Drift ARC Review: Dual-Pedal MTB Shoe Is Waterproof Too

Jennifer Miller · 2026-07-03

The Drift ARC might look like a casual sneaker, but it’s actually a fully functional shoe for mountain biking. The PNW-rooted brand, previously known as DZR, is staking its relaunch on this waterproof, clipless/flat-pedal shoe that’s sure to turn heads. I’ve been testing a pair this spring and summer, and here’s what I’ve learned. ### Key Specs at a Glance - Lace closure system - Waterproof construction - Leather uppers and composite midsole shank - Clipless or flat — cleat receiver covers included - Weight: 1.27 pounds per shoe (men’s size 12) - Price: $240 ### A Stiff Sole for Mountain Biking Sneakers are comfortable and look good, but there’s a reason most riders don’t wear them on the bike. A bike shoe needs a stiff sole to help transfer power from foot to pedal. The Drift ARC mountain bike shoes feature a composite shank for stiffness, resulting in a shoe I’d describe as medium-stiff for a clipless pedal shoe and stiff-stiff for a flat pedal shoe. It’s not quite as stiff as the Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace shoes I reviewed last month, but notably stiffer than flat-pedal shoes like the Lems Trail Thrasher and, certainly, the Five Ten Sleuth. ### Dual-Pedal Versatility The Drift ARC is the rare mountain bike shoe that you can run with flat or clipless pedals, thanks to a removable cleat-receiver cover. As a flat pedal shoe, I found the ARC offers excellent grip. I thought the recessed area around the cleat channel might feel unstable, but it does not. I also tested the Drift ARC shoes with a set of Shimano clipless pedals. It’s easy to find the cleat when clipping in, and unclipping is smooth too. I hammered hard on several rides with the ARCs in clipless mode and found they do a great job delivering power to the pedals. Off the bike, the patterned outsole delivers confidence-inspiring grip and stability on wet rocks and roots. The tightly spaced tread isn’t ideal for grip in muddy conditions, but short of shoes with toe spikes or hiking-boot-like tread, nothing is. ### Comfortable Fit and Handy Lace Options Drift ARC shoes are offered in US sizes from 5 to 12, and half sizes are not available. The Drift website notes, “DRIFT shoes are designed to fit snug for performance, so if you typically wear a size 10 in casual shoes, our size 10 will feel tighter at first.” The brand goes on to note that, “a close fit improves comfort, control, and efficiency on the bike,” which is absolutely true. However, for many of us, a close fit and a comfortable fit are mutually exclusive. Since I generally wear 11.5 US, I sized up to 12 US. I found this offers a good fit with just enough room inside the toe box for my slightly wide forefoot. ### Heel-Lock Lacing for the Win Laces aren’t my first choice for bike shoes, but that’s not to say they don’t work. Unlike most laced MTB shoes I’ve tested, the Drift ARCs feature double eyelets at the top, which allows a heel-lock lacing pattern that’s crucial for a fit that won’t slip. The other key to making laces work for biking is a lace keeper. This ensures the looped ends of the laces don’t get snagged on your drivetrain or a branch in the trail. The Drift ARCs come with a prominent leather tab that snaps over the bow to lock everything down. Now, here’s the part I overlooked initially: there’s also a stretchy cord on the tongue to hold the bow so it’s pointed down toward the toe, rather than out toward the sides. The cord can be hard to see because the laces cover it up. Tying the shoe, then tucking the bow under the cord, and snapping the cover in place is a hassle. At the same time, it’s super secure and gives the shoe a clean look. ### Waterproof Performance They’re waterproof to a degree that surprised me. I’ve ridden through puddles and light rain without any moisture sneaking in. The leather uppers and sealed construction keep your feet dry on those wet spring mornings. Just don’t expect them to survive a full river crossing — they’re not waders. But for typical trail riding in damp conditions, they’re a solid choice. ### Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a versatile MTB shoe that works with both pedal types and keeps your feet dry, the Drift ARC is worth considering. It’s not perfect — the lace system takes some getting used to, and the snug fit might not suit everyone. But for riders who value adaptability and waterproofing, it’s a strong contender at $240.