Mavic XA Pro £159
Mavic’s new XA Pros are comfy, lightweight performance trail shoes for walking and pedalling, but expensive. The wide-spaced ‘Contragrip’ tread gives impressive all-weather traction while clearing fast. Add a very mobile forefoot and low weight, and they’re great for steep hike-a-bikes on technical terrain. Extended rambling isn’t an issue either. The top strap and dial-tightened lower give a secure, pinch-free fit, and heel lift is minimal. Mavic use a carbon composite plate to keep pedalling stiffness reasonable, but they’re no XC shoes if you really stamp the power down. The thin welded upper with multiple mesh panels keeps them cool, but weatherproofing suffers and there’s minimal scuff/bump protection. They’re also expensive compared to the competition. www.mavic.com