Trek Foray MTB Shoes Review

There are expensive mountain bike shoes and there are cheap ones. In between, there are journeyman shoes that do great for most riders. The Trek Foray mountain bike shoes are shoes for the masses who want comfort and technology in an affordable package.

Trek Foray Mountain Bike Shoes Review:

• Trek Comp Last provides a slightly roomier, performance fit
• METNET relief zones stretch and conform to the foot to relieve common foot discomfort
• Nylon composite plate delivers stiff yet walkable performance
• BOA L6 fit system provides a micro-adjustable, precision fit for a more dynamic and responsive ride
• Tachyon rubber outsole and removable toe and heel spikes provide excellent grip on any surface
• Durable GnarGuard rubberized coating protects against abrasions and other damage from trail debris
• Compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats
• Made with recycled materials – shoe upper is 20% recycled material by weight
• Weight: 14.3 oz (each, size 45)
• MSRP: $164.99

Foray hits the trails

Last year, Trek introduced a full lineup of shoes built with their METNET uppers. I tested the top-shelf Trek RSL Road and RSL MTB shoes last summer — and still wear them most of the time today — and both of them feature METNET uppers to allow my feet to expand without becoming constricted. That flex can be felt on those racy shoes, but is even more dramatic with the Foray MTB shoes.

Slipping these on, it’s easy to tell they aren’t made for racing. I mean, not that you couldn’t use them for racing, but they aren’t as streamlined or lightweight as a pure race shoe. Using a standard BOA Fit System L6 dial, the fit is easy to set. However, due to the price point, the L6 only allows one-way adjustments (to tighten). Should any loosening be necessary, it’s a pop-and-adjust affair, which does limit fine-tuning on the bike. With those high-end kicks (above), being able to micro-adjust in the saddle is something I’ve become accustomed to, so I do miss it here. At the end of the day, the L6 is commensurate with the price of the Foray MTB shoes.

The lowermost fit adjustments are done with a velcro (aka “hook and loop”) closure. For me, I pretty much kept it in the neutral position — not tightening or loosening the fit. Honestly, you’d have to tug on it pretty hard to cinch it down much. That said, I do love the extra wiggle room that these shoes provide. My toes feel naturally spread-out in the forefoot for a powerful and comfortable foot position. METNET areas on the outboard and inboard side of the uppers flexes with every movement and delivers a high-quality feel. If you struggle finding clipless mountain bike shoes with enough wiggle room, these are a great option.

I will add that the uppers are comfortable, but they don’t offer as sophisticated of a fit or profile as Trek’s most expensive models. A less-racy cut and fit does make for a little less form-fitting design around the cuff that results in some gaps and outward flex when walking or pedaling. Even with the BOA fit system, the cuffs don’t quite pull around my feet as ergonomically as I’ve experienced in other shoes. Again, this is typical for shoes of this price point and it does provide form-fitting comfort. I’ll add that my feet are confidently locked into the deep heel cups with zero slippage in the saddle or walking around.

If you value walking or hiking traction, the Forays are absolute banger. Any hike-a-bike sections will be tackled with ease as they walk with a smooth stride and the grippy rubber adheres to rocks, dirt and whatever else I’ve walked through. That’s the beauty of a composite plate — it flexes when walking whereas stiff, carbon plates make it feel like you’re walking squares.

Black shoes are pretty standard these days, but I prefer something a little flashier. But, it’s not just for looks — black shoes will roast your feet in the summer sun. Breathability is okay in these shoes — not outstanding. A hot summer day on the singletrack and these black kicks just might cook your piggies. I’d definitely go with the white/black color if I had my druthers.

With more flex at the midsole, you do yield a little bit of power with every hard push on the bike. On particularly hard efforts (standing or seated), the shoes do flex underfoot. It’s small, but noticeable when worn back-to-back with stiff race shoes. On the plus side, it does make for added comfort on long descents where my feet don’t get fatigued.

When it comes to taking these shoes off, I have noticed that dust does tend to bind up the laces and dial that prevent the cables from releasing with ease. Post-ride, after popping the L6 BOA dial, I have to pull the tongue outwards before removing my feet. Other BOA-equipped shoes I’ve worn (and I’ve worn a lot) don’t typically require that for removal.

Fit: I’m wearing the size 44.5, which is my typical size in Trek shoes. 

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