FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes
935g (size 44 as tested) £99.99

The FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes have a more expedition tourist flavour, designed for those who want to do a mix of riding and hiking, rather than occasional trots and more modest pottering sans bike. There’s a slight weight penalty compared with a typical cross country, or gravel model courtesy of the aggressive, seemingly bombproof Vibram sole. This requires a little breaking in before I’ve been comfortable negotiating slippery rocks and other surfaces. The uppers lack the airiness of some models, apparent when temperatures were upwards of 28 degrees but have loads to offer if you’re seeking a hardy design for rough stuff touring, winter and commuting duties.

Pros: Sole ideally suited to long steady rides and walking, effective and reliable closure system, good specification for the money.

Cons: Less temperate than some in hotter weather, weightier than cross country mountain bike and gravel shoes.

Specification

The upper is made from a perforated water-resistant synthetic leather, although the reinforced toe is made from a genuine hide. Features that are much better suited to everyday and rough terrain riding than some of the trainer type commuter/mountain bike models trendy some fifteen years back. I was pleased to see a “boa” type lacing system, which is quick, highly adjustable and ensures even tenure and pressure distribution across the foot. Operationally, it’s arguably a little more intuitive. To slacken, turn counterclockwise, tighten clockwise.

Heels feature a generous retro-reflective strip for nocturnal visibility. Standards of construction are similarly good throughout., Stitching where its applied is very neat and with trace of fraying or potential weakness.

The soles feature a stiff nylon midsole for efficient power transfer and compliance fort walking. The Vibram rubber outer should require little introduction to outdoor and hiking audiences. The MTBike outsole is specifically designed for “hiking and biking” promising “maximum slip protection, traction and grip”. Reinforced side lugs are designed for stability in rocky terrain and the natural rubber promises a comfortable fit and shock absorption. This, coupled with all black effect ensures they don’t look unduly technical and will compliment most styles of clothing from mountain bike and gravel through to office casual, which should also broaden the appeal.

I’m a recessed cleats all the way rider, but with the twin bolt cover in situ, they’re also compatible with flat, or beefy mtb clips and straps, should you prefer. Back to cleats, I’ve found them fully compatible with SPD and Time, although the cutout is a little shorter than some, which may be a consideration for those preferring to position their cleats further back. Unlike Shimano, there’s no stiffness rating for the soles, but anecdotally, they’re palpably stiffer than Shimano MT701, without being as uncompromising as the FLR F70 Pro MTB M250 Shoe.

hi viz strip on the back of a cycling shoe

Sizing/Fit 4/5

Though fairly long and narrow, they’re slightly broader than a lot of cross-country mountain bike shoes, which has obvious benefits for riders with slightly broader feet but coupled with the boa type system means light to middleweight waterproof socks, such as the Muc-Off in this photo are practical.

For context, they’re narrower than Shimano MT701, broader than the Shimano SH RX600 . In terms of sizes, though not radically superior to other brands, 37-48 is still inclusive.

Powder Transfer/Sole 3.5/5

In the saddle, efficiency isn’t comparable with a sportier model, such as Shimano RX6 but would never be considered whippy and arguably just right for trail biased touring and bike packing. That said, our first few outings were aboard “Muffin” my fixed gear winter/trainer and I was pleasantly surprised. I’d expected to cruise comfortably at 85rpm, and I’ve managed this tempo for hours at a time. Gun to my head, if I had to suggest a stiffness rating, I’d say 6, stiffer and more efficient than Shimano’s MT701GTX (5 on Shimano’s scale) but lacking the same edge as Shimano RX600 (8 according to Shimano’s chart).

Climbing out of the saddle, there was some moderate flex felt around the mid sole some patterns. No hint of squeak, which can strike, especially when some useful cleat float’s factored in. Sole comfort, especially on rides exceeding several hours was very high, no hot spots or fatigue. Off road, much the same story, although I found the sole’s greater compliance, grip and traction came into its own.

Compared with my go-to’s the slightly broader profile was a better fit with slightly wider pedal platforms- for example, slightly better with these Leatt Endurance 6.0 than the narrower, venerable Wellgo MO94B . Arguably the optimal pairing was with a tour-eque platform, such as these Shimano PD ED ED 500 or these Shimano A530, which have a curved body for those occasions when you don’t want to ride with cleats, or scoot along through more technical sections.

