Best Bikepacking Shoes in 2023 ⋆ Expert World Travel (2024)

• Best Clipless Bikepacking Shoes
  Giro Ventana Men's Mountain Cycling ShoesJump To Review
• Best For Bikepacking In Hot Weather
  Giro Rincon Men's Mountain Cycling ShoesJump To Review
• Best Flat Pedal Bikepacking Shoes
  Adidas Five Ten Freerider Men's Mountain Bike ShoesJump To Review
• Best Flat Pedal Shoes For Women
  RIDE CONCEPTS Flume Women's Mountain Bike ShoesJump To Review

PEARL iZUMi X-Alp Summit Men's Mountain Bike Shoes

Pearl iZumi X-Alp Summit shoes are a great option for bikepacking. Their uppers are made from synthetic leather, which is a mixture of rubber and textile. There are lots of perforations on the uppers that allow for excellent ventilation and breathability, a feature that is essential in good bikepacking shoes.

The perforated uppers also help your feet dry quicker after stream crossings, but it’s important to note that these shoes aren’t waterproof. The perforations are just above the outsole, so if you have to walk through any puddles or cross streams, your feet will get wet.

These mountain biking shoes feature a Vibram rubber outsole with lots of grip and traction, so you can easily handle the trail sections that include hiking the bike. The Pearl iZumi shoes are also compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats, but the cleats aren’t included in the purchase.

The toe boxes of these clipless shoes are reinforced to easily ward off any rocks on the trail. Also, there’s EVA cushioning the heel to improve the overall comfort of the shoes whether you’re pedaling or cycling.

Best Clipless Bikepacking Shoes

Giro Ventana Men's Mountain Cycling Shoes

Giro Ventana are lightweight and flexible clipless mtb shoes. They feature one-piece Synchwire uppers with PU bonded mesh, a toe box reinforced with rubber, and additional reinforcements in the heels. The shoes are comfortable, flexible, and offer plenty of grip and traction for both pedaling and hiking.

These gravel bike shoes feature Sensor rubber outsoles and they are compatible with 2-bolt cleats. The rubber on the outsole is sticky, so you have a better grip both on the pedals and the outdoor terrain.

Also, they have a molded EVA footbed for good arch support. The nylon shank is excellent at transferring power to the pedals and it will help you ride the bike more efficiently. These shoes also boast a micro-adjustable BOA buckle, which makes it effortless to get the perfect fit.

The buckle allows for adjustments in 1mm increments so you can truly get the best fit from these clipless bikepacking shoes. There’s also a Velcro strap to secure the foot even more.

Giro Berm Men's Mountain Cycling Shoes

Giro Berm gravel shoes are a great option if you want clipless mountain biking shoes. Their uppers are made from synthetic fiber and mesh for excellent breathability in hot weather conditions. There’s also an inner nylon shank that helps transfer the power to pedals so that you can easily enjoy the ride.

These shoes also feature a die-cut EVA footbed for maximum comfort and support. They’ve got reinforced heels and toes, for better durability and abrasion resistance. Additionally, the outsole is made from durable rubber and it features deep, multidirectional lugs, which offer all the grip and traction you might need on and off the bike.

On top of that, the Giro Berm shoes feature two-strap closure that makes it super easy to get the right fit. You can also adjust these on the go so that you’re always perfectly comfortable in the Berm clipless shoes.

Last but not least, it’s worth noting that these mountain biking shoes are priced under $80, which makes them one of the most affordable options featured in this guide. If you’re looking for comfortable clipless shoes and you’re on a tighter budget, definitely consider the Giro Berm.

Shimano ME5 Men's Mountain Bike Shoes

The Shimano ME5 Mountain Bike Shoes are a good option if you prefer cycling with clipless pedals. They’re made from synthetic leather, so they’ve got decent water resistance if you don’t step into a body of water. The uppers of the shoes are perforated for better ventilation, which means that water will get inside the shoe if you submerge it entirely.

These shoes also feature an EVA footbed, as well as a rubber outsole with deep lugs. The sole offers plenty of traction for both cycling and hiking, so these shoes are perfect if you equally enjoy the moments on and off your bike.

They’ve also got Torbal torsion midsoles, which allow for natural rider flow on steep descents. On top of that, the adjustable powerzone wire guides in the forefoot allow for a more secure fit in this gravel shoe, while the reinforced armor offers even better durability and protection.

The shoes feature Boa L6 lace closure with plastic shields that protect against accidental release, in case you bump your foot on any rocks or other obstacles on the trail. The closure system lets you adjust exactly how you want these to fit, which is necessary for a comfortable cycling experience.

Best For Bikepacking In Hot Weather

Giro Rincon Men's Mountain Cycling Shoes

Giro is such a great brand of mountain cycling shoes that we had to include a third pair. The Rincorn shoes are an excellent option for bikepackers who want something super breathable, for comfortable bikepacking sessions in the summer.

The shoes feature one-piece Synchwire uppers with soft laces for a comfortable and supportive fit. The uppers are very well ventilated, so you shouldn’t have any issues cycling in these for long periods in hot weather. On the other hand, excellent breathability goes hand in hand with the lack of water resistance, so try to keep that in mind if you come across any river crossings while you’re on the trail.

