One of the best ways to improve your bike bag game is to buy a pair of bike bag shoes. If you’ve never used them before, they can really make a world of difference. Bikepacking shoes have the ability to take you to the next level by effectively doubling your turning power. They harness energy not only on the way down but also on the way up. We’ve compiled a list of the best bicycle touring shoes so you can get yourself an adventure junkie-approved shoe in no time.
If you are new to bicycle shoes, there are a few things you should know beforehand. First, these are shoes that hold your feet to the pedals, which can be a little difficult to get used to. We recommend that you first look for a softer, two-hole cleat model. We explain more about this at the end of the article if you would like to know more. Enjoy!
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Best Shoes For Bikepacking
Best Shoes For Bikepacking | Comparison Table 2022
5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
SHIMANO SH-RP1 High Performing All-Rounder Cycling Shoe, Black, Size: Unisex EU 43 | Mens US 8.5-9 | Womens US 10-10.5 | SHIMANO | Check Price | |
Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa Shoes | Five Ten | Check Price | |
Five Ten Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes | Five Ten | Check Price | |
Fizik X5 Terra Cycling Footwear, Black, Size 43 | Fizik | Check Price | |
PEARL IZUMI Unisex X-Alp Elevate Cycling Shoe, Phantom/Berm Brown, 44 | PEARL IZUMI | Check Price | |
SHIMANO SH-XC5 Men's Mountain Bike Shoe, Black, 5-5.5 Men (EU 38) | SHIMANO | Check Price | |
Giro Gauge Mens Mountain Cycling Shoes - Black/Bright Red (2021), 40 | Giro | Check Price | |
PEARL IZUMI Women's w x-Project 2.0 w, White/Black, 40 EU/8.4 B US | PEARL IZUMI | Check Price | |
Five Ten Maltese Falcon Wmn's Clipless 9.0 Black | Five Ten | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Shoes For Bikepacking | Reviews 2022
1. SHIMANO SH-RP1 High Performing All-Rounder Cycling Shoe
- The SH-RP100 (RP1) is a Versatile 5-Hole Outsole: Compatible with both SPD / 2-hole and SPD-SL 3-hole cleats and clip-in pedals
- Stiff and Lightweight Sole: Fibreglass reinforced sole for maximum power transfer
- Simple and Secure Fit: Double strap closure for a comfortable and snug fit
- Durable Construction: Made from synthetic leather for long-lasting performance
- Pedaling Performance: Comfortable fit and optimum support for pedaling power and efficiency
- Black, Size: Unisex EU 43 | Mens US 8.5-9 | Women's US 10-10.5
2. Five Ten Kestrel Pro Boa Shoes
- Micro-adjustable fit: BOA Fit System for micro-adjustment, effortless on-and-off, and secure, consistent hold.
- High-friction grip: Stealth C4 rubber offers time-tested, pedal-gripping control.
- Recycled content: This product is made with recycled content as part of our ambition to end plastic waste. 20% of pieces used to make the upper are made with minimum 50% recycled content.
