MTB Shoes Black Friday: SPD discounts, flat

Automatic or flat pedals: starting with your bike

Start by looking at the pedals on your mountain bike. An automatic shoe has a cleat fixed under the sole with two screws, the SPD standard, recessed so you can walk. On a flat pedal, its stiff sole grips badly onto the studs. In contrast, a shoe for flat pedals has no cleat recess: its soft rubber is designed to grip the studs. If you're still unsure between the two options, the mountain bike shoes page outlines their advantages based on the discipline.

Before buying: size, cleats, and use

• Size: measure your foot in centimetres, standing up and preferably at the end of the day, then refer to the brand's size guide. Shapes vary from one manufacturer to another, and some models are available in wide versions.
• Cleats: check that they match your pedal system and whether they are included with the shoe, with the pedals, or sold separately.
• Use: a very stiff sole is for cross-country, a softer, treaded sole makes hiking easier, and a high cuff protects the ankle in enduro.
• Season: for riding in the cold, a waterproof and insulated shoe is worn with thicker socks, which should be taken into account when determining size.

Discounted shoes: read the title through

The same shoe often comes in several versions that should not be confused when comparing two discounts: lace-up, BOA dial or fast lacing quick, GORE-TEX version or not, women's or children's model, recent or previous generation. On this page, the Shimano EX700 is available both with and without a GORE-TEX membrane, the Five Ten Freerider comes in standard and Pro versions, and several crankbrothers Mallet in children's sizes. The crossed-out price of an EX700 GORE-TEX is close to the displayed price of the same EX700 GORE-TEX in your size: that's where you'll find the discount, not in the difference with the version without a membrane.

About mountain bike shoes

For road biking, the road shoes of the Black Friday have their own page; helmets can be selected from the mountain bike helmets on Black Friday and the rest of the outfit from the Black Friday mountain biking section. After the event, end-of-line pairs go to clearance, and recent models are featured in the new arrivals.

Mountain bike shoe brands in Black Friday

Shimano offers several models for women, such as the XC7 and XC9, and reserves its name S-PHYRE for its high-end shoes, like the XC903 for cross-country.

Northwave groups its winter shoes under the name Celsius: the Celsius XT Arctic GTX features a GORE-TEX membrane, PrimaLoft insulation, and a neoprene gaiter.

Giro has developed its own rubber, Tack Rubber, for the Latch, a flat pedal shoe with a low profile that brings the foot closer to the pedal axis.

crankbrothers separates its Stamp shoes for flat pedals, featuring very tacky MC2 rubber, from its Mallet shoes for automatic pedals, made with MC1 rubber that makes detaching easier; their sole is designed for their own pedals but can be used with others.

VAUDE, a German brand based in Tettnang, develops its TVL Pavei for touring: a medium-stiff sole for pedalling and walking, compatible with SPD cleats.

Frequently asked questions

Should I take my usual size?

Not necessarily: each brand has its own fit and size correspondence between centimetres and sizes. Rely on the length of your foot and the manufacturer's guide. The heel should be held without the toes touching the front.

Are cleats included with mountain bike shoes?

The product description specifies this. Automatic pedals are generally sold with their cleats. With crankbrothers, the Mallet comes equipped with a cleat from the brand; for SPD pedals, it needs to be replaced.

Can a mountain bike shoe be used on road pedals?

No: mountain bike shoes have a two-screw cleat, whereas road pedals use larger cleats fixed with three screws. Therefore, SPD pedals are needed, which is a common solution for gravel and touring.

Is a winter mountain bike shoe useful?

If you ride in cold or wet weather, yes: a regular shoe gets wet easily and your foot cools down on descents. A version with a membrane and a high cuff keeps your foot dry for much longer. The Black Friday, scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, comes just as the colder weather starts, and Vélo-Store discounts on these shoes run throughout November.

Can mountain bike shoes be given as a gift?

It's possible if you know the size in the chosen brand and the type of pedals the cyclist uses. Otherwise, a pair of flat pedals or a size-free accessory avoids the risk of an unsuitable model.