"In part 4 of my favorite MTB gear from 2025, I'll dive into my favorite shoes, MTB vests, and gloves from the last year. For shoes, I loved the latest Shimano shoes and the same clipless MTB shoes from Fox that Jackson Goldstone wore to dominate the UCI DH overall. I dive into minimalist gloves and the absolute best MTB vests you can buy, for every budget."
"Over the years, Shimano has been my go-to for footwear, and I stockpiled the ME7 before it was discontinued. After searching for my next go-to, I stumbled across the Shimano GE9, a welcome replacement with its BOA dial and velcro ankle strap, but I missed the streamlined style of the ME7. Thankfully, Shimano took the GE9 to the drawing board and made some very appreciated refinements."
"The GE900 HS might have won me over early in the year, but the Fox Union BOA has come in at the final hour with a mighty strong case to be made. The Union BOA is definitely a more gravity-oriented shoe. Still, it's also not terribly heavy or uncomfortable in a way that makes me look for something else on a trail ride, and the dual-BOA Fit System makes for easy adjustments on the fly, and the sole and upper are robust enough to hang with the more aggressive rides."
Shimano refined the GE900 HS into a lighter, narrower MTB shoe with a new Li2 BOA dial, velcro ankle strap, and a race-friendly fit suited for aggressive downhill riding. The Fox Union BOA offers a gravity-oriented option with dual-BOA adjustment, a robust sole and upper, and comfortable ride characteristics for aggressive trail use. Preferences include clipless options used by top racers like Jackson Goldstone, while also noting flat-pedal choices and a fondness for minimalist gloves. A range of MTB vests is recommended, covering options from budget to premium.
Read at BikeMag
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