It’s not just that you’re expected to wear them, it’s that wearing the wrong shoes can seriously affect your performance on the bike.
Read on to learn more about the best gravel bike shoes out there.
Our Editor’s Best Gravel Bike Shoes Reviews
Fizik mens Platform Cycling Shoe, Military Green/Tangy Green, 9 US
Key Features:
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The shopper is looking at a pair of gravel bike shoes that have a precision fit. They are adjustable with a single micro-adjustable boa L6 dial B dial, and also have a 25mm microfiber and Velcro strap.
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The gravel bike shoes are made of composite carbon fiber, which is a strong and lightweight material. The shoes are vented to keep your feet cool and dry, and they have a Fizik cycling insole to provide support and comfort.
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The gravel bike shoes have heel loops that make them easy to carry and store. They are made from a light, tough woven material that makes them durable and comfortable to wear.
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The gravel bike shoes have a perforated Microtex upper and a lightweight, breathable Inner mesh. They provide flexible support and cooling.
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If you are looking for a pair of gravel bike shoes that will provide you with protection from trail impact, then these shoes are a good option. They feature a reinforced tongue that is thicker than standard, which will help to absorb impact and protect your feet.
Giro Rumble VR Mens Mountain Cycling Shoes – Dress Blue/Gum (2023), 41
Key Features:
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This gravel bike shoe is designed for comfort and off-road cycling on paths, roads, or trails. It is equipped with a durable outsole and a comfortable fit.
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These gravel bike shoes have a comfortable and supportive fit. They are made with breathable synthetic suede and mesh and have great breathability.
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The shoes have laces for a secure and adjustable fit, making them light and comfortable.
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The gravel bike shoes have an injected nylon plate for efficient power transfer, as well as stainless steel hardware and a full-length molded Vibram Ecostep rubber outsole for grip and stability.
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The shopper can expect a comfortable and supported ride with these gravel bike shoes. The shoes are compatible with all 2-bolt pedal/cleat systems, making them a versatile choice for different riders.
adidas Unisex The Gravel Shoe Cycling, Black/Black/Black, 12 US Men
Key Features:
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The Adidas unisex-adult cycling shoe is a great option for those who are looking for a comfortable and stylish shoe to wear while riding their bike. This shoe is made with a breathable mesh upper that will keep your feet cool and comfortable, and also features a durable outsole that will provide good traction on the pedals.
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The adidas gravel bike shoes are designed for comfort and performance. They have a long history and deep-rooted connection with sport, so you can be sure that they’ll help you perform your best.
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The gravel bike shoes are designed for people who want to make sport a part of their lives. The shoes are made with innovative technology and years of sports science expertise. The shoes are designed to provide comfort and support for all levels of athletes.
SHIMANO SH-RX600 Men’s Versatile Gravel Cycling Shoe, Black, 10-10.5 Men (EU 45)
Key Features:
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The RX600 is a versatile gravel bike shoe with a balance of stiffness and walkability, making it ideal for off-road exploring.
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The shopper is looking for a gravel bike shoe that will allow them to pedal efficiently. The shoe has a stiff carbon reinforced midsole that will transfer their efforts directly to the pedal.
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These gravel bike shoes have a wider outsole for extra stability when you are walking or pushing your bike. This makes them ideal for bikepacking trips where you may have to do a lot of walking or pushing your bike over rough terrain.
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The Tailored Fit gravel bike shoes are designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit with a L6 BOA dial closure system.
Giro Rincon Mens Mountain Cycling Shoes – Olive/Gum (2021), 48
Key Features:
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The shoes are designed for comfort and support while riding a gravel bike. The one-piece Synchwire upper provides a snug, comfortable fit while the lace guides offer support and breathability.
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The shoes are designed for gravel biking and feature a BOA L6 dial for easy and precise adjustment.
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The gravel bike shoes are designed to provide optimal power transfer and dual-injected rubber outsole for traction when hiking.
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The gravel bike shoes are designed to provide arch support and be lightweight. The 3D molded footbed provides medium arch support, and the shoes weigh just 340g (size 42/US 9 shoe).
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The gravel bike shoes are compatible with all 2-bolt pedal/cleat systems, making them a versatile choice for riders. They offer good grip and comfort on the pedals, and are compatible with Shimano SPD, Time ATAC, and Crank Brothers cleats.
