First Ascent Unisex Vent Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes

[Marcus Christiansen]

I'm looking for a pair of mountain bike shoes mainly for gravel riding and doing the odd long distance race. I cam across the First Ascent Unisex Vent Mountain Bike Cycling Shoes at Sportsmanswarehouse and wanted to check if anyone has bought these or whether I should look elsewhere in this price category. 

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/first-ascent-unisex-vent-mountain-bike-cycling-shoes/

I've also been looking at the Ryder summit boa unisex mtb shoes from cycle lab, slightly cheaper. https://www.cyclelab.com/product/6012222-shoe-mtb-uni-ryder-summit-boa-blk

Appreciate this advice. 

[117]

Look at the Bontranger brand from Trek... 

 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Unless you’re replacing something known, it is highly advisable that you go try them on. Some shoes make walking from your bedroom to your bike absolutely intolerable. Sole feel and pressure over the top of your foot varies so much from shoe to shoe. Power transfer is one thing but I also need to be able to walk in my shoes without pain and bruising!

To add to your list, Scott BOA Comp MTB work great for me. Lake is often recommended here on the hub. 

[guidodg]

for that price stick to the recommendations above or try Giros

[PappaWatTrap]

I second the Scott BOA Comp MTB. I’m on my second pair. 

[lukelockie]

CycleLab also stocks a range of Northwave shoes that are awesome

[JohanMalan]

I saw the Vent mtb shoes at Sportsmans, they look pretty good. Try them on first.

 

[LazyTrailRider]

For R2.5k, you can even look at the new Specialized Recon 1.0.

But, like others have said, shoes are like saddles: what works for one person does not for another, so try them on.

[bleedToWin]

1 hour ago, LazyTrailRider said:

what works for one person does not for another, so try them on.

And because of that you get absolute bargains on bikehub from folks buying online. If you know a shoe works for you then that's a surefire way to get an absolute steal of a deal.

[JacquesJ]

16 hours ago, PappaWatTrap said:

I second the Scott BOA Comp MTB. I’m on my second pair. 

I'm not a fan of Scott shoes any more. Had 2x soles crack. First the Vertec Boa where carbon sole cracked around the cleat - about 15 months, so out of warranty. Then got the Boa Comp MTB, cause I really like the fit. That pair lasted 11 months. At least I got refunded under warranty so I can't fault Scott there. It's a pity, cause I find them really comfortable shoes, but at R3k I expect them to last much longer than a year...my first pair of Olymics lasted almost 5.

Will probably look at Shimano XC502 or Spez (or the Bontrager suggested above)