Do Mountain Bike Shoes Come With Cleats?

Mountain-bike shoes often do not come with cleats. Clipless pedals usually include the matching cleats, while shoes provide the mounting holes. Check the exact pedal box and shoe specification before assuming either item is included.

Flat-pedal mountain-bike shoes do not use cleats at all. Their rubber sole grips the pedal platform and pins.

Why cleats are commonly sold with pedals

A cleat must match the pedal’s retention mechanism. Two shoes may share the same two-bolt mounting pattern while the cleats for their pedal systems remain different.

Selling cleats with pedals helps keep the engagement surfaces matched. Replacement cleats should use the exact model or a substitute explicitly approved by the pedal maker.

Check the shoe’s bolt pattern

Most clipless mountain-bike shoes use a recessed two-bolt mount. Road shoes commonly use a three-bolt mount, although exceptions exist. A shoe advertised as “SPD compatible” refers to a category of two-bolt compatibility, but riders should still confirm the exact cleat and pedal instructions.

Do not drill new holes or force an incompatible cleat into a sole.

Cleats are not universal

Pedal systems differ in cleat shape, release movement, float, hardware, and wear limits. A cleat that bolts to the shoe may still be wrong for the pedal.

Use the pedal maker’s installation position, washer stack, fasteners, lubricant guidance, and torque. These details vary by model. If documentation is missing, have a bicycle mechanic install the cleats.

Flat shoes need a different sole

Flat-pedal shoes use a broad rubber outsole rather than a cleat pocket. Choose the sole and pedal together because rubber compound, tread, and pin pattern affect grip.

Our best MTB shoes for flat pedals recommends a current purpose-built option. Riders choosing trail clothing can pair that with the men’s mountain-bike shorts guide.

Test release before riding

After installing clipless cleats, support yourself beside a wall or use a stationary trainer. Practice clipping in and releasing both feet. Start with the pedal’s approved beginner setting if it has one.

Stop if a cleat moves, a bolt loosens, release is inconsistent, or the shoe interferes with the crank. Recheck after the first short ride according to the instructions.

Indoor riders must also identify the studio pedal. The spin-class cycling shoe guide explains two-bolt SPD and three-bolt Delta differences. Do not buy by shoe appearance alone.

The reliable purchase sequence is pedal system first, compatible cleat second, and a shoe with the correct mount and fit third.