Top 20 inexpensive Bike Footwear for Ladies

Giro Riddance Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Clipless shoes may have their place on the trail, but that place isn’t on your feet. You prefer having extra mobility, freedom, and comfort when you hop off and shoulder your bike through overgrown sections of backcountry dirt, and we don’t blame you. Designers at Giro seem to understand as well, which is why they crafted the Riddance Women’s Cycling Shoes. These sleek flats pack in ultra tacky Vibram Megagrip ISR rubber to keep you glued to the pedals when you hammer through rugged rock gardens, and EVA to soak up some of the rough trail vibrations as you charge further down the trail.

The Riddance shoes feature synthetic uppers with plenty of perforation to let fresh air in to keep you cool, and water-resistant protection to keep your flippers dry through the muddiest corners. Inside Giro aims to support your arches with an EVA footbed that dampens pedal strikes and brake bumps. But the star of the show isn’t the upper, instead its the newly developed Vibram Megagrip ISR rubber outsole. This rubber was designed with input from Giro to land you with total grip that sticks to your pedals through jarring corners and tire-gobbling technical sections, while adding an additional layer of vibration damping to keep you comfortable through all day rides deep into the backwoods, diving into the trails less traveled.

Pearl Izumi SELECT Road V5 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Minimalist, but not lacking, the Pearl Izumi Women’s Road V5 Cycling Shoes make for the perfect partner on all-day weekend cruises, and after work group rides alike. That’s because they pack a good punch in their simple profile, with three hook-and-loop straps to enclose your foot with a customized fit, and synthetic uppers that support you through the longest miles. The sole might flex a touch more than the Road Race model, but they still push forward with a good degree of stiffness thanks to a composite matrix reinforced with nylon, landing it right in the middle of Pearl’s stiffness scale, so you have a little forgiveness when you head for your first century, when comfort is a bit more important than pedaling efficiency. The sole is finished with traction at the heel and toe to help you keep upright when those long days in the saddle are punctuated by refueling stops at convenience stores with slippery linoleum floors.

Giro Empire ACC Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Giro went back to the past when it decided to design a lace-up cycling shoe a few years ago for a certain Olympic cyclist in the 2012 London Games, and though it might’ve seemed like more of a fashion statement at the time, the shoe proved that lace-ups still deserve a place in cycling today. After the shoe has shown that it’s here to stay, Giro chose to let women in on the fun at last with the Empire ACC Women’s Shoes. If you’re like us, you may already have been wearing the Empire ACC but settling for men’s sizes. There’s also a chance you may have yet to discover the Empire ACC’s high-end features and functionality. Either way, the shoe’s availability in a women’s fit is cause for celebration.

Giro starts by constructing the shoes’ uppers with a single piece of Evofiber microfiber to provide a lightweight, contoured fit across the top of the foot. Evofiber is a highly breathable fabric, and it features added perforations to further promote ventilation and facilitate quick moisture transfer away from your skin. Rather than add extra overlays and pieces of material, Giro keeps the profile of the Empire ACC sleek and uniform, and the flexibility of the microfiber combined with the full lacing system allows for a customizable, second-skin fit. An Easton EC90 ACC carbon outsole provides an extremely stiff, light pedaling platform, and its low stack height brings your cleats close to the pedals to eliminate the loss of power that thicker cleat plates suffer, resulting in efficient, responsive power transfer.

Inside the shoe, Giro adds its Super Natural Fit System, which allows for adjustable arch support within the shoe depending on the shape of your arch to reduce fatigue while pedaling. The insole itself is made with X-Static fiber to ward off odors, while the outsoles have replaceable heel pads to keep the shoes going for miles.

Shimano SH-RP2 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Plunging down the rabbit hole of which cycling shoes to buy just might consume your entire afternoon if you aren’t careful, but getting a shoe that’s comfortable, versatile, and functional when you’re just starting out isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Take Shimano’s SH-RP2 Cycling Shoe, for example; with a women’s-specific fit and simple, effective design, it won’t require you to shake every last coin out of your wallet to get out comfortably on the roads.

