How To Choose The Best Mountain Bike Shoes & Pedals For You | GMBN Tech's Definitive Guide

There are endless options in many areas of mountain biking products, but shoes and pedals are one that you really want to get right first time! So, with the help of Shimano, Doddy's got a range of shoes and pedals to demonstrate what might be the style for you for the type of riding you like doing!
In association with Shimano MTB
Subscribe: gmbn.tech/subscribetogmbntech
The GMBN Shop: gmbn.tech/nQ
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook! @gmbntech
#shimano #gmbn #gmbntech #mountainbiking #mountainbike #mtb #bikelife #cycling
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gmbn.tech/nP
Watch more on GMBN Tech...
Clips or Flats? 🤔 📹 gmbn.eu/ClipsVFlats
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sounds
Final Chapter (Instrumental Version) - Snake City
Ocean Waves - Phello
Guillotines - Thip Trong
Submit your content here:
upload.gmbn.com/tech
Brought to you by the world’s largest mountain bike channel, the Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN), GMBN Tech goes deeper into the bikes, kit and technology stories that help fuel your rides.
Our mission is to help you discover, dial-in and get the best from the latest cutting edge bikes and technology available.
With news and rumours, first ride exclusives, how-tos, the weekly GMBN Tech Show wrapping up and showcasing the week’s biggest tech stories, and more besides, if it’s off-road tech, it’s in.
Every week, of every month we seek out, showcase, and ride the newest gear and innovations from across the globe in an authoritative, inspiring and entertaining way to help you get the best from your rides. And when we’re not riding, we get geeky in an accessible, easy-to-understand way about forks. And shocks. And more to help you setup and maintain your bikes perfectly.
Engage with us every week on the channel and across social media - we’re here to answer every question you’ve got on mountain biking tech.
Facebook - gmbn.tech/gmbntechfb
Instagram - gmbn.tech/gmbntechinsta
Twitter - gmbn.tech/gmbntechtwitter

[@gmbntech]

Do you ride clipped in or on flats? Let us know 👇

[@NaturallyRapid]

Are skate shoes a cheaper option for beginners using flats?

[@charlesroberts502]

now I'm using flats but finding some clipped shoes

[@fynnhansmann8027]

My Ridgid 29er clipped and my AM/EN on flats

[@nateduvall6973]

Flats on my trail bike. Also flats on my Enduro bike.

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Shimano spd since 1995! 😮

[@voldemortified]

“Doddy Sells You Shoes and Pedals in a 20-Minute Long Infomercial that’s Exceptionally Well Produced” There, fixed that for ya ;)

[@jeffwertz8108]

Doddy you're the best and I learned things to look for in a shoe from this video, but this was basically a commercial for Shimano products. I decided on a TIME clipless pedal. I have no idea if any of these shoes are compatible with it (I assume they are - the Speciale 8) but I would expect the highest quality from GMBN since you guys rock but that would include comparing brands and cross-brand compatiblity issues. Missed the mark a bit on that note. Thanks though keep doing what you do. I learn a lot every week from you guys.

[@lexx348]

Yep, should be marked as paid promotion video, which is totally fine, just gmbn should be more transparent about it

[@jameswoods4656]

I enjoy my Five Ten flat pedal shoes and Race Face Chester pedals. Full on insulated boots for winter in Colorado though.

[@doichindoichev6274]

Doddy, I was looking for Shimano clipless shoes and pedals but didn't know what to get so I watched this video. Now, I decided on a pair of am5 shoes and those xt enduro pedals. Thank you for making this infomercial, you helped me a lot!

[@antonioCsilveira]

Wow, really comprehensive video. Thank you for doing that.

