\u00a3150 as tested<\/li>

Pros:<\/strong> Efficient pedalling; good fit; comfortable on the bike<\/li>

Cons:<\/strong> Sole too stiff for hike-a-bike<\/li>

766g (size 46)<\/li><\/ul>
The Fizik Terra X5 shoes are rugged enough for off-road exploits and have a balanced and secure fit thanks to a wide tongue and an asymmetric Boa dial.<\/p>
The shoes have carbon soles with deep treads and TPU-injected studs. This makes for a pair of stiff shoes that shed mud well, but when walking they lack flex and do feel like beefy road shoes.<\/p>
On the other hand, this does mean that when it comes to climbing the Terra X5s put more power through the pedals than some other gravel shoes. So if your riding doesn’t require you to hike-a-bike that often, these will likely be a good choice.<\/p>
Read our full Fizik Terra X5 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Giro Privateer Lace<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Giro$
Giro’s Privateer Lace shoes look great. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3124.99 \/ $140 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Comfortable yet efficient; generous sizing; great-looking shoes<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Generous sizing<\/li>
773g (UK 10.5)<\/li><\/ul>
Originally designed for mountain biking but also great for gravel riding are the Privateer Lace shoes from Giro.<\/p>
They\u2019re comfortable, with a sole that provides a good compromise between efficiency and comfort. We also think they look the part.<\/p>
We found the sizing on these to be rather generous, so try before you buy, if you can.<\/p>
Read our full Giro Privateer Lace shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Lake MX176<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Lake$
Lake’s MX176 provides all-day comfort and works as well for cycle couriers as off-road adventurers. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3135 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> All-day comfort; excellent fit<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Not lightweight<\/li>
902g (size 47)<\/li><\/ul>
Billed as shoes that deliver all-day comfort and will work equally well for off-road adventures and cycle couriers, the Lake MX176 shoes cover a lot of bases. But they do this well and at an excellent price too.<\/p>
The shoes have a rubber outsole with deep treads delivering plenty of grip.<\/p>
The Boa dial and toe strap pairing makes for a secure fit and efficient pedalling, and although the sole feels stiff in the hand, the fit of the shoes makes walking easy.<\/p>
The MX176 shoes are by no means a road racing shoe, but there’s no power compromise for all the comfort.<\/p>
Read our full Lake MX176 shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Shimano RX8<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Best$
Shimano’s RX8 is a dedicated gravel shoe. – Shimano<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3219.99 \/ $250 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Impressively light; superb ride quality<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Rubber tread is not replaceable<\/li>
628g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
The RX8 is Shimano\u2019s dedicated gravel shoe and a close relative of the excellent S-Phyre XC9 mountain bike shoe<\/a>. However, it manages to save over 100g (in a size 45) from the aforementioned despite a lower retail price.<\/p>
Once clipped in, the RX8s are superb and combine the qualities of the best road and mountain bike shoes.<\/p>
Rubber grip sections on the sole allow you to dab your feet without damaging the shoes and provide plenty of grip, even in muddy conditions.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano RX8 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Shimano RX600<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
The Shimano RX600 is a versatile gravel shoe. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3160 \/ $180 \/ \u20ac177 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Superb comfort; well-ventilated; good value<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Few reflective details<\/li>
576g (size 43)<\/li><\/ul>
The Shimano RX600 gravel shoe deals with all manner of adventurous riding. Comfort, ventilation and grip from the well-designed lugs impress for the price.<\/p>
The nylon-reinforced carbon sole provides sufficient support when you push hard on trails and tarmac, making the RX600 a viable option for touring and cold-weather commuting.<\/p>
Yet, the platform doesn’t feel too rigid during hike-a-bike sections. The single Boa dial and Velcro strap maintain the RX600’s secure fit when pedalling and walking on rough terrain.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano RX600 gravel shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Sidi$
