Review: 2025 Leatt Proclip Shoes | For XC & Gravel
The Proclip is Leatt’s first XC or Gravel Shoe. It is available in two models, four colourways and is keenly priced.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have seen pre-production versions of Leatt’s new Proclip shoes ridden earlier this year at the Cape Epic. As I understand it, they’ve put a lot of research and prototyping into developing the new shoes — working closely with their pro athletes to get the feel and performance just right. The new shoes are designed for XC, with a strong cross-over into Gravel.
On launch, there are two versions of the Proclip shoes – the Endurance 8.0 that is priced at R3 799 and the Race 8.0 that will retail at R4 399. The Endurance is aimed a little more at riding, whilst the Race is the more racy version. In September, I received a set of each and have been using them for the past few weeks. Other than a section of the uppers and the number of retention dials, the shoes are actually very similar.
Details
Both models of the Proclips are available in 12 sizes ranging from a 38.5 to a 48.5, with half sizes between the 43 and 46. The aesthetics are what you’d expect of a premium-level race shoe.
Endurance Proclip 8.0
| INTENDED USE | XC and Gravel |
| CLOSURE | 1 x Moz Dial with D-ring auto adjust |
| UPPER | Synthetic ‘ripstop’ mesh with knitted upper |
| SOLE | 20% Carbon and 80% Nylon |
| OUTSOLE | Rubber tread |
| WEIGHT | 345g (size 43, actual) |
| COLOURS | Available in Shadow or Art (tested) |
| SIZES | EU 38.5 to 48.5 (12 sizes) |
| RETAIL | ± R3 799 |
| MORE | leatt.com |
On top of the shoe, a sock-like tongue is fixed to the uppers and extends around the ankle to offer maximum comfort. Lower down, the next layer of material rolls from the heels to the toes and around the inside of the shoe and Leatt have used a different material for this mid-section of the upper. The Endurance model has a ripstop mesh material here whereas the Race has a lighter Dyneema knit.
Race Proclip 8.0
| INTENDED USE | XC and Gravel |
| CLOSURE | 2 x Moz Dial with D-ring auto adjust |
| UPPER | Dyneema with knitted upper |
| SOLE | 20% Carbon and 80% Nylon |
| OUTSOLE | Rubber tread |
| WEIGHT | 332g (size 43, actual) |
| COLOURS | Available in White or Black |
| SIZES | EU 38.5 to 48.5 (12 sizes) |
| RETAIL | ± R4 399 |
| MORE | leatt.com |
The only other visible difference between the shoes is the number of Moz Dials. The Race has two Moz dials per shoe whereas the Endurance has just one. On both shoes, the Moz Dials are attached to the ‘lacing’ through a D-Ring which Leatt says creates an auto-fit that automatically adjusts to your instep height.
Where the mid-section and outsole meet is a protective strip that wraps around the toes and all the way to the heel. Under the shoe, an aggressive and rubberized tread pattern wraps around the cleat, forefoot and heel. The tread is spaced widely to prevent clogging and shaped to maximize traction when walking up or down trails.
Both models of the shoes come with two sets of insoles, a blue and a red. The blue insoles are slightly thinner. Between the insole and the outsole, the shank is made of 20% carbon and 80% nylon which Leatt says creates the ideal balance between efficiency, lightweight and comfort.
Ride Impressions
FIT & ADJUSTABILITY | The Proclip fit is true to size. I’m a size 43 with all my riding shoes and that’s a perfect fit with the Leatt Proclip. By supplying two different inners with the shoes, I think Leatt is helping many riders tweak the fit to their liking. I’ve never seen this done by other shoe brands and it’s a great idea.
The Moz Dial and lacing system is very easy to use on both models. Many riders might prefer having two Moz Dials yet I quite preferred the simplicity of a single dial, to adjust the fit. Since the lacing system wraps around the entire foot, I could get enough tension out of the single Moz Dial. However, expert and pro racers looking for every degree of efficiency might prefer the double dial version. When nipped up, that forward dial clamps the foot like a vice, which is what you’d want in sprints and maximum power efforts.
COMFORT & PERFORMANCE | From the first ride it was apparent that Leatt has done their homework. The sole is not overly stiff, and whilst it’s a relatively minimalist shoe, there’s still sufficient material around the heel, mid-foot and toes, to keep things snug. As a high-end shoe, the comfort is of the best I’ve used. By way of comparison, it feels very similar to the Shimano XC7, which I’ve always enjoyed.
When it comes to performance, I found the Endurance and Race version to be near identical. The difference in weight is marginal at best and the power transfer feels equal. I really liked the extra padding around the heel that locks the foot in place, reducing unwanted movement when laying down watts. Off the bike, the Proclip’s have quite a bit of traction and are more than okay with random scrambles. Slick hardpack surfaces or rocky sections are definitely less treacherous to walk on than some of the other XC shoes on the market.
Whether it’s high intensity efforts or longer three hour rides I had no issues with the shoes. No tingling, hot spots or discomfort. Another feature which I am particularly impressed with is the strong lower section of the upper – to be clear, I’m referring to that portion that wraps around the front of the toes. It’s very solid and will no doubt provide ample protection when stones (or rocks) do what stones do – smash the front of your shoe and kill your toes.
BOTTOM LINE | Last year we saw Leatt begin to broaden their line of gear into the Endurance market. By partnering with some of the fastest endurance riders on the planet, they have access to what features those riders need to perform. Perhaps it’s no surprise that the Leatt Proclip shoes feel more like a fifth generation model that has been tweaked to perfection, than a completely new product. What a way to enter the endurance shoe market. //
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | LOCATION: Tokai, Cape Town | VISUALS: Maximum Sullivan |