We Rode the Northwave Enduro Mid 2 for Months—Here's What We Learned

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. ### What’s the Northwave Enduro Mid 2 All About? Northwave aim to deliver all that and more with the Enduro Mid 2 clipless MTB shoe. The quick-adjust closure, impressive level of protection and outsole inspired by tire tread immediately caught our attention. We put the Italian mid-cut shoe through its paces to find out whether it performs just as well on long days in the saddle as it does on rough, technical descents. ### The Northwave Enduro Mid 2 in Detail 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. 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. Sizes range from 38 to 48. At 2.66 pounds per pair in size 47, it’s relatively heavy, although the weight reflects the shoe’s reassuringly robust construction. ### Key Features That Stand Out - **SLW3 Dial Closure**: Northwave’s own dial system, paired with an integrated Velcro strap, lets you fine-tune the fit on the fly. You can even loosen it incrementally to relieve pressure on your feet once the descent is over. - **Michelin X-Fire Outsole**: Aggressive tread blocks in the toe and heel areas give you confident grip on dirt, rocks and roots, while a finer pattern through the pedal contact surface ensures plenty of traction before you clip in. - **Ankle Protection**: A thick, raised pad on the inside of the ankle shields you from knocks against the cranks. - **Reinforced Toe Box**: Shields your toes from impacts with rocks and trail debris. - **Ventilation**: Extensive perforations across the upper promise excellent airflow, keeping your feet cool on hot summer rides. ### How It Performs on the Trail Straight out of the box, the fit impressed us, suiting our tester Ingo’s relatively narrow feet particularly well. In size 47, 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 Verdict The only real drawback we found 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. But that’s a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar shoe. For riders who want a robust, comfortable, and protective shoe for long trail days and enduro racing, the Northwave Enduro Mid 2 is a solid choice. It’s not the lightest, but it’s built to last, and the fit and adjustability are top-notch. If you’re in the market for a clipless shoe that can handle everything from pedal-heavy climbs to rocky descents, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.