Clothing: Gravel bikes have been at the top of the trend list for a long time and there is still no sign of a downturn. It is obvious that a special bike also has special requirements for clothing and shoes. On the one hand, the Gravel segment is about speed and aerodynamics, on the other hand, the shoes have to provide the appropriate grip if you have to dismount in the terrain. This is exactly the balancing act that manufacturers want to do with Gravelbike shoes.
The shoes differ not only in the material mix and the resulting weight. Because there can also be differences in the locking system and in the click system. We researched ten shoes from different manufacturers and show you the most important differences at a glance.
Top gravel bike shoes: Bontrager GR2 Lace
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 149,99 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The Bontrager GR2 Gravel Shoe is perfect for long adventure tours, challenging endurance races and competitive cyclocross races and convinces with a contemporary look that is tailored to modern gravel riders. With its lacing, the shoe adapts to any foot shape, while the lace garage ensures a tidy look. Thanks to the good grip and optimal traction of the outsole, the GR2 also masters rough terrain and gives drivers the necessary support on a wide variety of surfaces.
special feature: Scratch protection and thread for spikes
Magnetic Fastener: Laced
Upper: 60% PU, 25% PET, 10% Nylon, 5% Polyester
Sole: Tachyon solid rubber sole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight No indication of the manufacturer
Top gravel bike shoes: Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 149,00 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The Fizik Powerstrap X4 is a versatile, gravel-focused shoe designed for drop-bar riders whose adventures take them beyond paved roads. While most traditional Velcro fasteners only pull two sides of the shoe's upper together, the Powerstrap configuration wraps a band around the foot and provides a secure fit with just two straps. The instep and midfoot are separately adjustable for a custom fit and compression. A special outsole, the X4, was developed for the versatile shoes: a carefully thought-out combination of stiffness and comfort to pedal effectively on changing surfaces. A mix of nylon - with targeted stiffness - and a rubber tread for effective grip and durability.
special feature: Innovative Powerstrap closure.
Magnetic Fastener: power strap
Upper: No information from the manufacturer
Sole: X4 nylon outsole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 292g / shoe (size 42)
Top gravel bike shoes: Mavic Allroad Pro
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 250,00 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The Aviv Allroad Pro is a shoe for turning off the road onto gravel or even forest paths. Of particular note is the innovative Matryx® technology with its combination of durability, foot support and comfort in a light, efficient package. Thanks to a very special mixture of Kevlar and polyamide, Matryx offers each foot the individually necessary support. At the same time, the upper shoe is lighter and more abrasion-resistant than one made of conventional artificial leather or even knitted material. The material also nestles comfortably and securely around your foot. Not only is it lightweight, it is also highly breathable and quick-drying. The rubber profile of the outsole ensures good walking characteristics and also makes it easier to click in and out with SPD pedals - even in dirty, dusty or even muddy conditions.
special feature: Light and quick drying
Magnetic Fastener: Laced
Upper: Matryx® technology including woven Kevlar® threads
Sole: Rubber outsole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 245g/shoe
Top gravel bike shoes: Northwave Rockstar
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 159,99 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The recently released Northwave Rockster is the apparel specialists' first gravel-specific shoe. Thanks to the lace closure, the shape adapts perfectly to almost any foot shape. Due to the relatively stiff sole, the forces are transferred well to the pedal, and the rubber elements still provide enough grip. In addition, there are two interchangeable knobs on the toes that further increase grip in loose terrain.
special feature: Micro-perforated upper for good ventilation
Magnetic Fastener: Laced
Upper: PU reinforced areas on toe and heel
Sole: rubber sole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight No indication of the manufacturer
Top gravel bike shoes: Rapha Explore
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 260,00 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]Developed from the ground up in-house, the Rapha Explore Shoe is not a variant of a road bike shoe, but was specifically designed for off-road use. A strong, lightweight carbon footplate ensures efficient power transmission when pedaling. However, it is shorter at the toe and heel and is flexible where comfort is important when walking. The footplate is integrated into an extremely grippy rubber sole, which has a cut-out for the pedal plates. The result is sure-footedness on any terrain and in any weather.
