Shoes connect you to your mountain bike so you can stay in control at all times. Weather you are an all around mountain biker, or you prefer downhill mountain biking, shoes provide stability and improve performance. Most mountain bikers prefer clipless pedals which helps improve uphill climbing. The shoes are what holds the clip that you use to connect yourself to the bike. Many downhill mountain bikers choose a different style of shoe that does not connect them to their bike, so they can easily release from the bike. A comfortable shoe can be the difference between an enjoyable ride, and an “i need to get home as soon as possible” ride.