Review: Endura's New Burner Shoe is Full of Tech Without Looking Too Weird

Mar 1, 2022
by Mike Levy  
Endura Burner shoe


Riding gear has improved a lot over the years, and one of the best things about that is how we're mostly past having to look like Dieter the über-dork just because you want some technically adept clothing that keeps you comfortable when you're on the bike.

Clipless shoes made for trail riding are a good example of this. There are many options to choose from with stiff soles and added protection, but you can also wear them post-ride into a 7/11 without click-clacking around before falling on your ass in front of the slushie machine and spilling a liter of frozen Mountain Dew that you're now sitting in.

Burner Details
• EGM insole
• EVA midsole impact absorption
• Sharkskin heel cup
• StickyFOOT outsole
• Sizes: 5.5 - 15 (37 - 49.5)
• MSRP: $159 USD
www.endurasport.com

For trail riders looking for exactly that combo - casual looks and a functional design - there's another new option on the market, this time from Scottish clothing brand Endura. The Burner can be had in three flavours; there's one for flat pedals, an even more casual looking one for flat pedals, and the $159.99 USD clipless version that I've been wearing while riding in Tucson, Arizona, for the upcoming Value Bike Field Test.

photo
Endura packs a lot of tech into these casual looking shoes.
photo
See those tiny bumps? They're said to aid your body's ability to sense movement, action, and location.

The Details

Endura is probably best known for their tech-laden clothing, so it's no surprise to see them take the same approach with their shoes. We'll start inside, which is where you find something called an ''EGM footbed'' that they say ''maximizes comfort and power transfer.'' The EGM treatment consists of a tiny raised button that separates your big toe from the others, "greatly improving your forefoot function," as well as bunch of tiny bumps that's said to help something called "proprioception." Whatever that word means, it sounds important and like it should be helped, so that's great.

Thankfully, the StickyFOOT rubber bottom is much more self-explanatory than EGM. Every shoe company has their own fancy outsole, and Endura says they've managed to balance grip, durability, and walkability with theirs. There's a different version at the toe and heel - StickyFoot Dura - that probably doesn't need explaining.

There's also the usual offset cleat box and long cleat mounting slots that'll let move them as far back as you'd ever need.


photo
The black stuff is grippy, while the blue stuff is supposed to be grippy but more durable.


On the protection front, the toe box is more substantial than a lighter weight shoe, but still softer than some others, and raised inboard protection keeps you from smashing your ankle on the cranks - that's always painful. While I was half expecting to see some sort of Nike Mag-esq closure, Endura turned to trusty old laces with a Velcro strap at the top. Which is a very good thing. Some riders will want fancy dials or buckles, but these aren't those kinda shoes.


photo
Laces and Velcro might not look as sporty as dials and buckles, but that's the point.


Performance

Testing new shoes (or pedals) has to be one of my least favourite tasks, partly because I'm a little picky about what I'm using down there, but mostly because it takes a while for new shoes to not feel strange. Maybe it's just me, and maybe I'm just being fussy, but soles feel too thick, footbeds feel like they're already shaped to someone else's feet, and why can I feel every seam? That all goes away after a week or two and the shoes bed in to eventually feel invisible.

The Endura Burner shoes were comfortable right from the first ride, though, with a footbed that felt like home and no weird pressure points or seams to complain about. I've been wearing a size 45 (US 11) and the fit feels very neutral to me; they're not too skinny, not too wide, and the toe box doesn't squeeze my little piggies too much. As far as overall sizing goes, I'd say they run a little small - I'm typically a size 10.5 with other brands. I couldn't feel (or see) the EGM bump meant to separate my big toes from the rest, but I will say again how comfortable they were right from the get-go.

The Burners use a shank that's definitely more flexible than some other common options out there, with Shimano's AM9, Bontrager's Rally shoe, and the Specialized 2FO ClipLite all being stiffer. If you you use trail-style pedals with small (or no) cages, you'll likely notice how the Burners flex around the pedal body more than those three, and that makes them far better suited to a pedals with more support. It also means they're great to walk in (more on that below), but I think I'd prefer them to be closer in rigidity to the AM9 for when I'm on the bike rather than more walkable for when I'm off the bike.


photo
The Burners felt a bit warm to me, but I'm a pasty Canadian testing them in Arizona, so that's about what I'd expect.


When it comes to how you like to tighten your shoes, there's really no right or wrong way as long as it works and is reliable. And you know what's reliable? Frick'n laces and Velcro, that's what. I own shoes with Boa dials that I like, and I own shoes with buckles and ratchets that I like, but they've all given me some sort of headache at some point; I pop dials off for no good reason, or maybe they decide to stop holding tension, or maybe the buckles stop buckling. Sure, dials and buckles are faster and can be adjusted quickly, or even on the go, but laces probably won't ever let you down.