[@martinbrimble5878]

Great explanation, well presented... I’ve just gotten my first pair of cleated shoes, and came for the multi-release cleat info.. I’ve NEVER ridden cleats before but thought I’d give them a go

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Great video Doddy and just as I'm looking at updating my shimano spd shoes 👍 ME7's it is 👊 Great insight into all the different shoes and pedals 👍 Awesome stuff #GMBNTech 👊🤘

[@WelshGallivanter]

Nice one, saved me a research session. That answered a lot of questions for me, Thanks

[@Randonstorn]

Your my favorite mate. You know everything. Thanks for your knowledge.

[@pknark]

Fiveten freerider contacts with oneup pedals, magical combo

[@markspoor4663]

I have this combo and have been riding it for a couple seasons. I love it on the down, but on long technical climbs, it's distracting to keep trying to find the ideal pedal position. I really wanted this to work, but I am going back to clips.

[@tamusbaby]

thank you for the great vids. Im new to cycling and your channel has been a great resource for product review and tech.

[@noxed11]

@doddy - If I remember correctly from the old days - this topic is close to your heart. So how many of those pairs did you keep after the shoot?

[@tewerts3344]

best clipless pedal in my opinion is Shimano SPD, works brilliant as a bottle opener in the bike cave :-)

[@freya6753]

Or a shin opener👍

[@boomerangfreak]

Northwave terrea plus shoes matched with CB candy 1 pedals. Love the combination and works wonders on both my fully and HT.

[@popeyesailorman911]

Great Job taking the time to review ALL those different types of shoes for different terrains/purposes. Honestly, i've big sweaty feet, so low-tops will tend to slip/slide off when walking bike in hilly/muddy terrains. My bets are on Mid-top shoes, i think they'll suit my needs much better than low-top shoes, but everyone is built differently and have different riding styles.

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

First time my LBS beat me to a GMBN Tech video -- had this one playing on loop earlier, while I was out getting reserve disc brake rotors for my CX and XC bikes, earlier this morning. Thinking of getting a Shimano ME7 or XC7 for the long haul days/nights. Currently testing an ME1 for general riding on both my bikes now, and on a loaned road bike.

[@tonyrgnash]

Great vid Doddy, i've been looking at the ME7's but wasn't sure what pedals to mate them up with.... i'm a novice XC/Trail rider but love getting into the mucky stuff

[@KingSengco]

Nice blue Canyon bike, mate. I like the fork installed on it

[@mtbboy1993]

For me the best option was Fiveten Freerider high and Fiveten Freerider EPS, some other shoes will be too warm, or not have enough protection, or be overkill. Impact shoes are warm, not waterproof, heavy, overkill for most riding. some others are so low, they got no protection for ankle at all, the Freerider don't impact protective pads, but they are high so will protect at scuffs,scrapes, and rear of the shoes have a stiff plate inside so it protects against pedal strikes.

[@drquentinfree4406]

Excellent informative video. Thanks

[@geoffwoods7673]

Great video Doddy, very informative. Thanks, keep them coming!

[@ShitStefanShoots]

5.10 Sleuth DLX on SB3 Flowy pedals - perfect

[@NotMyFullTimeJob]

I love my specialized 2FO for flat pedals, much better then my old 510 freerider

[@CarloDimacali]

I just use my Adidas Grand Court Sneakers and installed no tie laces and it sticks very well on my race face chester pedals. It's inexpensive and works very well for me. :)

[@Sharpiesailor31]

I use both but prefer to use clipless on the road and flats on trail on my trek Powerfly 5 e-bike.

[@martincraig6300]

FiveTen Freerider Pros with Hope F20's is the combo for me. 👌🏻

[@andywhite1942]

Martin Craig Freerider pro's and f20's here to. Used this combo for a year now and couldn't be happier 👍

[@nelson4483]

Same combo haha

[@jasonhammerle3582]

Id like to hear your opinion on the crank brothers Double Shot 3 pedal (one side flat, other side clipless) and something like the specialized 2F0 or the five ten hellcat so you sort of have the option of either clipped or flats depending on what section you're about to do. Also, love the show!

[@david029014]

Great Channel, subscribed!!!

