Whether you’re new to bikepacking or an experienced veteran, having the best shoes is essential if you want to have a comfortable and enjoyable ride. But with all the choices available on the market today, it can be hard to know which ones are the best bikepacking shoes for your needs.
Bikepacking is an increasingly popular form of cycling – but unlike regular cycling, it requires a special type of shoe that’s both strong enough to last long distance trips and lightweight enough to move quickly through more difficult terrain.
Therefore, it’s important to have quality shoes that will support you and make sure you don’t get any nasty blisters while travelling.
This article will help break down some of the most popular options and explain why these shoes stand out from the crowd as the best bikepacking shoes for your next trip.
We’ll look at what features each shoe has, as well as how comfortable they are, so that by the end of this article you’ll be able to choose your perfect pair.
Durability and Sole Stiffness
When it comes to bikepacking shoes, durability and sole stiffness are two of the most important factors to consider. Durability is key because you want your shoes to last through all the miles you’ll be putting on them.
Look for shoes that have reinforced toe boxes and uppers made from materials like leather or synthetic leather, which will help protect against wear and tear.
Closure system
When it comes to closure systems, there are a few different options available. The most common is laces, but you can also find shoes with velcro straps, buckles, or the BOA system.
Laces are the most traditional option and provide a secure fit, while velcro straps and buckles offer more adjustability and convenience. It’s important to choose a closure system that fits your needs.
Breathability and Ventilation
Breathability and ventilation are also important factors to consider when choosing the best bikepacking shoes. Look for shoes that have mesh panels or other breathable materials to help keep your feet cool and dry during long rides.
Additionally, look for shoes with vents in the sole or upper to allow air to circulate around your feet and reduce sweat buildup. This will help keep your feet comfortable and prevent blisters.
What makes a great bikepacking shoe?
On Bike Comfort
On bike comfort is an important factor to consider when choosing the best bikepacking shoes. Look for shoes that are lightweight and flexible, as this will help you move quickly and efficiently on the trail.
Additionally, look for shoes with cushioning in the midsole and a supportive fit that won’t cause any discomfort or pain while riding. The right pair of bikepacking shoes should provide enough support to keep your feet comfortable while still allowing you to move freely.
Off Bike and Hiking Comfort
Off bike and hiking comfort is also an important factor to consider when choosing the best bikepacking shoes. Look for shoes that have a supportive fit and cushioning in the midsole, as this will help provide support while walking or hiking.
Look for shoes with a grippy sole that will provide traction on slippery surfaces. The right pair of bikepacking shoes should be comfortable enough to wear off the bike, but still provide enough support and grip to keep you safe on the trail.
Reasons to try flat pedals / shoes for bikepacking and touring
Flat pedals and shoes are becoming increasingly popular for bikepacking and touring, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional clipless pedals. Flat pedals provide more stability on the bike, allowing you to move around more freely and easily.
Flat pedals allow you to quickly get off the bike if needed, making them ideal for technical terrain or when you need to make quick stops.
Flat Pedal Shoes For Bikepacking and Touring
The Five Ten Freerider Mid Pro VCS is an all-round freestyle mountain biking shoe designed for comfort and performance. Crafted with a snug toebox, highly supportive midsole, classic Dotty™ tread sole, and secure closure system—the Freerider Mid Pro offers the perfect blend of aggressive grip and secure grip.
An essential tool for any serious mountain biker, the Five Ten Freerider Mid Pro is engineered to keep your feet planted on the bike while you ride.
The Five Ten Freerider Pro is an all-around mountain biking shoe designed for riders who need a combination of comfort, support, and grip. This classic design features Stealth S1 rubber for ultimate grip on all types of trails, as well as die-cut EVA insoles to help you stay in control and comfortable on even the toughest rides.
The Specialized 2FO Flat 2.0 shoes are engineered for the modern mountain biker, providing optimal performance on even the toughest trails. Combining the durability and foot protection of skate-style construction with the comfort and support found in a cycling shoe, these shoes lock you in to make sure your every pedal stroke counts.
The toe guard and SlipNot™ tread outsole offer superior grip so you stay in control when tackling hills, while Body Geometry technology helps reduce fatigue when pedaling up a long climb.
The Bontrager Flatline are mountain bike shoes optimized for flat pedals. With a high-grip Vibram® Megagrip outsole, they offer superior control, stability and ultralightweight comfort.
Supple synthetic leather wraps your feet with plenty of ventilation, while Bontrager’s inForm biomechanical technology helps avoid hotspots so you can keep riding all day. Enjoy the freedom of flat pedal riding with confidence knowing your feet won’t slip off in loose terrain or on challengingly steep section.
The Giant Shuttle Flat is the ultimate bikepacking shoe, perfect for any terrain or situation. Built with durable synthetic leather upper and reinforced toe-box to keep your feet protected, it also features supportive ankle straps and Ultra Grip outsoles for superior traction on even the roughest of trails. Plus, an integrated mesh lining ensures all day breathability so you can push ahead, no matter how long the journey.
The Giro Riddance is a rugged, full-featured mountain bike shoe designed with the capability to tackle any terrain. It features an adjustable arch design that supports your feet throughout challenging off-road rides, while its molded rubber outsole provides superior grip and improved comfort in wet and dry conditions.
Its simple yet effective lace closure provides consistent tensioning and an optimal wrap over the foot for a secure fit. Be sure to take on your favorite outdoor riding adventure with the Giro Riddance.
