If you have mountain bike pedals then you need a shoe ready to accept a recessed cleat (which, in turn, makes it easier to run off the bike and helps keep it free of mud).

A mountain bike shoe it is then, though a handful of manufacturers offer a cyclo-cross specific shoe.

Cyclo-cross races involving plenty of time off the bike, as well as on it, whether that’s to hop over a manmade obstacle or clamber up a slippery, unrideable slope with the bike on your shoulder, so plenty of grip is required and toe studs help when climbing up a muddy bank.

Northwave’s Hammer CX shoe is a descendant of the Hammer mountain bike shoe but has a ‘cross-specific unibody upper, with an high, internal sock made from a water resistant neoprene material, plus there are two toe studs. The Hammer CX’s weatherproofing, and the extra weight that comes with it, make it more of an all-weather shoe, rather than a race-specific slipper.

The Lake MX331CX, on the other hand, looks more like a race shoe and has a low-profile heat-mouldable carbon fibre sole, a BOA closure system, six removable studs,  and two additional toe blades to provide extra grip.

Both are high-end options, at £149.99 and £269.99 respectively, and, particularly in the case of the Lake MX331CX, for serious cyclo-cross rider. In reality, most mountain bike shoes that offer a good level of grip will get the majority of riders off and running.