Shimano uses a design that’s compatible with both two- and three-bolt cleats for the SH-RP2, so if you’re transitioning from spin classes to outdoor riding, this shoe will be able to do both. While you pedal, the ventilated upper will keep air moving between your toes, while the fiberglass-reinforced nylon sole dutifully works to transfer power from your feet to the pedals. If you’ve ever spent a ride with squished toes or a numb instep, you’ll be grateful for the two hook-and-loop straps and ratcheting buckle design on the SH-RP2, allowing you to achieve a secure fit without any painful pressure points.

Sidi Trace Cycling Shoe – Women’s

It’s hard to beat hanging out at your local trail network and hammering out rolling miles of single track, but there’s no doubt a challenge when you’re doing it in unsupportive shoes that flex under your pedal stroke. Fortunately Sidi has that covered, with a huge array of ultra-stiff soled shoes designated for the dirt, and the Sidi Trace Cycling Shoe for Women is a pair that fits the bill. The Trace Cycling Shoes come equipped with the new MTB RS17 sole that increases stiffness without adding weight to the mix, so you can hammer out the climbs, and push to the podium on race day without flex and give that leaves you feeling squirly on the pedals.

The new MTB RS17 sole is lighter than previous SIDI MTB Soles, with a stiff nylon construction that features targeted polyurethane inserts to elevate stiffness. The sole shape is tapered specifically for mountain biking, with a little extra width in the forefoot, and assorted lugs for reliable grip when you’re on foot. The toe area uses a replaceable tread, since it’s the area most prone to wear and tear, and also features the ability to mount crampons, so you can elevate your grip when you hit the local cyclocross race and encounter more than just a smattering of mud.

Wrapping your foot up snugly on top is Sidi’s Politex material —a burly fabric constructed by overlapping several layers of different materials, harnessing their strengths into one piece, and compacting PVC to the layers for a smooth, long lasting finish. Politex is film dyed, ensuring longer lasting color that won’t fade after a summer in the sun, so your kicks stay as fresh as the day you bought them. Politex fabric is designed to resist laceration, ripping, stretching, and fading, and even hits the marks for European Green Standards, ensuring that the product is totally green, and less harmful to the environment where we spin our legs.

Topping it all off, your feet will stay secure thanks to the two hook-and-loop straps that secure your toe and arch, plus a reliable Tecno-3 buckle up top that cinches down millimeter by millimeter to dial in the perfect fit for you. The Tecno-3 system involves two ratcheting dials, Sidi’s proprietary, non-stretch wire, and a customizable fit at the instep and forefoot.The heel locks your ankle into place, too, with its Tallone Sidi heel cup, that reinforces the area with protection from trail debris, and prevents deformation from extreme riding or prolonged pressure.

Shimano SH-RP5 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

If you are looking for your first pair of clipless road shoes—or an upgrade from you existing ones—the Shimano Women’s SH-RP5 Cycling Shoes are certainty worth a look. Shimano constructs the SH-RP5s with some features that are a step above entry-level models so they can progress with you, but it does so at a price point that doesn’t induce sticker shock. The shoes accommodate all 3-bolt road cleats, so if you’re going road clipless for the first time, make sure you look for this in the pedals.

A synthetic leather one-piece upper is constructed on a women-specific last that maps narrower feet allowing for a secure fit. The lower hook-and-loop strap pairs with a Boa dial, providing micro adjustments typically reserved for pricier models. The light carbon fiber reinforced nylon sole offers excellent pedaling efficiency and scores an 8 out of 12 on Shimano’s stiffness index. This translate to responsive power transfer for climbing and sprinting, yet it stays comfortable enough for all-day spins.

Giro Espada Boa Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Feeling your shoe flex over your pedal when you’re hammering out to the front of the pack on race day is less than ideal, but so is spending a fortune when you’re a self-sponsored rider. Instead of diving in to budget shoes just to save a few bucks, find the perfect happy medium with the Giro Espada Boa Shoe for Women, designed with stiff carbon soles, and a price that isn’t too hard to swallow. These shoes are designed for the avid cyclist and new cyclist alike, with a comfortable fit and snug uppers that can be cinched down right where you want them, and replaceable walking pads, so they can last for years.

