Rawr.

If Shimano's SH-XC5 mountain bike shoes were an animal, they would most likely be a tiger. Why? Because, like tigers, they are tough, resilient, and adaptable, they excel in many different regions of the world and can seamlessly transition from one environment to the other. Like tigers, they also come in shades of black, orange, and grey. Coincidence? We're not entirely sure, but they definitely move from XC single track, to gravel road, and CX courses in a way not unlike a tiger transitioning seamlessly from the snow covered mountains of Siberia to the dense jungles of India.

To achieve this versatility, Shimano's designers used top materials, like synthetic leather uppers that give your foot a snug hug, featuring perforated venting to keep you from overheating, and lightweight carbon fiber reinforced insoles to stiffen your shoe without excessive weight. The lace-up closure is always reliable, and essentially future-proof, with no finicky boas to break mid ride from a blow against a rock, and it is reinforced with a mini power-strap to securely hold the lacing in place and offer additional support.

Underneath it all, exclusive Michelin high-traction, mud-shedding rubber makes up the outsole, ready to dominate in many conditions, whether you're 30 miles deep on a road to nowhere, lapping your local single track, or throwing your steed over shoulder to hurdle over rivers and logs at a cyclocross race. With an anti-slip arch outsole pattern, you'll feel secure and you'll receive extra support underfoot, and control laying down power on the pedals. Reinforced spike mounts are there for you when you need to ride in more extreme conditions.

• Versatile shoes for XC to CX to Gravel riding
• Perforated synthetic uppers are supportive and breathe
• Carbon-fiber reinforced midsole ads stiffness, not weight
• Future-proof laces are reinforced with a power strap
• Michelin rubber backs up the outsole with tacky grip
• Reinforced spike mounts for extreme conditions
• 2-bolt MTB cleat specific mounting
• Extra laces are included for color swapping