Foot Position in MTB: The Foundation of All Foundations

The little things in riding aren’t little… But that doesn’t mean they don’t get overlooked. 😉

One of the most underrated aspects of bike control is foot-pedal position - your anchor to the bike.

Drop a solid anchor (Position A - Mid-Foot) and you’ll gain:

• More stability

• Better connection to the pedals

• More power transfer through the feet

  
  
  
  

Shift your foot back slightly (Position B - Ball of Foot) and you’ll get:

• Increased efficiency on long climbs

• A more XC-style pedal stroke (Circular Ankle Motion)

Stability / Efficiency - The two are opposing forces - you can’t increase one without decreasing the other.

So, which is right for you?

Ball of Foot (Position B) vs. Mid-Foot (Position A)

Historically, MTB technique borrowed a lot from XC roots, which is why many riders start out using Position B (ball of foot on the pedal). This is ideal for spinning high-cadence efforts on smooth terrain but isn’t always the best choice for the technical enduro/DH style of riding most of us do today.

Why Position A (Mid-Foot) Works for Most Riders, Most of the Time

For the majority of trail, enduro, and downhill riders, moving the foot forward toward the center of the pedal (Position A) provides:

• More stability – Reduces unwanted foot movement and helps control rough terrain

• Better weight distribution – Encourages an active, centered stance

• Stronger braking & cornering control – Keeps your base solid, so you can push harder into the bike

So, When Should You Use Each Position?

Use Position A (Mid-Foot) for: Almost all riding, and especially:

• Technical terrain & descents

• Jumping & drops

• Cornering with confidence

• Fast, rowdy trail riding

Use Position B (Ball of Foot) for:

• Long, sustained climbs where efficiency matters

• XC-style riding with high cadence

My Recommendation for Riders Experimenting with Foot Position

If you’re new to Position A, I recommend using it exclusively for a while until it becomes an unconscious habit.

At first, you may notice a slight decrease in pedaling efficiency, but the stability and connection to the bike increase can be HUGE - to the point where efficiency loss becomes negligible.

For most riders, Position A is the best choice 90% of the time. Personally, I only switch to Position B for long, steady climbs where spinning efficiency is the priority.

Closing out...

Like every MTB technique, there isn’t necessarily a single “right” or “wrong” way to position your foot on the pedal. But there are clear pros and cons of using each position in different situations.

If your goal is to feel more connected, confident, and stable—Position A is likely your best bet.

If you’re still unsure, try experimenting with Position A for a few weeks and see how it impacts your riding!

Have thoughts or questions? Drop a comment or reach out! - Jake