Off the bike, Endura's soles did a good job of keeping me from sliding onto my ass, an embarrassment that I'm fairly used to from wearing more race-oriented shoes. I usually use HT pedals because I like their extremely high release tension that keeps my feet from blowing out when I'm barely holding my shit together, but their cleats are a nip taller than SPD cleats and sit a millimeter or two proud of the soles of any shoes I've had them on, including the Burners. That's an HT problem rather than an Endura problem, and while there was a bit of cleat clacking, the soles offer plenty of traction.

If you do end up having to walk up or down something, the Burners are obviously going to be far more usable than a set of silly race-bred, carbon-soled slippers thanks to a shank that lets the shoe flex a good amount just forward of the cleats and more so than some other similar options on the market. That flex prevents heel lift, too, probably much more than the sharkskin fabric Endura uses at the back of the shoe.


photo
Whatever pointy rock that did this to the Burner would have probably sliced my foot off at the knee had I been wearing silly carbon-soled sporty shoes.


DURABILITY

A handful of rides doesn't make for a long-term review, but I'd also argue that the southwest's rocky terrain definitely takes its toll on gear. Case in point: the right shoe is missing a chunk of rubber at the back of the heel, likely carved out by one of the countless sharp rocks I've scraped up against while in the desert. To be fair, I'm pretty sure any shoe would be sporting a similar gouge, or worse. Also, one of the laces is fraying a bit, but that's likely also from a pointy rock - the desert is hard on everything.

I'll be wearing the Burner shoes back in the Pacific Northwest over the coming months and will update this review if anything changes on the durability front.




Pros

+ Very comfortable on and off the bike
+ Good ol' laces and Velcro
+ Flexible soles make walking easy (if you like that)

Cons

- Durability question marks
- Flexible soles (if you don't like that)




Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesWhile my preference leans towards stiffer shoes that make me walk like penguin with a helmet on, I'm happy to report that I don't think I'll ever end up slipping and falling in a convenient store while wearing the new Burners. If you're looking for something even more casual and walkable than AM9s or 2FO ClipLites, these could be them. I found them to be impressively comfortable, and they offer a practical mix of walkability and on-bike performance. Mike Levy







Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

69 Comments
  • 52 1
 I want shoes that communicate to my helmet so when I go tumbling I can track how many times I flipped.
  • 30 0
 Tobias Fünke just blue himself
  • 6 0
 There's always $$ in the Banana Stand
  • 5 1
 @dansliquornick: unless it burns down?
  • 3 0
 There’s a good chance I may have committed some light treason.
  • 2 0
 “I mean it's one banana, Michael, what could it cost, 10 dollars?”
  • 2 0
 @dusrides: Why are you squeezing me with your body
  • 8 5
 Here's what I hate about mtb shoes. Laces that come undone unless you tie a double knot. Laces with a doubleknot that are impossible to undo after they become wet. Laces that get shredded by flat pedal pins. I realize this is only a problem in the PNW but cmon.
  • 15 1
 Lace covers are your friend.
  • 11 0
 @mikelevy: I am forever sad the freerider elc was discontinued.
  • 3 0
 @adrennan: second that! Glad I have another pair on stand by for when my long lasting first pair eventually bites the dust for the last time.
  • 2 0
 @RBalicious: if they are size 13, can you send them to me?
  • 2 4
 @mikelevy: Add more weight, bulk, and complexity when a simple Boa will suffice. Pass.
  • 3 0
 @nurseben: You obviously live in an arid climate.
  • 6 0
 @nurseben: boa does not have the same adjustability and i always find myself adjusting the tension on them.
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: fortunately for me, they are not in 13. Big Grin
  • 1 1
 @RBalicious: of course, doesn't everybody?
  • 1 0
 @adrennan: Are you trying to say that laced shoes have better adjustability than Boas (or whatever other similar system from other brands)?
  • 1 1
 @adrennan: I've been riding the Pearl Izumi going into my third season and they work very well.

If anything, I find laces bulky and more likely to cause tight spots than the Boa.

