The MTB Gear I Actually Ride (Part 4): A 2025 Picks Series From Our Tech Editor

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.

If you haven't been following the series up to this point, in part one, I shared my editor's picks for tires, clipless pedals, and brakes. In part two, I talk helmets, drivetrains, kneepads, XC bikes, and data. And in Part three, I go into E-bikes of all kinds. From full-power eMTBs to foldable commuters and borderline e-Motos.

Shoes

Shimano GE900 HS

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 got lighter,  a narrower last, a new Li2 BOA dial, and a white colorway that really tickled my fancy, and I have since been converted to the GE900 HS as my new shoe for most of my rides that involve a lot of downhill dancing. 

Fox Union BOA

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.

FiveTen Freerider Pro

I swap back and forth between clips and flat pedals, and my previous go-to for flat pedals was always Vans, and I blame that on my BMX background. Vans are great for most rides, but the lack of support and less-than-ideal rubber sole can lead to some sketchy moments. Going from my tried-and-true Vans Hi-Top to the Freerider Pro was like night and day.

The Stealth rubber and BOA Fit System, and molded upper make these a premium option for flat pedals. Pairing these with the right pedals means excellent foot retention for all-day rides that feel almost as secure as riding clipless.

The Best MTB Vests

Rythmus RP 9L

A sleeper pack that popped up on my Instagram and dug its claws in. It has a ton of features that really excited me, and a design that really nailed fit and function. I’ve been converted to vest-pack only, and have totally left hip-packs in 2023 for all my rides, but without a ton of great MTB-specific options, the Rhythmus RP 9L really nailed it for me. It might not be the lightest or most breathable, but it's got a massive amount of pockets and auxiliary storage for jackets and cameras, and it’s also one of the best-fitting MTB vests I’ve ever used.

I’ve used the Rhythmus RP 9L more than any other vest this year, and I also spent my own money on it, so there was no obligation to pull my punches when reviewing it, and thankfully, I didn't have to because it nails fit, function, and features. 

High Above Supernatural

The Supernatural was on my list for a long time, and after getting my hands on one, it lived up to all my expectations. The High Above Supernatural is the peak ultralight MTB vest-pack, and from the first ride with it, I was sold. Although it doesn't have all the pockets that the Rhythmus does, it makes up for it with a lighter weight, a dialed fit system, and impressive storage for such a small pack. It’s super breathable and unobtrusive on the trail, and the way it holds weight makes it a no-brainer for big rides where traveling light and fast is paramount.

Gloves

Outdoor Research Freewheel

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I'm so picky with gloves, and both the Outdoor Research Freewheel gloves have really made me see the beauty of riding with hand protection. OR has two options, one with a leather palm for winter riding, and one much lighter version that I've put through hell and back over the last 12 months. Both options are among the best MTB gloves I have ever used, and I cannot recommend them enough.

Both options of the Freewheel MTB gloves are super light, super durable, and have minimal padding on the palm, which, for me, is everything I need from a glove.