The 10 Best Flat Pedal Mountain Bike Shoes of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | June 29, 2023
Every year more riders discover what some of us have always known: flat pedals aren’t just for beginners or freeriders who like doing tricks. Instead, the right combination of a grippy shoe and well designed flat pedal offers a great combination of traction and flexibility that can work for everyone short of XC racers. The best flat pedal mountain bike shoes are more than just glorified skate shoes. Instead, mountain bike shoes for flats will have a bike specific sole, more ankle padding and other features that make them perfect for mountain bikers.
This year’s crop of flat pedal shoes reflects renewed interest in the category. More brands than ever are making good flat pedal shoes, and they’re making more styles too. Gone are the clunky DH only shoes of the past. Now you can choose technical trail shoes, or more casual options. When you’re shopping for mountain bike shoes for flat pedals, it’s a good idea to take a serious look at your riding goals, and tailor your shoe selection to them. Going on big rides with lots of hike-a-bike? There are adventure oriented shoes with more traction for walking. Ripping shuttle laps? There are options with more protection for higher speeds and more technical trails. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a flat pedal shoe on this list to fit your needs. For more info, please see our helpful how to buy bike shoes guide.
Fox Union Flat
Fox Racing have been outfitting mountain bikers for decades, but there has always been one conspicuous gap in the lineup: footwear. That all ends with the Fox Union Flat Shoes, and they're not here to just make up the numbers: these things are carefully engineered and trail-tested to within an inch of their life. On top of durable materials and insanely grippy Ultratac™ rubber, they come with a removable insole insert to accomodate both high and low arches for the best possible comfort and response. Make no mistake, the Fox Union Flat Shoes will give your go-to mountain bike shoes a run for their money.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Ultratac™ Rubber Compound | Molded Internal Stiffening Plate Optimizes Power Transfer | $149.95 |
Five Ten Sleuth
If your school to trail tranny is half as smooth as your gap to flat, you need to check out the Five Ten Sleuth Shoes. A classic leather and canvas upper combined with Five Ten's Stealth S1™ Rubber compound make the Sleuths a stylish and trail ready pair of kicks, ideal for zipping between work and play.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth S1™ Rubber Outsole | Full Dotty Tread Pattern | $90.00 |
Five Ten Freerider Pro
Rumor has it that some scientists have lost their credentials explaining how Five Ten Freerider Pro Shoes got so grippy. They say some claimed the Stealth S1 Rubber sole was actually magnetic, while others pronounced them Martian technology. We pour some out of our hydration packs to these lab-coated non-believers as we pedal away. Some things are unknowable.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth S1™ Rubber Outsole | Impact-Resistant PORON® Toebox | $160.00 |
Ride Concepts Tallac
Tacky. And also very much not tacky at all. Huh? Ride Concepts Tallac Shoes are on the right side of both of the word's meanings, in friction and in fashion. They're fantastic mountain bike shoes, very well thought-out and made from rugged materials, made to fight dirt ingress and impacts all day long. And extremely grippy. But it's really that retro light hiker look that puts them at the top. Just look at the speckles on the midsole!
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| MAX GRIP Rubber Outsole | Fully Gusseted Tongue Keeps Out Debris | $160.00 |
Etnies Camber Crank MTB
The Etnies Camber Crank MTB Shoes are built around an ultra-grippy Michelin rubber outsole designed specifically for reliable footing on flat mountain bike pedals. What's more, they boast a durable, abrasion-resistant PU nubuck upper and TPU molded Pedal Shank 2 midsole to ensure rigidity and longevity from season to season. Finished with thoughtful details like an integrated pocket on top of the tongue to tuck your laces, the Etnies Camber Crank MTB Shoes are no stranger to extreme sports performance.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| STI Evolution® Foam Midsole | Grippy Michelin Tread Pattern | $129.99 |
Five Ten Freerider
The Five Ten Freerider Shoes are downright legendary, with the grippiest Stealth S1™ rubber outsole and easygoing good looks that you can wear anywhere. The leather and mesh upper is breathable and durable, so the only thing you'll be shredding is that sweet, sweet hero dirt.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth S1™ Rubber Outsole | One Piece Molded Cupsole | $110.00 |
Five Ten Trailcross LT
The summertime shoes you've been looking for, Five TenTrailcross LT Shoes are lightweight and breathable, quick-drying and grippy. Kick it at the campground, pedal that dusty river trail, and keep your eyes out for overgrown trails to the swimming hole and scrambles to those overlooks: these smash all those wonderful tasks with flair. So good!
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth Phantom Rubber Outsole | Raised Ankle Collar for Protection | $140.00 |
Ride Concepts Flume - Women's
Tacky. And also very much not tacky at all. Huh? Ride Concepts Flume Shoes are on the right side of both of the word's meanings, in friction and in fashion. They're fantastic mountain bike shoes, very well thought-out and made from rugged materials, made to fight dirt ingress and impacts all day long. And extremely grippy. But it's really that retro light hiker look that puts them at the top. Just look at the speckles on the midsole!
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| MAX GRIP Rubber Outsole | EVA Midsole Provides Support and Shock Absorption | $160.00 |
Five Ten Freerider Pro Canvas - Women's
The Five Ten Freerider Pro Canvas Shoes are your one-and-done shoes, the shoes that will hold onto the pedals for dear life and then take you to that Whole Foods pizza bar without skipping a beat. The impact-resistant toe box levels up your confidence on rowdy lines and Stealth Phantom rubber will take your air time to new heights and stick the landing with finesse.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth Phantom Rubber Outsole | Impact-Resistant Toe Box | $160.00 |
Five Ten Freerider Canvas - Women's
The Five Ten Freerider Canvas Shoes are old school perfection, with a casual and durable canvas upper that now features recycled content. Stealth S1™ rubber is the best of the best, whether you're on a cross country slog or speeding downhill and hucking gaps like a goggled-up, Red Bull-fueled Rampage fanatic.
| Sole Material | Special Features | Original Price |
| Stealth S1™ Rubber Outsole | Molded Cupsole | $110.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:
The Best Women's Mountain Bikes
The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,000
The Best Trail Bikes
The Best Enduro Bikes
The Best Gravel Bikes
The Best Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Full Face MTB Helmets
The Best Mountain Bike Knee Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads
The Best Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Women's Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bike Pants
The Best Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Mountain Bike Accessories
The Best Value Mountain Bike Helmets
The Best Dropper Posts
The Best Mountain Bike Forks
The Best Mountain Bike Stems
The Best Padded Mountain Bike Shorts
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebars
The Best Gifts for Mountain Bikers
The Best Mountain Bike Gloves
The Best Mountain Bike Socks
The Best MTB Fanny Packs
The Best Mountain Bike Backpacks
The Best Clipless Mountain Bike Shoes
The Best Flat Pedal MTB Bike Shoes
The Best Mountain Bike Tires
The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals
The Best Bike Racks
The Best Bike Glasses
The Best Bike Goggles
The Best Women's Mountain Bike Jerseys
The Best Tailgate Bike Pads
The Best Bike Trainers
The Best Hitch Bike Racks
The Best Clipless MTB Pedals
The Best Mountain Bikes Handlebar Bags
The Best Mountain Bike Saddles
The Best MTB Wheels
The Best MTB Grips
The Best Mountain Bike Multi Tools
The Best Mountain Bike Seat Bags
Popular Bike Searches
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.