Best Kids Mountain Bike Shoes I Tested & Reviewed

There aren’t a lot of kids mountain bike shoes on the market, but the good news is that the few options out there are good ones. Our kiddo has tested them all (at the bike park, on the trail, racing BMX), and the ones listed here are those we’d recommend.

Also, let me just say that most young kids DON’T need a pair of mountain bike shoes (and it may be hard to find a small enough pair for younger riders).  Instead, opt for a pair of good bike pedals and a pair of skate-style shoes with a grippy sole (like Vans). 

That said, if your child is starting to ride more technical trails, is hitting up the bike park, or they are getting to an age where perhaps they are interested in clipless pedals, it’s time to get a pair of dedicated bike shoes.

Five Ten Freerider Kids

Price: ﹩75 List

The Five Ten Freerider Kids shoe is the exact same as the adult Freerider shoe, just in miniature sizes.  For kids who mountain bike, this is a fantastic shoe for use with flat pedals. 

The “Marathon” rubber soles provide grip on the pedals and hold up well to kids who can dish out lots of abuse. We also appreciate that it comes with velcro rather than laces so our little one can get them on and off all by himself.

They come in a size 13 to a size 3, so even younger kids will be able to fit in these.

Our only complaint about the Freerider is that these shoes constantly go in and out of stock. If you’re lucky enough to find the size you need, snatch ’em up.

Read our Review: Five Ten Freerider

Ride Concepts Youth Vice

Price: ﹩84 List

The Ride Concepts Youth Vice is a great little shoe, and a sized down version of the adult Vice that my husband also has. It’s durable and can withstand the abuse that kids dish out. After a year of use, my son’s still look nearly new.

The shoe is designed primarily for dirt jumping and freestyle BMX, but works well as a trail shoe also. It comes in youth sizes 2 to 6, and in a low and mid-high version.

The hardest part here will be justifying the high price–’cause is it really $25 better than the competition? No.

Read Review: Ride Concepts Youth Vice

Sendy Shred Sole

Price: $75

The Sendy Shred Sole isn’t as well known as the Five Ten or Ride Concepts shoes, but if you have an active kid, this isn’t one you want to pass over.

That’s because, while the sole is plenty stiff for trail riding, it’s not AS stiff as the Five Ten or Ride Concepts shoe. There is enough give that kids can do what kids love to do–playing at the playground, building forts, collecting rocks–comfortably. I don’t know about yours, but my kid never goes on a bike ride without other activities mixed in.

The shoe has lots of little perforations to improve airflow (and it works!), but it does mean the shoe is less waterproof when playing in puddles or creek crossings. It comes in a size 3 and up, so parents of younger kids will need to look elsewhere.

Read Review: Sendy Shred Sole

Honorable Mentions

We think 90% of kids will be best served by one of the shoes listed above, but here are a couple of other options, including some clipless shoes for kids interested in racing cross country or BMX.

• Ride Concepts Youth Livewire – Similar to the Vice listed above, but more oriented to trail riding as opposed to dirt jumping.
• Scott AR – A flat pedal mountain bike shoes that comes in both a lace and velcro version.
• Northwave Origin Jr – One of the only clipless kids mountain bike shoes around. Size 32 (US Kids 1) and up.
• Vittoria Kids BOA – Clipless shoe with BOA closure. No ratchets to get stuck, or laces to come loose.

Things to Consider Before Shopping

Clipless or Flat

Most kids are going to want to use a flat pedal and shoe. Using a flat pedal/shoe allows kids to practice skills without having to focus on clipping in and out, and allows for a proper range of motion for developing knees and hips.

That said, if your child is older and is already comfortable handling a bike, has good pedaling technique, and is perhaps interested in racing, you can certainly introduce them to clipless pedals.

Closure Type

For flat shoes, you’ll find shoes with either velcro or laces. Both work, but we really love velcro for younger kids. Plus, you don’t have to worry about them coming untied.

For clipless shoes, you’ll find shoes you’ll find a combination of velcro, ratchets, or BOA systems. If your kiddo is really serious about racing, then a shoe with a snug fit via ratchet or BOA will be the best choice.

Sizing

Unfortunately, most kids bike shoes don’t start until around a youth size 2. If you’re looking for a younger rider (or one with smaller feet), your options will be quite limited. Fortunately, the Five Ten Freerider does come in smaller sizes.

Sole

For flat shoes, the number one thing you want to look for is a grippy sole. This is what’s going to keep your child’s foot planter firmly on the pedal.

Sole stiffness is also something to consider. The stiffer the shoe, the better the power transfer. Still, kids who are going to be running and playing in the shoe as well as biking, don’t want a sole that’s too stiff.

Consider shopping for women’s shoes

Once your kiddo can fit into a size 37 (European),  you can also consider getting them a woman’s cycling shoe.  These come in very small sizes, and neutral colors work well for boys as well as girls.

Comparison Chart

Shoe	Sizes	Flat or Clipless
Five Ten Freerider Kids	10.5-3 (US)	Flat
Northwave Origin Junior	32-38 (EU)	Clipless
Ride Concepts Youth Livewire	3-6 (US)	Flat
Ride Concepts Youth Vice	2-6 (US)	Flat
Sendy Shred Sole	3-8 (US)	Flat
Vittoria Kids BOA	32-35 (EU)	Clipless

More Stuff You Might Like

• Your Guide To The Best Kids Mountain Bikes
• 7 Best Kids Full Face Helmets (BMX, MTB)
• 5 Best Kids Bike Pedals Tested and Reviewed (MTB, BMX, Recreation)

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