The Sidi MTB Gravel Shoe is rugged if a bit heavy. – Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3195 \/ $250 \/ \u20ac189 \/ AU$280 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Comfy; supportive; decent price<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Rather flat insoles; weight<\/li>
801g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
The Sidi MTB Gravel is a top-notch shoe for when the riding gets rough. Padding on the sides and toe reduces the risk of bashing your feet. Such protection contributes to the shoe’s chunky weight.<\/p>
Thanks to the carbon sole and secure heel cup, the Sidi MTB Gravel Shoe is supportive and stable. This has allowed Sidi to use a supple, suede-like material in the upper for added comfort.<\/p>
If you prefer arched insoles, you might not get on with the flat footbed Sidi supplies with the MTB Gravel Shoe.<\/p>
Read our full Sidi MTB Gravel Shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
DMT GK1<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"DMT$
The GK1s feature knitted construction and robust soles. – David Caudery \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3190 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Supreme comfort; robust build; Michelin rubber-compound sole<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Don’t keep the rain out; require care when putting on<\/li>
753g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
DMT’s GK1 shoes are designed for epic days out and multi-day adventures. We found they offer supreme comfort, due to the upper’s slightly stretchy, open-weave material. Although the open-weave isn’t ideal in rainy conditions, the shoes did dry very quickly.<\/p>
The Michelin natural rubber compound outersole provides ample coverage to protect the shoes from bashes and features chunky blocks for excellent grip on all terrain. The sole is stiff but still offers a forgiving ride, absorbing vibrations much better than a carbon equivalent.<\/p>
Read our full DMT GK1 shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Shimano XC7<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
This could easily pass for a road shoe. – Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3189.99 \/ $225 \/ \u20ac219.95 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Excellent value; dual Boa dials; superb ride quality<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Little ventilation<\/li>
760g (size 46)<\/li><\/ul>
The XC7 is a mid-range option from Shimano and is designed for cross-country mountain biking and cyclocross racing. The dual Boa dials are unidirectional and the fit and performance are strikingly similar to the brand’s road equivalent of this shoe, the RC7<\/a>.<\/p>
Rather than using Michelin’s tread on the sole, as Shimano does on its higher-end off-road shoes, the brand uses its own. It has spike fittings at the front for increased grip, as well as large front and rear lugs.<\/p>
What stops the shoe from scoring top marks is its lack of ventilation but then again, they are designed for short cross-country races and cyclocross.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano XC7 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
DMT KM1<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"DMT$
The KM1 is a mountain bike marathon shoe that works well for gravel riding too. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3310 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Stiff yet light; supremely comfortable; twin stud mounts<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Minimal insole not the best<\/li>
682.5g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
Officially a design for mountain bike marathon racing, the DMT K1 also works superbly as a gravel shoe.<\/p>
These are very comfortable shoes that breathe well. The stiff carbon soles feature rubberised protection from tyre specialists Michelin, which makes the shoes a pleasure to walk or run in.<\/p>
Cyclocross racers<\/a> and some cross-country riders will really appreciate the extra traction offered by the twin stud mounts, though most of us will likely keep them in the box.<\/p>
They’re not heavy either, our EU45 test pair weighed 682.5g.<\/p>
The high retail price is still a bitter pill to swallow, though.<\/p>
Read our full DMT KM1 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Giro Sector<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Giro$
The Giro Sector’s comfort from the off allows you to get on with the job of bother-free riding. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3200 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Long-ride comfort; no break-in required; double Boa dial system<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Poor traction in muddy conditions<\/li>
