Mountain biking demands specialized gear, and footwear is no exception. The right women’s mountain bike shoes can drastically improve your comfort, control, and overall performance on the trails. Whether you’re tackling technical climbs, bombing downhills, or enjoying all-day trail adventures, having the right shoes is crucial. We’ve rigorously tested a range of women’s mountain bike shoes to bring you our top picks, helping you choose the perfect pair for your riding style.
Crankbrothers Mallet Boa – Unisex
Crankbrothers Mallet Boa Unisex Mountain Bike Shoe
OVERALL SCORE: 77
- Comfort: 7.0
- Walkability: 8.0
- Stability and Control: 9.0
- Protection: 8.0
- Weight: 6.0
Outsole: Match MC1 | Weight (per shoe): 379-grams
WHY WE LOVE THEM
- Exceptionally comfortable fit right out of the box
- Large cleat opening for easy cleat positioning
- Excellent power transfer for efficient pedaling
- Superior trail vibration absorption
CONSIDERATIONS
- Breathability is only average, may not be ideal for very hot conditions
The Crankbrothers Mallet Boa is a unisex mountain bike shoe that impressed our testers across various disciplines, despite being marketed towards downhill and enduro riders. Its comfort and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for trail riding as well. The standout feature is the large Match Box cleat opening, simplifying cleat installation and adjustment. The ramped outsole design further enhances clipping in and out, even with SPD cleats, making it user-friendly for riders of all experience levels. The Boa and Velcro closure system allows for precise fit adjustments, ensuring a snug and secure feel for different foot shapes. The mid-volume fit minimizes unwanted lateral foot movement within the shoe, contributing to enhanced power transfer, particularly beneficial when tackling challenging, rocky climbs.
While the Mallet Boa excels in many areas, breathability is one area where it falls slightly short. Despite features like a perforated toe, tongue, and mesh inserts at the midfoot, the ventilation is only average. This can become noticeable during rides in hot and humid climates. However, the shoe’s overall performance, exceptional power transfer, and remarkable comfort outweigh this drawback. For riders prioritizing breathability in warmer conditions, the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip offers a more ventilated alternative.
Read our in-depth review: Crankbrothers Mallet Boa – Unisex review
Comfortable fit and stiff pedaling platform of Mallet Boa womens mountain bike shoes
The Mallet Boa’s comfortable fit and their stiff pedaling platform were highly appreciated by our testers.
Credit: Byron Adams
Best Value Mountain Bike Shoe for Trail Riding
Specialized 2FO Roost Clip – Unisex
Specialized 2FO Roost Clip Unisex Mountain Bike Shoe
OVERALL SCORE: 76
- Comfort: 7.0
- Walkability: 8.0
- Stability and Control: 7.0
- Protection: 7.0
- Weight: 9.0
Outsole: SlipNot FG | Weight (per shoe): 322-grams
WHY WE LOVE THEM
- Exceptionally lightweight design
- Impressive power transfer for a lace-up shoe
- Comfortable and easy to walk in, both on and off the bike
- Highly breathable for warm weather riding
CONSIDERATIONS
- Some lateral foot movement noticed at the midfoot during intense efforts
Don’t be fooled by its casual, street-shoe appearance; the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip is a high-performing mountain bike shoe that delivers excellent power transfer at an attractive price point. This lightweight lace-up shoe is designed for versatility, making it suitable for everything from cross-country adventures to demanding trail riding, excluding extreme lift-accessed downhill. The SlipNot FG sole provides reliable traction when you’re off the bike for hike-a-bike sections, while also offering adequate flex for comfortable walking. The generous cleat adjustability, with over 1 ¼” of fore/aft positioning, allows riders to fine-tune their cleat placement. Clipping in and out is also effortless thanks to the well-designed cleat opening.
During our testing, we observed that the relaxed fit of the Roost Clip does have a slight impact on power transfer. While heel lift wasn’t an issue on steep climbs or technical sections, we did experience some lateral movement at the midfoot during hard pedaling efforts. Despite this minor drawback, the Roost Clip still provides very good power transfer, particularly impressive for a lace-up design. Considering its overall performance and affordability, the Roost Clip stands out as an excellent all-around mountain bike shoe, even outperforming more expensive models in several of our tests. For riders seeking enhanced lateral stability, the Ride Concepts Hellion Clip is a comparable alternative.
Read our in-depth review: Specialized 2FO Roost Clip – Unisex review
Lightweight and comfortable Specialized 2FO Roost Clip womens mountain bike shoes for all-day rides
The lightweight, mid-volume Specialized 2FO Roost Clip is comfortable enough for all-day rides and offers great value.
