Best gravel footwear 2024: Top choices for each type of gravel driving

Gravel footwear at the moment are a well-established phase; lengthy gone are the times of placing up with footwear designed for MTB. The finest gravel footwear take the vast majority of their design notes from the very best highway bike footwear however are overbuilt to some extent to tackle the various challenges that gravel driving gives. Given how various gravel driving has develop into, encompassing every little thing from what’s mainly highway racing to carrying your bike up a mountain, it is no shock to see that variety is now mirrored within the accessible choices available on the market, virtually mirroring the very best gravel tyres for variety. 

I’ve accomplished my finest to gather, take a look at, and collate a genuinely helpful listing of the easiest of every class and at numerous worth factors too. It’s meant some uncomfortable rides at instances over the previous few months of testing, but in addition some really chic experiences. I’ve realized a good bit about what works and what would not, not only for particular fashions however usually, so in addition to particular product suggestions I’ll attempt to share what I’ve picked up usually phrases alongside the best way too.

As for any burning questions you could have, your finest guess is to move to the underside the place I’ve answered what I feel might be in your thoughts while you’re seeking to make a purchase order. 

Quick listing

The finest gravel footwear you should purchase at this time

We usually test our guides to guarantee that we’re bringing you the very best merchandise and add new ones when these develop into accessible. We additionally evaluate many new fashions and add them to our guides in the event that they hit the mark in our exams. 

This information was final reviewed in April 2024, when all of the gravel bike footwear under had been nonetheless at present stocked fashions.

The finest funds gravel footwear

You could also be stunned to see the second-cheapest shoe on the listing being given the nod for Best Overall. Yes, the extra premium footwear under do provide higher efficiency, however from the standpoint of the generalist the Giro Privateer represents a really excellent choice at an reasonably priced worth. 

The sole is composite, however except you are usually driving at most effort that is no actual downside, and it is nice for prolonged hike-a-bike together with the grippy outsole. While they don’t seem to be tremendous racy I did race cross in a earlier iteration of them they usually had been completely sufficient; I do not suppose higher footwear would actually have moved me up from my mid-pack finishes. 

The consolation issue from the laces is great, together with ample ankle padding that comes into play over rougher terrain and offers respectable heel retention as a bonus. The further padding and the largely non-perforated nature of the outer does imply they get a bit sizzling in excessive summer season, however the flip facet is that I’ve been in a position to make use of these year-round, simply by including a few of the finest winter biking socks. The lack of perforations means it is tougher for water to get in on moist rides. The upside of them being on the cheaper finish of the spectrum too is that in case you do use them over winter and trash them you are much less involved; you’ll be able to concentrate on the driving and never fear about your fancy summer season slippers getting tatty.

In quick, in case you want one shoe to do all of it then the Privateer is an ideal place to begin in case you’re not sure which path to take, and on condition that and the worth that is why I feel they’re the most suitable choice for most individuals. Want the identical options however extra of a race focussed choice, go for the Empire VR90.

The match is slender, however not in comparison with one thing just like the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon. If you actually cannot stand the thought of laces then the Giro Rincon gives related issues at the same worth, however in a bundle with a BOA dial and a Velcro strap, nonetheless I discovered the Velcro strap to be basically pointless, and regardless of the extra breathable exterior I’d go for the Privateer given the selection. 

Best worth all-rounder

In all honesty, I used to be torn for a time as as to whether to award these the general. They fill a lot the identical perform because the Giro Privateers, at the same worth level. The Privateers nonetheless do a greater job of trickle-down efficiency. If you are not after laces although and need an awesome pair of gravel footwear with a dial closure then the Escapes are laborious to beat, particularly as a primary choice. 

The single dial, a non-BOA choice, is similar as the 2 discovered on the extra premium Gran Tourer CX mannequin. As per the highway mannequin of the identical shoe I’ve additionally had on take a look at the closure is maybe the very best of any single-dial shoe I’ve tried. Often one dial will imply the higher foot suits however the forefoot is a bit floppy, however that is not the case right here. The dial itself would not really feel nearly as good as a BOA-branded one, even the lower-end dials, nevertheless it works nonetheless.

The match is just like the Privateer; comparatively slender, however with a delicate sufficient exterior to permit the foot to increase over the sting of the only if they are not optimum. Shoes at this worth level do not are available a number of widths sadly. They are noticeably much less padded than the Privateers too; much less comfortable over correctly tough terrain and rather less insulated for winter use, however on the flipside they really feel a little bit extra related.

Heel retention was additionally glorious, although the heel lining annoyingly would not prolong far sufficient across the entry to the shoe. This means there is a transition between padded and unpadded that sits simply ahead of the ankle and did present a little bit of irritation. Never painful, simply noticeable when zoning out, however one thing that would simply be fastened by shifting the transition ahead of the tongue. 

Aesthetics matter too, and these are a lovely-looking pair of footwear, particularly within the pretty deep yellow. It would not have an effect on efficiency, nevertheless it makes me wish to use them greater than many others. 

