Shimano MT5 SPD MTB Shoes

The Shimano MT5 SPD MTB shoes are a functional, well-priced option for riding on or off-road, or on trips short or long where you're likely to be walking about and don't want to look like a bike-shoe-clad freak. There's a grippy sole, and a perfectly functional lacing system that tidies away well. For the money, I think you'd be pressed to find better.

Shimano's mid-tier 'multi-use/touring' shoe sits below the £120 Boa-dialled MT7 and top-spec £170 MT7 with Gore-Tex and Boa dial, and is a tenner more than the fractionally-heavier base model MT3, with basic laces. They're much closer to the MT3s than the MT7s, the only real differences being the addition of a speedlacing lock, lace-tidy clip-hook thingy, and a Velcro strap.

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Available in Grey/Orange or Black/Yellow, the MT5 features a moderately-aggressive gravel/mud/grass-capable tread and a walkable yet stiff-enough-for-hard-rides glass fibre sole, rated 4 on Shimano's arbitrary, proprietary scale.

The SPD cleat area has an extra 15-18mm of rearward cleat adjustment possible depending on size, to allow the foot to sit further forward over the pedal axle for more confidence and control if you're just learning about SPDs, or if you want the foot more centred.

The '4' on Shimano's sole stiffness scale is up to the job of transferring power efficiently, as I learned on numerous occasions hauling a 40x42 1x geared bike up long 20 per cent inclines.

Wearing the MT5s about the house for a day I didn't notice any discomfort, and they will do well for long expeditions as your only footwear. As ever, I found Shimano's dimensions to be a bit narrow for my feet, particularly in winter-weight socks, so had to size up.

The sides of the MT5 are perforated with a breathable yet strong mesh, so no, these aren't going to keep water out. The lower edge of the perforated area is 4cm off the ground so you should be OK for shallow puddles. The vents will keep your feet cool in warm weather while giving protection from trail detritus. I wore them in low-to-zero snowy-trail temps with the fabulous Dexshell Ultra Dri socks and was perfectly happy.

The main thing differentiating the MT3, 5 and 7 models is the lacing technology, and the traditional-with-a-twist MT5 lace closure works really well. The thin synthetic laces slip easily through the holes to distribute the lacing load across the top of the foot, and lock fast using the toggle. This slides freely up the laces to tighten and lock, and releases with a squeeze to undo. The toggle is well designed, and I never felt them come loose unbidden.

At the end of the laces there's a black plastic hook that clips over the bottom of the lace to stop things flapping about and getting caught in your chainring. Further tidying things up and supporting the feel of the shoe is a Velcro strap over the top of the foot. The fluffy Velcro on the underside runs all the way along the strap, so if your foot needs to be really cinched down it can be tightened as much as you like.

In terms of value, the overall package – particularly the lacing system and grippy sole, with Shimano's high quality – is pretty good. You're getting plenty for your money, particularly when you appreciate that most folks could use these shoes for pretty much all their cycling needs on or off-road.

For a similar price, Matt liked the Giro Gauge MTB shoes, which look a bit more like a sneaker. They're a tenner less than the MT5s but don't have the Shimanos' Velcro strap or sliding lace-retainer.

We haven't reviewed them, but the Muddy Fox Tour 100 looks a similar-ish shoe for the same RRP, and not much cash at all on sale.

> Buyer's Guide: How to choose the best cycling shoes for you

Over a few months of testing alongside the top-spec MT701 Gore-Tex model, waterproofing aside there really wasn't much in it. The MTs use the same stiffness sole, and with my eyes closed I couldn't tell the difference (yes, I did this). So if you don't need waterproofing and are happy with laces over a Boa dial, save yourself about £100 and go with the MT5. Looking online, the MT5 is often heavily discounted, so hunt around for a bargain that will do you for the daily commute as well as much longer adventures.

Verdict

Very good almost-do-it-all shoes that are happy in town or on the trails