Credit: Byron Adams
Top Pick for Technical Trail Riding
Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women’s
Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women's Mountain Bike Shoe
OVERALL SCORE: 75
- Comfort: 7.0
- Walkability: 8.0
- Stability and Control: 9.0
- Protection: 8.0
- Weight: 5.0
Outsole: Ride Concepts Clip Grip | Weight (per shoe): 413-grams
WHY WE LOVE THEM
- Excellent power transfer for efficient climbing
- Supportive and protective construction for aggressive riding
- Comfortable for long days on technical trails
CONSIDERATIONS
- Heavier than some competitors
- Breathability is adequate but not exceptional
The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip women’s mountain bike shoe is specifically designed to excel on challenging singletrack and technical descents. Our testers were consistently impressed by the level of support and comfort this shoe provides, even on extended rides. The Hellion Clip delivers impressive lateral stiffness and effectively absorbs trail vibrations, enhancing stability and control. When powering up steep, technical climbs, your feet remain securely positioned, and the stiff EVA midsole and PowerDrive nylon shank prevent unwanted flex, maximizing power transfer to the pedals. Descending rocky, technical trails feels confident and stable, as the EVA midsole effectively dampens trail feedback. The robust synthetic Microfiber uppers with reinforced toe and heel zones, along with a generously padded tongue and ankle collar, provide excellent support and protection against trail hazards. The Ride Concepts Clip Grip rubber sole and extended cleat box with a “runway” design make clipping in and out intuitive and easy.
The primary drawback of the Hellion Clip is its breathability, or lack thereof. It tends to be a warmer shoe, especially as temperatures rise. However, for riders prioritizing support, stability, and protection for technical trail riding, the Hellion Clip is a top contender. If breathability and a lighter weight are higher priorities, the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip remains a compelling alternative.
Read our in-depth review: Ride Concepts Hellion Clip review
Comfortable Ride Concepts Hellion Clip womens mountain bike shoes for long technical rides
Even at the end of a long ride, the Ride Concepts Hellion Clip shoe was still comfortable with no hot spots or pressure points, according to our testers.
Credit: Byron Adams
Best for Enduro and Downhill Riding
Ride Concepts Traverse – Women’s
Ride Concepts Traverse Women's Mountain Bike Shoe
OVERALL SCORE: 73
- Comfort: 7.0
- Walkability: 8.0
- Stability and Control: 8.0
- Protection: 9.0
- Weight: 4.0
Outsole: DST 8.0 Mid-Grip | Weight (per shoe): 450-grams
WHY WE LOVE THEM
- Comfortable for all-day riding and hike-a-bikes
- Exceptional foot protection for aggressive terrain
- Excellent power transfer for efficient pedaling
- Great traction for hike-a-bike sections
CONSIDERATIONS
- Heaviest shoe in our test group
For demanding technical terrain, especially enduro and downhill riding, factors like impact absorption, support, and protection become paramount in a mountain bike shoe. The Ride Concepts Traverse women’s shoe is engineered to excel in these conditions, offering a stable, protective, and supportive platform for aggressive riding. From challenging descents to rocky hike-a-bikes in varied conditions, the Traverse consistently delivered, exceeding our expectations. Unlike some shoes that leave feet fatigued after technical sections, the Traverse effectively minimizes trail chatter and vibrations, impressing our testers with its stiffness and impact absorption capabilities. It also provides the highest level of protection among the shoes we tested, thanks to its unique asymmetrical medial collar and robust construction. Despite its focus on protection, the Traverse remains remarkably comfortable both on and off the bike.
The primary trade-off with the Traverse is its weight. It’s the heaviest shoe in our test, weighing in at 450 grams for a women’s EU size 40. This added weight is largely attributed to the enhanced ankle support and overall protective features. However, if you prioritize high-performance, protection, and comfort for tackling demanding terrain, the Traverse is an excellent choice. For riders seeking a lighter option, the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip offers a less weight-focused alternative.
Read our in-depth review: Ride Concepts Traverse review
Mud shedding D30 High Impact Insole of Ride Concepts Traverse womens mountain bike shoes
We were impressed at how well the D30 High Impact Insole of the Ride Concepts Traverse shed mud, maintaining comfort and performance.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Product Comparison
Comparison of womens mountain bike shoes tested
We rigorously tested 13 of the top-rated and most popular women’s mountain bike shoes to provide comprehensive insights.