820g (size 46)<\/li><\/ul>
The Giro Sector comes from the world of mountain biking, but does a great job as a gravel shoe thanks to its all-day comfort, power transfer and lightweight upper.<\/p>
The Sector closes with a dual Boa dial system that allows for precise adjustments, while the supportive footbed is better than many. The toe box is also roomy.<\/p>
The tongue and collar are padded and the one-piece, lightweight upper moulds to feet well.<\/p>
The carbon composite sole helps with efficient pedalling, which will pay dividends on climbs and when gravel rides involve stretches of tarmac.<\/p>
When it comes to walking, the rubber outsole provides a solid platform, but the smaller lugs don’t do so well in the mud.<\/p>
Read our full Giro Sector shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Lake MX332 Helcor<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Lake$
The Lake MX332 Helcors are for tough terrain. – Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3350 \/ $450 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Fit well; comfy<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> High weight and price<\/li>
984g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
The Lake MX332 Helcor gravel shoes\u2019 carbon soles are supportive yet not too stiff for walking unrideable off-road sections. Their large rubber lugs provide grip even in mud.<\/p>
A dual-direction Boa dial in the leather upper enables small adjustments of tension. ThermaForm technology in the heel cup moulds the shoe to your foot.<\/p>
These very pricey gravel shoes tip the scales at a portly 492g each. The upside is that comfort and durability accompany the Lake MX332 Helcors\u2019 heft and cost.<\/p>
<\/div>
Quoc Gran Tourer II<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"A$
A luxury off-road shoe that delivers performance and comfort in spades. – Quoc<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3190 \/ $275 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Great quality; weatherproof; superb outsole with chunky tread<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Warm on hot days; flat footbed won’t suit everyone<\/li>
756g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
Superseding the original Gran Tourer shoe<\/a>, the Gran Tourer II trades laces for two-way Boa-style dials and has a stiffer sole.<\/p>
We found the Gran Tourer II to be extremely weatherproof. The change to a dial closure system makes for high levels of micro-adjustability. The shoes are comfortable, despite the ‘Natural Fit’ footbeds being rather flat.<\/p>
The shoe is good-looking, too.<\/p>
Read our full Quoc Gran Tourer II shoe review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
Shimano XC501<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Shimano$
The Shimano XC501 is an XC mountain bike shoe, but it’s a good match for gravel riding too. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3140 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Comfortable upper; good power transfer<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Poor for walking<\/li>
746g (size 46)<\/li><\/ul>
The Shimano XC501 is primarily a mountain bike shoe, but its racing pedigree means it can take on gravel duties with ease.<\/p>
The stiff sole makes for immediate power transfer and provides a solid pedalling platform. This might not be ideal if your gravel riding involves a lot of walking, because the XC501 isn’t very flexible, but if efficiency on the bike is the aim then this shoe will serve you well.<\/p>
The synthetic upper has mesh perforations for breathability and closes with a Boa dial and top strap, helping the shoe achieve its extremely comfortable fit.<\/p>
Read our full Shimano XC501 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sidi Jarin<\/h3>

<\/div>
$\"Sidi$
Sidi\u2019s Jarin is a cross-country mountain bike shoe, but this olive green version is aimed at the gravel market. – Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3340 \/ \u20ac435 as tested <\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Lightweight; replaceable grips and closures; robust but still well ventilated<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Expensive; roomy upper won’t suit everyone<\/li>
760g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
This olive green version of Sidi’s premium Jarin is aimed at the gravel market. At 760g for a pair of size 45s, it sheds over 100g from the weight of Sidi\u2019s previous range-topping off-road shoes, but has the same replaceable grips protecting the carbon sole.<\/p>
Sidi\u2019s microfibre uppers are tough with decent weather protection, and there\u2019s still good ventilation from the laser-cut pinhole vents. <\/p>