Giro Rincon bikepacking shoes feature a 3D molded footbed that offers medium arch support. It’s a good option for most people, but if you normally require additional arch support, they’re not the best bikepacking shoes for you.

Additionally, these are equipped with a dual-injected rubber outsole with a composite plate for the most optimal power transfer when pedaling. They are clipless shoes, but despite that, they offer plenty of grip and traction for the hiking part of a bikepacking afternoon.

RIDE CONCEPTS Livewire Men's Mountain Bike Shoes

Ride Concepts Livewire are a great option for flat pedal cyclers. They feature a Max Grip rubber outsole with evenly distributed lugs that will stick to the pedal. The sole isn’t the best option for hiking so you might want to consider a different pair if you need something more aggressive, but if you’re mostly focused on cycling, these work great.

They feature synthetic perforated uppers with breathable mesh on the toe box, for excellent ventilation. Even the insoles are perforated, so there’s plenty of airflow inside the shoes. This makes them a great option for rides in hot weather, so they’re great for all bikepackers who like hitting the trails in the summer months.

The Livewire men’s shoes boast a dual-density EVA insole for support and cushioning, while the EVA midsole offers extra support and shock absorption. The shoes are very comfortable to wear even on really long rides, plus they’re very stylish so you can wear them on different occasions as well.

One thing to note is that this model is designed for low-volume feet, so it’s recommended to go at least half a size up if you’ve got wider feet.

Best Flat Pedal Bikepacking Shoes

Adidas Five Ten Freerider Men's Mountain Bike Shoes

The Adidas Five Ten Freerider mtb shoes are a great affordable option for flat pedal riders. They feature uppers made from a blend of suede and mesh, for excellent breathability during long rides.

These shoes have a rubber outsole with a dotty pattern that ensures they stick to the pedals. The lug pattern is excellent for riding but it’s not very good for hiking. You won’t have any issues hiking the bike on easier terrain, but you will likely struggle with grip and traction on extremely steep or uneven terrain.

Another thing to note about the outsole is that it’s sewn onto the shoes. This makes it a bit more durable than soles that are glued onto the shoes, and it means that it will take a lot of wear and tear for the sole to start coming apart.

In addition to all that, the Adidas shoes feature lace-up closure, an EVA midsole, and an insole from compressed foam. They’re also priced around $100, which makes them one of the most affordable options out of the bunch, and a great choice for flat pedal riders on a budget.

Specialized Recon 2.0 Bikepacking Shoes

If you’re looking for bikepacking shoes that are essentially just really good hiking shoes with clips for pedals, this is the pair you want. The Recon 2.0 Mountain Biking Shoes offer excellent performance in changing trail conditions with their excellent SlipNot rubber tread outsoles. Not only do they offer plenty of grip and traction on wet terrain, but they’ve also got deep, multidirectional lugs that allow you to take on any terrain with ease.

These shoes feature welded uppers made from XPEL mesh, which promises excellent breathability in all conditions. The uppers are also quick-drying, so even if you get your feet a little wet, they shouldn’t stay like that for too long.

The Recon 2.0 mountain cycling shoes feature a Boa L6 snap dial for easy adjustments. The entire construction of this shoe promises comfort and support, which makes them a great option for really long sessions where comfort is absolutely crucial.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that these are clipless bikepacking shoes with a two-bolt cleat pattern that should easily fit all major mountain bike pedals.

Adidas Five Ten Sleuth DLX Canvas Men's Bike Shoes

The Five Ten Sleuth DLX shoes from Adidas are a great option for flat pedalers. These are great mountain biking sneakers with a rubber sole that offers great traction on the pedals. The downside of their design is that the sole isn’t great for hiking, so if you actually enjoy the part of bikepacking when you have to get off the bike and hike for a while, these aren’t for you.

But if you’re more concerned about pedaling, definitely consider these Adidas shoes. The outsole might not be that great for hiking, but the dotty pattern ensures that your feet stay glued to the pedals.

The shoes also have an EVA midsole that offers plenty of comfort both on and off the bike. Their uppers are made from a mix of canvas and leather, for excellent performance and durability. The shoes also feature perforations on the uppers, for the best ventilation and breathability during long mtb sessions.

One thing to note is that the leather construction makes these water resistant, so your feet will stay dry in light rain. But the shoes aren’t entirely waterproof because of the perforated uppers, so keep that in mind.

Best Flat Pedal Shoes For Women

RIDE CONCEPTS Flume Women's Mountain Bike Shoes

The Ride Concepts Flume mountain biking shoes are specifically designed for women and they’re a great option for flat pedal riders. These feature a flat outsole with some really deep lugs, so they’re equally grippy when you’re pedaling and hiking.

The uppers of the shoes are made from Cordura mesh for excellent breathability in warm weather. Although the shoes are quite thick thanks to all the padding, the mesh allows for great airflow and ventilation, so that your feet don’t sweat a lot while you’re riding.

These women’s bike shoes also feature an EVA midsole and a D3O High Impact Zone Technology insole. The insole offers excellent impact resistance and shock absorption, which are both essential in great hiking shoes.

The only downside of these mtb shoes is that they’re not very lightweight. They’re actually quite heavy and bulky, especially when compared to clipless shoes that fit almost as socks. But the weight is only going to be an issue if you tend to focus more on the hiking than on the peddling – otherwise, these are the best flat pedal shoes for women you can get!