Specialized S-Works Recon
Built from the foundational motto “every watt is sacred” Specialized has made sure you get XC-focused mountain bike shoes that truly have no compromises. The S-Works Recon’s rubber toe and heel, TPU pontoons, and Dyneema™ upper come together to transfer every bit of your power to the pedals. But honestly, if you just buy them because they look so rad we completely understand.

Shimano XC903 S-PHYRE
This is a race shoe and it looks the part (especially in blue). The S-PHYRE XC903 features a stiff carbon midsole and an anti-twist heel cup for stability during accelerations and sustained high-cadence efforts so you can thrive in the harshest race conditions.

Lake MX239
When we heard this shoe has a spacious toe box and tighter heel, it was music to our ears. This means whether we’re riding gravel or XC, we’re locked in for incredible energy transfer without that pinched-toe feel. The wider forefoot also increases hike-a-bike comfort while Mountain Race X rubber outsole provides maximum grip and stability.

Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon
One of the most versatile picks in our our Spotlight, the Vento Ferox Carbon is at home on technical XC trails, cyclocross courses, and gravel roads alike. The carbon plate lets you keep every watt you generate and a rubber coating with deep studs covers the entire bottom of the shoe. If you’re looking for next-level foot containment, this shoe’s powerstrap in conjunction with BOA® will lock you in like no other.

Pearl Izumi Expedition Pro
Lightweight and stiff like a road shoe, but built for dirtier racing. The bonded synthetic leather upper is wrapped at the toe and heel with durable TPU and the lug spacing sheds mud. And inside all that? An EX PRO Carbon sole delivers uncompromising efficiency and confident hiking comfort, so if you’re going to be lining up for an gravel event or cross-country race, the Expedition Pro should be on your short list.

Fox Racing Union BOA
Robust trail and enduro shoe, with one-piece upper and molded toe cap. Nylon shank ensures power transfer while BOA® Fit System locks your foot over your choice of exchangeable arch support options. And if you think you might take more than a few steps off the bike, the Ultratac™ outsole ensures purchase like no other and an EVA midsole gives you some cushion without compromising power transfer at all.