You get two of Sidi\u2019s Tecno 3 Push dials for retention, with the top one working in tandem with a strap across the instep. We don\u2019t find Sidi’s dials quite as simple as the two-way micro-adjustment of the latest Boa dials, but they are still easy to use and hold firm over long rides.<\/p>
Volume is generous for comfort, though the roomy fit won\u2019t suit everyone, while the stiff heel cup aids stability.<\/p>
Read our full Sidi Jarin shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Specialized S-Works Recon Lace<\/h3><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
$\"Specialized$
The Specialized S-Works Recon Lace gravel shoe is proof that sometimes quality costs. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3300 \/ $325 \/ \u20ac330 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Stiff and efficient; smart finishing touches<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Laces won’t suit everyone<\/li>
608g (size 44)<\/li><\/ul>
The Specialized S-Works Recon Lace is closely related to the S-Works Recon shoe, but trades Boa dials for laces. This won’t suit everyone, but the laces do give the shoes a classy look and provide more points of tension control.<\/p>
The upper uses a seamless synthetic material that is lightweight. It isn’t particularly soft at first, which led to some initial discomfort in testing, but over time it did break in.<\/p>
Inside, the toe box is fairly roomy, providing space for winter socks and an airy feel the rest of the time. The insole is perfectly adequate, but at this high price it would be nice to see a custom option included, such as home-moulding.<\/p>
Underneath, there is a stiff carbon sole, which we found avoided hotspots and was still forgiving on long rides. There are three main sections of rubber to provide a reasonable level of grip.<\/p>
Overall, this shoe is top-end. It does come with a price to match, but we’d happily choose the S-Works Recon Lace for our longest, most epic rides.<\/p>
Read our full Specialized S-Works Recon Lace Gravel shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Triban RC 520<\/h3>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Triban$
They aren’t fancy, but the RC 520s are a tough pair of shoes. – David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a370 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Excellent value; very comfortable; decent adjustability<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> On the heavy side; could do with more grip<\/li>
798g (size 42)<\/li><\/ul>
The design team at Decathlon has kept things simple with these shoes and they’re all the better for it.<\/p>
Costing significantly less than the next cheapest shoe on this list, the RC 520 shoes from Triban are a true bargain.<\/p>
While there’s some protection on the sole, these are not well equipped for walking on treacherous terrain or thick mud. They’re also a little heavy at 798g for a pair of size EU42s, but they are excellent value. <\/p>
Read our full Triban RC 520 shoes review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Udog Distanza<\/h3>

Buy now<\/strong> from Condor Cycles (\u00a3160)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
$\"Udog$
The Distanza is a stylish-looking shoe. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3160 \/ $200 \/ \u20ac180 as tested<\/li>
Pros:<\/strong> Comfortable upper; grippy outsole; good price<\/li>
Cons:<\/strong> Little protection in bad weather<\/li>
766g (size 45)<\/li><\/ul>
The Udog Distanza has a 3D-knitted upper which, alongside the laces and the brand’s ‘Tension Wrap’ design, helps create an excellent fit and a very comfortable gravel shoe.<\/p>
The breathability of the upper is also excellent, but the Distanza wouldn’t be our tester’s first choice come bad weather.<\/p>
Udog has opted for a generous wrap-around rubber sole, providing plenty of protection and grip when you’re walking or running with your bike.<\/p>
There is a good balance of stiffness and flex in the sole, so as not to impede pedalling input or occasionally scrambling up trails on foot.<\/p>
Read our full Udog Distanza gravel shoe review<\/a><\/li>
Buy now<\/strong> from Condor Cycles (\u00a3160)<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Also consider…<\/h2>
These gravel shoes scored fewer than four out of five stars when they were tested by our expert reviewers, but they are still worth considering.<\/p>
Rapha Explore Powerweave shoe review<\/a><\/li>
Rapha Explore shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li>
Fizik Terra Atlas shoe review<\/a><\/li>
Specialized Recon 3.0 shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li>
Bontrager GR2 shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li>
Lake CXZ 176 shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li>