I did additionally take a look at the brand new Gran Tourer XC from Quoc, however you may discover it’s conspicuously absent from the information. I could not discover any practical enhancements, and I really discovered them much less of a pleasure to put on. The ankle cup was stiffer, however with no actual enchancment in heel retention, and because the dials aren’t as correct as BOA choices I discovered having two meant I genuinely could not get nearly as good a match in comparison with that which I might obtain with the only dial Escape, I feel as a result of, unfold out over the entire shoe, the decreased dial accuracy is negated in opposition to a pair of dials solely tweaking the higher/forefoot individually. The Gran Tourers are additionally heavier, with the identical outsole, and a midsole that feels no stiffer. The solely enchancment was a slight discount within the rubbing concern from the heel pad, although it did nonetheless happen. Save the £90 distinction and spend it on one thing else. 

Likewise, I additionally examined the Sidi Dust; a single dial, composite soled choice. It was extra versatile and did not shut as effectively, with a dial that was extra of a ache to make use of. The RRP is greater, and when you can choose up a pair on sale for the same worth to the Escape, the one cause to take action, in my view, can be in case you have extraordinarily slender toes, otherwise you simply wish to put on Sidis due to the model title or aesthetics.

The finest gravel footwear for racing

If the Giro Privateer is a fairly priced generalist, the Specialized S-Works Recon exist on the different finish of a number of spectrums. They are an out-and-out, unapologetically racy gravel shoe, however regardless of this, they’re additionally one of many extra snug choices on the listing. If you desire a pair the principle downside goes to be the worth, so let’s be upfront: These are the costliest footwear of the bunch, a full £60 greater than the subsequent costliest, the Bont Vaypor G. What do you get for that prime retail worth, then?

The match is really chic. The heel cup is tenacious, the forefoot wider than earlier generations, and the twin Boa closure means you get a shoe that feels extra of an extension of your physique than some other I’ve tried. Heel cups on Specialized footwear, particularly top-end choices, are all the time good, but in addition made from very stiff materials that does not all the time play properly with ankles. Here the dropped outer ankle space retains issues snug while you’re throwing the bike back and forth, or over tough floor. 

They’re additionally the lightest pair of footwear on take a look at, due to a light-weight carbon sole however primarily due to eschewing any actual inside padding and being constructed from a reasonably stiff (and fortuitously sturdy feeling), outer, with only a ridge of agency foam across the rim of the ankle to carry issues in place. Don’t mistake this for an absence of consolation although, the Recons had been a few of the most comfortable on take a look at.

These are a race shoe although, basically a gravel copy of the S-Works Torch, and that distinction is extra vital off-road than it will be on the tarmac; I would not wish to stroll off-road for prolonged intervals in these any greater than I’d wish to stroll for ages in highway cleats. The outsole is basically there to let you stroll to and out of your bike. If you desire a race-facing shoe you could really stroll in go for the Empire VR90, or the Vento Ferox carbon in case you’ve obtained lifeless slender toes. 

Just a warning when buying: The previous MTB footwear and these new gravel footwear are each named the Recon, so ensure you’re getting the correct ones.

Best carbon sole for strolling

Nominally the Recon ADV is Specialized’s ‘journey shoe’, sadly one other sufferer of the nice gravel vowel scarcity. In actuality, given the only is not an awesome deal extra chunky than that of the S-Works Recon I would not wish to yomp for miles in these, however the protection to guard the carbon is a minimum of considerably extra complete. 

In my opinion, these sit alongside the Empire VR90 as a high-performance generalist with the provide of a lace closure. As with the Empires, you get that extremely tunable match, however right here it falls alongside a safer heel cup, utilising the identical type of padded higher ridge as per the Recons, however extra so. On the flip facet, the only is not as grippy, and it can not settle for toe spikes, so undoubtedly gravel solely. 

What I initially assumed was a advertising gimmick was the very fact the carbon sole thins ahead of the cleat plate, permitting it to flex extra in case you are strolling. Sadly the cynic in me has to confess that it’s noticeably higher, although not considerably. I feel this tech with a greater outsole would render a really incredible bike-packing shoe for all terrains. As it’s although they’re nonetheless an excellent choice, with the stiff rear sole all you actually really feel. 

There’s little or no to decide on between these and the Empires. For summer season use I’d take the Recon ADV, if I had a pair of the very best winter biking footwear to fall again on, however for all-around use, or driving in moist circumstances I’d take the Giro choice. 

It could be as a result of the Empires have been round for years now and the Recons are new, however the Recon ADV are a extra enticing shoe, although the broader spacing of the facet panels throughout the higher foot does have the impact of constructing your foot look a little bit extra chunky.

The finest gravel footwear for journey

Gravel footwear, on the entire, take their design language from highway footwear. The Fizik Terra Atlas to me looks like it is come extra from an MTB standpoint. It’s bulkier than different Fizik choices, and although it is wider for certain than the Vento Ferox Carbon (I can really get my toes in these), it is nonetheless slender. There’s a transparent concentrate on ‘journey driving’, with a completely rubberised sole heel to toe, with substantial cleats, and higher reinforcements across the decrease of the higher cloth too.

