Shimano AM50
With its lightweight mesh and stiff sole, the Shimano AM50 is a solid choice for mountain bikers. The highest-rated shoe on BikeRadar.com, the AM50 features a sturdy toe box to keep your feet safe and an aggressive sole to provide grip in muddy conditions. BikeRadar's Guy Kesteven hailed the AM50 for its "outstanding protection, comfort, pedaling balance and longevity," adding that "if you ride year-round, these are the shoes you need."
Northwave Raptor
When it comes to comfort and performance, the Northwave Raptor is a contender. A carbon-reinforced sole provides efficient power transfer, the adjustable three-strap closure provides a custom fit,and mesh uppers provide ventilation. In BikeRadar's review, Justin Lorenz noted that the Raptor's heel cup "grips the heel and Achilles' area, reducing heel lift to a minimum," and praised the Raptor's excellent fit and toughness on the trail, calling it "a genuinely durable and well-fitting bike shoe."
Five Ten Karver DH Shoe
Built for flat pedal riding, Five Ten's Karver DH shoe does away with clips in favor of a softer sole and the freedom to put a foot on the ground when necessary. In Bicycling.com's Gear of the Day review, Jonathan Allen noted the Karver's insole, which is "stiff enough to transfer energy during hard pedal mashing, yet soft enough to land tibia-jarring jumps and still walk in comfortably." He also remarked on the Karver's sole and it's "seemingly miraculous ability to hold onto a pedal," calling it the next best thing to a clip-in.
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