Northwave Rockster shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li>
Suplest Crosscountry Pro gravel shoe <\/a>review<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Why you can trust BikeRadar<\/h2>
BikeRadar has been an authority on bikes and cycling tech since its inception in 2007, delivering the world\u2019s best riding advice.<\/p>
We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes.\u00a0<\/p>
Our reviews are always editorially independent<\/a> \u2013 with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test all products in the real world, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdicts and review ratings<\/a>.<\/p>
We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice.\u00a0<\/p>
Our annual Bike of the Year<\/a> test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
Buyer\u2019s guide to gravel bike shoes<\/h2>
$\"Giro$
The line between gravel shoes and cross-country mountain bike shoes is often thin. – George Scott \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The best gravel shoes depend very much on how you interpret ‘gravel<\/a>‘. <\/p>
For some of us, gravel is simply a jaunt down a few green lanes, while others regard gravel as anything that mixes tarmac and dirt in one ride \u2013 even if that dirt calls for what are effectively mountain bike skills but on drop bars.<\/p>
Location is often a factor too. In the UK, \u2018gravel\u2019 is more likely to mean country lanes and bridleways, while in the USA the well-maintained gravel roads of races such as Unbound <\/a>are more commonplace.<\/p>
But however you choose to define gravel riding, it is more likely than not that your gravel shoes will need to balance stiffness<\/a> and efficient power transfer with comfort for longer rides and walkability for rugged terrain or off-the-bike use.<\/p>
$\"Liam$
For UK gravel riding, you’ll probably need a shoe you can walk in. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
So just like the best gravel bikes<\/a>, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines.<\/p>
Compared to road shoes<\/a>, gravel shoes are designed for walking comfort and are a bit more forgiving. They also differ from many road shoes in that they use two-bolt mountain-bike style cleats as opposed to three-bolt road cleats.<\/p>
At the other extreme, flat-soled mountain bike shoes<\/a> might have off-bike comfort but their flexible soles aren\u2019t the best for power transfer.<\/p>
Performance XC (cross-country) mountain bike shoes make for the closest match, which is why we\u2019re seeing some styles badged as mountain bike and gravel hybrids. In fact, the difference between the two is often so small it might as well be non-existent and either will work fine for the other.<\/p>
Five things to consider when looking for gravel shoes<\/h3>
The best way to start, as with everything bike-related, is by considering your own skills, fitness and preferred riding in order to understand whether you might want to trade off some walking ease for stiffness, or if comfort still means everything.<\/p>
In general, there are five main things to consider when looking for a pair of gravel shoes:<\/p>
Fastening and closure<\/li>
The shoe\u2019s uppers<\/li>
The sole of the shoe<\/li>
Fit<\/li>
The insole<\/li><\/ol>
Fastening and closure<\/h3>
$\"Shimano$
Two Boa dials are great to have for even tension through the shoes. – Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Technology has gifted us the Boa dial, which gives a rock-solid fit that\u2019s easy to adjust even when riding, but less room for variation in tension through its length.<\/p>
A common combination is a strap over the toe section that allows it to be tightened independently, with a Boa dial or similar over the mid-foot. It\u2019s a construction that generally works well, as long as there\u2019s enough adjustment in the toe strap.<\/p>
Old-school laces have their fans, though. If you have a high instep, you probably find that they allow for the differentiation in tension that gives a snug forefoot fit combined with ease over the instep that you need for best comfort.<\/p>
$\"DMT$
Don’t discount laces on gravel shoes as long as they stay secure. – Warren Rossiter \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The downside of laces is that they have a habit of working loose over the course of a ride, especially if walking is involved, which is likely on more technical gravel rides.<\/p>
The gold standard is the double Boa, which allows you to independently tighten the forefoot and instep. In our experience, this creates a fit that\u2019s both secure and comfortable, yet stays solid throughout your ride.<\/p>
Uppers<\/h3>
We demand a lot of the uppers of any cycling shoes \u2013 gravel shoes perhaps more than most.<\/p>
