Words and photos by Ben Gavelda
Mavic Alpine XL Shoes ($130)
Feet and shoes are sensitive subjects. Sure, shoes are a style choice, but your feet are also the most complex machine of bone, ligament, tendon and muscle in your body. As bikers our feet (and ultimately shoes) transfer a lot of power and control into our bikes. A few hundred pedals here, some airtime there, protection, pressure for grip—it all adds up.
When it comes to running clips, there are loads of highly technical XC race shoes. When it comes to running flats, there are plenty of grippy flat-soled shoes. But when it comes to something in the middle—something you can actually hike, bike and get a little dirty with, there are few, if any, decent options. This is where the Mavic Alpine XL shoes shine.
Developed with Mavic’s top enduro racers, Jérôme Clementz, Fabien Barel and Anne-Caroline Chausson, the Alpine XL are a mix of downhill, all-mountain and cross country in one. They have a technical, rugged sole, SPD compatibility and a bit more coverage and protection than the average SPD shoe. The features like pull cord lacing, Velcro closures, weather resistance, neoprene ankle coverage, breathability and tough toecap stand out. No fussing with a ratchet is also a big plus. For XC riders seeking powerful pedal transfer, a carbon shank shoe might be your ticket. For FR/DH riders running flats, a flat soled shoe might be a better choice. But for aggressive trail riding and everyone in between, these are choice.
After a solid two months on the trail these are our thoughts:
