Kicking off our list is a staff favorite due to its lightweight, not-even-there comfort and definitely there, in-your-face performance. The upper construction and side-mount dials deliver even and precise pressure to press against the top-tier carbon sole.

One of the reasons we love the CX238 is its roomy toe box that allows more natural foot expansion and swelling during a long ride. That, combined with its Race Carbon sole and CX Competition last, provides your feet the ideal environment to ride.

Shimano’s RC702 is a fantastic riding shoe with enough specs and pedigree to help you step into fast group rides and amateur races—if you get the itch. Dual dials finesse the fit and the 10/12 carbon-sole stiffness level channels effort into results on the pedals.

Equipped for both 2- & 3-bolt cleats, this Pearl Izumi shoe lets you do exactly as its name suggests, in or out of the spin studio. In the Attack, you’ll have the stiffness underneath and the comfort over the top to make gains in fitness. Rack up the miles at a great price point.

Sidi’s Dust Gravel doesn’t miss a beat off-road and comfort is the primary goal. Its lightweight design is held in place by their own Wire system and reinforced by a Sidi heel cup. A nylon sole and MTB-inspired lugs bring performance to the pedals and off the bike.

As the name suggests, you can do it all with this elite-level off-road shoe. The lugged carbon-composite sole balances the stiffness and walkability you need on and off the pedals, and the unique dial laces and dual-density footbed ramp up the comfort for optimal performance.

Amp up your trail rides with the durable ME702. Designed as 2-bolt compatible with plenty of grip for the pedals, it's eager to throw into just about anything on the trail. Just tighten the speed laces and ratchet down the cover, and you're ready to ride.

Sleek, lightweight, and BOA-equipped aren’t the typical traits of trail shoes, so we’re a bit infatuated with the new Union BOAs. They’re a cinch to put on, stick like glue to the pedals, and easily handle big features with a midsole designed to absorb jumps and drop-ins.

The Freerider Pro may look like a simple lace-up on the surface, but its features will prime you for the illest freerides of your life. A super tacky sole, durable design for brushing off hits, and comfort for days make it a go-to shoe for bike parks and trail days.

The freedom of a flat pedal paired with the simplicity of a single-dial shoe sounds like a dream on dirt to us. Pearl Izumi’s X-Alp Launch even features a sole designed to help with traction on the hike-a-bike sections.