Credit: Byron Adams
How We Test Women’s Mountain Bike Shoes
Since 2018, we’ve been dedicated to testing women’s mountain bike shoes, evaluating over 27 different models to identify the best options for various riding styles and budgets. Our review process begins with extensive market research, identifying the latest products and updates to established favorites and award-winning shoes. We then purchase the shoes at retail and embark on our comprehensive testing protocol.
Our initial step involves assessing the fit of each shoe, as sizing can vary significantly across brands. While the majority of shoes in our review are women’s-specific designs, we also include unisex models, reflecting the industry trend towards less gender-specific offerings. Our team of experienced testers then commences rigorous on-trail testing, often riding the same trails back-to-back with different shoe models, and even riding with a different shoe on each foot to facilitate real-time comparisons of comfort, breathability, walkability, and stability. Our primary testing grounds are the diverse trails surrounding Sedona, Arizona, complemented by testing in the forests of Minnesota. We dedicate a minimum of 25 hours to testing each pair of shoes, striving to ride in a range of temperatures and weather conditions to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on shoe performance. For a deeper understanding of our testing methodology, refer to our detailed How We Test article.
Our testing metrics are carefully weighted to reflect factors that significantly influence a mountain bike shoe’s overall trail performance and comfort:
- Comfort (25% of overall score)
- Walkability (25% weighting)
- Stability and Control (20% weighting)
- Protection (15% weighting)
- Weight (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our women’s mountain bike shoe testing is spearheaded by Tara Reddinger-Adams. Tara brings five years of testing experience with GearLab and over 11 years of experience in the bike industry, including bike shop work and mountain bike coaching certifications from the Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association and Bicycle Instructor Certification Program. She has coached for VIDA MTB Series and is the owner of North Star Mountain Bike Guides. Tara’s passion for empowering riders and enhancing their skills underscores her commitment to identifying and recommending high-performing gear.
Testing different mountain bike shoes for performance and comfort
Hiking up Horsethief Bench in Fruita, Colorado, showcasing the walkability testing of mountain bike shoes. The rubber sole on the Traverse provided excellent traction on rock slabs.
This quickly became our go-to shoe for technical trail riding, demonstrating its versatility and performance across varied terrain.
Analysis and Test Results
Extensive on-trail testing, involving wearing different clipless mountain bike shoes across diverse terrain and conditions, is central to our in-depth product evaluations. For this review, we subjected 11 pairs of women’s mountain bike shoes to our rigorous hands-on testing process. We’ve incorporated updates to popular models alongside new entrants to the market. Each shoe is evaluated based on our established test metrics, reflecting the key factors influencing a shoe’s performance and comfort.
As you navigate our review, consider your individual riding priorities and preferences. Our ratings are comparative, and even lower-scoring models might be compelling options based on your specific riding style, needs, and budget.
Real-time comparison of womens mountain bike shoes during testing
We frequently test with a different shoe on each foot to enable real-time comparisons of comfort, breathability, and power transfer during mountain bike shoe evaluations.
Credit: Byron Adams
What’s the Best Value?
Cost and performance are critical considerations when selecting mountain bike shoes. While “value” isn’t a formally scored metric in our testing, we recognize that price doesn’t always equate to performance. Our testing has revealed numerous lower-priced models that incorporate trickle-down technologies and deliver exceptional performance. With the increasing specialization of mountain bike shoes, the choices can feel overwhelming. However, this specialization also means a wider range of options are available across various price points and for diverse riding styles.
Many of the shoes in our test are designed for specific disciplines. For example, the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip excels in trail riding, the Ride Concepts Hellion Clip shines on technical trails, and the Ride Concepts Traverse is a top performer for downhill and enduro disciplines.
Specialized 2FO Roost Clip womens mountain bike shoes offering great value
The Specialized 2FO Roost Clip is a great value womens mountain bike shoe and outperforms many more expensive shoes in our comprehensive testing.
This quickly became our go-to shoe for technical trail riding, highlighting its unexpected versatility.
We are particularly impressed with the Roost Clip’s lightweight construction and efficient power transfer, all at a relatively budget-friendly price. The Roost Clip is among the lighter shoes in our test group and is comfortable enough for both cross-country and trail riding. However, it may lack the robust protection needed for demanding lift-accessed downhill riding.
