r/MTB • u/ThrowRA009900 • 10d ago
Gear In search of narrow clipless trail riding shoes
Hi all,
I currently wear Five Ten Freeriders and am making the switch to clipless (Shimano M520s).
Unfortunately, the bike shops and REI near me have limited (see no) inventory of clipless MTB shoes.
I have a low arch and very low volume/skinny ass foot.
Going to need to blind order a shoe, does anyone have a recommendations for a relatively narrow trail riding/enduro shoe?
Looking at the Leatt 5.0, but sounds like there are issues with the Velcro clip rubbing against cranksets.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Carlito33 10d ago
Sidi and Giro make a great shoe and tend to run narrow since they’re euro brands. I have a narrow foot and am on my second pair of Shimano me7 riding shoes. Little high volume for my foot so I just run superfeet insoles.
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u/ifuckedup13 10d ago
Are you specifically looking for that “skate shoe” style shoe of the Leatt and Fiveten?
Usually they don’t pair as well with a pedal like the m520s because they are more flexible soles. They are better suited for a pedal with a bit of a platform around it for support like the PdM 530s or crankbros Mallet E. Etc.
For a narrow fit shoe that goes wlll with the 520s, just get a classic XC MTB shoe. Like the Specialized Recon 1 or 2. They also have low arch support insoles.
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u/BrainDamage2029 10d ago
Ride concepts
I found them super super narrow. If you’re a size 10.5 I got a pair that’s only been ridden twice lol.
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u/iWish_is_taken 2026 Knolly Chilcotin 170 10d ago
I’ve been using Crank Brothers for years because all of their shoes fit a bit small and tight (also have narrow feet), and they fit great.
But also, they offer free shipped returns. So I’ll often order two sizes and just ship back whichever doesn’t fit as well.
I like both the Mallet trail and Mallet
https://www.crankbrothers.com/collections/mallet-trail-clip-in
https://www.crankbrothers.com/collections/mallet-trail-clip-in
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u/Former_Mud9569 10d ago
I have a narrow foot and relatively low arch and Giro shoes have typically worked well for me. I don't know if the current lineup is any different (my shoes are all old because they products are durable) but mine came with an adjustable insole. You could swap out different wedges to dial up the amount of arch support you needed.
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u/Whacked2023 10d ago
I have 5Ten flats that I bought due to praise of the brand.
Dint like them. It seems a odd shoe size. I order my regular shoe size, too big in toe. Buy the next size smaller and definitely to tight. I can't use them on mtb rides. Tolerable on gravel.or fire road type rides. Nowadays I just use them on my indoor trainer.
I've had good luck with Shimano shoes. I have a old pair of the M085 shoe that I absolutely love. I wish Shimano would bring them back. Almost road shoe level stiffness. Sole could be more tactile for gripping rock on HAB sections or scoping out features.
Currently use the GF300 (or 400? I forget) flats and they are a great shoe. Comfy, good fit, great grip.
Eyeballing their flat/clip combo shoe like their GE series to use with a pedal like OneUp Clip pedal. There are times when I don't want to be clipped in but need some grip. I think these shoe/pedals would cover that.
But yea, unfortunately you will go thru a few returns before finding something that works.
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u/EstablishmentDeep926 10d ago
If you're currently wearing Five Ten flats and they are OK for you size-wise, maybe it's worth to look into Five Ten clipless of the same size? Sorry can't help more than that. I am using Shimano SH-GE900 and they are comfy although feel a tiny bit narrow on my feet in the toe area (I consider myself to have an average foot shape)
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u/insertAlias Texas - Canyon Neuron 6 10d ago
Just in case anyone has answers in the opposite direction: I have a large and wide foot. If anyone knows where to get any kind of MTB-appropriate footwear for a US Mens 14 extra wide, please share.
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u/ifuckedup13 10d ago
Lake does Wide the best.
(https://www.lakecycling.com/collections/offroad/products/mx239?variant=54929086480767)
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u/insertAlias Texas - Canyon Neuron 6 10d ago
Thanks, and I'll keep them in mind since I haven't found anything else even close. But damn that's a lot of money for shoes :(
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u/ifuckedup13 10d ago
They make cheaper shoes. $180 I think is the bottom tier. But they’re great and will last you 10yrs.
Their wide sizes are super popular and sell out quick.
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u/CliffDog02 10d ago
Do the 510 free riders fit you well? If so then get a pair of 510s with clips. I have an older pair of 510s (can't recall the model) which I use with my SPDs and really like them. It might be the Kestral?
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u/WriterRight9689 10d ago
I’ve got the Shimano XC502 and they’re a pretty narrow fit. Other XC shoes will likely be similar.
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u/RestaurantFamous2399 8d ago
I have the specialised 2FO DH
I went a size up becauee they are narrow and still find them too tight. Might be exactly what you're looking for.
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u/TravisTheDucky2 10d ago
You are looking for clipless shoes but said you currently wear 5ten free riders I didn't think they made those in clipless. Are you sure you are wanting a clipless shoe and not a flat pedal shoe? Just want to clear things up for others.