- Durable lightweight EVA midsole; Enjoy the comfort and performance of OrthoLite sockliner
- Clipless style; Non-slip heel cup; Stiff carbon-infused nylon shank
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3. Five Ten Kestrel Lace Mountain Bike Shoes
- All-mountain biking shoes
- Compatible with clipless pedals
- Fast-drying synthetic upper
- Perforation in the upper boosts breathability, while the polyurethane-coated mesh allows for quick drying
- Stealth C4 Dotty outsoles blend stiffness and flexibility
- Stitched outsole construction increases durability
4. Fizik X5 Terra Cycling Footwear, Black, Size 43
- Closure system: single L6 dial B and single strap
- Outsole: Injected carbon/TPU co-injected studs
- Insole: fizzy: K cycling insole
- Weight: 282g (size 42. 5)
- Upper: laser perforated Microtel
5. PEARL IZUMI Unisex X-Alp Elevate Cycling Shoe
- BOA Fit System with dual IP1 dials to fine-tune fit
- Seamless synthetic upper for comfort and durability paired with a perforated tongue for improved breathability
- Reinforced toe box provides impact protection
- Grippy Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole
- Midsole made with 20% renewable algae-based Bloom material
- Phantom/Berm Brown, 44
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6. SHIMANO SH-XC5 Men’s Mountain Bike Shoe
- Lightweight and rigid carbon fiber reinforced midsole
- Supple synthetic leather with perforated venting for superior fit
- Exclusive michelin high-traction; mud-shedding tread
- Rubber anti-slip arch outsole pattern
- Reinforced spike mount for extreme conditions; 18 mm spike option
- Black, 5-5.5 Men (EU 38)
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7. Giro Gauge Mens Mountain Cycling Shoes – Black/Bright Red (2021), 40
- THE FOUNDATION OF A GREAT RIDE: An athletic inspired off-road cycling shoe that’s comfortable and capably equipped for adventures on paths, roads or trails
- COMFORTABLE AND SUPPORTIVE FIT: Supple, breathable mesh with Thermo-Bonded Armor is durable and lightweight, with added reinforcement at the toe and heel for abrasion resistance and durability
- ULTIMATE FIT ADJUSTMENT: Laces offer unrivaled fit adjustment, hold a knot securely and are the lightest closure system available
- POWERFUL PEDALING: Injected nylon plate for efficient power transfer, with stainless steel hardware and a full-length molded rubber high-traction lugged outsole for grip and stability when you need it
- COMFORTABLE SUPPORTAND 2-BOLT CLEAT COMPATIBLE: Includes die-cut EVA footbed with medium arch support. Works with all 2-bolt pedal/cleat systems including Shimano SPD, Time ATAC, Crank Brothers, etc
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8. PEARL IZUMI Women’s w x-Project 2.0 w, White/Black, 40 EU/8.4 B US
- Fully bonded upper eliminates uncomfortable seams and hotspots. Run shoe eva foam heel absorbs impact for off-the-bike comfort
- Bi-Directional closure: delivers a semi-custom fit by gathering equally from both sides for even foot retention, with the precision of a micro-adjustable BOA reel
- Full-length tapered carbon fiber plate (patent-pending) gives on-the bike power transfer and off-the-bike hike-ability
- Co-Molded rubber tips on hollow tpu lugs provide traction on an extremely lightweight bottom unit
9. Five Ten Maltese Falcon Wmn’s Clipless 9.0 Black
- The Maltese Falcon was designed for comfort and speed
- This shoe has a Stealth® S1™ rubber outsole for all-around high-performance on any terrain with a perfect blend of durability and grip
- SPD Cleat compatibility allows maximum performance, while the Stealth S1 rubber keeps you connected even if you unclip for the hairiest descents.
- Stealth S1: Stealth S1 is Five Tens classic rubber that clinched their reputation in the bike world. Its high friction and abrasion resistance make it one of Five Tens most versatile compounds.
- Midflex plate - stiff on the bike, flexes when hiking Compression-moulded EVA midsole Poly-urethane (PU) coated leather upper Technologies:
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Things to Consider When Buying Best Shoes For Bikepacking | Unrivaled Guide 2022
Closed Type
There are three main types of fasteners for bikepacking shoes: lace, Velcro, and ratchet or cable. There are some important differences between these three types of fasteners. Read on.
You are probably familiar with the lace fastener system. It works just like sports shoes. Laces wear out and sometimes break, but the good news is that you can fix them if you have spare laces in your bag. This is one of the great advantages of the lace closure system, as repairing laces and ratchet cables can require tools and a bike store.
Velcro is somewhere between low-tech, like shoelaces, and high-tech, like ratchets and cables. Velcro straps are easy to adjust without the risk of sudden breakage. The disadvantage of Velcro is that it does not always secure as well as other methods.
Ratchet or cable systems are the most technologically advanced systems for closing cycling shoes. It uses a two-stage adjustable gear that locks into place when tightened. It is ideal for achieving a precise fit and can usually be easily adjusted while riding. The disadvantage of this type of locking system is that it is difficult to repair yourself and may require a trip to a bicycle store.
