SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

Styling and materials are similar to the wider Leatt family, which, for me at least, is a positive.  The uppers are a translucent polymer with TPU overlay. As we’ve come to expect from synthetic uppers, there’s a generous helping of mesh across the top, encouraging moisture eviction, but without inviting too much wet stuff inside.

 

Boa closures have long been synonymous with quick, precision fit. 

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The BOA® Li2 dial is their latest incarnation with a lower profile, but in my experience retains all the positive qualities I’ve come to expect of the system. A finely tuneable, precision fit, holding the shoe securely, entertaining a wide choice of socks. Shoes are easily whipped on, off, or just tweaked mid-ride. Mind you, while I’ve generally found the system reliable and durable (I've only experienced one failure in 15 years), they’re trickier to fix and source parts for, compared with a lace and Velcro tag team.

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As we’d expect from a trail shoe, there’s some additional reinforcement around the toe box and heel section, contributing to the additional weight. However, it's still competitive alongside similar designs. The Leatt branding is very subtle, compared with their gravel cousins. This extends to retro-reflective strips on the backs, which are surprisingly effective when riding along roads from dusk onwards.  Aside from our ultra-practical black, there’s a white version, which might prove a boon if you’re regularly mixing road and trail. Keeping them clean could be another matter...

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The midsole employs a nylon shank designed for efficient pedalling, without compromising walking prowess. Traditionally, stiffer midsoles provide the greatest efficiency and support with smaller pedal platforms-cross country models, like these Shimano XT Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 Pedals | cycling-not-racing and Wellgo MO94B WELLGO MO94B SPD PEDALS | cycling-not-racing . In my experience, more compliant soles are best married with a broader platform, such as the Shimano M530 featured here. Simple Pedal Overhaul | cycling-not-racing or  commu-tour designs including Shimano PD ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing  

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Before I forget, Leatt offers a shim, which is designed to overcome any connection issues with broader platforms. I’ve not had any issues with the models discussed and pattern cleats. However, some riders reported the shim was essential with Shimano’s XTR M9220 pedals.   

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The outer “Ridge Grip” outsole is visually less aggressive than cross-country models, promising grip but without collecting mud and therefore additional heft.  Longer, broader cleat channels are synonymous with trail designs. These permit cleats to be set further back for improved mud purging and re-engagement, while also allowing a stance closer to that of a flat shoe for greater control on more technical, challenging descents. Internally, Leatt has gone for a fast-wicking and odour-repelling footbed, which promises funk-free dryness.

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Sizing & Fit 4/5

I have long, relatively narrow feet, meaning I am well catered for on the shoe front and can typically go the one-up from street route without giving a second thought. No, I didn’t get any rude surprises following this “lazy” default. Leatt offers the Pro Clip 6.0 trail in 6-11.5 (40-46.5) and the half-size options are another nice touch.  Steve has much broader feet and sometimes struggles in this respect but was immediately at home with their Flat 2.0.Leatt Proflat 2.0 Shoes | cycling-not-racing

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Conversely, given my slender feet, I wondered if the Trail might feel a little too broad. While they’re roomier around the toe box, the heel cup offers ample support and the Boa system oodles of tunability. Precision fit in seconds, without needing to dial them fully home.  Particularly welcome when switching between a summerweight merino blend sock, to a hiking, or in my case, cycling-specific waterproof models.

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Power Transfer/ Sole 3.5/5

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The sole strikes a very good balance between power transfer and walkability. Leatt doesn’t employ a sole stiffness rating across their range, but I would describe them as stiffer than the now discontinued Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes | cycling-not-racing  and with more flex than the FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes | cycling-not-racing. Denise and Ursula have been my test rigs. Both have sufficient gear range to remain seated in most contexts. The formative 250 miles were exclusively with narrow platform SPD pattern pedals, including Leatt’s Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals Leatt Endurance 6.0 Clip in Pedals | cycling-not-racing  .

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Transfer and support were reassuringly good in these contexts, although coming from the Endurance 6.0 and Sidi Aertis shoes, the additional weight was quite apparent. Having adapted to this over the course of three rides, I was able to cruise at a steady 17mph with no hint of fatigue or hotspots. Climbing out of the saddle, while Ursula and I negotiated some more technical singletrack, revealed more palpable flex, but we're talking slight and probably accounted for reduced foot fatigue after a day’s mixed terrain meandering. Much as I suspected, switching to the Shimano M530 and PD ED500 Shimano PD ED 500 Pedals | cycling-not-racing offered better support and with it a slightly higher tempo, albeit with some very small trade-off in cornering prowess.  

