For road riding and XC mountain biking, low-cut shoes are the right choice for most riders. They sit below the ankle bone, giving you maximum ankle mobility and the lightest weight—both of which matter when you're pedaling hard for hours. Most cycling shoes use this design because your ankle needs to move freely through each pedal stroke, and any restriction can feel awkward on long rides.
The trade-off is that low-cut shoes offer zero ankle protection. If you're hitting aggressive trails where pedal strikes and flying debris are common, mid-ankle shoes might be worth considering. But for road, XC, and general riding, the freedom of movement and better breathability of a low-cut shoe is hard to beat.
One thing to keep in mind: don't assume you need more coverage just because a shoe looks minimal. Low-cut is the standard for a reason in these disciplines.