If you try to use laces to improve fit, you either got poor fitting shoes or shoes that need to be broken in better.
  • 2 0
 @nurseben: false
  • 3 0
 The way we were taught to tie our shoe-laces was wrong. A double loop around the bows instead of a single loop holds like gorilla tape and you can still pull and untie like normal.
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: I have the higher top pearl izumi and the fit and feel is pretty meh to me. feels like an xc ski boot
  • 9 4
 Flexible soled clip in shoes are hot garbage. Under high torque riding the midsole stiffener (shank) will crack.
  • 3 1
 So true. There are a few brands/models of clip shoes that have floppy soles. It's really unfortunate, especially if someone new to clip in pedals ends up in soft shoes, because they don't know any better.
  • 5 0
 Might be a better shoe for flat pedals, too soft for clipless, but a little stiffer for hard charging flats.
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: Agree. I loooooove Freerider Pros on flats, but want a lot more stiffness when I clip in. These might be that good as flats if the rubber is grippy enough
  • 5 0
 I really like these... well, I really like the flat version in black.
  • 2 0
 How can you tell if you don't know if the flat version is grippy enough?
  • 4 0
 The big question for Endura - will the left and right shoes actually be the same size??
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy it appears the insole materials is an open cell foam? Might be fine in the SW, but once you return to the PNW, do you think that insole material will absorb water/sweat? It could be like walking around on damp sponges 8 months of the year, if indeed the material is open cell vs closed cell foam. Too bad about the lack of sole stiffness too. I think Endura can do better, their outwear is well designed.
  • 2 0
 Not sure, but I’ll update the review if they stay waterlogged in BC.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: I think I may be looking at the top of the insole that has a blue fabric laminated on it, so may not actually be seeing the foam. Looking forward to a PNW follow-up review. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 @JDFF: considering endura is a UK brand, I'd hope they'd choose insoles that dont absorb water
  • 1 0
 @DanielP07: I was thinking the same.
  • 3 0
 Every apparel post = onslaught of UK posters "but but but its not waterproof". Cue; irony of a Scottish company making a non-waterproof mtb shoe. *laughs manically*
  • 1 0
 As one of those Scottish riders, yes waterproof is good, but waterproof shoes dont let water or heat out once it is in. Give me breathable quick drying shoes for 10 months and fully waterproof with sealed gaiter for the days we can ride in the other two.
  • 1 0
 I hate regular laces, but I'll always go for shoes that use them since you can get a pair of those elastic quick-lace things for like $10. I never even have to loosen the ones on my Freeriders; they're basically slip-ons now but tight enough that the shoes stay put. And if they break or wear out, whatever, another $10.
  • 7 4
 Who actually wants dials and buckles tho, they look gash !!

Also @pinkbike ffs move the logout button
  • 9 0
 I prefer dials or buckles on sportier shoe, as do many other riders who don’t care that their shoes look funny.
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: going too fast to notice other riders’ shoes! LOL!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: what about the logout button?
  • 2 0
 Need more info on the EGM bumps, proprioception is key to preventing twisting ankle injuries. Not sure what the purpose of the EGM bumps are in this shoe, better feel?
  • 2 0
 That’s interesting - didn’t know that. Both my ankles are hot garbage, so maybe they’ll help?
  • 2 0
 @kingbike2 proprioception is our body's ability to know where it is in space during movement/action. AKA kinesthesia. Where yes, it helps preventing twisting ankle injuries, it more relates to not having to 'think' about how you are making your next move.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: the article on what we want in a cycling shoe people stated more ankle support but when off the bike and walking it’s the body’s awareness of foot placement on uneven ground that we rely on to prevent injuries.

Of course more support for a previously injured ankle is good.
  • 4 0
 I believe of claims to proprioception benefits would relate to reduced foot fatigue with the foot being able to feel is position in the shoe and therefore have to spend less energy trying to grip the insole with your toes as it prevents it feeling like is floating in space. I work in special needs where many of our kids struggle with proprioception, they often use seat cushions with bumps and ridges to help them keep their balance in a relaxed manner.
  • 2 0
 "EGM footbeds" and a 27.5, non super boost, non idler 2022 bicycle on PB this morning. Going to need to talk to my therapist about how this day got started.
  • 3 0
 Get off of my blue suede shoes
  • 3 0
 Here's one for the money!
  • 1 0
 Flexible soles as a pro and con. I can dig that lack of picking a position haha. Not bad looking shoes, impressive to see how far Endura has come.
  • 4 5
 I get really grumpy about cycling shoes, road or MTB, that use laces. Really... let's take the oldest shoe tech we have and get stuck back in with it. Velcro is better than laces. BOA is better than laces. Little tongue ratchet systems are better than laces... Even quick lace type systems like my Shimano AM-9's have, which the velcro strap and cover, are so much better than regular old laces... I have no open mind about this. I will never be convinced.
  • 2 0
 I completely agree. The Shimano quick lace system with a cover is perfect.
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy is alive!!!
  • 3 1
 Add to cart
  • 2 1
 These burners are going to be a hot item.
  • 1 0
 Finally a shoe for my burning man bike.
  • 1 0
 Who are all these people that need medial malleolus protection?
  • 1 2
 Anyone who rides a bike will sooner or later hot their ankle on the crank or frame, so maybe you need to ride more?
  • 1 0
 @nurseben: my left and right ankles look completely different, partly because of exactly that, smashing then on crank arms for 25+ years.
  • 2 1
 If I was an Elvis fan I’d buy them hahaha
  • 1 0
 flats version review coming sometime soon at all?
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