XC MTB Shoes: What Makes Them Different?

XC MTB shoes are built lighter and stiffer than general trail MTB shoes, since cross-country racing rewards efficient power transfer over rough, fast-rolling terrain more than heavy-duty protection. They still use the same recessed, walkable cleat system as other MTB shoes, but the sole is noticeably stiffer and the upper is lighter to save weight over a race or marathon distance. Northwave's XC range, including Striker, Razer and Extreme XT, is built around this lighter, race-focused approach.