Italian urban style meets rugged backcountry stomping with PEdAL ED's Mido Riding Boots

Italian urban style meets rugged backcountry stomping with PEdAL ED's Mido Riding Boots

Whether you are pounding pavements or bushwhacking through bikepacking badlands these boots are just the ticket

Matt Orton

Published: December 18, 2018 at 12:25 pm

Most flat-pedal specific footwear for mountain biking errs towards trainer styling, but the Mido Riding Boot from PEdAL ED takes a traditional walking boot and tweaks it for optimal pedal performance.

PEdAL ED Mido Riding Boots features

  • Pedal friendly Vibram sole
  • Choice of four colours
  • Reflective detailing
  • Three sets of laces with long lacing system
  • Handmade Italian Leather
  • Low-cut ankle
Rugged and good looking, if they're your cup of tea - Matt Orton

PEdAL ED Mido Riding Boots style

The Mido’s are handmade by Italian boot experts Diemme in north-eastern Italy. Their Italian styling is obvious and to me they are some of the most beautiful riding boots I’ve seen so far.

With four colours to choose from they look at home for fashion conscious urban riders. In fact, these boots need never see mud if you want smart footwear for work, pubs or clubs.

A choice of complementary, contrasting and reflective laces are included to suit your tastes, and the boots are available in European sizes 39 to 45 (UK 6 to 10).

PEdAL ED Mido Riding Boots design

The Vibram sole should provide plenty of grip both on and off the bike - Matt Orton

The most important part of the boot is the sole, because it's the main interface with the pedal.

PEdAL ED has added a stiff Vibram outsole with a lug pattern, designed to be both pedal-pin friendly and capable for backcountry hike-a-bike trips. The sole sweeps up from the front to back with no defined heel to snag pedals.

The Mido’s are relatively narrow compared to some hiking boots, which allows for a better position on the pedal. This won't suit some wider-footed riders so I would recommend trying a pair on for size first, if possible.

The lacing provides plenty of support - Matt Orton

The lacing system extends all the way to the toe box, which may not be to everyone's taste, but from a practical point of view this allows for more adjustability control when tightening laces.

A low-cut ankle offers great mobility when pedalling, while subtle reflective detailing seals the deal for the Mido’s riding credentials.

There is no waterproof liner, such as Gortex, and the tongue is not baffled to prevent water ingress, so waterproof qualities will depend on your choice of leather-proofing.

The mid top should protect your ankle from bumps and bashes - Matt Orton

Surprisingly, with all of the features included and the boots' construction, they weigh just 1,027g in a size 45.

At £200 / €260 / $305 these boots won't appeal to everybody, and they are definitely at the pricier end of the market when it comes to cycling-specific shoe wear. However, if you compare pricing with handmade boots and high-end walking footwear you will find the PEdAL ED Mido Riding Boot is on a par.