Competitively priced with usable grip and excellent airflow, Scott’s MTB Shr-alp Lace flat pedal shoe is ideal for those who love hike-a-bike jaunts or simply have wider feet. However, while good, its on-bike performance doesn’t quite stack up to others on the market.

Scott MTB Shr-alp Lace – Technical details

The MTB Shr-alp Lace shoe is one that’s designed for use with flat pedals and, as such, it employs Scott’s Sticki Rubber outsole. It then combines that rubber with a synthetic polyurethane upper with 3D air mesh panels.

2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace lace.jpg
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace lace (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace lace.jpg, by Liam Mercer

As the base level Shr-alp offering, it comes with a simple lace-up retention system with a handy lace strap to keep those bunny ears in check. The shoe uses Scott’s ergologic fit foot zoning tech to pre-shape the insole and comes with a ‘performance fit’, offering what Scott says is a regular volume and neutral fit.

In terms of tech, it’s a simple shoe but it comes in sizes ranging from 6.5 up to 12.5 in UK sizes.

Scott MTB Shr-alp Lace – Performance

The Shr-alp Lace is proof that simplicity is key as its performance is certainly nothing to sniff at. The shoe’s plethora of perforations encourages a good level of airflow, keeping things nice and cool when the temperatures rise.

2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace side.jpg
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace side (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace side.jpg, by Liam Mercer

Considering that the shoe comes with almost as many holes as a cheese grater, it protects against wet weather rather well. Granted, it won’t like stream crossings or smashing through deeper puddles but it’s taken wet trails well within its stride and kept my feet perfectly dry.

The performance fit works really well. I wear a 9.5, or EU44, shoe and the Shr-alp lace offer a roomy feel that’ll be ideal for those with wider toes. As someone who doesn’t have particularly wide toes, the extra space is appreciated when moving around on the bike.

However, the shoe’s comfort doesn’t quite match that of its competitors as the stiff sole and insole don’t offer much damping. This doesn’t hinder performance when walking and it’s actually rather good because of the aggressive tread pattern – there’s plenty of grip when off of the bike.

2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace tread.jpg
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace tread (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace tread.jpg, by Liam Mercer

But on the bike, the Shr-alp’s grip gets interesting. Because the tread is so aggressive and widely spaced, the shoe relies more on mechanical traction rather than pins sinking into a chemically grippy chunk of rubber. In practice, this results in a looser feel as the tread can sit on top of a pedal’s body without the pins digging too deep into the sole. This allows for a bit of movement between the tread’s knobs. Though, this can be appreciated if you’re one who doesn’t like a locked-in feel. 

2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace rear.jpg
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace rear (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 scott mtb shr-alp lace rear.jpg, by Liam Mercer

The on-pedal grip, however, isn’t at all bad though as I’ve been able to ride fairly confidently on most occasions and it’s a big improvement over the previous Scott MTB AR shoe. It can just move on the pedal a little and when unweighting the bike, things can get treacherous.

Scott MTB Shr-alp Lace – Verdict

Good flat pedal shoes under £100 are few and far between but the Leatt DBX 2.0 Flat Pedal shoe is a firm favourite at £80. It comes with a similar number of features but isn’t as breathable. Though it fends off wet weather much more effectively and provides a much more solid grip on the pedal. However, it lacks efficiency and its off-bike grip isn’t as good.

Another option is Five Ten’s Freerider shoe. It comes packed with eco credentials and gets that awesome stealth outsole but is let down by its dated design. That one will set you back £90.

If you’re partial to a hike-a-bike day or looking for a shoe that offers good grip and breathable construction, the Scott Shr-alp Lace does a great job for the money. However, it’s not quite as comfortable and grippy on the bike as cheaper alternatives.

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Test report Scott MTB Shr-alp Lace shoe review £95.00

Shoes

Product purpose: 

Scott says, “The MTB Shr-alp Lace shoe is the shoe of choice for mountain bikers who ride flat pedals. The Sticki Rubber outsole will keep these shoes “locked” to your pedals. The balance of moderate stiffness and the freedom of motion gives you what you need for whatever jump or trail lies ahead.” The shoe’s aggressive tread stops a pedals pins from digging in properly, hindering any chance of a locked-in feel.

Build extra: 

Mtb
Sticki Rubber
Synthetic Polyurethane, 3D Airmesh
Lace system
Footbed: ErgoLogic removable insole

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

Simple construction.

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

Performance is good but for those who are serious about pedal grip, it may not be enough.

Product weight 


Product weight extra: 

543g

Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

Comfort is good but others at a similar price are more comfortable. Will suit anyone with wider toes.

product value 


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Product value extra: 

Not too bad for the price but there are cheaper options that perform better on the bike

Overall performance: 

Tread pattern is too aggressive for all-out grip on the pedals but when walking, or pushing a bike up a hill they’re very grippy.

Product likes: 

Airflow, off bike grip

Product dislikes: 

On bike grip leaves something to be desired.

Enjoy: 

Yes

Buy: 

No – Lacks pedal grip

Recommend: 

If they walk with their bikes alot

Conclusion: 

Great shoes for hike-a-bike situations but lacking on the bike.