Crankbrothers Announce New Mallet & Stamp Trail Boa Shoes

Feb 27, 2024
by Mike Kazimer  
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Crankbrothers have added two new shoes to their lineup, the Mallet Trail Boa and the Stamp Trail Boa. As the name suggests, at least if you're familiar with Crankbrothers' pedal lineup, the Mallet is for use with clipless pedals, and the Stamp is the flat pedal version. Both shoes use a Boa dial and a hook and loop strap to snug everything down, with a handy pull tab at the heel to help get them on.

The sole has more aggressive lugs than the current Mallet or Stamp Boa shoes, and the height of the upper is bit taller, with an elastic cuff around the ankle to keep out trail debris. In addition, the tongue material is a little thinner, which should help the shoes dry more quickly after a soggy ride.

I have a few rides in with the Mallet Trail Boa shoes, and so far they've matched the performance of the Mallet Boas I've been running for the last couple of years, with the added benefit of better off-bike traction. The fit is nearly identical, but those lugs at the front of the sole do dig in better than the regular Mallet Boa shoes during slippery hike-a-bikes, and I'm a fan of the slightly higher cut for a little more support.

Stamp Trail Boa Details

• MC2 flat rubber compound
• TPU toe protection
• BOA fit system + hook and loop strap
• Claimed weight: 320 g (size 9 / EU 42)
• $199.99 USD
• crankbrothers.com

Mallet Trail Boa Details

• MC1 rubber compound
• Crankbrothers cleats pre-installed
• TPU toe protection
• BOA fit system + hook and loop strap
• Claimed weight: 410 g (size 9 / EU 42)
• $219.99 USD


Mallet Trail Boa

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Jesse Melamed, en-route to victory wearing the Mallet Trail Boa shoes. Although I'm pretty sure he's fast enough that he could win wearing Crocs if he had to.

Stamp Trail Boa

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134 Comments
  • 62 11
 Am I the only one who doesn’t like shoes that look super chunky?
  • 50 3
 If someone can make non chunky shoes that still have some impact protection I am all for it. But I personally with sacrifice a little form for function.
  • 35 1
 Hmm... I actually think these look great, I like the knobby sole look and smooth outer so stuff isn't getting caught.. I guess its in the eye of the beholder..
  • 8 6
 @pisgahgnar: Five Ten Trailcross LT
  • 4 0
 @pisgahgnar: Ive been using north wave rocket shoes. They’re soft but durable and provide plenty of ankle support. They’re also a lot less chunky than other offerings
  • 5 0
 @derekbnorakim: Seconded. I've got the clip-version of the Trailcross and they're great. Not overly bulky but quite stiff and durable-feeling with a very sturdy reinforcement in the toe area.
  • 3 0
 @derekbnorakim: I actually own these and use them when I ride flats, mainly for bikepacking.
  • 1 0
 @pisgahgnar: Been riding the Giro Ventana for a while now and it's a pretty slim shoe while not looking like I'm an xc racer. Good all arounder for all kinds of riding though. Rode a 100mile MTB race and an Enduro race with them.
  • 8 0
 @Andrew-Dockrey, in real life I'd say these don't look overly chunky. They're not an XC shoe, but they're pretty normal looking as far as mountain bike shoes go - they have a slimmer profile than the Shimano GE9, which has a similar Boa + velcro design.
  • 1 0
 I heard they were bought by Keen
  • 4 1
 My take. I’m going to look dumb riding a bike regardless. Might as well double down on dumb shoes that make the ride better.
  • 15 0
 In my experience Crankbrothers shoes fit great, seem decent quality but have like 40-50% the grip of five ten, like it’s pretty bad unless you love moving around on the pedals. If they could sort that out, they’d be great. Their clipless shoes are great though!
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I bought their latest flat pedal shoe in 2022. Loved the fit and style, but immediately noticed a lack of grip. I gave up on them a couple months in.
  • 3 0
 Also agreed. My Stamp laces' fit great, had good ventilation for hot days in CO, NM, UT, AZ... but the grip just wasn't there
  • 4 0
 According to the NSMB review, the grip has improved on this version.