Beginning construction, the Espada shoes start out with microfiber and mesh uppers that hold your foot in like a warm hug, but with ample venting, so that warm hug doesn’t turn into hot-foot. The mesh is perfect for transferring moisture if your foot gets sweating, and perforations in the microfiber help heat escape from your feet constantly. The uppers are constructed with both a L6 boa, for micro adjustments, and a hook and loop strap in the forefoot for tightening things down with serious support, ensuring minimal foot slip when you’re putting down maximum power.

Inside of the shoe you’ll find a supple EVA insole, with molded arch and heel support that keep your foot in a comfortable position when you’re laying down the power. To make sure you don’t experience flex and twists when you’re putting out maximum watts, the sole is constructed out of Easton’s stiff and supportive EC70 carbon fiber composite, allowing for direct power transfer into your pedals with every stroke. The sole also features a replaceable walking pad, making them ideal for long term use, as they won’t go out of commission after a year of hard wear and tear. The shoes are equipped with steel hardware for running three-bolt road cleats, for compatibility with most road cycling pedals.

Shimano SH-ME3 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

A good day of mountain biking starts when you hear the click of cleat into pedal and you start spinning your legs towards the trailhead. Give your feet something to be happy about when you start laying down the power with the Shimano SH-ME3 women’s cycling shoes. With a recreationalist’s balance of comfort and performance, they feature a middle level of flex, allowing for the stiffness necessary for laying down power but enough flex that you won’t be cursing them when you need to hike-a-bike,

The sole starts out with lightweight rubber, and an all-around tread, so you have traction in all conditions when you’re not on the bike, and a TORBAL midsole allows for your natural flow motion while in the saddle. Fiberglass reinforcement on the midsole gives you the stiffness you need for mashing up punchy climbs without adding much weight, and still allowing for comfortable flex.

Up top, supple synthetic leather wraps your foot securely, and a mesh patch near the toes helps prevent roasted piggies on sun-blanched trails. Holding your foot in place are two hook-and-loop straps over your forefoot and instep, and a reverse-buckle up top offers precise tightening that ratchets down, hiding the excess strap so it doesn’t get hung up on trail debris. The shoe is built on a women’s specific last, so it’s narrower than Shimano’s men’s line, providing a fit tuned more towards our narrower feet. This is especially prevalent in the ankle, where it’s slim and hugs your heel into place, preventing slipping on a climb laden with power moves.

Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Select V6 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Purpose built for triathletes, the Pearl Izumi Women’s Tri Fly Select V6 Shore facilitates speedy transitions and responsive pedaling. Shaving precious time from your race transitions, the Anatomic Tri Closure features large fastening points for easy in and out. This closure system maintains a secure fit without excess foot movement sapping power output to the pedals.

The bonded seamless upper conforms to your foot like a glove—all without creating hot spots or nasty pressure points. Ventilated mesh throughout the upper facilitates quick-drying comfort, should you opt not to wear socks after leaving the swim stage. There’s also a tongue-less design that further increases airflow.

Maintaining the stiffness desired for racing, the Composite Power Plate features a carbon insert along the forefoot for greater pedaling efficiency. It’s stiff enough to be a dedicated triathlon shoe, yet not overly aggressive when you’re training on the road. This sole accommodates both traditional 3-bolt road and 2-bolt mountain bike cleats.

Giro Empire W VR90 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

You may spend the majority of your ride time on singletrack, but unlike a lot of your fellow dirt hounds, you’re riding for time on both the up and the down. Whether the speed and technique required on the ‘cross circuit keeps you training every night after work, or you prefer the speed of XC, trust the Giro Women’s Empire W VR90 Shoe to deliver power to the pedals times and time again. The Empire’s elegant silhouette has been beyond reproach, in our minds, since Giro first introduced it, and the VR90 continues the legacy of clean lines and impeccable fit, adapted to the rigors of trail life.

Giro crafts each VR90 with an entirely one-piece Teijin microfiber upper, eliminating stitching, seaming, and overlays to leave you with lightweight support around the rolling contours of your feet. More breathable and weather-resistant than leather, synthetic Teijin microfiber molds around your feet much like its natural cousin. Use the lace-up design to make infinite adjustments in width and tightness along the length of your toes and instep to achieve a secure fit without the burden of hot spots distracting you from flyovers and technical rock gardens.

