Extra wiggle room and supreme comfort aren’t always found in stiff, responsive road or mountain bike shoes. Yes, there are some exceptions, but the Trek RSL Mountain Bike Shoe is one of a handful that boast a wide toe box, but Trek takes it even further with METNET.
Trek RSL Mountain Bike Shoe Features:
- Ergonomically-optimized Trek Pro Last
- METNET relief zones stretch and conform to the foot
- 100% OCLV Carbon plate (14/14 stiffness)
- BOA fit system with two Li2 dials
- External heel counter and no-slip heel lining
- Tachyon rubber outsole and removable toe and heel spikes
- Durable GnarGuard rubberized coating protects from abrasions
- Bloom insoles are made from 45% renewable sources
- MSRP: $449.99
Wiggle room to spare
Trek’s new top-shelf road and mountain shoes boast all the fixings. With a list of typical features (stiff carbon outsoles, BOA Fit System), the new Trek RSL Mountain Bike Shoes add to that METNET GnarGuard and Tachyon rubber. Without a lesson in marketing speak, at the end of the day, these new mountain bike and gravel race shoes leave nothing on the table. I’ll leave it there, but read on for a full season review of Trek’s latest race kicks.
I’m not easy on my shoes. And, more often than not, I’m wearing them for months on-end without respite. That’s exactly the test environment the Trek RSL Mountain Bike Shoes have thrived in. Across several mountain and gravel bikes — in crisp cold and searing heat — these kicks show how a great XC/Gravel race shoe should perform, but not everything is perfect.
If you’re sitting there asking just what’s new with the Trek RSL, that’s easy… everything. This all-new last is wide and reminds me of the roomy toe box found on Topo Athletic running shoes. The stubby design instantly allows wiggle-room and opportunities for my toes to splay out and deliver the most power. Dialing in the fit with the BOA Li2 fit system, it’s easy to get a Goldilocks fit. No other fit system compares to the Li2’s and dual dials is absolute nirvana. I can simply dial in/out the fit as needed and adjust mid-ride, if necessary.
When riding BOA-equipped shoes in dirty and dusty conditions, the dials can get gummed up. It doesn’t seem to bother the left/right rotation, but it does make popping them open more challenging. A good wash not only cleans the shoes up but improves this issue. Surprisingly, the lacing pattern isn’t asymmetrical. The eyelets are straight across the wide tongue and don’t offer an ergonomic, foot-cradling pull. I have found them comfortable for long, rough rides, but snugging them tighter doesn’t necessarily equate to an even closure of the uppers. Keep in mind that my feet have low arches. If you have high arches, this straight lacing system may prove more vexing.
Still, I can easily tighten down these shoes for a comfortable and responsive fit. Additional arch supports can be inserted, but I have found the stock insoles to be just right. As you’ll find with a shoe this stiff, extended descents will create foot fatigue, but once back on rolling terrain or climbs, it goes away. The wide toe box, combined with stretchy METNET uppers eliminates any pressure points while also maximizing airflow. Doubling-down on this, the white color also prevents mid-summer overheating. For that reason, I always prefer light-colored shoes.
The grippy rubber outsoles feature large treads that easily clear both the LOOK X-Track Race Carbon Ti and TIME ATAC XC 8 pedals I tested them with across a variety of gravel and mountain bikes. There was no cleat interference and I can clip in/out without worry. Float is also maintained, for happy knees without any tread modifications. The double toe and single heel spikes can be swapped out for added traction on muddy cyclocross courses.
I also really appreciate the protective toe rand (GnarGuard) that keeps the uppers from undue wear and tear. In addition, the heel cup ensures proper stiffness and lock-in, using directional fibers. If you’re looking for the equivalent road shoe, check out my Trek RSL Road Cycling Shoe review.
Fit: As usual for Trek/Bontrager, I’m wearing a size 44.5 and they fit just right.
Buy Now: Visit TrekBikes.com
The Bottom Line
If you're on the hunt for a pair of top gravel shoes or if you're toeing the line of your local midweek XC race series, these are a great place to start. They aren't cheap, but provide ultra-stiff soles for the ultimate power transfer available. Adding to that, the wide toe box and METNET uppers allow my feet to splay and give me added control and power. I am surprised the lacing pattern isn't asymmetrical, but the awesome BOA Li2's deliver pinpoint fit adjustments. Wrapping things up, the outsoles are grippy and the toe protection is icing on the cake.
The Good:
- Ultra-stiff and responsive
- Good airflow on warm days
- Dual BOA Li2 dials offer the pinnacle of adjustability
- Wide toe box allows a better foot/pedal feel
- METNET eliminates pressure points
- Excellent pedal clearance
- Wicked-light
The Bad:
- Asymmetrical lacing pattern could deliver more pinpoint fit
- Stiff outsoles do induce foot fatigue on long, rough descents
- Fit
- Comfort
- Stiffness
- Breathability
- Durability
- Value