"These are the first shoes I've tested in a long time that I'm going to put into my regular rotation and I've ridden with them almost every ride since they arrived. Thanks to a new tread pattern, more flex and a new mould texture, the grip is great (and I am one fussy mojo in this regard)"
  • 2 0
 I'm loving my mallet clipless shoes personally, but I haven't ridden flats in years
  • 2 5
 My Stamps don't grip well on convex shoes like Oneups, but they're excellent on Deitys. Way better than 2FOs but haven't tried 5.10s.
  • 4 0
 Sigh. I miss all of the pairs of 5.10 Freerider Contacts that I've worn over the years. Stiff insole. Grippy outsole. Big 'ole breathable area above the toe box. Light enough to pedal all day. Protective enough to save your toes when things get spicy.
  • 1 1
 CB's are definitely not as good as five ten or specialized but far better than ride concepts, in my experience.
  • 1 1
 @schili: I'm a little suspect of the NSMB shoe reviews tbh. Vital review said they still lag behind Specialized and 5.10 in grip. I agree with others in this thread. Bought the original Stamps and gave up on them pretty quickly. Liked the styling and the quick lace though.
  • 1 1
 @Maxcycles agree on the fit and quality. They are so comfortable I wear them as everyday shoes. They are great for dirt jumping but for enduro type riding I much prefer my Five Ten Sam Hill Impacts. The CB soles are definitely not as sticky and they seem to have more rebound but they last a long time, longer than the uppers and liners.
  • 10 0
 I have the previous (not the latest) crank brothers mallet shoes. When I went to my bike shop to buy new shoes I didn't like the skater look of them however once I tried them on I was blown away with how comfortable they instantly were. My fave pair of shoes I've owned. Wish they'd keep the dirt out a little better from around the ankle but other than that and the looks, they have been great!
  • 5 0
 took the words right out of my mouth. I have had a pair with the boa's and now am on a pair with the speed laces (which I prefer). Hated the looks at first, but the comfort, support and fit have won me over. I just bought a second pair of speed lace versions to have on the shelf for when the freshies wear out.
  • 2 0
 Maybe I’m just old (lol) but I grew-up with skater shoes, so I never once thought these didn’t look nice. Haha. That said, I really like mountain bike clothing that looks as casual as possible because I often wear them around after a ride which I believe CrankBrothers and FOX do an excellent job at.
  • 12 0
 That might be my favourite addition to these shoes! The elastic cuff keeps all the dirt out so these should be high on your list for your next shoes.
  • 4 0
 @JesseMelamed: I spend a lot of time dumping tiny annoying rocks out of my current Mallet E speedlace, which are also on their last legs. These new ones have been ordered!
  • 2 0
 @cwatt: Yea I skated in the late 90’s and early aughts. My mallet boas and freerider pros look svelte.
  • 13 1
 Will they double up for Pickle Ball? - asking for a friend
  • 4 0
 Yep! And lawn bowling.
  • 8 0
 For those of us with conditions that make it hard to do things like tie our shoes, pour milk, and put our pants on, these are a godsend!
  • 6 2
 Think of all the time and effort that goes into tire lug design...then look at the lugs on these flat pedal shoes. Surely the crankbros logo isn't the optimal lug pattern for traction on pedals or when pushing a bike uphill? Not a fan of the logo lug approach.
  • 2 1
 Great idea, Outside+ tire tread coming right up
  • 2 0
 There really isn’t much you can do in terms of lug design in the middle where he shoe contacts the pedal. The show has to stay flat in that area for the most part. You can’t put a deep tread there otherwise the grip and engagement on the pedal would be inconsistent.