When you’re throwing all of your energy into the pedals to keep speed heading into a grueling climb, count on the Easton EC90 carbon fiber outsole to consistently deliver your watts to the pedals each time you turn them. The soles accommodate spikes for added traction on slick, muddy race days, and Giro subtly adds Vibram rubber lugs to the bottoms to make sure you can run your bike through sand pits as confidently as you ride it. Underneath your arch, Giro’s Super Natural Fit kit gives you the option to swap out arch support until you find what’s right for you, ensuring your foot’s mechanics don’t hinder your ride from inside your shoe.

Mavic Sequence XC Elite Cycling Shoe – Women’s

After riding for a few years, you’re finally ready to step up to a responsive shoe that transmits power into rapid acceleration while retaining a secure, foot-conforming fit. The Mavic Women’s Sequence XC Elite Shoe fills this niche quite nicely, thanks to its Energy Terra Grip Carbon Comp sole paired with supportive, micro-adjustable lacing. It represents a definitive step-up from Mavic’s entry-level offerings, yet still leaves room in your wallet for weekend riding trips and entry fees to your local race series.

Dialing in a micro-adjustable fit along the shoe’s upper, the Ergo Dial maintains the support desired for riding on flowing cross-country loops. Its quick-release functionality also makes removal a painless affair, which is especially nice after a punishing day on the trail. The Ergo Dial is paired with two Ergo Straps along the mid-foot and lower for easy adjustments on the trail.

Standing out as its most notable feature, the Energy Terra Grip Carbon Comp sole maintains the dependable strength and rigidity desired by cross-country riders and recreational racers alike. Its mid-level stiffness efficiently transmits power during training rides and races, but without being overly aggressive when you’re riding for fun on the weekends. The sole is outfitted with aggressive traction lugs of Contagrip rubber for terrain-chewing grip when you’re dismounting across rocky trail sections.

Louis Garneau Ruby II Shoe – Women’s

It’s hard to beat the comfort of home, and the Louis Garneau Ruby II Shoes for women just may be the ruby slippers that take you there. They combine just enough tech to keep you up to date and in charge on the road, but without going overboard with bells and whistles that the pro’s demand. Crafted from seamless PU leather and mesh, the uppers hug your feet in securely, while an IP1-S Boa allows you to cinch things down and make two-way micro-adjustments for the perfect fit. A hook-and-loop strap secures your forefoot without pressing down on your instep, allowing natural toe splay that not only boosts your comfort, but power, too. The new Ruby II may share a lot of similarities with its predecessor, the Ruby, but it features Louis Garneau’s new X-Comfort Zone technology. This innovative tech allows the shoe to stretch to accommodate those with wider feet, thanks to the ventilated elastomer-spandex insert. This makes for a non-constrictive fit that keeps you going for the long rides ahead.

Shimano SH-GR7W Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Is riding with platform pedals is where you find your heart is content? Do you want a ladies specific shoe that can dominate every part of the mountain? Are you tired of the world of Shrink-it-and-Pink-it? If you said yes to any of those questions, take a gander at Shimano’s SH-GR7W women’s specific flat pedal kicks. From the reinforced sidewalls and EVA midsole, to perforated synthetic leather uppers and stretch mesh ankle collar, there’s an acute attention to detail and precision that we’ve learned comes along with the Shimano name. Finally you’ve found a pair of shoes that can give you the power and support you need, with the fit you’ve been looking for.

Built on a narrower last than their men’s shoes, Shimano aims to hook us up with the perfect fit for narrower ankles and the more slender forefoot we ladies often possess. Despite the difference in profile, burly materials are thrown into the shoe, making sure that you have a tough shoe that has no problem keeping up with you as you barrel past the guys on the downhill.

Downhill and Enduro riding often kick up excesses of rocks and debris, so you’ve got a stretch mesh ankle collar holding tight against your sock, reducing the need to stop to get that rock out from under your foot. Durable perforated synthetic leather uppers repel water and help to aid in heat dissipation, reducing the dreaded hot-foot that many other burly shoes bestow upon us. A heavy duty molded toe cap protects your little piggies even the gnarliest downhill trails. Speaking of downhill, Shimano uses their AM footwear technology, originally designed for Downhill and Gravity riders, to ensure that you’ve got the technology needed for a solid sole. A pro rider-calibrated shank plate delivers rigidity, EVA midsole reduces weight and increases comfort, reinforced sidewalls provide your feet with the armor they need, and the cherry on top (or in this case, bottom) is the rubber outsole. Michelin proudly makes some of the tackier rubber we can get our hands on, and Shimano throws their own tread patterns on it before planting it on the outsole of the shoe. Aggressive lugs cover the toe and heel for when hiking a bike is necessary, and a lower profile tread lands itself on your contact patch, ensuring you’re just as connected to the pedals as riding clipless, but have a bit more flexibility to float your foot around to your own sweet spot on the pedal.

