Shoes
Used MTB shoes from UK sellers, split into two camps: flat pedal and clipless. Flat shoes like the Five Ten Freerider use Stealth rubber for pedal grip without commitment, while clipless models such as the Shimano ME5 and Crankbrothers Mallet take SPD two-bolt cleats for direct power transfer.
Flat pedals or clipless?
Flat pedal shoes rely on sticky rubber compounds — Five Ten's Stealth S1 and Ride Concepts' D3O rubber are the benchmarks — with a sole pattern designed to interlock with pedal pins without cleats. Clipless shoes use SPD-compatible two-bolt cleats (Shimano SM-SH51, or SH56 multi-release) recessed into the sole so you can still walk. Some riders run SPD for XC and enduro, others prefer flats for bike parks and technical riding where quick foot-off is essential — the same riding that has people wearing pads.
How stiff should the sole be?
Sole stiffness directly affects pedalling efficiency. XC race shoes use full carbon soles — Shimano rates theirs 1-12, with 12 being stiffest — while trail shoes use nylon or fibreglass shanks, enough stiffness for climbing but flexible enough to hike-a-bike, usually with reinforced toe boxes. Enduro and DH flat shoes prioritise grip and impact protection over stiffness. Long XC rides reward a stiffer sole; technical trail riding with lots of walking is easier on your feet with moderate flex.
Laces, BOA or straps?
Laces are simple and field-repairable, and most flat shoes and trail clipless shoes use them. BOA dials offer micro-adjustable fit and one-handed tightening, common on XC race shoes like the Shimano XC9. Velcro straps are fast but less precise, and ratchet buckles appear on some enduro shoes. For muddy UK riding, laces tucked under a tongue flap prevent snagging.
What size should I buy?
MTB shoe sizing varies significantly between brands: Five Ten runs narrow, Shimano runs true to size with wider toe boxes, and Crankbrothers and Ride Concepts run half a size large. Always check the manufacturer's size chart against your foot length in millimetres, and allow room for thicker winter socks if you ride year-round — most riders go up half a size for cold-weather shoes.
Which shoes work through a UK winter?
Standard mesh-upper shoes are fine for summer but soak through instantly in UK conditions. Gore-Tex lined shoes such as the Shimano MW series and Northwave Celsius keep water out but run warmer, and neoprene overshoes are a cheaper alternative. Insulated shoes with reflective linings and waterproof membranes are worth the premium alongside the rest of your winter riding kit — cold feet end rides early.
What should I check buying used?
Inspect the sole rubber: worn-smooth Stealth rubber on flats loses all grip. On clipless shoes, check the cleat bolt threads aren't stripped and the cleat mounting area isn't cracked, then examine the heel cup for collapse, which indicates the shoe is worn out. Check BOA dials still click and hold tension. The smell test matters too — shoes stored damp may have permanent odour and degraded glue, the same thing worth watching for in used gloves.