That said, those with a triangular profile, such as these Wellgo and Shimano ES 600 were also very supportive and therefore, a good fit.

Sans bike, say when tackling a more technical section or mooching around, the sole’s texture offers reliable tenure on slippery surfaces- rocks and other uneven surfaces being prime examples. Same story with wet asphalt, and though the midsoles have more give than a typical cross-country design, this makes walking more comfortable. Qualities that lend them nicely to exploring and commuting, thanks to their subtle and in my view fairly stylish.

Though no worse than many similar touring type soles, the tread pattern does trap mud, which can add to their weight, especially along a boggy trail. Credit where it’s due, they have also purged this better than I was expecting and I’ve never had any issues with engaging or releasing my feet. The sole pattern has also proved less prone to trapping stones compared with gravel and racier mtb patterns.

Breathability/Comfort 3.5/5

Ours arrived during a heatwave, which was insightful. Given the lack of mesh panelling, I wasn’t surprised to find them warmer and less airy than Shimano RX6, FLR F70 Pro MTB M250 Shoe, at least with middleweight merino blended staples. Opting for summer weight race blends made palpable difference, especially when temperatures climbed into the high twenties. Nonetheless, I’ve never returned from a ride with clammy feet, or as I’ve indicated elsewhere, heat related fatigue. Pressure across the tops of my feet has been even and uniform and micro adjustments are easily performed in the saddle-even wearing full finger gloves.

On the flip side, when heavy showers came, ingress was very pedestrian, tending to bead up and roll away from the uppers and bodes well for four seasons commuting where you don’t want the hassle of overshoes. I managed an hour’s mixed terrain antics in persistent rain before dampness became apparent around the footbed. No issues with waterproof socks, which is great for day rides, touring and obviously, soggier trail antics.

That said, the profiles are slender enough to entertain them, or toe covers. Immerse your feet in deep puddles and a sporting chance of staying dry when the lanes and trails are soggier. Nonetheless, I’d be reaching for waterproof socks.

Care/Durability 4/5

The FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes seem very well made and the sole typical of my experiences with Vibram soles. I’d be inclined to apply a light coat of hide “food” and/or a sealant product, such as Crankalicious Leather Lacquer to the genuine hide post cleaning. Otherwise, it’s simply a matter of applying some bike wash to the shoe, working into a lather using a medium stiff brush, such as this Green Oil, or indeed, Oxford Tyre Scrub, then rising with tepid water. Pack with newspaper and leave drying naturally at room temperature. Six mixed terrain weeks, no signs of wear, or deterioration.

Value 4.25/5

£100 for a shoe with this kind of specification is very competitive. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit also feature a Vibram sole and claims to be “ great shoe for all-day mountain bike adventures. “Presently reduced to £91.35 (£130.50) they feature a Boa L6 dial with Velcro closure, Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsole, nylon mid, EVA heel cushioning for walking comfort. Giro Gauge Boa come in at £114 and is described as “made to inspire confidence for everything from spirited trail riding to soulful bikepacking adventures”. They feature reinforced heel and to sections, the Boa L6 closure, nylon insole for efficient pedalling and EVA midsole for more comfortable walking. Northwave Hammer Plus (£123) are another design intended to offer comfort on and off the bike. They’re available in narrow or wide versions and half sizes. However, some report the sole is a little too flexible for intense efforts. Shimano M701 GTX SPD Shoes are another credible rival. They’re slightly lighter and are, like the FLR best suited to broader platform pedals and great for walking in. However, the sole doesn’t rival FLR’s Vibram in the latter context and they’re a good bit dearer at £170.

Summary

Much depends upon what you are wanting from a shoe. If you’re a rough stuff tourist, or bike-packer who also wants a rugged shoe that can also cut it for year-round commuting, the FLR MXT Vibram Trail shoes should be high on your list. Were I assessing them on this alone, they’d get a 4.

Again, though they perform well with traditional cross country SPD pedals, models with wider bodies are their best match. The soles shed mud better than I’d expected, but the MXT Vibram Trail are heavy compared with sportier cross country, or gravel shoes. Something that becomes quite apparent after a few hours along boggy trails.

Verdict: 3.75/5 Rugged and capable shoe for adventurous touring, commuting and moderately paced mountain biking.

Michael Stenning

Bob Elliot Co Ltd - Suppliers of high quality bicycle supplies to registered traders

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2025

TESTS

HOME

TOP

FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes 935g (size 44 as tested) £99.99