Gravel-shoe uppers have to help deliver power transfer like road shoe uppers, but also have to have enough stretch for walking. They also have to be particularly durable and resistant to any scuffs from clambering over rough terrain.<\/p>
Synthetic uppers are common across the price spectrum. Often, synthetic uppers rely on perforation and mesh inserts for breathability. They don\u2019t mould to the shape of your foot in the same way that leather does, but they don\u2019t cost as much either, and fastening paired with other factors such as insole choice can practically circumvent this issue.<\/p>
When trying on gravel shoes, don’t assume initial discomfort will disappear with wear. Check that adjustments don\u2019t cause wrinkles that can rub, the tongue sits smoothly with no pressure points, the collar isn\u2019t so high that it nudges against your ankle bones and that there are no prominent interior seams.<\/p>
Soles<\/h3>
$\"Rapha$
One of the main differences between road and gravel shoes is the sole, with gravel shoes having lugs. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If we ask a lot of the upper of cycling shoes in general, we expect the impossible of the sole unit of gravel-specific shoes.<\/p>
These need to be stiff enough for us to put the power down but flexible enough to walk in, and light enough not to feel uncomfortable, but sufficiently stable and grippy to keep us grounded.<\/p>
The first thing you\u2019ll learn if you test a lot of shoes is that simply flexing them between your hands is no indicator of how comfortable the shoe will be to walk in. The second is that fit is more important than how stiff the sole is.<\/p>
$\"Specialized$
Racier gravel shoes will sometimes have stiff, carbon soles. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Ideally, the sole should be rigid through the mid-foot, with the flex being apparent in the toe section past the cleat. If the toe section has some spring, lifting up from instead of being flat on the ground, this will also enable the rolling action of your foot.<\/p>
Outsoles made from rubber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) add grip and durability, with gravel shoes tending to have a more open lug pattern than the outsoles of off-road shoes. In theory, this provides enough grip while still enabling them to shed mud faster.<\/p>
In practice, on rougher terrain an all-over lug pattern is best for stability. The question of whether or not to add studs is a personal one, though for us it\u2019s not crucial unless we\u2019re racing cyclocross, where the extra grip could make or break a race.<\/p>
Fit<\/h3>
$\"Liam$
If you can, try on gravel shoes before buying. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The fit of a gravel shoe needs to be snug but not tight, comfortable but not loose. Don\u2019t make the mistake of thinking that pulling the fastenings tighter will overcome a shoe that\u2019s slightly too big, or that you can wear in one that\u2019s too tight. Foot pain<\/a> is a likely consequence either way. <\/p>
Once you\u2019ve fastened a gravel shoe, you should be able to walk without your heel pulling out.<\/p>
Pay particular attention to the shoe\u2019s width as well as its length. Some shoes suit wider feet<\/a> and, if there\u2019s too much volume, you will not only lose efficiency on the pedalling upstroke but you\u2019ll have less stability walking.<\/p>
Insole<\/h3>
$\"Rapha$
The insole on the Rapha Explore Powerweave shoe has a swappable arch for a tailored fit. – Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
What\u2019s inside a shoe is almost as important as what\u2019s on the outside.<\/p>
For many gravel riders in the UK, puddles, water and mud are probably going to feature on rides for a chunk of (most of) the year.<\/p>
A sealed footbed is a must-have to prevent water ingress from the cleat holes. Remove the insole, take a look and run your fingers over the surface. The smoother it feels inside the forefoot section, the less chance that you\u2019ll be aware of the cleats.<\/p>
In some shoes, insoles feel almost like an afterthought: thin and offering little discernible support. Yet a cushioned insole with a shaped arch adds another degree of comfort and can help you to dial your fit.<\/p>
Shoes from some brands, such as Rapha<\/a>, come with different arch inserts, so you can customise the support you need. Other brands, including Specialized<\/a>, have premium insoles as part of their footwear collection that you can buy as an upgrade.<\/p>
Insoles are an easy upgrade to a budget shoe and can rescue expensive fit mistakes.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Also consider…<\/h2>These gravel shoes scored fewer than four out of five stars when they were tested by our expert reviewers, but they are still worth considering.<\/p>