[@BikingVikingMTB]

I ride both depends on what im riding and where as in terrain! Im after some gortex winter boots as Im a red/black enduro guy and these can fit in the price range of £150 . Im a size 13 foot which comes in as very expensive lol n wondering what type of clipped pedal to use. I would of thought an xtr pedal would u think! Great video doddy happy riding 💪

[@FhargaZ]

After i broke my ankle, i changed from the shimano crossmark to the Five's High to have more ankle support and feeling it a little safer.

[@nazmictak8945]

Officially sponsored by shimano shoes. Great job really. Shimano couldn't explain them that good. Riding casual and spd and jumping on flat pedals sometimes. Just bought a mt5 any advise would be great. Cheers from istanbul mate.

[@JC-zf6sx]

TLD 5.10 hellcat pro. Best MTB shoe I’ve ever owned. Period.

[@Superrun357]

loads of help! TY GMBN!

[@Melendezvfilms]

Great video!

[@Andrewsadventures933]

Great info

[@ncraven049]

This video is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you for all the fantastic videos!!!

[@FIGHTTHECABLE]

14:45 I habe the ME7 and both my buckels do not work properly anymore after crashing. I have to put a soft tension on the tightening system, otherwise it just slips. Once after crashing I could not even get my shoe off, I have to unscrew the philips M-screw. Otherwise one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn (I've had 3 bike shoes so far).

[@julesowen-jones9815]

I run SPD Saints with an entry level XC shoe on a trail/XC bike.

[@ricklong7107]

Hi can you advise if the Me7 would work with a set of crank brother mallet-E’s? The cleats are obviously very different in hight and I wondered if there is a work around if one is needed? Rick

[@70svd]

A very informative presentation and useful but would be nice to add in the pricing of those shoes and pedals.

[@timmeh1234]

I have the gr5, I always thought the 5 was an s and it stood for great riding shoe

[@brianmiller5074]

5.10 Impact high or low for the average joe? Thanks great channel?

[@juinalcones28]

I currently have the old XC31 shoes, now it seems to leave the lower part (where the cleats is attached) to the upper part for now i don't have the money to buy a new pair. Any idea on how can i get those two part glued again? I was thinking on putting a Epoxy Glue for ceramics. Any thoughts?

[@MichalBudzik_]

Hi great Video... I wanted to ask a question to Gmbn community. I never rode clipless. Recently purchased a new pedals (Funn Mamba one sided SPD) one side spd one side flat with like eleven little studs - big platform. I am looking for a pair of shoes that I could use with new pedals. I understand that I am trying to mix two different worlds but do you think I can use the shimano am9 on the flat side of the pedal if I dont want to be clipped in. The Me7 will probably be to stiff and sole is not as flat. But really like the am9. Your reposnse would much appreciated. Cheers

[@danwaller5312]

So what is the model of the first blue shoe you spoke about. I cant find them

[@mattlancashire2494]

When did Doddy start working for Shimano??

[@surfosaka9495]

My vans half cabs works good for me 🍻

[@seamus136]

@GMBNTech I can't find the ET5 shoes you feature in the video on any store...

[@flyingbenny]

Hey Doddy, great, informative video but having size UK16 feet options for flat shoes is zero. Currently using DC skate shoes (or work safety trainers😁) but these aren't great, do you know of anything else available? Don't mind testing them if anyone wants to make me some!😂

[@SmokeytheBeer]

Awesome video, exactly the video I've been looking for. Is there a list of all the models Doddy mentioned in this video?

[@Dreiviertel]

SC Nano X and adidas Terrex Trail Cross SL. 👍🏼

[@lorenzofontanella6357]

What model is the blue model before the one with the hancle protector?

[@brauljo]

Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedals and any cycling specific flat pedal shoes

[@charlesroberts502]

hi Doddy! nice vid I'm trying to find nice cleats for my bike what brand should I get by the way I'm more on xc trails thanks Doddy

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

Wtf

[@bluesolarmx]

What would you recommend for us riding in the desert? Because the more I search for breathability... well it seems all brands have forgoteen us riding in 30 to 42°C in the heath, no moisture at all..

