The Teva Links have become a trusted friend to the clipless mountain biker ever since the company put the shoe on the market in 2011. Late in 2012, Teva added a bit more oomph to the Links and released the Links Mid: a heavy-duty boot-like version of the original Links with mid-top ankle support. Though the shoe may not win much support from those who prefer to keep their feet light on the bike, the Links Mid makes a solid case for itself as a rugged MTB shoe for fans of flat pedals, rough terrain, and reliable ankle protection.

Specifications

• Price: $120
• Sizes: 3-14
• Weight: 1 lb, 1 oz
• Colors: Black/Blue, Red/Black

Quality

Teva put a lot of work into the Links Mid and for the most part, it shows. For starters, the shoe’s “Shoc Pad” technology in the heel provides added comfort for when you’re bounding over a tumble of rocks or hiking up the hill for another go (and although the shoe may be designed for mountain biking, it doubles as a sturdy hiking boot–though perhaps best reserved for shorter day hikes). From bottom to top, the shoe provides an impressive amount of protection without adding on an excessive amount of weight. The shoes can indeed feel heavy on a hike and your feet can get pretty toasty in the boot-like shell, but if sturdy is what you’re after in a shoe, the Links Mid is a wise choice.

As far as grip goes, the Links Mid can be pretty sticky. It’s rare for the shoes to come off my pedals without my asking them to, though it has happened a handful of times in my first few rides with them. The sole makes use of Teva’s Spider365 Rubber, which is the same as found on the original Links. The sole allows for some modification in foot placement, but not enough to be sliding around as you might with other flat-soled shoes.

Reliability

I’ve put about 40 miles on my Links Mids so far, and they’ve warded off mud puddles, stones, roots, tree branches, and one embarrassing spill on the pavement with no major lapses in performance. The rubber toe cap has been a reliable asset in itself. I am notoriously hard on shoes, and that’s a significant reason why I chose the boot-like Mids in the first place. I haven’t been disappointed yet, and fellow riding buddies who’ve owned them longer than I have seem to agree.

Price/Value

The Links Mid fits within the $100-130 price range of its species of MTB shoe. Similar high-top styles from Five Ten and Specialized can run a bit higher, though durable styles leaning more towards a skate shoe exist at a cheaper price. Bottom line: if you’re hitting the trail hard, the price for the Links Mid is easily worth the feeling of invincibility for your feet.

Referability

There’s plenty to worry about on the trail. With the Teva Links Mid, your feet won’t be one of them–as long as you’re on the market for a boot-like fit, that is. The Links Mid is indeed a heavy shoe, and so converts should take the weight into account, but the comfort, protection, and durability make it a smart choice particularly for downhill and serious trail riders.

Images by Jeff Waraniak