Comfort
Ideally, mountain bike shoes should become an extension of your body, unnoticeable during rides. Fit is subjective, given the diversity of foot shapes and sizes. Recognizing this, some manufacturers are moving towards “unisex” shoe designs, and our testing includes both women’s-specific and unisex models. For our comfort assessment, we evaluate shoe length, width, volume, and adjustability to accommodate varying foot dimensions. We also monitor for pressure points or hot spots during rides, considering comfort for both short and long rides. Shoes causing discomfort or pressure points receive lower scores, while those remaining comfortable throughout extended rides score highest. Comfort accounts for 25% of the overall shoe score.
Among the 11 pairs tested, the Crankbrothers Mallet Boa and Specialized 2FO Roost Clip stand out as the most comfortable for our testers. The 2FO Roost Clip features a mid-volume, relaxed fit that isn’t overly wide, allowing for natural toe movement during long rides. It’s an excellent choice for all-day comfort.
Comfortable relaxed fit of Specialized 2FO Roost Flat womens mountain bike shoes
The 2FO Roost Flat features a relaxed fit and has a nicely padded tongue and ankle that contribute to its exceptional comfort for women mountain bikers.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
The Crankbrothers Mallet Boa also offers a mid-volume fit that minimizes lateral foot movement. Our testing confirmed its supportive comfort on both short and long rides, making it another top choice for all-day use.
The fit and comfort levels varied significantly across the tested shoes, as did sizing. We strongly advise consulting shoe sizing reviews and manufacturer sizing charts to determine the optimal size for your foot.
Walkability
Inevitably, mountain bikers encounter situations requiring walking, whether navigating unrideable terrain, steep climbs, or technical trail features. To evaluate walkability, we assessed each shoe’s comfort, traction, and sole flex while hiking on rock slabs, sand, loose slopes, packed dirt, and even snow. We critiqued sole flex, walking comfort, dirt accumulation, debris and water entry/resistance, and traction across diverse surfaces. Walkability constitutes 25% of the overall shoe score, recognizing its importance in all-around mountain bike shoe performance. Several top-performing shoes in this category excelled in hiking on rocky terrain. While most are less grippy in wet conditions due to limited lug depth, some shed mud more effectively than others.
Many shoes in our test group performed well in walkability, thanks to their grippy outsoles and balanced midfoot flex. The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip employs Clip Grip rubber in a hexagonal pattern on the sole. This rubber compound is firmer than those used on flat pedal shoes but still provides excellent grip and comfortable flex for walking. Crankbrothers utilizes their Match Compound rubber on the Mallet Boa Clip soles, featuring directional lugs for enhanced off-bike traction.
Comparison of mountain bike shoe soles for walkability testing
Mountain bike shoes feature diverse sole designs. In our walkability testing, flatter sole shoes generally performed better than those with raised edges, which tended to slip more on rocks.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Specialized uses SlipNot™ FG rubber on the Specialized Roost Clip sole, engineered for optimal traction. Ride Concepts incorporates DST 8.0 MID GRIP Rubber on their soles, similar to Stealth C4 Rubber. These rubber compounds are all designed to maximize traction and grip, particularly on rocks and roots, enhancing walkability performance for women’s mountain bike shoes.
The Five Ten Hellcat Pro also scores highly in walkability due to its flex behind the toes, grippy Stealth Rubber sole, and recessed cleat placement that minimizes walking interference.
Variety of soles and cleat openings in clipless womens mountain bike shoes
Soles and cleat openings vary widely on clipless mountain bike shoes; examining the sole and its flex is crucial to finding the best shoe for your riding style and walkability needs.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Stability and Control
Stability and control are vital performance aspects of mountain bike shoes, contributing 20% to the overall score. Effective pedaling, including standing, pushing, and pulling, is essential for bike control and maneuverability. During stability testing, we assess lateral flex, support, and stiffness of the shank, midsole, and sole, noting lateral support during cornering and descending. Some shoes offer excellent lateral stability, while others allow foot slippage, compromising stability, particularly when cornering aggressively. We test across diverse terrain and employ various riding techniques to evaluate power transfer and pedal control, especially on technical climbs requiring out-of-the-saddle efforts and pedal pull-up for navigating obstacles.
The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip and Crankbrothers Mallet Boa excel in stability, achieving the highest scores in this metric due to their stiff soles and lateral stability. The Hellion Clip incorporates a Power Drive nylon shank providing support and stiffness, which, combined with the synthetic Microfiber uppers, delivers exceptional lateral stability.
Power Drive nylon shank enhancing stability of Hellion Clip womens mountain bike shoes
The Power Drive nylon shank enhances the Hellion Clip’s stability, making it an ideal choice for technical terrain and demanding riding conditions for women mountain bikers.
