How to Choose Bike Shoes

With a blend of performance and adventure, the crankbrothers Mallet Trail Speed Lace Clip-In bike shoes keep you confident on and off the trail and comfortable in the saddle for longer rides.
Imported.
View all crankbrothers Men's Mountain Bike ShoesBest Use | Mountain Biking |
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Upper | Synthetic leather/polyurethane |
Footbed | EVA |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Rubber |
Cleat Design | 2-hole |
SPD Compatible | Yes |
Time Mountain Compatible | Yes |
Look Mountain Compatible | Yes |
Crankbrothers Compatible | Yes |
Footwear Closure | Single-pull Lace |
Traction Tread | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 11 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
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Used several times so far on New England singletrack. I have numerous, and various brands, of mtb shoes to compare these to. These hit the sweet spot for me. SIZING: Run true to size. I'm a 9.5 or 43 in Shimano, Five Ten, others and these. The Crank Brothers Mallets are just a touch narrower than the other two I mentioned, but I don't have wide feet, so it's ok for me. I'd say they are average width though. The insole seems thicker, so swapping out for a thinner one may give more room for the toes. UPPERS: This is one of the reasons for my purchase. They are a solid material with no mesh or fabric so protect my feet better through NE rock gardens. Not too heavy or stiff though and they do have vent holes. I haven't noticed any seams or folds that might rub on my foot causing irritation. LACES: The Speed laces work great and don't slip or loosen and provide even tension over the whole shoe. As with my BOA's, I generally have to cinch them up mid ride. TBH not a big fan of BOA's as many shoes that use them (except maybe top tier) only ratchet one way forcing you to release all tension and start over if you over tighten them. The 'garage' for the Speed lace tail could be bigger as it's difficult to fit all the excess lace into it though. SOLE: Another reason for my purchase. The Mallets have a flatter outer sole (no big lugs or knobs like some of my other shoes) but still provide good traction off the bike because the compound is 'rubbery' or 'sticky'. Unlike my Five Ten Kestrels where the sole is also flat but of a harder compound. I find the stiffness of the Mallets to be a perfect blend of power transfer and walkability. Not as stiff as the Kestrels, but easier to hike-a-bike in and stiffer than many. Clipping is very easy with the 'slot' they provide. I removed the CB's cleats and replaced them with SPD's and works great. The bottom of the cleat doesn't extend past the surface of the outer sole, so it doesn't rub on a flat floor...say like when you're walking through your house. A great shoe for me...would recommend!