First off let me just say that most kids DON’T need a pair of mountain bike shoes. They will do just fine with tennis shoes, or for more rugged riding, a pair of thick soled hiking boots or similar.
I’ve found that skate-style shoes (like Vans) also work well. 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, then there a few (read: very limited) options out there.
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.
- Also Read: Best Bike Pedals For Kids
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. This article provides a great overview of when your child might be ready to transition.
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.
Flat Pedal Kids Mountain Bike Shoes
Five Ten Freerider Kids
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.
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
Price: $70
Ride Concepts Youth Vice
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.
It’s designed primarily for dirt jumping and freestyle BMX, but works well as a trail shoe also. It comes in youth sizes 2 to 6.
Read Our Review: Ride Concepts Youth Vice
Price: $80
Ride Concepts Youth Livewire
The Ride Concepts Youth Livewire is a newer offering and the first real good competitor to the Five Ten Freerider. We’ve heard from lots of folks now who think the Ride Concepts shoes are actually MORE durable than Five Ten.
This flat-pedal shoe has good traction, which is important for keeping little feet planted firmly on the pedals–as well as mid-ride rock scrambling.
The only bummers, in our opinion, is that it comes with laces rather than velcro. It also doesn’t start until a Size 3 Kids, so younger kids are out of luck.
Price (MSRP): $90
Five Ten Sleuth Kids
The Five Ten Sleuth is the newest kids mountain bike shoe from Adidas. We love the higher cut, synthetic leather, and the fact that it comes in a feminine color. (Yes, little girls like to mountain bike too)!
While the sole is grippy and relatively stiff, it’s designed to be more walkable and useable off the bike than most mountain bike shoes. This is great for kids who like to play, run, climb, and otherwise goof around on bike rides.
Like the Five Ten Freerider, the Sleuth starts in smaller sizes which we appreciate.
Price: $70
Clipless Kids Mountain Bike Shoes
Vittoria Kids BOA Mountain Bike Shoes
Shoes with BOA closures are great for adults but even better for kids. No ratchets to get stuck, or laces to come loose. We also like the mesh upper that provides good breath ability on hot days.
The Vittoria Kids BOA comes in sizes as small as EU 32 (size 1 US), so it’s one of the better options for young kids who are looking for clipless pedals.
Price: $61.54 (Last updated: 2023-03-07 at 15:31 – More Info)
Comparison Chart
| Shoe | Sizes | Flat or Clipless |
| Five Ten Freerider Kids | 10.5-3 (US) | Flat |
| Diadora X-Phantom Jr | 33-36 (EU) | Clipless – No longer available, look used |
| Northwave Hammer Junior | 32-38 (EU) | Clipless – No longer available, look used |
| Ride Concepts Youth Livewire | 3-6 (US) | Flat |
| Ride Concepts Youth Vice | 2-6 (US) | Flat |
| Five Ten Sleuth Kids | 10.5-3 (US) | Flat |
| Vittoria Kids BOA | 32-35 (EU) | Clipless |
My son has the Five Ten shoes and they are fantastic and have held up well.
where did you get them and what size because I am looking for some size 5 ones for my parents to get me for Christmas
Scott offer kids mtb shoes, both velcro and lace up. Look good, but am yet to find out how durable they are as only just got them
Hi Tim,
Let us know what you think! We are going to try to get a pair to test too.
Cheers!
KB