The Ride Concepts Men’s Powerline are a rugged and reliable shoe that has been designed to perfectly fulfill the needs of aggressive mountain bikers who ride in all possible conditions.
The Powerlines feature a directional, full-grain leather upper with an engineered forefoot panel and an advanced rubber compound outsole for longterm durability and peak performance. This model is also equipped with Ride Concepts’ proprietary Impact footbed and dual-density midsole for shock absorption, stability and lasting comfort.
The Shimano GR7 SH GR701 is the perfect shoe for bikepacking. Featuring an impact-absorbing midsole, outsole grip lugs, and waterproof membrane construction, these shoes are designed to keep your feet comfortable as you slay trails and explore new terrain.
With its breathable mesh upper with TPU overlays, you’ll stay cool even on the longest rides. The lace closure with TPU stabilizers offers a precise fit that won’t slip during riding sessions. Perfect for the modern rider looking for a durable bikepacking shoe!
The Five Ten Trailcross GTX shoes are the perfect combination of performance and comfort for an all-day trail adventure. With a Gore-Tex® waterproof membrane, durable leather upper, and sticky Stealth® rubber sole, you’ll have the traction and grip you need to tackle wet and muddy trails.
The lace closure allows a custom fit so your feet will stay supported on even the roughest terrain. Chock full of features such as toe protection, foam cushioning midsole, full length EVA insole board with arch support, and welded rubber toe cap—the Trailcross GTX has superior grip control to provide you with stability on just about any terrain.
The SHIMANO SH-GR500 is a performance gravel bike shoes designed to power up rough roads and trails. Made with an asymmetrical off-road midsole, the SH-GR500 offers maximum comfort and power on any terrain. The outsole provides a secure tread that won’t slip in muddy conditions, while the stiff nylon composite sole ensures you’ll have smooth and powerful pedalling without flexing.
List of Clipless Bikepacking Shoes
The Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa is a versatile and capable clipless mountain bike shoe designed for EPX, flat, and downhill riding.
It features a board-lasted construction for superior power transfer, a sleek BOA closure system for a precise fit, and an ultra-durable DWR treated synthetic upper that’s reinforced with PU leather in the toe area for protection against rocks and other trail debris.
The full length EVA midsole provides cushioning while the stealth rubber sole provides excellent grip on any terrain.
The Shimano XC5 mountain bike shoes are designed to take you wherever your ride leads you. These shoes feature a lightweight, breathable synthetic and mesh upper combined with a carbon composite sole for comfortable support and protection on rugged terrain.
The robust outsole is reinforced with a tough rubber tread plate and delivers unbeatable power transfer and grip when you’re taking on steep inclines or technical descents. Inside, the internal shank provides midfoot rigidity while adjustable straps lock down your feet for all-day comfort no matter what type of trail you’re tackling.
The Shimano MT7 is a versatile and multi-functional mountain bike clipless pedal designed for those who want the absolute best in performance, style, and durability. Shimano’s famed mechanical precision goes into every aspect of this awesome pedal system.
With an adjustable entry/release force and adjustable release tension, you can fine tune for precise control over your foot movements. The wide platform helps improve pedaling efficiency as well as offers great stability when you need it most. This all adds up to amazing off-road performance with confidence-inspiring reliability that won’t let you down!
The Giro Terraduro is an all-purpose mountain bike shoe that provides unbeatable performance and protection in a stylish package. Suited for technical climbs, fast descents and everything in between, the Terraduro combines Giro’s proven Earth cycling shoe outsole for superior grip and flexibility with a supportive upper made from synthetic microfiber leather.
Its cleat/spd compatible design allows riders to choose the level of support according to their needs. The secure fit is neutral enough for all-day comfort from short rides to EWS epics and its low profile design keeps you connected to your pedals.
The Pearl Izumi X-Project II is the ultimate trail-riding shoe for maximum power and finesse. With a Balanced Phase construction featuring EVA Run Foam +, the X-Project II offers stiffness and cushioning in perfect harmony for optimal power transfer, all day comfort, complete control and stability on tricky trails.
An Ortholite midsole with Forefoot Dynamic Offset inserts supplies your feet with additional fatigue-fighting cushioning while allowing them to maintain full ground contact while enjoying exceptional responsiveness as you move faster over rocks and logs.
The Bontrager Foray is a great choice for anyone looking to get into bikepacking or gravel riding. These shoes offer the ultimate in durability, comfort and performance for long hauls. The Foray offers the perfect combination of traditional cycling features with modern cycling features to create a shoe that’s right at home on both paved roads and rugged dirt trails. With grippy rubber soles, breathable mesh uppers, and an integrated toe guard, these shoes are as tough as they come and up for nearly any challenge.
The Giro Ventana Fastlace is a stylish, sporty cycling shoe. It features a fast-lacing closure system that provides a secure, custom fit in an instant. A microfiber and mesh upper offers lightweight breathability while the supportive EVA footbed keeps your feet comfortable all ride long. The rubber outsole with well-defined lugs provide grip on any terrain and the Strength Through Design reinforced shank plate protects your feet from rock strikes when you’re ripping through the trails.
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The Specialized Recon Mixed-Terrain mountain bike shoes offer exceptional durability, grip, and protection for even the most rigorous trail or all-mountain ride.
With a comfortable fit, these shoes are designed to stand up to the toughest trails and off-road conditions. While providing comfort, these shoes also protect from mud, grit and water. They feature an injected heel cup for stability & a BOA IP1 dial for quick loosening or tightening so you can adjust them on the fly.