Shimano SH-MT5 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

If you’re looking for a cycling shoe that’s just as capable off the bike as on, have a look at Shimano’s SH-MT5 Cycling Shoe. It’s outdoor-inspired look isn’t just for show, it offers excellent off the bike walkability and cleat-compatibility so you can pack light on those bikepacking trips and still scramble around the campsite without the need of additional footwear. It uses a glass fiber reinforced shank plate that gets a stiffness rating of four on the Shimano scale meaning it’s still efficient for pedaling but not overly stiff either. The outsole is covered with EVA rubber providing traction over rocks, roots, and through creek beds. Additionally, its built on a women’s last for more comfort and a better fit.

The SH-MT5’s durable synthetic upper receives mesh panels to exhaust heat, and its fashioned as one piece for an improved fit, better durability, and lighter weight. Its speed-lace system spans the top of the shoe for easy adjustments and a customized fit, while a hook-and-loop strap across the top of the foot holds the laces in place and provides an extra bit of support.

Ride Concepts Wildcat Shoe – Women’s

Whether you’re ripping laps at the bike park or embarking on an all-day backcountry adventure, the Ride Concepts Wildcat Shoe is ready to take on any trail with its sticky rubber sole and tough-as-nails construction. And while they share the same features and overall design as the Ride Concepts’ Livewire Shoe, they offer improved stability and better ankle protection thanks to the taller cuff. Durable synthetic uppers with anti-abrasion mesh hold up against rocks and overgrown trails, while the tacky DST 6.0 rubber sole locks your feet firmly to the pedals for unwavering composure in rock gardens and steep terrain.

As far as protection goes, The Wildcat Shoes have anti-abrasion toe guards, as well as a fully gusseted tongue that prevents the intake of dirt and debris. These are nice features, but we’re most excited about the D3O High Impact Zone Insole Technology. D3O is highly shock-absorbent padding that’s commonly used for knee pads and elbow guards. By incorporating D3O into the insole, the Wildcat significantly reduces the impact force you feel from harsh landings and long days on rugged singletrack.

Sidi Drako SRS Push Cycling Shoe – Women’s

The Sidi women’s Drako SRS Push Shoes aren’t for most cyclists. Hell, they’re not even for most racers. They’re for the competitive ladies whose engines outstrip virtually every other shoes on the market, the cyclists who want to have the same confidence in their gear as they do in their legs. The women’s Drako SRS is built on the same platform that first made its name under the likes of Absalon in the men’s racing world. The only difference is that the last in the women’s version is sized down to fit more slender feet. In short, when you’re ready to race at the highest level of competition, the women’s Drako SRS Push will be ready to accompany you.

The shoes feature Sidi’s newly improved Tecno 3 Push fastener. Like its predecessor, the Tecno 3 Push system involves two ratcheting dials, Sidi’s proprietary, non-stretch wire, and a customizable fit at the instep and forefoot. The Push in the shoes’ title refers to the incorporation of a red button on the buckles’ faces that releases the ratchet’s lever for quick adjustment, saving you the onerous task of flipping the lever up yourself. At ride’s end, pinching two release buttons on either side of the dial loosens the wire. As with all of Sidi’s fastening hardware, you can easily fiddle with the Tecno 3 Push buckles in the saddle.

The Drako’s SRS Carbon Ground Sole and replaceable cleat wear plate return unchanged. This sole shaves 100 grams off its predecessor’s weight without sacrificing comfort, efficiency, or durability. The sole comprises a medium-modulus carbon body supplemented with SRS tread blocks and a cleat wear plate, the latter two of which are replaceable. Using a medium-modulus carbon as the base provides a slight flex along the length of the foot with no compromise to the overall rigidity of the sole, a delicate but necessary balance for top-level off-road shoes.

