Northwave Enduro Mid 2 Review: Did It Survive Our Longest Trail Days?

Robert Wilson · 2026-08-04

Long summer days mean long days on the trails, and long days on the trails ask a lot of a shoe: comfort, dependability and, if racing is on the calendar, a secure connection you never think about. We've spent the past few months in the Northwave Enduro Mid 2 clipless shoe to find out whether it delivers on its promise. Northwave were founded in the small northern Italian town of Montebelluna, a place renowned as the home of ski boots. It's fair to say that creating an excellent fit is part of their DNA. When you're heading out on a big mountain bike adventure, a shoe that fits properly is half the battle. At the same time, you also want plenty of protection, reliable support, confident grip when you're off the bike, effective ventilation and fuss-free usability. These are all essential qualities for a shoe in the enduro category. ### The Northwave Enduro Mid 2 at a Glance At $189.99, the Northwave sits towards the premium end of the market for a shoe without a waterproof membrane. Even so, it feels exceptionally well made. If it stands the test of time without the bonded sections coming apart or the seams failing—and there are very few seams to begin with—the price is easy to justify. Here's what you get for your money: - **Weight:** 2.66 pounds per pair (size 47) - **Sizes:** US 7–13.5 (EU 38–48) - **Closure:** SLW3 dial plus Velcro strap - **Outsole:** Michelin X-Fire with aggressive tread - **Colors:** Black or Forest Green Alongside the understated black version, Northwave also offer the shoe in Forest Green, which remains fairly discrete despite the yellow logos and sole accents adding a welcome splash of colour. ### Protection and Grip When You Need It Most One of the standout features is Northwave's own SLW3 dial closure, paired with an integrated Velcro strap. The closure also allows you to loosen the fit incrementally, making it easy to relieve pressure on your feet once the descent is over. The Michelin X-Fire outsole combines aggressive tread blocks in the toe and heel areas with a finer tread pattern through the pedal contact surface. This is designed to provide good grip on dirt, rocks and roots, while also offering plenty of traction on the pedal before you've clipped in. On the inside of the Enduro Mid 2, a thick, raised ankle pad protects the inside of your ankle from knocks against the cranks. Up front, a reinforced toe box shields your toes from impacts with rocks and trail debris. Between these protective elements, the upper features extensive perforations, which promise excellent ventilation. ### On the Trail: Comfort and Fit Straight out of the box, the fit impressed us, suiting our tester Ingo's relatively narrow feet particularly well. In size 47 (US 13.5), the shoe comes up around half a size larger than stated. However, it initially feels slightly smaller than expected, as there's noticeably less space around the toes than in other shoes of the same size. Tightening the forefoot with the SLW3 dial is quick and effortless, with or without gloves, and fine-tuning the fit becomes a habit, even while riding. In fact, occasional readjustment is necessary, as the generously padded interior compresses slightly as it warms up and settles over time, leaving the shoe feeling a little looser. The only real drawback is the position of the release button on top of the dial. It's easy to hit accidentally when brushing against brush or when your foot rubs against the frame. It's a minor annoyance, but one that could cost you a moment of focus on a techy section. ### The Verdict: Built for the Long Haul After months of abuse, the Northwave Enduro Mid 2 has proven itself as a dependable partner for long trail days and enduro racing alike. It's not the lightest shoe on the market, but the robust construction and protective features more than make up for the extra ounces. If you're looking for a shoe that can take a beating and keep your feet comfortable from dawn till dusk, this is a solid choice. "The Enduro Mid 2 is the kind of shoe you forget you're wearing—until you need it, and then it's there," says Ingo. That says it all.