There is no optimal lug pattern for gripping the pedal because pedals grip with pins digging into the rubber sole of the shoe. The point is to provide as much surface are for those pins to grip, which is why the soles of bike shoes are generally very flat-ish.
  • 4 0
 They look good. Ive never worn any crankbros stuff but I think they look perfect for what they are designed for. All the negative comments are just a part of pinkbike...c'mon you havent even tried them. FAK
  • 1 1
 I bought a pair of the first generation models, really liked the shoe (upper), but the grip was nowhere near 5.10 or Specialized. Other reviews (vital) don't leave me feeling confident these are better than the leaders.
  • 3 0
 CB Clipless shoes are by far my favorite clipless option. Paired with Mallet E or DH pedals. Can't comment on the flat version, but the clipless shoes are very comfortable and they last. the mate nicely with the pedals and I don't wind up unclipping mid-air, or getting stuck in the pedals when I need a quick exit. And again, they are just really comfortable.
  • 3 0
 I was fortunate to win the non-boa Mallett shoes on here. I can tell you that I did the laces (pull straps) up once and haven’t touched them since. I just undo the main Velcro strap to get them on/off. BOA seems like a non-value added feature…
  • 3 0
 Have been useing the same for a couple seasons (2 pairs now), exact same experience. Can’t see how it’s worth it for BOA on these… or any mtb shoe really.
  • 5 0
 @islandforlife: In my own experience, the Boa dial is really there to control the fit in the midfoot area, while the velcro strap is what actually keeps your foot inside the shoe. I appreciate this approach, since Boa shoes that rely only on the Boa for foot retention can leave you stranded on the trail if anything goes wrong.
  • 1 0
 @ms-dos: Thanks for the feedback, the stranded thought crossed my mind. I moved to BOAs on my snowboard boots and I now carry a small Voile strap in my jacket for that reason.
  • 5 0
 I've had a few of the previous shoes and they've been great. The Crankbrothers support and warranty is unbeatable.
  • 3 0
 Just bought the BOA DH Mallet clipless and they're amazing. Way comfier than Shimano AM7. Rode them on the Norco fluid trail bike and you couldn't even tell they were DH shoes...? Lmfao
  • 14 9
 WOW!!! Those look incredible!!! Great work Crank Brothers!!!
  • 7 2
 Once again, no wide option. Next...
  • 6 3
 Specialized 2FO's are the way to go in my opinion. Roughly half the price of these and way better than the FiveTen's I had previously in every way.
  • 11 2
 Only problem is that they are specialized
  • 3 3
 @Dogl0rd: why is that an issue?
  • 8 4
 @Freakyjon: Specialized is a horrible company
  • 1 3
 @deli-hustler: because?
  • 2 0
 I agree, maybe the compound in the gum rubber version of the 5.10's I have are slightly different, but Speech 2FO's rubber felt better. Little thing I don't like about the specialized shoes is that they run a higher stack. It's only a few millimeters, but the height of the 5.10's feel better.
  • 7 1
 @Freakyjon: the amount of lawsuits filed against small companies, even a cafe because it was called Roubaix.
  • 4 0
 @deli-hustler: aka Legalized
  • 1 5
flag Freakyjon FL (Feb 28, 2024 at 4:06) (Below Threshold)
 @deli-hustler: oh I see, you're one of those people. Do you believe the Earth is flat as well
  • 4 2
 @Freakyjon: yes, I have morals. Do you believe the Tories are doing a good job?
  • 1 4
 @deli-hustler: Strange response. And I couldn't care less what the government are doing fyi.
  • 5 0
 I just realised what I did, I called out a specialized fanboi. Must never do that Frown
  • 1 0
 @deli-hustler: Pretty sure the Cafe thing was like 20 years ago, haha.

Yes lots of tough lessons were learned over the 50 years the company has been around, tough lessons that have the brand doing things quite differently than they did 20 years back, you gotta know the sour to find the sweet and I think Specialized are doing some great things. Check out outridebike.org , investing millions to treat mental health learning disabilities through cycling doesn't seem all that Evil to me.

Yes this is a bias opinion, but an educated one. After being affiliated with the brand for half my life as an athlete or employee I can say, this place is pretty f-ing rad. No one is perfect, lessons are learned and how someone or a brand learns from mistakes tells the true story of character in my mind. If you ever feel like making up with the brand just hop on one of the bikes, they are the best.
  • 4 0
 @AC-Fabz: you can say what you like but it's one company that will never get my money. The bikes are overpriced m'eh, the only tempting thing they make are the tyres.
  • 2 1
 @deli-hustler @AC-Fabz You both have valid opinions and voting with your wallet is one of the few areas where we have some autonomy in this late-stage capitalist hellscape. Along those lines, I swore off buying anything from Rapha (I'm a recovered roadie) when they were bought by the heirs of Walmart (their evils exponentially outweigh anything the bike industry has done in totality). Years went by and kept going through kneepads that didn't work for me, got their kneepads after reading some good reviews and they were great. My takeaway is that I will choose the better performing product, but if products are equal, I will choose the company with better values. (still wouldn't buy a Tesla haha)
  • 2 0
 @shapethings: Tesla has horrible values
  • 1 0
 @deli-hustler: not a fan boi. But it's hard to hate on a company that's arguably done more for the industry than any other. Just facts.
  • 4 0
 @Freakyjon: just not positive things
  • 1 0
 @deli-hustler: So blinkered. Your life must be fun
  • 3 1
 @Freakyjon: in fact far from it. I can see them for what they are, a firm of lawyers that make bikes, oh wait Merida does that for them lol
  • 1 1
 @deli-hustler: every big company is a firm of lawyers. You're really over thinking this haha
  • 1 0
 Will the little fabric loops hold up, where the boa cable threads through?

