Verdict from 11 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Quality: Several owners applaud the Northwave X-Trail's excellent materials and craftsmanship.
- Comfort: Quite a number of wearers love the pair's comfortable feel.
- Attractive: Some consumers find this MTB shoe to be aesthetically pleasing.
- Stiff: The X-Trail's soles are sufficiently stiff for pedaling and comfortable for walking, according to a handful of users.
- Protection: A couple of cyclists mention that it provides good toe protection.
- Easy walking: The pair's recessed cleats make for easy walking.
1 reason not to buy
- Closure system: A few wish the model had a BOA dial.
Bottom line
Despite a minor misfire, the Northwave X-Trail's advantages outweigh it and could be a good buy for people who don't mind the Velcro closure.
Tip: see the best mountain cycling shoes.
Northwave X-Trail
The heart of the Northwave X-Trail bike shoe is its sole. Mountain cyclists will benefit from this pair's sufficiently rigid soles and super grippy Michelin rubber treads. The upper's 3D mesh with impact-resistant reinforcements yields a comfortable, durable, and protective build ideal for trail riding.
This pair's closure utilizes three Velcro straps for that easy and on-the-go fine-tuning. However, if you like everything about this shoe except for its basic retention system, you might want to check its sibling called the Northwave X-Trail Plus, which uses the BOA dial. These two shoes employ the same exact features excluding the closure mechanism.
What is it for? The Northwave X-Trail MTB shoes feature trail performance elements enveloped in a sleek design. It works well for the following cycling activities:
- All-day mountain riding
- Trail cycling
- Urban commutes
- Touring
You may also want to check out
Fizik Terra X5. This pair is recommended for cyclists who are after bike shoes with slightly more serious features. It comes equipped with BOA closures, a more traditional cycling silhouette, and stiffer soles than the X-Trail.
Bont Riot MTB+. This shoe is for you if you have wide feet or having trouble fitting into the Northwave X-Trail shoe. The Bont bike shoe is heat-moldable and comes with anatomically shaped lasts, which is reported to accommodate most feet.