[@shafhamid83]

#askGMBNTech I've got a Giro Gauge MTB shoe. It's got slots at the bottom to install cleats but I haven't got anything installed in yet because I still ride on a flat pedal. Is it advisable to use the shoe with my flat pedals? I am very much a casual rider (green & blue trail) and often get off my bike to push it up a terrain I can't pedal up. The terrain here where I live can sometimes be very slippery mud. That's why I bought the shoe to give me grip when walking, something flat bottom skate styled shoes specifically for flat pedals do not offer

[@fynnhansmann8027]

@gmbntech Can you tell me which shoe of the Shimano Range would work with a two sided Pedal? The thing is I want to run a pair of Funn Mamba Pedals (one sided) on my AM Bike. Just to be able to clip in for this fast Rooty Sections or Uphill Riding while still having the option to ride Flats on my Local Jumps or in Trail sections that are in a matter exposed that I just don't want to be clipped in. Thx for the Help Fynn

[@BalintSofalvi]

I have the AM7 + funn mamba one sided combo. Clipped in the AM7 is ok, but it clips in quite hard with all 4 pins in on the clip side, and the sole is too stiff and the compound not soft enough to give a really good feel and grip on the flat side, especially in the wet, Your feet slide off the pedal quite easily. The shoes are comfy, dry quickly, might want to consider custom insoles for stopping your feet going numb on long climbs. Hope this helps!

[@andriy_moskalyk]

Great video

[@bilbo3474]

Does anyone have any advise on shoes to pair with dmr versa pedals, I want a shoe that I can use clipped in and then base on the flat side when I’m descending

[@suryc69]

ME3 with Crank Brothers candy 1 good balance between , power transfer , comfort and price for me as xc rider

[@villimagg]

I thought this was supposed to be a video on how to choose the best shoes and pedals. Turns out it was an advertisement on Shimano products. @GMBNTech you should concider carefully how to name your videos. This sould be called "Introduction to Shimano mtb shoes and pedals, and how to choose yours" or something like that.

[@gurthang1]

Hey, does enyone know, if there is any difference between Shimano ME701 and ME702 fit ? I own a pair of ME700 that fit me perfectly. Recently bought ME701 and they have 4 mm longer insoles in size 44 and toebox is so wide, you can fit a hores hoof in there. Are the new ME702's as wide as ME701 or did Shimano take that wiiideee sizing down a notch ? ME700 was a perfect shoe, I wish Shimano start making wide and narrow fit in their hi-end models...

[@martynprice87]

Great video. I've been riding clipless for a few years but never really felt the small Shimano pedals supported by size 13 feet. Bought some Shinmano pedals with a cage but still feel I don't get enough support. Would you recommend that I switch to flats with a large foot base pedal.

[@MaplePanda04]

Martyn Price Stiffer shoes could help too

[@danervin2530]

Definitely stiffer soles. I run the ME7’s with the cheapass eggbeater style pd m540’s. LOTS of rocks where I’m at, so pedals are pretty much disposable. With the stiff soles I can’t say I felt much of a difference from the m8020 caged pedals. Loads of support, and no “hot spot” feel like I was anticipating. Now, I do weigh 170lbs so I’d assume a rider that weighs 230lbs is going to feel differently.

[@briw4647]

I have a very bad left knee, damaged through sport. The foot now is left permanently sticking out toes pointing more to the left . I xant wear clip ons for this reason

[@guitarrocker0991]

I see you with that Trust fork

[@zunasawada617]

CW Spencer I smell a new video for that trust fork

[@martinnineteen77]

Five Ten Impact shoes with Sam Hill pedals work best for me

[@Sulentar]

Now im even more confused

[@rikleferink]

Sock squad

[@nasrymatamoros1748]

Just don't ever ride in Crocs, flip flops or high heels.

