Here we take a look at six shoes, some established favourites and others new on the scene.

SHIMANO M200

It’s 25 years since Shimano launched their SPD (Shimano pedaling dynamics) pedals and shoe system and now have a range to covers most riding styles. The M200 is aimed at enduro racing and uses Shimano’s new Torbal (Torsion balance) tech. This provides a stable pedaling platform, the correct amount of torsional twist (for aggressive riding) yet reduced sideways roll of the shoe when clipped in. The carbon reinforced midsole and harder cleat contact mount results in an efficient pedalling platform. They’ve been developed to work well with Shimano’s ‘Trail’ platform style SPD pedals although this is certainly not essential.

The upper constructed from a light yet robust synthetic microfibre material, with strategically places venting panels and strips on the toe box and the sides. The M200 is an ‘all-weather’ shoe so like the FiveTen Kestrel it will shrug off a reasonable amount of water yet still keep you at a good temperature year round.

A speed lace system and ratchet buckle is used for adjustment with a splash cover for protection sitting over the top. Robust heel and toe-box bumpers along with raised and padded inner ankle area give great protection for hard and fast riding. A high traction sole with plenty of sticky rubber along the whole length gives the right amount of traction when off and pushing.

The M200 is now a proven and sound choice with plenty of attention to detail and Shimano’s reassuring longevity. A good all-weather or four season race shoe.

PRICE: £129.99

WEIGHT: 762g (pr)

SIZES: 38-50

Now replaced with the new Shimano ME7 shoes which features HERE

www.madison.co.uk

www.shimano-lifestylegear.com

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FIVETEN KESTREL

A new style of shoe for FiveTen, having been in development for over four years (with testing from Nico Vouilloz), and now also seen on the feet of Cannondale’s Jerome Clementz. A super-stiff mid sole is combined with a mix of FiveTen’s Stealth rubber, with a harder compound around the cleat box to help reduce pedal/shoes friction giving easier cleat release.

The Kestrel’s upper is quick drying with a finely perforated toe area keeping the worst of the water out yet retaining breathability. We first used these at the tale end last winter and were impressed with their wet weather performance, yet later on in the heat of the summer they also remained comfortable. The ankle is cut low, providing little impact protection, but the toes and heel are buffered by additional rubber.

A single Boa ratchet ‘dial’ and wire system is used to fine tune the fit. A wire ‘lace’ criss-crosses the upper foot, tensioning the shoe with a twist of the dial. This is easily done before or during the ride. We’ve noticed the single dial doesn’t always adjust the tension evenly and feel that a two dial system would spread the tension more reliably. On occasion we’ve knocked the Boa dial when riding and released the tension slightly.

The Kestrel’s sizing comes up a little roomy for the given size, so it’s worth trying on before buying.

A very stiff, tough, shoe for putting in some serious miles. If you’re not keen on the Boa system but like the idea of a stiff Fiveten SPD shoe then take a look at the recently launched Kestel Lace.

PRICE: £140 (Boa model)

WEIGHT: 806g (pr)

SIZES: UK 4-13

www.fiveten.com

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SPECIALIZED 2FO CLIPLITE

A new shoe for launched last summer and chasing hard on the heels of the new wave of stiff soled enduro race shoes. In a similar style to the FiveTen Kestrel, Specialized have taken their 2FO ‘Slipnot’ compound rubber sole and mated this to a stiff midsole for great pedalling efficiency and good traction on dirt and wet rock.

With a lightweight, supportive, and quick drying upper, the shoe uses Specialized’s proven ‘Body geometry’ fit, an area in which they’ve spent plenty of focus and investment in over many years. The closure is adjusted using the Boa ‘dial and wire’ system as seen on the FiveTen Kestrel but in this case with two dials (instead of one) and an additional strap. There’s some additional padding around the ankle cuff with a light mesh waffle under the tongue too.

The midsole is as stiff as the FiveTen Kestrels and has the curved shape of the Giro Terraduro, a good combination. As with most of these new wave SPD shoes, the 2FO Cliplites have a large cleat box with enough adjustment to get the cleats sitting a good way back. The sole is fully covered with Specialized’s Slipnot rubber compound but has a fairly low-profile tread, nothing like the deep lugs on the Shimano M200.

The Cliplite is well made and ticks all the boxes for an up to date SPD shoe. It’s also available in a range of limited edition colours too, not just the plain black/grey model in the photos. For 2017 Specialized has added a lace up version of this shoe (as have FiveTen with the Kestrel Lace) keeping things a touch simpler and cheaper too.

PRICE: £140 (Boa model) £100 (Lace model)

SIZES: 39 – 49

www.specialized.com

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MAVIC CROSSMAX XL PRO

You’ll be familiar with the French brand Mavic from their wheels, and as is their way, they only produce high performance hardware and kit. The Crossmax XL Pro shoes have a distinctive style and have been designed and tested by European enduro racers, and this shows in the attention to detail. The design of the upper sits well above the ankle, with a textured stretch cuff keeping out grit and trail debris. The upper is heavily ventilated (possibly too much for the UK?) and is adjusted by a speed-lace system with a ratchet and topped with a covering flap.

Mavic’s sister company Salomon provides the ‘Contragip’ rubber for the heavily lugged sole which as expected has a compound ideal for this type of shoe (being used on their outdoor trail running footwear). The midsole is stiff and the rubber covered toe area is curved, helping with walking when off the bike. This higher cut boot is a purposeful option giving additional protection with no real weight penalty.

Mavic spec an Ortholite insole which is anti-bacterial, odour reducing and ventilated as well as offering good cushioning and support.

For those wanting a touch more support without going for a heavy and hot boot these Crossmax XLs are well worth a look. Mavic’s newer DeeMax Pro shoes (which we have yet to test) look like a good option for those wanting a lace up closure.

PRICE: £135

WEIGHT: 920g (pr)

SIZES: UK 3-13

www.mavic.co.uk

[monetizer101 search=’Mavic Crossmax XL Pro’]

CONCLUSION

All the shoes we’ve featured have used the proven trail SPD shoe style and taken the design up a level or two. As with most kit, the fit is very personal and what works for one rider may well be uncomfortable for others. We’re seeing some really great touches, with added protection, secure adjustments, increased weather resistance and good off the bike traction all being benefits over and above many regular trail shoes. If you’re mixing up your trail riding and DH/uplifting then maybe a shoe with more of a gravity slant would be more suitable? We’ve thrown the Shimano AM9 in the mix here but also check out the Giro Chamber (from our 2016 and 2017 Dirt 100 pick) along with a good choice from FiveTen.