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Off the bike, whether trotting through more technical stuff or mooching around, the sole offered excellent feedback and decent grip, whether negotiating wet rocks, tree roots, or loose surfaces. I was also pleased by the lack of cleat clatter when walking along paved surfaces. Great when stopping off at the café’ or just running some errands. The sole’s pattern is also less prone to collecting stones and mud, which is another plus, especially since these also add unwelcome weight and make re-engaging feet less precise.   

 

Comfort & Breathability 3.75/5

Ours arrived at the start of an extended heatwave, which was ideal for assessing their breathability, not to mention Leatt’s odour-neutralising insoles.  ​In common with the Endurance 6.0, I was pleasantly surprised by how effectively the mesh upper allowed cooling airflow through, not quite on par with an early 90s race shoe. Nonetheless, with bog-standard merino mix socks, things remained very temperate for the ride's duration, even when the mercury was exceeding 35 degrees. No hints of hotspots of similar discomfort either, although as I suggested earlier, support and ultimately comfort proved optimal when paired with broader pedal platforms.

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The Boa system allowed for effortless, minute adjustment on the fly and even with intense effort, I've never been conscious of any slippage or similar foot movement. At the other extreme and in common with similar designs, when heavy rains came, I wasn't surprised to discover rain entering via the mesh panelling and obviously, the cleat drillings. Particularly after dabbing a foot down along waterlogged bridleways and lanes. When saturated, bargain on three-four hours before they’re fully dry.  While this illustrates the need for waterproof socks in wetter, changeable conditions, the insoles wick quickly and manage odour very convincingly.  

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Durability/Care 4/5

To date, the Pro Clip 6.0 are proving very rugged and save for some light patina, no signs of deterioration over the past 600 mixed terrain miles. Being synthetic, lighter grime is easily dismissed with a damp cloth. A quick blast of bike wash and light, soft brush agitation and rinsing will purge more stubborn, ingrained stuff.  Pack with microfibre cloths and leave drying naturally, away from direct heat.

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Value 3.25/5

£199 is arguably premium, so I would expect something special at this end of the market. Trail, like gravel and to a lesser extent, touring, is a broad church. One meaning different things to different people. Those seeking something a little sportier may find the FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes  FLR MXT Vibram Trail Shoes | cycling-not-racing a better fit for them and their wallet. Genuine leather toe sections and a very durable, grippy Vibram soles are definite draws. The stiffer sole has a slight edge on the efficiency front and they’re also nigh on half the price.   

 

​​​Crank Brothers Mallet trail Boa Clip in Shoes are dearer at £219, feature a TPU rip-stop upper, reinforced toe box, Boa and Velcro closures. Not forgetting a flexible ankle collar to prevent dirt and ingress sneaking inside the shoe. The sole features a Match shim and crank brothers to ensure optimum alignment and get you going straight from the box. It can also be run with other two-bolt cleat systems. Dearer still are Shimano GE900 Gore Tex Shoes. Weighing in at a penny shy of £240 and available in two colours (brown and black) they employ a Gore-Tex sock-type liner to keep the elements out and are described as an all-seasons model.

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A Boa L6 closure is bolstered by a Velcro strap for uniform security.  Carbon midsoles bode well for pedalling efficiency and goes some way to explaining the price. The sole's rubber compound tread pattern and EVA foam promise dependable grip and shock absorption for more aggressive sections. Theoretically tempering some of the stiffness without detracting from pedalling efficiency.

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Summary

Trail, in common with Gravel and Enduro are terms covering a broad spectrum. There are designs with stiffer soles, which have a bit more zing and a persona lending themselves to rough stuff touring. On the flip side, soles lack the same bite on wet, greasy roots and rocks.  The Leatt Trail 6.0 deliver on these and similarly technical conditions. While a little weighty, their reinforced toe box and heel offer decent levels of protection from stones and other hazards, while still providing good power transfer and walkability. Characteristics making good transition to touring, commuting, and utility riding.

 

Michael Stenning

Verdict: 3.75/5 Rugged, comfortable shoes with horizons beyond the trail

MTB – Leatt MTB UK

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