I avoid shoes with fabric loops like that, as I've had a few shoes with them wear out and the lace ends up pulling through it. I try to look for shoes with a little reinforcement in the lace holes (plastic even). It sucks having something little like that tear apart, on a shoe that otherwise has lots of mileage left in it.
  • 3 0
 $220 USD. They better last a long time. At least they put the BOA in a safer spot than other brands. The BOA needs to be on the top of the shoe not on the side.
  • 1 0
 I am fully against off-center clean mounts. This effectively increases the Q factor but pushing the feet further to the outside. It's bad from clearance perspective and in my case, destroyed my knees. Some folks are very sensitive to the Q factor. Recovery from patellar tendonitis is long and painful.
  • 2 0
 Many pedals let you swap to a different spindle length - in the case of Crankbrothers, the Mallet Enduro and Mallet Trail have a 57mm spindle stock, but you can drop to a 52mm spindle pretty easily. Might help offset it a bit. There are definitely some downsides with centered cleat boxes, including not being able to get out of the pedal at certain angles due to the shoe hitting the crankarm prior to achieving the necessary release angle. Best of luck with the knees!
  • 1 0
 I've had a really good luck with Ions flat pedal shoes. They last me 2 seasons and i ride alot! The grip is good and they are super comfy. I see where they now have there flat pedal shoe with a boa closure. I might try these next. Look solid. Not too keen on the purple but lucky for me i give zero Fs what my shoes look like.

www.ion-products.com/en/us/products/ion-mtb-shoes-scrub-select-boa-2023-47230-4379?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA44OtBhAOEiwAj4gpOUAhvtF_VxAt4l0gK4WkXTKWIAD1qTFAZ_c1bwBHpT4KAaRSJQc0oxoCl8IQAvD_BwE&variant=44338740527336
  • 1 0
 I’m confused about the naming & reference to the CrankBrothers pedals…

Mallet E (Enduro) pedals = medium aggressive platform (6-pins)
Mallet E shoes = medium aggressive tread

Mallet Trail pedals = light aggressive platform (2-pins)
Mallet Trail shoes = more aggressive tread than the Mallet E shoes???

Moreover, the Mallet Trail shoes are being worn by an [E]nduro rider at an [E]nduro race?
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer does it allow for the clear to be placed as far back as in the current mallet DH shoes? The ones with the red marker on the cleat rails…
  • 3 0
 Yes, it should be almost the same - these have a 35mm cleat slot, and allow for a fairly rearward cleat position.
  • 1 0
 I loved mine of the previous gen, but then BOTH cracked in the exact same spot/way on the cleat plate so there's a line going side to side right at the base of the cleat so any stiffness I totally lost. I had a pair of 510s around still so am going to run those until they're toast and see where the shoe world is at.
  • 3 0
 Flat pedal fans have been wishing for a velcro strap for years... lets see how this goes!
  • 1 1
 Vaude is making mountainbike shoes with velcro and/or Boa iirc. As a flat pedal rider, I never felt the need for anything other than shoelaces.
  • 4 1
 Man these are heavy. My freeriders weigh 250 grams and have no annoying features.
  • 15 3
 If you are counting grams on your shoes, surely you should just give up and go ride a road bike.
  • 6 0
 @stravaismyracecourse: username checks out
  • 4 0
 @stravaismyracecourse: but this is in the context of a shoe review lmfao….how many things are there to compare?