[@IsaacButlerMTB]

@@nasrymatamoros1748 Na mate. Crocs all the way! 🤘

[@david029014]

I never liked shoes with laces, I once got laces caught up on my clipless pedals, i had a very bad crash. I only use sidi, happy ever since.

[@Yes_this_is_my_cat]

I just tuck my laces in my shoes, that also works great

[@david029014]

@@Yes_this_is_my_cat thats the thing my laces were tucked,I always tucked them in before a ride. it was the exposed laces on top of shoe that got caught in the clipless pedal at speed in a technical section of the trail, I could not get loose. Laces are ok if your just riding around town or in the park but aggressive mountain biking laces are a big no!

[@Yes_this_is_my_cat]

@@david029014 i have a strap on top of my shoes witch covers the exposed part at the top, so i don't have that problem, but whatever works for you, I suppose

[@david029014]

@@Yes_this_is_my_cat my shoes had that strap also, alot do, but some how it still got caught up, God forbid it happens to you but if it does you will never use laced shoes for aggressive riding. I also avoid shoes with that pull up strap in the ankle area also a catch area. I'm 51 and been riding since 20 years old, I know from experience.

[@Karnage-ds1gq]

Flats but need more ankle protection any ideas ☹️

[@ghazypangerang6118]

how about flat shoes for muddy conditions?

[@cyberhawk80]

tried crips for a week.. different positions and all.. it took 4 weeks for my knees to stop aching.. never again. . i can ride trials so i dont even need them, ,

[@jesusenriqueriveratellez531]

Doddy, is that a new canyon lux model?

[@Zack-]

Cool. Lots of info to digest but seems disorganized being more of a pedal and shoe showcase than a definitive comparison of use-case oriented relative performance. I've yet to see a shoe comparison like that, putting the shoes to pedals and hitting a few differentiations in technical sections but the same line over and over to highlight the actual performance of the shoe. Not comparing the advertised feature list. It'd be awesome if you guys did one.

[@BikeTripBro]

I like the design of XC shoes but I want to use it in flat pedals. Is it ok ? Flat shoes is ok but I dont like the design. It's like the ones worn by skaters.

[@reachfothesky]

The men's cycling shoes look nicer then the few pairs of women's cycling shoes that I've found!

[@izziebikes6691]

The first pedal ‘good quality’ my dad had some and they lasted about 3 rides until the bearings went. Sent back and got told they were faulty. So much for good quality tho I can’t fault my shoes

[@kasperdevlieger4861]

Looking for mtb shoes that also look good for road cycling.... anyone knows a good shoe? Thanks!

[@daylightsensor8695]

Actually, I think that the Shimano ME3's are better than the ME1's, just because of the ratchet system, which is similar to what one could see on rollerblades, great for XC/CX and light trail riding

[@barrycorney3665]

DMR12 paired with £20 Aldi walking boots...!

[@avelynkicksbutt]

I ride flats looking for a high top version any ideas?

[@mtbboy1993]

Fiveten Freerider if you want light weight, breathable, comfy, good fit, and not overly stiff, if you want stiff, shoes you are landing with feet off jumps, or on rock gardens, hit feet on everything ,then Five Ten Impact. I got reviews of both Freerider versions the regular high and the ESP( winter version waterproof)

[@paulsack9563]

What about wellies? I heard they are great on ebikes? :P

[@gmbntech]

Steve! 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@enoswilliam1]

Does this is bike use STI shifters?

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Flat pedals and Five Ten Freeride's

[@bobbyhempel1513]

11.32 I'm getting a stiffy just thinking about how stiff that shoe is.

[@alexitoe30]

I got confused lol I'll just use my vans

[@captaincaveman284]

My DC's work fine as well.

