With the latest Trek MTB Shoes, the brand is rapidly expanding its METNET range. Introduced earlier this year with their highest-end road shoes, METNET is a triangular punch to the outer layer of the shoe’s upper that improves the fit around your foot bones while also increasing ventilation (which actually works).
The latest shoes to get the METNET touch are the RSL Mountain, Cambion, and Foray. While the supple uppers and BOA closures are a big selling point, it’s the outsoles that caught our attention initially.
Many shoes have replaceable toe spikes, but all three of these new models take traction to the next level with replaceable heel spikes as well. There isn’t much in the press materials about the heel spike other than that it’s an option. The shoes do not ship with a heel spike, but there is a mounting point under the heel if you want to add it in the future. This feature seems like it will probably be overkill for most riding, but on really muddy events it could be useful, say if you’re walking down a steep, muddy slope.
RSL Mountain
Designed for mountain bike and gravel racing, the RSL has the stiffest sole of the bunch with an OCLV carbon plate and 14/14 stiffness rating. It also has the highest-end closure system with twin BOA Li2 dials. Available in unisex sizing from 36-48 and half sizes from 38.5-45.5, the shoes weigh 288g per shoe and sell for $449.99 in black or white.
- Trek Pro Last for a high-performance fit
- METNET relief zones
- 100% OCLV Carbon plate
- 14/14 stiffness index
- BOA fit system with Li2 dials
- External heel counter for stabilization and efficiency
- Tachyon rubber outsole for off-bike traction
- Removable toe and heel spikes
- Durable GnarGuard rubberized toe coating
- Bloom insoles made from 45% renewable sources
Cambion
The Cambion is similar to the RSL, just with a more affordable build to bring the price down to $259.99 per pair. That includes a 10/14 stiffness rating from the carbon composite plate, and while still a twin-BOA system, it relies on L6 dials for a 305g per shoe weight. There are two colors, with different unisex sizing options for each: black and gum rubber gets 36-48 and half sizes from 38.5-45.5, while the Bronze Age and Red color gets whole sizes only from 36-48.
- Trek Pro Last for a high-performance fit
- METNET relief zones
- OCLV Carbon composite plate
- 10/14 stiffness index
- BOA fit system with L6 dials
- External heel counter for stabilization and efficiency
- Tachyon rubber outsole for off-bike traction
- Removable toe and heel spikes
- Durable GnarGuard rubberized toe coating
- Compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats
- Made with recycled materials – Upper 33% recycled material by weight
Foray
The Foray is the least expensive version at $149.99 per pair. This includes a nylon-composite plate with a 7/14 stiffness rating meant to retain walkability which could be a better option for all-day adventuring. This shoe switches to a single BOA L6 dial with a lower velcro strap and rigid lace guides. The Foray is a bit heavier at 340g per shoe, or 359g for the wide version. The standard shoe is offered in black in 36-48 and half sizes from 38.5-45.5, or white and black in whole sizes only from 36-48. The wide version is offered in black only and in whole sizes only from 36-48.
- Trek Comp Last for a roomier, performance fit
- METNET relief zones
- Nylon composite plate for stiff, walkable performance
- 7/14 stiffness index
- BOA L6 dial and hook-and-loop closure
- Tachyon rubber outsole for off-bike traction
- Removable toe and heel spikes
- Durable GnarGuard rubberized toe coating
- Compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats
- Available in wide (EE) sizes
- Made with recycled materials – Upper 20% recycled material by weight