Sidi’s Heel Security System (HSS) also makes an encore appearance, using an adjustable, rigid composite band that closes the shoe more securely over your heel to anchor it in place around your Achilles. No matter how much power you’re pouring into the pedals, your heel will stay in place inside the shoe, even if you leave a bit of slack in the Tecno-3 lines in order to alleviate pressure across your metatarsals. The shoes are finished with Sidi’s synthetic Lorica uppers inset with ballistic mesh panels and capped with a rubberized toe shield.

Giro Savix Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Serving up the comfort you’d expect from Giro, the Women’s Savix Shoe delivers a quick-adjusting Boa dial and set-and-forget front strap to get you in your shoe and on the road quickly. The Boa L6 dial adjusts in 1mm increments to offer a precise fit, while the macro-release strap lets you escape the shoe easily at the end of your ride. An injected nylon outsole provides you with versatile options to mount either mountain biker or road cleats, while the die-cut insole locks in a comfortable fit.

Scott Road Comp Boa Reflective Lady Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Whether you’re heading out for an early morning ride, or making your commute at sundown, visibility is key to having a safe and enjoyable ride. The Scott Road Comp Boa Reflective Lady Cycling Shoe is ideal for these situations as it features a fully reflective upper that helps you be seen in low-light conditions. And considering that it provides all of the same benefits as the popular Road Comp Boa, it’s a good option for your everyday riding shoe, too.

The Comp Boa Reflective Lady Cycling shoes wrap your feet in supportive comfort thanks to the adaptive fit upper pattern and the micro-adjustable Boa closure system. Combined with the lower anatomic strap, the shoes articulate to best fit the shape of the rider’s foot. They employ Scott’s “Sport Fit” which features a larger volume, more relaxed fit that’s great for long days in the saddle. The ErgoLogic footbed cushions the underside of your foot, and features adjustable arch and metatarsal support. The composite outsole rates at a 6 out of 10 on Scott’s stiffness scale, efficiently transferring power to the pedals while maintaining all-day comfort and off-the-bike walkability.

Shimano SH-RP3 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

You’ve got a list about a mile long of cycling stuff to buy, filled with tips from friends who are thrilled you’re finally becoming a roadie. As it turns out, cycling involves a little more than just hopping on a bike and heading out for a ride, but you don’t have to let shoe shopping raise your blood pressure. Pick up Shimano’s SH-RP3 Women’s Cycling Shoes for a versatile, comfortable intro to clipless pedals. They’ll be a serious upgrade from riding in your old sneakers, and their light, responsive nylon sole will help you transfer power to the pedals far better than the rubber bottoms of your trainers.

In case you’re a little leery of commitment, the SH-RP3 is compatible with both two- and three-bolt cleats, so you can use them for road, mountain, or indoor adventures if you don’t want to get into buying multiple shoes. Fit adjustments happen via two hook-and-loop straps and a top ratcheting buckle, which means you’ll be able to fine-tune the shoes for the right balance of security when you’re pedaling without creating pressure points, plus, Shimano includes a padded tongue to add some further plushness and protection along your instep.

Shimano SH-ME3 Cycling Shoe – Women’s

Give your feet something to be happy about by hitting the trail in the Shimano SH-ME3 Mountain Bike Shoes. Balancing comfort and performance, they feature a medium flex that offers the stiffness necessary for laying down power, but enough give to keep you comfy when you need to hike-a-bike. Two hook-and-loop straps over your forefoot and instep hold your foot in place, working in tandem with the reverse buckle that ratchets down a precise fit through easy tightening.

Shimano’s supple synthetic leather uppers wrap your foot securely, and use a mesh patch at the toes to keep things cool as you work up a sweat.The shoe is built on a women’s-specific last, so it provides a fit tuned more towards narrower feet. This is especially prevalent in the ankle, where it’s slim and hugs your heel into place to prevent slip when you’re really pushing it on the trail. The lightweight sole employs rubber and an all-around tread for traction in all conditions when you’re not on the bike, and a TORBAL midsole allows for your natural flow motion while in the saddle. Then, fiberglass reinforcement on the midsole helps you mash up punchy climbs without adding much weight while still allowing for comfortable flex.