Even if he doesn’t really care, it’s one of the critical components of a shoe…
  • 6 3
 $200+ for a pair of shoes!?!?! These are not priced right for current market!
  • 12 0
 too inexpensive?
  • 4 0
 I got 4 pairs of Leatts for $120 shipped in November Smile
  • 3 1
 no you're just not rich enough
  • 4 0
 Far too many shillings for this lad.
  • 5 2
 If Mike Wazowski was a shoe
  • 2 0
 so an editor who is also a mountainbiker doesnt care to mention if they are waterproof....good job
  • 2 0
 Love my CB Speed lace flats and they're about due for retirement. Going to try a pair of these I think.
  • 3 0
 Any news on the cleat positioning tool seen in a bk video?
  • 2 0
 ill just continue to buy whatever shimano or specialized shoe is on clearance every 3 to 5 years
  • 1 0
 Are the stamps going to actually grip? I had a pare of the previous boas and they slipped no matter how grippy and pointy a pedal I had.
  • 3 2
 Mallets are the best enduro shoe in the biz. New tread pattern looks to be better for walking/off-bike.
  • 2 1
 I have the current mallet shoes and they are great, I dont see a need to make a trail version
  • 1 0
 Hope that they're more durable than the last versions. My specialized shoes outlasted these by years
  • 5 5
 Lets all stop calling cleated shoes clipless it makes no sense. I know the whole back story but who really cares, we can stop this today!
  • 1 0
 I only came here for the Zeb RED, make this post your request for Rock Shox release it!
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know if the soles are as grippy as Five Tens?
  • 8 0
 I'd be happy with 80% as grippy as 5.10s if they don't die in 12 months
  • 7 0
 They are not.
  • 8 0
 the cleat part is much gripper
  • 2 0
 @ROOTminus1: I'm glad its not just me.
  • 2 0
 waterproof?
  • 2 0
 only the 400€ version.....
  • 2 0
 BOA think I like these.
  • 3 4
 BOA is the electronic drivetrain of shoe closures. Costs a bunch more. Kinda nice until it breaks. I'll stick with mechanical shifting and laces.
  • 4 0
 just wait for the E-BOA to drop
  • 7 6
 Those shoes are UGLY AF
  • 1 0
 way better in real life honestly
  • 1 0
 No joke! Looks like i'll be back in Shimano's next round. Sayonara, CB.
  • 3 2
 Ugly
  • 1 2
 those look as durable as their pedals.
  • 6 8
 Comment section is a perfect example where society is headed... when "looks" are more important than function.
  • 6 0
 You base this off of a shoe?
  • 1 3
 @BermJunky: No, the "shoe" is just the tip.
  • 2 1
 I think when there's a ton of shoe selection, looks will come in to play. You can very likely find a show that functions just as well as this shoe, but looks better. It's not that looks are more important, but when everything else is the same, looks start to play a factor.
  • 1 0
 it seems like the majority are hating on the style. i feel like they couldn't get much plainer looking. one strap, a boa dial and a pretty clean upper. would prefer a black sole but whatever
  • 2 3
 Function will always be worse than five tens, so they better look good.
  • 4 2
 @tempnoo1: lol…five ten is a mere shadow of its former self. Quality in many regards has gone down, no reason not to expect that will continue over time.
  • 2 0
 @BermJunky: comes home after work;
Babe, you function really well today!
Sits on the couch, satisfied that all is well in his kingdom .
  • 3 1
 @nvranka: Reading comprehension, not the Pinkbike reader's strong suit. Function not quality. Nothing works in comparison to five tens, not even those specialised shoes.
  • 1 3
 @tempnoo1: lmfao ok bud. And try spelling words correctly please if you’re going to try and put others down.
  • 1 0
 @nvranka: Let's stop being children m8, my Freerider Pros are almost dead because I've played too much tennis in them, what should I replace them with? Those Specialised shoes were trash, Shimanos are too narrow at the toebox. Whatever you say I'll buy them.
  • 1 3
 @tempnoo1: do you have an issue with the letter z?
  • 1 0
 @tempnoo1: I can’t tell whether you’re serious with the tennis comment, but there are other shoe offerings for tennis bro.

Salomon makes great trail running shoes. Idk if they are any good for your uses.
  • 1 0
 @nvranka: that z key's broken mate not really used that much so I don't really care as I'll just copy and paste.

Answer my question mate, I didn't ask for tennis shoes I just explained why my five tens died. I usually use Five Fingers but they don't work with spiked pedals.
  • 1 2
 @tempnoo1: you’re an annoying human. I’m not your mate.

Good bye.
  • 1 0
 Looks feel function. the order in which i have and always will....purchase a good MTB shoe. With a shoe that is simple and well designed it will look good and the rest will follow. This is the definition of true refinement and leads to several seasons of happy feet and happy shredding. Wink
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