[Matthew Norway]

When choosing bikepacking shoes, several key features are essential to ensure comfort, durability, and performance:

1. Water Resistance – Enough to keep your feet dry in light showers, but fully waterproof shoes often compromise breathability.
2. Breathability – Prevents overheating and reduces odor buildup.
3. Quick Drying – Shoes should open up easily and dry out quickly after getting wet.
4. Flat, Grippy Soles – Essential for walking and short hikes, ensuring traction on varied terrain.
5. Durability – High-wear areas should have abrasion-resistant materials for longevity.
6. Lightweight Construction – A carbon outsole can help reduce weight while maintaining comfort on long rides.
7. Fast and simple tightening system – When you’re wearing them every day for weeks you want them to be quick and easy to put on without any further adjustments on the road.

Recommended Shoes (but the market is filled with good options today)

• Giro Ventana MTB
• Giro Ventana Fastlace MTB
• Pearl Izumi X-Alp Elevate
• Scott Shoe Trail Evo Boa

I personally use the Shimano SH-EX700, which, while not highly water resistant, offers exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility for both riding and hiking. After 12 months of use, they are still in excellent condition. Check them out here.

ride.shimano.com

SH-EX700

Ready to tackle any off-road adventure you throw at it. With powerful pedaling efficiency coupled with traction you can trust when walking or pushing your bike, the SHIMANO EX700 delivers high-end comfort and performance in a casual-looking, clipless shoe.

[David Boulder]

Coincidentally, I have some earl7 Giro Ventana….pre the boa fastener. I wear them for 95% of my riding, road, gravel MTB…swapping to proper aggressive MTB shoes if it is muddy where I live in France. When they’re worn out (no sign yet) I’d happily by the Giros again. They’ve been superb for me (Thinking about it…perhaps I should buy a pair now and not risk being unable to find a pair in a year or 3)

• This reply was modified 1 day, 10 hours ago by  David Boulder.