum place, you’re going to have to position them in the right spot.
Depending on the terrain and the environment, it will be easier for your feet to slip or move while you’re riding.
Meaning you’ll have to reposition them every single time to maintain speed.
Speaking of slipping, if you plan on riding with non-clip mountain bike shoes, then you might also want to purchase some shin protectors.
Many riders have complained about shin scars after riding with non-clip mountain bike shoes due to their feet slipping on the pedals.
If your foot slips off the pedal, it will continue to rise and can cause a very nasty cut.
While there are advantages and disadvantages of both types of mountain bike shoes, you’ll need to weigh both of them up depending on what type of rider you are and want to become.
Do You Need Mountain Bike Shoes?
If you plan on becoming a regular mountain biker, then it is worth investing some money in mountain bike shoes.
While they will take some time to get used to compared to your regular sneakers, they offer several benefits when it comes to your riding experience and the type of workout that you’ll get from wearing them.
Regular sneakers are fine for beginners, but you’ll eventually want to make a switch to clipless mountain bike shoes to help increase your speed without having to work harder for the results.
Non-clip mountain bike shoes are also an option if you prefer not to be locked into the bike.
But you will need to weigh up the pros and cons and measure them against your riding style and the types of terrain you cycle on.
With their long lifespan of approximately five years, mountain bike shoes are worth the price if you are serious about becoming a seasoned rider.