Credit: Byron Adams
We also evaluate trail absorption at high speeds and during landings from jumps and drops. A soft sole may flex excessively, allowing pedal feel through the footbed. Conversely, a soft midsole can transmit impacts and shocks to the feet, causing discomfort. Differences in sole, midsole, and footbed design, and their ability to absorb trail impacts, become evident during our testing. The Ride Concepts Traverse features a thick D30 High Impact Insole that effectively absorbs trail chatter and impacts, making it well-suited for technical descending.
The Specialized 2FO Roost Clip also performs well in stability, featuring a Still Lollipop Nylon Composite Plate in the sole for a stiff and efficient pedaling platform. The Stiff Lollipop plate, combined with the Body Geometry footbed and SlipNot™ FG sole, effectively absorbs impacts on moderately rocky trails but transmits more feedback on more challenging, rocky terrain.
Cleat opening and adjustment measurement for womens mountain bike shoes
We measure the cleat opening and cleat adjustment range for each pair of women’s mountain bike shoes. Larger cleat boxes can simplify clipping in and out, while greater fore/aft adjustment allows for personalized cleat placement.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Protection
Mountain bike shoes should provide adequate foot protection from trail impacts, rocks, and crash-related forces. Our protection assessment considers the level of protection offered by the sole, midsole, footbed, and upper. Some shoes feature reinforcements in high-impact areas like the toe box, while others prioritize weight reduction over maximum protection. We also evaluate debris exclusion and lace security, as well as water resistance. Protection accounts for 15% of the shoe’s overall rating.
The Ride Concepts Traverse achieves the highest protection score. In addition to D30 reinforced zones and robust toe protection, its asymmetrical medial collar stands out. This feature protects the inner ankle from chainstays, crank arms, and trail debris.
Asymmetrical medial collar protection in Traverse womens mountain bike shoes
The Traverse’s inside ankle features a higher cut for enhanced protection and support. Welded D30 protection wraps around mesh areas of the uppers for additional impact resistance in these women’s mountain bike shoes.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
The Crankbrothers Mallet Boa and Ride Concepts Hellion Clip also score highly in protection. These shoes incorporate reinforced toe boxes and EVA foam in the midsole or outsole to absorb trail impacts. The Mallet Boa also features a generously padded ankle for added protection.
The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip further enhances protection with a gusseted tongue and weather-resistant uppers, effectively preventing moisture and debris entry. During testing in dusty conditions, the Hellion Clip impressively kept our socks remarkably clean despite being covered in fine dust.
Reinforced zones for debris protection in womens mountain bike shoes
Reinforced zones, such as neoprene collars, effectively keep debris out of women’s mountain bike shoes, while additional rubber at the toe box protects the forefoot from impacts.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Weight
Weight is the most straightforward metric to assess. We weigh each shoe (size EU 40 unless otherwise noted) without cleats using a precision scale. Weight contributes 15% to the overall shoe score, as it influences stability, control, and protection.
The Giro Sector is the lightest shoe in our test, weighing just 311 grams per shoe (EU 40). This sleek, lightweight design prioritizes low weight but sacrifices some trail absorption and protection compared to heavier models.
The Specialized 2FO Roost Clip, at 322 grams (EU 39.5), also scores well in weight, offering a lightweight trail shoe with a full-coverage rubber sole. The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit, weighing 337 grams (EU 40), is another lightweight contender designed for all-day comfort, incorporating EVA foam for impact protection and light toe box reinforcement.
Lightweight Giro Sector womens mountain bike shoe
The Giro Sector is one of the lightest women’s mountain bike shoes in our review, weighing just 311 grams per shoe, appealing to riders prioritizing minimal weight.
Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Conclusion
Choosing the right clipless mountain bike shoes involves considering numerous factors. Our comprehensive testing of twelve top-rated women’s mountain bike shoes is designed to guide your decision. We encourage you to carefully review our in-depth assessments, considering your riding style, foot shape, and budget. Remember that shoe categories are guidelines, and don’t hesitate to explore shoes outside their primary intended use. Cross-country shoes can perform well for all-mountain riding, and vice versa. We hope our detailed testing and reviews empower you to make an informed purchase and find the perfect women’s mountain bike shoes for your next adventure.
Looking for more mountain bike gear reviews? Explore our articles on mountain bike helmets and knee pads for comprehensive protection and performance insights.
Womens mountain bike shoe review conclusion
Hopefully, our women’s mountain bike shoe review provides valuable insights to assist you in your next shoe purchase and enhance your riding experience.
Credit: Byron Adams
