Verdict from 2 experts and 29 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- An overwhelming amount of reviews say that the Northwave Enduro Mid cycling shoe is very comfortable.
- Plenty of users appreciate this MTB shoe's mid-top medial collar as it offers excellent ankle protection.
- A number of cyclists mention that it is durable.
- The Northwave Enduro Mid offers easy fit adjustment, according to a handful of riders.
- This pair's Michelin soles are grippy on and off the bike, say some testers.
- A few wearers say that it yields adequate power transfer.
- This Northwave cycling shoe provides good venting, a couple of people say.
3 reasons not to buy
- A number of wearers find this pair to be relatively heavier than some mountain bike shoes.
- An expert wishes that the insoles offered more support.
- A reviewer finds this model's color variations a bit limiting.
Bottom line
Despite some minor misfires, this Northwave MTB shoe still impressed a lot of cyclists with its good features.
Tip: see the best mountain cycling shoes.
Good to know
Who is it for? The Northwave Enduro Mid is most suitable for the following types of cyclists:
- Enduro riders
- Bikers who always bump their feet against the bike
- Cyclists who prefer MTB shoes with BOA dials
Grip. This footwear has a sole that is designed with rubber made from Michelin rubber. This material is known for its durability and excellent traction.
The tread design features two designs. The forefoot and heel areas employ wider lug designs to prevent rocks and mud from getting stuck, while lug design in the middle/cleat area has smaller lugs.
The Northwave Enduro Mid is an SPD MTB shoe, which means it utilizes a two-bolt cleat system. The following pedals can be paired with this model: Crank Brothers Mallet Enduro, HT T1 Enduro Race, and Shimano XTR M9100 Race.
The cleat area is sealed with a rubber cover that can be removed before using it. It is also recessed, so walking is comfortable, and cyclists can use it as a flat MTB shoe.
Lockdown. This pair's retention system features a single SLW2 dial and a Velcro strap in the top-most part. According to the brand, the SLW2 dial is the only dial that can be tightened in increments and fully released in a single button.
A protective material for the dial is also included in the package upon purchase.
Ankle and toe protection. The ankle and toes are the main parts of the foot that get the most bruising in mountain bike riding. The Northwave Enduro Mid MTB shoe makes sure that these areas are well-protected via a mid-cut medial ankle collar and reinforced toe caps.
Lightweight feel and comfort. This shoe's upper is made from synthetic materials and are put together via the Thermoweld layer construction. This prevents chafing and rubbing that are usually caused by seams. It also features internal therm-welded reinforcements for enhanced protection without adding too much weight.
The Northwave Enduro Mid was developed alongside some pro riders. In fact, this shoe is recognized as Cedric Gracia's signature shoe. He is #2 in the EWS 2014 rankings.
However, other cyclists, including Damien Oton, Cecile Ravanel, and Jordi Bago, also worked closely with the technical staff to create the definitive enduro shoe. The design process took over a year, and the shoe has undergone multiple prototypes that were subjected to harrowing conditions.
Finally, the brand partnered with Michelin Technical Soles to design the ultimate compound mixture for durable and grippy soles.