Etnies Men's Brandon Semenuk Pro MTB Mountain Bike Shoe Review
The Etnies Men's Brandon Semenuk Pro MTB Mountain Bike Shoe is designed for those who demand performance and style. Created in collaboration with professional rider Brandon Semenuk, this shoe features an innovative outsole tread pattern that caters to multi-purpose pedals, ensuring you have the grip you need. The incorporation of 3M Thinsulate Liner adds another layer of comfort, keeping your feet warm without compromising breathability.
Additionally, the ankle shield protects your inner ankle from gears and the bike frame, making it a robust choice for adventurous rides. With a reinforced board lasted pedal shank integrated into the midsole, this shoe promotes better energy transfer while pedaling.
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Features
- Outsole tread pattern designed for multi-purpose pedals
- 3M Thinsulate Liner for warmth and comfort
- Ankle shield for protection against gears and bike frames
- Reinforced board lasted pedal shank in midsole
Pros
- Excellent grip on pedals
- Durable construction
- Stylish design suitable for both biking and casual wear
- Enhanced ankle protection
Cons
- Not water-resistant
- Lace-up closure may require adjustments during long rides
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Etnies Brandon Semenuk Pro | Five Ten Freerider | Giro Rumble VR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes | No |
| Pedal Compatibility | Multi-purpose | Flat | Clipless/flat |
Detailed Review
The Etnies Men’s Brandon Semenuk Pro MTB shoe stands out for its balance of functionality and aesthetics. For those who ride frequently, the shoe's tread pattern ensures a solid grip on various types of pedals, enhancing your riding experience. The use of 3M Thinsulate is a clever touch; it not only keeps your feet warm during colder rides but also allows them to breathe, preventing excessive sweating.
One feature that truly showcases Etnies’ attention to detail is the ankle shield. If you've ever had a rough encounter with your bike's gears or frame, you’ll appreciate this thoughtful protection. Coupled with the reinforced board lasting, this shoe excels in power transfer, which means you can pedal harder without losing efficiency.
On the downside, the lack of water resistance might be a drawback for riders in rainy climates or those who frequently ride through puddles. Additionally, the lace-up closure could mean some readjustments are needed during longer rides, which can be a bit of a hassle.
In conclusion, the Etnies Men's Brandon Semenuk Pro MTB Mountain Bike Shoe is an excellent option for serious mountain bikers looking for style, protection, and performance. While it has minor drawbacks, the overall benefits significantly outweigh them, making it a worthwhile investment for your biking arsenal.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Well-cushioned with breathable materials. |
| Durability | 4.6/5 | Sturdy construction that withstands wear and tear. |
| Grip | 4.8/5 | Exceptional grip on various pedal types. |
| Protection | 4.7/5 | Adequate protection for ankles against impacts. |
User Reviews
True Soldiers , Beleive!
I haven't seen or worn Etnies since my middle school skate days, but I picked these up as an alternative to the ubiquitous 510 shoes that dominate the MTB community. I get that there's a ton of function associated with these shoes but I just found the most common options to be so dang ugly that it felt wasteful to even buy them if I didn't like how they looked.For my taste, although these still have quite a teen skate shoe vibe, they are much better looking. Thankfully they also work great on the bike. I will note that the shell material is quite stiff; almost plasticky. This is pretty normal of MTB shoes and I'm sure it helps with durability but it's kind of an odd material.All told I'm surprised to own a pair of Etnies again but they made a solid shoe here.
My first riding shoe so not much experience. I have 3 different shoes tho. This one, a 2022 Shimano GR903 and 2021 RC Powerline. This shoe would be the most comfortable if I had ordered a half size larger instead of my normal size. The left is comfortably snug but the right is a bit tight, but useable. Trying to stretch it now with a shoe tree. The sole, as rated by others, is not super sticky, but secure enough for me. Have never slipped a pedal, but can adjust my foot position without too much effort. I haven't really stressed the connection tho as I am a beginner and ride slowly. The Powerline is noticeably sticker and harder to adjust my foot position. It feels more secure but I have to lift and replace my foot completely off the pedal to adjust it. My foot stays put this shoe. Solid connection. The new Shimano was the most expensive but it's Ultra Tread sole is the worst so far. It's noticeably harder and the only sole that has slipped off the pedal. Very disappointing. This didn't happen with the other shoes so I was kinda shocked. The Shimano is very well ventilated so it seems to be a summer shoe for warmer conditions and it is somewhat cold now in San Francisco. Hopefully the sole is temperature sensitive and will soften and stick better when the weather warms. For now it's hard and slippery on the pedal. Also, it has Shimano's Tour Last which is meant to provide lots of room in the forefoot. Well, the correct size is too wide for my normal foot so I've got is cinched down as much as possible which makes it useable, except for the hard sole.
Great fit and super comfy. Got these to mountain bike and have not disappointed yet! The bottoms are grippy on the pegs and my feet don’t slip off.
Love these shoes. Use them for DH and dirt jumping. Not as stiff as a 5/10 but much stiffer and supportive than skate shoes.
Perfect
Just got a few rides in on these and they came SO close to perfect. Good fit, I like that the rubber isn't QUITE as sticky as the 5.10, but the last is too soft.I like that I'm not as completely locked in as I am on both the freerider and freerider pro. With the BS I can reposition my foot without completely lifting it off the pedal. The downfall of this shoe is that the last is too soft, similar to the Freerider, and my foot starts to cramp on long, chundery descents. The last on the FR pro is perfect and more supportive, so no foot cramps.
I believe this make good pair of shoes for dirt riding or light trail use. They are comfortable on and off the bike.Shoes are sturdy but not too stiff. Top of the shoe is made of some plastic-like fabric which is very durable and almost fully waterproof (water still can get through vent holes or tongue, all though it is shielded). The black slick fabric makes shoes look dusty and dirty almost immediately. I would pick grey shoes over black if I would decide to buy them again.Michelin aren't as sticky as Five Ten rubber, overall I will say these are 6 out of 10 in grip department.The fit was good and size was right, as expected.