Cleat Type
There are two main types of bicycle cleats: two-hole and three-hole, and there are some important differences between the two types. Which cleat you choose is up to you, but no matter which cleat you choose, you need to make sure it is compatible with your pedals. The product specifications will always state whether the pedals are 2- or 3-hole.
Two-hole cleats were originally developed for mountain biking and touring. Here is what you need to know.
- They are still used in road cycling.
- It is the most common cleat and most rental bikes have pedals that fit this type of shoe.
- Easier to walk on.
- Easier to put on and take off
- Slightly less power (compared to 3-hole cleats)
- Three-hole cleats are considered “premium” cleats because they are designed for superior power and performance. Other things to know include
- Designed for road cycling enthusiasts
- Three-point contact for efficient riding
- More difficult to install
- More difficult to put on and take off, but has the advantage of increased safety when pedaling
Weight
There is no big secret to this important point. Light wheeled bag shoes are slightly more expensive and perform better. Conversely, heavy wheeled bag shoes are cheaper and perform less well.
Materials
Cycling shoes consist of three main parts: upper, insole, and outsole (see below for a description of each). Cycle touring shoes are made from a variety of materials. This article describes the various common materials and parts used in cycling shoes.
Stiffness
Stiffness is a matter of personal preference. Stiff shoes are designed to perform, but comfort must be sacrificed to some degree. Some cycling shoes give a stiffness rating (usually from 1 to 14), others describe stiffness in the product description. If you are new to backpacking, you may want to choose a softer shoe until you have mastered the unclipped style.
Performance And Comfort When Riding
A combination of a loaded bike, tired legs, and difficult terrain often makes it easier to push the bike, even if you can pedal. That is what we did to evaluate the performance of these shoes for bike riding. The best shoes for touring generally have a grippy rubber sole, a flexible sole where the cleats attach, a slightly wider footprint for grip and stability, and some padding in the footbed. Shoes with hard soles tend to be less comfortable for hiking, while soles that are too soft are often less comfortable for sustained pedaling. Based on reviews, shoes with soles that are 3-4 (our ratio 1-5) in hardness are best suited for cycling with a fair amount of hiking, while stiffer shoes are predicted to be best suited for long days on gravel or paved roads.
Durability.
The downside of some shoes suitable for bike touring is that the material and construction of the sole cannot withstand the abuse of touring. Soft spikes can be nibbled and torn off, and the multi-layered soles can begin to crumble. Shoe uppers must also be able to withstand the harsh environment of cycling.
Breathability
No one wants their feet to burn in damp shoes on a hot day. Against all intuition, the mountain biking footwear world tends to favor footwear with poor breathability. Mesh panels have been replaced by uppers perforated with a small number of pinholes, leading to uncomfortably hot feet on hot weather rides. Hopefully, more footwear designers will recognize this shortcoming and incorporate more breathable materials into new footwear designs.
Functional Description
Soles/Shoes
The underside of the inside of the shoe, the part of the shoe that the foot touches.
Shoe
The underside of the shoe is the part of the shoe that contacts the ground.
Upper
The outermost layer of the upper portion of a shoe.\
FAQs
What is the difference between cycle touring and bikepacking?
Cycle touring generally involves long distances and long hours of travel, and can be undertaken with the support of an adventure travel company or independently without support. In contrast, bikepacking is primarily an off-road adventure.
Can I use climbing shoes for cycling?
Image search results for What are bikepacking shoes?
What type of cycling are hiking shoes suitable for? Hiking shoes are designed for walking, not for cycling or running. However, these shoes can be suitable if you are riding a very light bike on a sunny day. They provide cushioning and support, and the soles are slip-resistant.
Can I use trail shoes for mountain biking?
Beginners may use trail shoes for mountain biking with platform pedals. They provide the support and protection needed for low-impact riding and the grip for hazardous terrain.
Conclusion
Finally, we have covered a wide range of best shoes for bikepacking and overpronation control. This list of shoes should give you an idea of the width and selection of quality shoes available on the market for bikepacking. The possibilities are endless and these shoes are just what we think is best for bikepacking.

Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
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