Gravel bikes enable rapid progress off the asphalt, off-road or even on gravel paths, hence the name. Gravel biking, like mountain biking, is a bit more casual. You will also notice this if you scroll through our selection of gravel bike shoes . The models that are made of synthetic leather and/or textile usually look as robust as mountain bike shoes. However, just like road cycling shoes, they usually feature a slightly-narrower cut and also have the same closure systems. For optimal power transfer, manufacturers rely on stiff soles that are flexible enough to walk in.
Our Highlights
Why should you wear gravel bike shoes?
If you like to go gravel biking, gravel shoes are a good choice because they optimally cover the range of use between road bike and mountain bike. They are insensitive to dirt, and the tread design on the soles allows you to comfortably walk a few metres off-road and on stretches where you have to push the bike. Although weight plays a secondary role in gravel biking, unlike on a road bike, gravel shoes are lightweight. Instead, more emphasis is placed on comfort.
Which shoes are suitable for gravel bikes?
The best gravel shoes are always the ones you feel comfortable in and that don't pinch. They should enclose your feet well, avoiding the ankle and providing firm support for your heels. Among others, you can find gravel shoes from Specialized, Scott, Sidi or Fizik. There are different gravel shoes for women and men. Manufacturers such as Shimano and Giro offer gravel shoes with a particularly narrow fit to suit women. However, when choosing your gravel shoes, it is less important to know the gender-specific label and more important to know the size and width of your feet. For example, Northwave has extra wide gravel shoes for wider feet.
Which gravel shoes are ideal for winter?
Gravel shoes usually have good ventilation and are often not waterproof. (Exceptions prove the rule.) If you like to ride your bike in cold temperatures, you should opt for gravel bike shoes with a waterproof membrane (e.g. Gore-Tex) or upgrade them with shoe covers. They protect you from wind, water and dirt and keep your feet warm, partly thanks to the thermal function. Depending on how you feel about cold weather, you can also switch directly to special gravel shoes for winter . Manufacturers such as 45NRTH equip their lined models with a waterproof and breathable membrane. A neoprene strap at the ankle offers protection from moisture and cold temperatures, and a thick rubber sole protects against cold air from below.
Gravel bike shoes and clipless pedals
Make sure your gravel bike shoes are compatible with your pedal system. They are usually equipped with the 2-bolt system, which is suitable for SPD (Shimano) as well as for many pedal systems from the MTB segment. Just screw the corresponding cleats onto the threaded insert in the sole. You can also use combination pedals that have a platform on one side and the clipless mechanism on the other. If you feel more comfortable in shoes without a clipless system, you can of course also use flat pedals. It is best to make sure that your shoes have a relatively stiff sole, such as flat pedal shoes for mountain biking.