special feature: Unique design and signature Rapha Velcro closure
Magnetic Fastener: 2-layer lace closure + velcro
Upper: microfiber
Sole: Carbon sole with natural rubber profile
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 300g / shoe (size 42)
Top gravel bike shoes: Scott MTB Team Boa
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 149,95 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The Scott MTB Team BOA® is particularly comfortable and can be used in a variety of ways, including gravel. It combines excellent power transmission with the comfort of a slipper at an affordable price. The shoe made of smooth, asymmetrical and flexible microfiber upper material offers a close-fitting, adaptable profile with BOA® IP1 Fit System in the upper area. Together with the Velcro for an anatomical fit in the lower area, it adapts individually to any foot shape. The ErgoLogic insole is characterized by a support function on the arch of the foot and a metatarsal insert.
special feature: Removable ErgoLogic insole
Magnetic Fastener: BOA and Velcro closure
Upper: Synthetic polyurethane, 3D airmesh
Sole: Nylon/Glass Fiber Composite, Sticki Rubber
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 340g / shoe (size 42)
Top gravel bike shoes: Shimano SH-RX 8
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 229,95 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The enormously stiff Shimano SH-RX800 shoe not only boasts very good power transmission, it is also relatively light. Thanks to the TPU cleats, walking is still comfortable and the shoe offers sufficient grip, even off-road and on loose surfaces. The heel is additionally stiffened on the back, which offers extra support in the shoe.
special feature: Very stiff sole
Magnetic Fastener: BOA and Velcro closure
Upper: Microfiber faux leather+mesh
Sole: Carbon fiber composite with TPU lugs
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 265g / shoe (size 42)
Top gravel bike shoes: Sidi MTB Gravel
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 179,99 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The in-house Techno 3 closure system is used in the Sidi MTB Gravel shoe. The highlight, all individual parts are interchangeable and can also be reordered individually at any time, which should give the shoe a long life. The shoe is stiffened at the heel for additional comfort, so that the power transmission to the pedal is better. The stiffened solid rubber sole provides enough grip on loose ground without restricting comfort when walking.
special feature: Abrasion-resistant and shock-absorbing toe cap
Magnetic Fastener: Sidi Techno 3 system
Upper: Polytex with suede effect
Sole: Sidi MTB Competition sole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight No indication of the manufacturer
Top gravel bike shoes: Specialized Recon 2.0
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 149,90 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]Inspired by the S-Works Recon, the Specialized Recon 2.0 is a good combination of comfort, weight and price. There is enough space on the toes in the shoe for comfortable walking, but the Gravelbike shoe still sits very well on the foot thanks to the BOA closure in combination with Velcro. Due to the massive studs, it can also be muddy without losing traction.
special feature: STRIDE Toe-Flex technology for natural toe movement in the shoe off the saddle
Magnetic Fastener: BOA and Velcro closure
Upper: Taped top for a reduced number of seams
Sole: SlipNot™ rubber sole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 355g / shoe (size 42)
Top gravel bike shoes: Vaude MTB Snar Advance
non-verb suggested retail price d. Manufacturer: 150,00 euros
[accordions type=”toggle” handle=”pm” space=”no” icon_color=”#” icon_current_color=”#”]The cross country and gravel bike shoe Vaude Snar Advanced combines everything that a good shoe has to offer: good fit, optimal power transmission and good grip. Thanks to the combination of Boa® L6 twist lock and Velcro, the shoe adapts perfectly and individually to your foot. Practical advantage: The Boa® system allows you to easily readjust even during exercise. Ventilation holes in the forefoot and in the tongue ensure a pleasant foot climate even on more demanding tours. Toe and heel caps protect against abrasion and light impacts on root passages or stony ground. The technical outsole is equipped with large tread blocks that ensure perfect grip and traction even in difficult conditions.
special feature: Abrasion and impact protection on toe and heel
Magnetic Fastener: BOA and Velcro closure
Upper: dirt-resistant PU material
Sole: V Flow outsole
Connection system: SPD, 2 screw clamp
Weight 375g / shoe