Gravel Bike Shoes: Features & Top Picks 2024

There are usually three important connections between man and bike: rear and saddle, hands and handlebars, feet and pedals. Now you can ride hands-free or get out of the saddle and tackle a mountain while riding. On the other hand, putting your feet up while cycling is the worst possible idea.

In other words: the connection between foot and pedals is fundamentally important. That’s why it makes sense to think twice about which shoes can be used to master this liaison most efficiently and ultimately most comfortably.

The attribute ‘comfortable’ is rather misplaced when it comes to racing bike shoes. In contrast to biking on single trails, in the forest or on gravel roads, the main thing when clattering over the asphalt is to transfer muscle power as efficiently as possible and directly to the crank. Since people rarely dismount, racing bike shoes don’t have to be prepared for longer walks. The shoes for racing cyclists are correspondingly stiff and inflexible.

These are the worst possible characteristics for mountain biking. On steep, slippery or sloping terrain, it is important to get off the pedals at all times and, above all, quickly. MTB shoes have to be correspondingly flexible. The main feature is the aggressive lug profile under the sole, which ensures good grip when descending. Mountain biking shoes are less about aerodynamics and weight and more about comfort for the feet. These shoes are often a bit chunkier and heavier, but also have a more generous cut.

Long preamble, short story: Because gravel biking involves racing over gravel and forest paths, as well as asphalt and cobblestones, you need a shoe that cleverly combines the advantages of a racing bike and MTB shoe. Which leads us to the essential features of gravel bike shoes. What immediately stands out visually is the silhouette of the racing bike shoe, combined with the profiled sole of a mountain bike shoe, which at least makes walking or pushing possible.

The cleats don’t bother you either, because they are embedded in the sole like MTB shoes. This gives gravel bike shoes the crucial kick for everyday life. In terms of design, however, they are more based on the sporty elegance of racing bike shoes. The sole is not quite as stiff, allowing it to be a little more flexible on terrain or gravel. When it comes to closure, the choice often falls on the BOA Fit system, which is popular in racing cycling and has now also found its way into winter sports and runners.

In short: Gravel bike shoes are the perfect all-rounders. They work just as reliably on racing bikes as they do on mountain and gravel biking. To call it a compromise is almost an insult. Most of them are not only on par with the style factor, but also technically on a par with the models that are specifically tailored to road cycling or mountain biking.

Important: In order for the gravel bike shoes to show their class, the pedal system must fit. As a rule, the shoes are prepared for the SPD 2-hole pedal plates. So if you want to use them on the racing machine, you have to install the corresponding pedals there.

As is often the case, there are hardly any upper limits when it comes to buying gravel bike shoes. But there are also models for less than 100 euros that serve well as cycling shoes for sports and everyday life. This includes the Rockrider Gravel 900a waterproof model with a practical quick-lacing system that locks itself. Fiberglass elements have been incorporated into the nylon sole to make the step even more precise and efficient. The upper shoe should at least be water-repellent. Especially in the wet and cold season, an overshoe is recommended (e.g. the Cycling overshoes from Q36.5) to arrive back home with warm and dry feet.

For a street price of around 130 euros, bikers can get a model with the popular BOA Fit closure system. The Scott Gravel Pro is insulated with non-slip Sticki Rubber rubber. This is comfortably enough for short distances on foot, because the cleats are also embedded accordingly. This protects the sensitive SPD plates. The Gravel Pro is not for rainy weather and requires overcoats when the water splashes from above or below.

Shimano charges a hefty price of more than 200 euros for its gravel bike shoes. That makes it worth it Gravel RX801 In our opinion, more for ambitious bikers who regularly ride off-road and on the road and use the shoes on all bikes. But they also get the lightweight gravel shoes, with which you can comfortably walk more than just a few steps despite the stiff carbon fiber sole. Conclusion: A gravel bike shoe that does more than just slim your feet.

If you want to treat your feet to something very special, this is it Q36.5 Herd Adventure at the right address. This gravel bike shoe from Italy even comes with a double BOA Fit twist lock, which is supposed to provide even better grip. The upper is not waterproof, but is breathable thanks to open mesh microfiber. Perfect for anyone who struggles with feet that sweat quickly.

The composite material made of carbon fiber and polyamide ensures a good balance between comfort and rigidity. Another special feature is the thermoformed and padded tongue, which distributes the lacing pressure of the closure system evenly across the instep and wraps the foot even more securely overall. The Italian luxury shoes are available in black or white.