Verdict from 1 expert and 19 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Many wearers of the Mavic XA revere the shoe as very comfortable.
- Most users applaud the footwear’s durable construction as it can withstand anything.
- This mountain cycling shoe provides efficient pedaling in rough trails, according to quite a number of cyclists.
- Several testers affirm the pair’s excellent traction as no slippage happened.
- A number of purchasers say that with all of its positive traits, the Mavic XA has excellent value for money.
- Some consumers love how versatile the shoe is as it performed well in numerous mountain cycling activities.
- A few riders point out how this footwear feels relatively light.
1 reason not to buy
- A number of riders wish there were more colorway options.
Bottom line
The XA by Mavic is lauded for its durability and versatility in function. It is best recommended for spontaneous cyclists who like mixing up their rides from the road to the gravel and dirt.
Apart from these, the shoe shines through its ability to provide comfort on and off the bike, no matter the terrain type. If you love cycling adventures, the XA might be worth the try.
Tip: see the best mountain cycling shoes.
Good to know
The Mavic XA is marketed to be an offroad shoe, but it was heralded as a good all-rounder by cyclists. The main reason for its versatility is due to its overall design. From a comfortable upper construct to the ideal mixture of rigidity and flex of its soles and its casual aesthetic.
The upper is built from synthetic materials with perforations for ventilation. Vital toe and heel protection are provided by reinforcements, while the lockdown is governed by the time-tested lace-up closure system.
Ortholite insoles grace the inside of the shoe for enhanced comfort, while a number of proprietary innovations were applied to the sole for grip and stiffness. The details and technologies are detailed below.
Outstanding grip. This Mavic footwear’s grip is composed of two of the brand’s technologies: the Energy Grip Trail and the Contragrip. The Energy Grip Trail is the name for the outsole type. It is crafted from rubber that provides abrasion resistance and grip and features an EVA midsole as well.
The Contragrip is the tread design name. It is developed to yield impeccable traction and durability in both wet and dry settings.
Adequate stiffness. Inside the midsole lies a rigid internal plate. It assists in pedaling efficiency and performance while also flexible in areas mainly used for walking. The Mavic XA has a rating of 60 out of 100 in its index energy transfer chart.
This MTB shoe employs a classic 2-hole MTB cleat system, although it can also be used as a flat shoe. The shoe is designed with a removable cleat plate to cover up the cleat area should you wish to use it as a flat MTB shoe.
If you do use it as a flat shoe, the following pedals are recommended: Nukeproof Horizon Pro, HT ANS10 Supreme, and Spank Oozy Trail. But if you want to use it as a clipless MTB shoe, check out these pedals: Shimano XTR M9020 Trail, Shimano M647 Clipless, and DMR V-Twin Clipless.
Classic closure. This Mavic MTB shoe employs a lace-up retention system, which provides a time-tested lockdown fit. It is adjustable, and the fit remains the same throughout the race.
Adequate protection. The shoe’s toe and heel are reinforced with additional layers for enhanced protection against bumps and scrapes.
Comfort. The synthetic upper shapes after the foot for a supportive fit, while laser-perforated detailing offers airflow to keep the rider feeling fresh.
The Mavic XA is engineered with a high instep to accommodate wider feet and deliver enhanced comfort.
Ortholite footbeds are utilized for prolonged comfort performance and lessen vibrations coming from the bike. They are lightweight, washable, breathable, and yields better moisture management.
After the Mavic XA has been introduced, a couple of offsprings were developed. These following footwear were designed based on the construction of the original but with updated features based on feedback.
Some of this pair’s offsprings are Mavic XA Pro, Mavic XA Elite, Mavic XA Elite II, Mavic XA Matryx, and more. Some of the most apparent differences between the mentioned shoes can be seen via the retention systems, upper constructions, and cleat systems employed. From the original XA’s lace-up closure, Speed Lacing, Velcro straps, and dials have since been applied on Mavic XA shoes.
These models have been released one after the other, with some in the same year.
The shoes that belong to the lineage of the Mavic XA are known for their versatile appeal and function. They are all geared towards cyclists who love riding with no specific plans.