[@benjaminrogers9848]

Hey Doddy/team GMBN. Long time fan. Heres the thing, I suffer from really wide feet which means that all of the brands I've tried such as five ten, northwave, Shimano, ect are extremely uncomfortable (I've also got differently sized feet to add to the trouble). I'm limited to floppy joggers which makes riding sketchy. Ive come to the conclusion that I might need custom MTB shoes made (I'm 18 so this is a big issue). What are your suggestions? Does anyone you know have this problem? I'm open to anything at this point. Cheers - Ben

[@gmbntech]

Hi Ben, some brands offer a wide fit option. We would also say that it's common for more gravity focused shoes to use a wider last. This is because your foot will be wider under load when out of the saddle and walking. An XC shoe normally uses a narrower last as this is designed for spending more time in the saddle. Check out a few brands and try different shoes if you can! For Shimano check out their models that use the Volume+ and Volume Tour Last. Hope this helps! 👍

[@benjaminrogers9848]

@@gmbntech cheers 😁

[@MilatovichFamily]

Fiveten Freerider canvas an crankbrothers stomp for me. But I want winter flat am/enduro shoes, with maybe water resistant or waterproof. But there are none...

[@Trinder47]

Five ten freerider DLX water resistant not water proof but just got me through a wet aussie winter

[@Trinder47]

Five ten freerider DLX water resistant not water proof but just got me through a series aussie winter

[@dangr123]

Red trails? Where are those?

[@TheRliefhebber]

#GMBNTECH Could you guys do a similar video on protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, back protectors (combined in a backpack) etc.? It seems like there isn't any useful advice available in the almost complete flat The Netherlands....

[@watsonthedog264]

TheRliefhebber I believe they’ve already done one, of course it was sponsored content with POC so it’s got a good bit of product bias but nonetheless informative

[@TheRliefhebber]

@@watsonthedog264 , found it! Thanks!

[@kaleldelrosario4972]

I love biking but i dont have shoes. Can give one pair?

[@smokingtires9716]

I’m trying to buy a bike second hand because I don’t have the money to buy new but the bike I’m looking at a bike with clips so how do I convert it to flats ???

[@smokingtires9716]

Thanks

[@smokingtires9716]

The clips have Alan keys in them so I just turn it and eventually they will come of

[@chriswillis6747]

Today I'm starting my journey into clipless riding. 😳 I have the Bontrager Foray shoes and Crank Brothers Caby pedals... If there's any tips I might need as far as adjusting the clips and pedal I would appreciate it if someone gave them to me. Ot is it's touch and go until I get it right? 🤔🤷🏾‍♂️ I hope that's not confusing 😳

[@simonpowell2559]

Yep touch and go. Just try and test again and again. Mine are right at the front of adjustment. Maybe my road background. Also remember each foot maybe slightly different. The general idea is to set up at the ball of the foot. Have fun trying until you find what fits.

[@chriswillis6747]

@@simonpowell2559 Thank you! I'm actually looking forward to riding with full commitment and confidence! 😎👍

[@simonpowell2559]

Oh yeah, be prepared to look daft when you topple over at the lights. Ha ha.

[@chriswillis6747]

@@simonpowell2559 😳

[@Pienimusta]

Getting knee pain with Shimano SPD after 30min or so and feet getting numb. Flats are so comfortable and no issues after 3-4h on bike.

[@gmbntech]

Pienimusta your local bike shop may offer a fitting service. If so we suggest you check them out to ask about shoe fit and cleat position. 👍

[@danielaelmi]

It’s not clear the list of brands-models in the video. Plus where’s FiveTen, Specialized, Leatt, Northwave, etc…?

[@shirtsguitar]

😻 XC rider

[@vnryspld]

How I wish to have those clipless shoes and pedals... Can't afford either

[@cheefussmith9380]

I have a clipless flannel shirt. Shaves 3 minutes off my climb

[@syntrax-og]

So.... where can I buy all of these things?

[@gmbntech]

Hey Carlos, most good bike shops will stock Shimano as they are a massive brand! You could also look at some of the online shops 👍

[@migatron1]

E-bike shoes > Granpa's "Trendy" sneakers