The history of MTB shoes is a long one. It started with the invention of the first mountain bike in the early 1970s. The first MTB shoes were made from leather and rubber. They were designed to be worn with regular sneakers, but they didn’t tread on them.
There was a shift in design and materials for MTB shoes in the 1980s. They became more specialized and had more features that made them better suited for riding bikes off-road. The soles became thicker, and they had tread on them to provide traction on dirt or gravel surfaces.
The primary purpose of MTB shoes (also known as mountain bike shoes) is to grip the pedals and protect the feet from rocks and other debris. They also protect the feet in case of a fall.
MTB shoes are designed to provide a more comfortable and efficient ride. They are made with a stiffer sole that offers more power transfer and stability when pedaling. They also have a wider toe box which provides more room for the toes to move around, reducing the risk of developing blisters or calluses…
CHOOSING THE PERFECT MOUNTAIN BIKE SHOES
THE TYPES
- . The mountain bike shoes work fantastic on rough terrain; the rugged soles and other designs of the shoe provides traction and comfort, respectively. The different types of shoes in the category includes race cleats, freeride shoes, hybrids, and non-spd.
- The race cleat shoes are popular among cross-country riders and performance racers. They as well work well for cycling purposes. These types of shoes are usually made with carbon material; the soles are generally plastic, and the velcro straps help hold the feet correctly.
- The freeride shoes offer complete support and protection; this is beneficial in riding downhill. The soles of this shoe model are usually stiff and flat.
- The hybrid shoes work well with flat pedals. The model shoe often comes in a range of styles and fashions, and thus, it is one of the top choices among those who wish to ride in style. They usually have removable patches for cleats installation. The common materials of this type of shoe include leather, suede, etc.
- The non-SPD shoes work well for freestyle riding. The soles of the shoes are stiff and flat; they come with sticky rubber that provides the option to ride without clipping. The shoe type is famous for its flexibility.
SAFETY
The level of safety with MTB shoes depends on the usage of the fastening method. The popular methods of fastening include traditional laces, velcro, the hybrid model, and the BOA system. The conventional laces and the velcro system provide additional safety when they are used in combination in the shoes; this is known as the hybrid MTB shoes and is a popular choice among mountain biking beginners. The BOA shoes are becoming popular among all levels of mountain bikers; they provide comparatively easier adjustment and closure. They offer an additional advantage of equalizing the pressure on the foot. The type of shoe is made with nylon guides.
CONCLUSION
MTB shoes play an essential role in the safety and health of the rider. The growing trends of MTB shoes bring new styles to the market. The MTB shoes have sub-categories that serve the needs of different levels of rider. Thus, the rider can choose the MTB shoe depending on the style, level of expertise, etc.