#10 on this list
Mallet Trail Speed Lace Vent
Crankbrothers
The Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Speed Lace Vent is built for trail riders who regularly pedal in hot, arid conditions where traditional armored shoes feel like saunas. Recognized by reviewers for its superior airflow, this variant takes the proven trail-capable chassis of the Mallet line and swaps in high-flow mesh panels along the upper and tongue to keep feet cool and dry during intense summer riding. Rather than a BOA dial, this model uses Crankbrothers' Speed Lace system, backed by a wide hook-and-loop instep strap. The quick-pull cord allows riders to cinch the shoe uniformly in seconds, while the strap anchors the heel firmly to prevent lift during hard climbs. The sole utilizes the same extended cleat runway and MC1 mid-friction rubber compound found on the premium Mallet models, ensuring fast clip-in engagement with trail pedals and dependable grip during mandatory hike-a-bikes. The open, ventilated design involves clear trade-offs. While ventilation is exceptional in dry heat, the mesh panels allow trail dust, fine silt, and water to enter easily. Riding through deep puddles or damp morning brush will leave socks wet immediately. The speed lace mechanism is fast, but individual tension zones cannot be micro-tuned as precisely as a dual-dial system. Still, for warm-weather riders seeking clipless efficiency and trail protection without trapped heat, this shoe is a well-engineered solution. **Highlights** - High-flow ventilated mesh panels maximize cooling in hot riding conditions - Fast and simple Speed Lace closure with an integrated lace pocket - Instep hook-and-loop power strap locks the heel in place securely - Extended cleat channel allows customized rearward cleat placement - MC1 rubber outsole provides balanced traction and pedal interface **Watch-outs** - Open mesh offers zero water resistance and lets in fine trail dust - Speed lace design offers less zonal micro-adjustment than BOA dials - At roughly 854 grams per pair, it remains on the heavier side for a trail shoe
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#1 on this list
Mallet Trail BOA
Crankbrothers
The Crankbrothers Mallet Trail BOA stands out as the premier all-around clipless shoe for modern trail riding, balancing pedaling efficiency with the compliance needed for rocky hike-a-bikes. Independent reviews consistently praise its extended cleat track, which allows riders to position cleats farther back toward the midfoot for greater stability on steep, technical descents. It bridges the gap between lightweight cross-country slippers and overly bulky downhill boots, making it a versatile choice for aggressive singletrack and all-day backcountry epics. Constructed with a synthetic upper, reinforced toe box, and Crankbrothers' proprietary MC1 high-friction rubber, the shoe clips in and out predictably with various pedal systems while offering secure footing when dismounted. The single BOA dial provides fast, precise micro-adjustments, paired with a hook-and-loop strap to lock the forefoot down without creating harsh pressure points. Reviewers note that while the shank is stiff enough for efficient energy transfer during long climbs, the flexible toe zone preserves a natural gait when scrambling up loose trail sections. At roughly 844 grams per pair, the shoe carries reasonable weight for an armored trail model, though it runs toward the premium end of the price spectrum. Breathability is adequate for mild to warm weather, but riders in sweltering conditions may find the armored upper runs warm. Overall, it earns top marks across leading review outlets for its refined fit, dependable retention, and versatile trail demeanor. **Highlights** - Micro-adjustable BOA Li2 dial combined with a forefoot hook-and-loop strap - Extended cleat channel for aggressive, rearward cleat placement - MC1 mid-friction rubber compound designed for smooth entry and exit - Reinforced toe cap and synthetic upper for rock-strike protection - Flexible toe zone aids walking and hike-a-bike sections **Watch-outs** - Premium retail price sits higher than many direct competitors - Upper construction retains heat on hot summer rides - Single BOA design does not allow independent upper and lower tensioning
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Mallet Trail Speed Lace Vent | Mallet Trail BOA |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 854 g per pair (size 43.5) | — |
| Closure System | Speed lace cord with hook-and-loop strap | — |
| Outsole Rubber | Crankbrothers MC1 mid-friction compound | — |
| Cleat Compatibility | 2-bolt SPD style with extended runway | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $190 | — |
| Primary Climate | Warm to hot, arid trail conditions | — |
| Retention System | — | BOA Li2 dial and hook-and-loop forefoot strap |
| Claimed Weight | — | 844 g per pair (size 43.5) |
| Outsole Compound | — | MC1 mid-friction rubber |
| Cleat Interface | — | 2-bolt SPD pattern with extended adjustment track |
| Approximate Price | — | $240 |
| Intended Use | — | Trail, all-mountain, and enduro riding |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Mallet Trail Speed Lace Vent
- High-flow mesh panels offer exceptional airflow during hot summer rides
- Extended cleat track accommodates modern, rearward cleat positioning
- Instep hook-and-loop strap locks down the heel securely under hard climbs
- MC1 rubber compound balances pedal pin engagement with hike-a-bike traction
- Porous mesh upper provides no protection against water or fine trail silt
- Speed lace cord lacks independent zonal micro-adjustment of BOA dials
- Heavier than minimalist cross-country footwear at 854 grams per pair
Mallet Trail BOA
- Extended cleat track enables stable, rearward midfoot cleat positioning
- Balanced shank stiffness offers efficient pedaling with natural walking flex
- BOA Li2 dial allows fine-tuned micro-adjustments on the trail
- Reinforced toe cap provides dependable defense against rock strikes
- Armored synthetic upper runs warm in hot summer conditions
- High retail price sits near the top of the trail shoe market
- Toe box volume may feel tight for riders with particularly wide feet
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.