SHIMANO SH-RX600W Women’s Versatile Gravel Cycling Shoe, Sand Beige, 8.5-9 Women (EU 41)
Key Features:
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The RX600W is a versatile gravel bike shoe that is designed for women. It is made with a balance of stiffness and walkability in mind, so that it can be used for exploring off-road.
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This gravel bike shoe is designed to provide efficient pedal performance by transferring your efforts directly to the pedal. The stiff carbon reinforced midsole makes this possible.
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The shopper is looking for a gravel bike shoe that is bikepacking friendly. The wider outsole offers extra stability when walking or pushing your bike.
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The gravel bike shoes have a L6 BOA dial closure system that cinches in seconds for a secure fit every ride.
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The gravel bike shoes are designed specifically for women, with a women’s specific last for a natural, comfortable fit.
adidas The Gravel Cycling Shoes Men’s, Beige, Size 10
Key Features:
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The gravel bike shoes are imported, meaning they are made outside of the country.
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These gravel bike shoes have a lace closure, meaning that they are closed with laces rather than velcro or another type of closure.
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The shopper can expect a regular fit from these gravel bike shoes.
Vento X3 Overcurve Black/Black- 44
Key Features:
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The gravel bike shoes have a knitted upper that is engineered for enhanced ventilation and comfort.
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The R1 full UD carbon outsole is a gravel bike shoe that is designed for ultimate stiffness and lightness. It is tuned for max power transfer and is made of carbon.
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The Infinito is a gravel bike shoe that has advanced volume control of the fore-foot area. This allows for a more comfortable and custom fit for the rider.
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These gravel bike shoes have dynamic arch support, meaning that they will conform to the shape of your foot for a customized fit. They also have a padded heel and tongue for comfort, and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool and dry.
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These gravel bike shoes have two BOA IP1-B dials for a tight and comfortable fit.
adidas The Gravel Cycling Shoes Men’s, Black, Size 11
Key Features:
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The gravel bike shoes are imported, meaning they are made outside of the shopper’s country.
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The gravel bike shoes have a lace closure, which means that they are fastened with laces. The laces can be adjusted to provide a snug, comfortable fit.
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Shoes that have a regular fit are not too tight or too loose, and should feel comfortable for most people.
veloToze Short Mountain Bike and Gravel Shoe Cover – Black Large
Key Features:
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The shoes are made of latex, which is a durable and flexible material. They are reinforced with 100% latex, which makes them sturdy and long lasting.
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These gravel bike shoes are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for riding in wet or muddy conditions. They have a comfortable, breathable design and a durable sole that can handle all kinds of terrain.
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This gravel bike shoe is designed to be aerodynamic, helping you to move faster and with less effort. The shoe is lightweight and has a stiff sole to help you transfer power to the pedals more efficiently.
Gravel Bike Shoes FAQs
1. What are gravel bike shoes?
Gravel bike shoes are designed to be comfortable and provide good traction while riding on unpaved surfaces. They typically have a stiff sole for pedaling efficiency and a lugged outsole for grip.
2. Why are they beneficial for gravel biking?
The main benefit of tubeless tires is that they allow for a much lower tire pressure, which provides a much smoother ride on rough terrain. This is especially beneficial for gravel biking, as it can help to reduce the amount of jarring and vibration that is felt on the ride. Additionally, tubeless tires can help to prevent flats, as there is no inner tube to puncture.
3. What are the different types of gravel bike shoes?
There are a few different types of gravel bike shoes, including:-Clipless shoes: These have a cleat that attaches to the pedal, and are often used by road cyclists.-Platform shoes: These have a flat sole and are often used by mountain bikers.-Gravel bike shoes: These are a mix of both clipless and platform shoes, and are designed specifically for gravel biking.
4. How do you choose the right pair of gravel bike shoes?
The best gravel bike shoes will fit snugly and comfortably, offer good power transfer to the pedals, and have a grippy outsole for walking on slippery or uneven surfaces.
5. What are the best gravel bike shoes on the market?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on personal preferences. However, some of the more popular gravel bike shoes on the market include the Shimano GR7, the Giro Code VR70, and the Pearl Izumi All-Road v4.
Conclusion
There are many great gravel bike shoes on the market. Our list of the best gravel bike shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.