Shimano MT301 review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all cycling shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 100+ users
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Excellent price-performance ratio
- No clanking sounds while walking
- Good-looking
- Excellent power transfer
- Excellent lace loop feature
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy

62% say it's true to size.
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Who should buy the Shimano MT301
The Shimano MT301 is a cycling shoe recommended to individuals who want to try going clipless for the first time. It is also suitable for people who are looking for the following characteristics in their footgear:
- Lace-up MTB shoes
- Recessed cleat area
- Flexible soles with enough power transfer
- Sneaker-like comfort
Excellent grip and power transfer
The MT301 mountain bike shoe utilizes Shimano's glass fiber reinforced shank plate. It governs stiffness for pedaling efficiency. This sole is rated 4 out of 12 in the brand's stiffness index chart. Rubber treads are placed throughout the outsole to help keep the wearer upright and stable on smooth and slippery surfaces.
Shimano MT301's cleat system
The Shimano MT301 features the traditional MTB SPD two-bolt cleat design. It is compatible with these pedals: Shimano XTR M9100, Xpedo GFX, and Look Cycle X-Track En-Rage Plus. The cleat area comes with a screw-on plate that covers the system. This makes the shoe functional as a flat MTB shoe as well. If you choose to use it as a flat bike shoe, then these are the suitable pedal models: Deity T-Mac, E*Thirteen Base, and Burgtec MK4 Composite.
Time-tested lockdown system
The MT301's classic look is predominantly thanks to its traditional lace-up closure. It gives off an old-school aesthetic. Apart from its looks, the lace-up is also a time-tested lockdown system, keeping the foot in place while dynamic pedaling. A garter lace loop is provided to keep the laces from flapping around and eliminate the possibility of being stuck in the bike's drive train.
A garter lace loop is provided to keep the laces from flapping around and eliminate the possibility of being stuck in the bike's drive train.