The single dial does an admirable job of maintaining the foot retained throughout the entire size, on par with the Quoc Escape, however right here a minimum of there’s a BOA-branded dial closure. It’s nonetheless a lower-end mannequin, so if you wish to launch the stress you do need to pop it open after which begin from scratch, however in my view, that is much less of a downside with single-dial footwear as a minimum of you have solely obtained the one dial to fiddle with.

Heel retention is respectable, and whereas the little plastic dots are well-intentioned I discovered them extra of an irritant than any assist to truly maintaining my heel down. The similar rings true for any heel texture; no grippy supplies can change a great match except your socks are literally glued to your foot too. 

Despite not becoming me completely they did really feel like a really supportive gravel shoe. Sturdy, effectively made, padded sufficient to really feel such as you’re protected, however not sufficient to make them really feel wallowy. Not a race shoe, undoubtedly extra attuned to these of you who really feel MTB curious. To be trustworthy you might most likely use these for MTB fairly fortunately too, in case you want a do-it-all choice. 

Best for quick journey driving

The match of the Rapha Powerweave is similar to that of the S-Works Recon, particularly within the heel. The twin BOA dials do an awesome job of correctly ensconcing the foot, notably on the higher portion, and the heel is a equally unpadded unit with a retention ridge on the higher attain. The ankle is greater, and given the stiffness of the heel cup and the shortage of padding this can be uncomfortable for some, however I by no means discovered it a problem even over full days out. 

The toe field could be very pointed although, very like the Vento Ferox Carbons, so in case you have a sq. toe profile chances are you’ll discover like me that a few your little piggies get distracted from having their roast beef and as an alternative simply press on the toe field.

The carbon sole is as stiff as you’d ever really need for a gravel shoe, even for racing, however the actual occasion piece for me is the outsole. Most footwear on this listing, whether or not they settle for toe spikes or not, characteristic a few serrated or easy blocks on both facet of the cleat (in order to successfully recess it), and a few toe lugs. For the Explore Powerweave, Rapha has added an unbroken tread from the midfoot all the best way to the toe, which means there is no clunk midway via every stride as you transition from cleat lug to toe lug. It’s a minor element nevertheless it’s actually efficient, and in combo with the race match these are what I’d take if I had been ever to mix high-tempo driving with lots of strolling; I’m pondering bike-packing races, primarily. 

They’re higher to stroll in than the Recon ADV, even with no extra versatile toe, however undoubtedly a extra race-oriented shoe by the match and profile. The Powerweave outer cloth additionally accommodates my wider forefoot adequately, however good grief are they laborious to wash. With one thing just like the Empire VR90 you want a moist fabric and also you’re accomplished, however right here due to the textured nature of the outer, you are higher off leaving them to dry and going at them with a stiff brush.

Best gravel footwear for broad toes

If, like me, you may have a large forefoot and you’re but to strive a shoe that actually permits your foot to realize its full width unimpeded by the confines of the shoe then I urge you to strive a pair of Lakes. I exploit the usual width of the MX238 Gravel, and they’re broad sufficient, although they arrive in a wider model too, so for narrow-footed riders, you’ll seemingly discover them cavernous, however in case you’re like me and blessed with flippers they could be transformative. Just for example the distinction in width, these are round 15mm wider than the Vento Ferox Carbons. 

Comfort is the secret, being constructed on this case from a pleasant, extraordinarily supple black suede that actually seems to be good in opposition to the gum outsole. Even in case you do one way or the other discover your forefoot arising in opposition to the edges of the shoe the outside will not be solely delicate sufficient to not hem your foot in, nevertheless it’ll additionally give with time, a minimum of within the suede choice; I can not converse for the microfibre choices I’m afraid. 

The twin BOA closure permits for an sufficient match, however the older technology dials really feel dated now in comparison with these in use on the Rapha Powerweave, S-Works Recon and many others, particularly at this worth. While these aren’t the identical sort of shoe because the Bont Vaypor G, they do each share a really roomy toe field. It takes a little bit of getting used to, having by no means actually had it in different footwear to this extent earlier than, and whereas I do not suppose it is as vital as an acceptable width shoe it actually makes for a extra snug setup on longer rides. 

If weight is a matter then these aren’t the shoe for you, except they’re an ideal match. Suede is not a light-weight materials, they usually’re generously padded, making them the second most hefty on take a look at, in case you exclude the Quoc Chelsea.

My primary points with the MX238 Gravel come on the rear finish of the shoe. The heel cup is wider than many, mirroring the fore of the shoe, leading to (for me a minimum of) not the very best heel retention. Certainly not the worst on take a look at by any means, and nothing to trigger me concern for normal driving in any respect, however noticeable in opposition to narrower choices. The ankle cut-outs too had been oddly formed, with the low level located very far rearward of my ankle bone protrusions. This resulted within the facet of the ankle digging into my foot when pedalling out of the saddle. This shall be alleviated to some extent in case you’re biking along with your toes notably pointed, however that tends to be an indication that your saddle is just too excessive too.

Best gravel race shoe for narrower toes

Full disclosure time: I have not examined these myself. Every different shoe I’ve ridden with a view to examine and distinction, however these Fizik’s had been just too slender for my toes. Fortunately, although my colleague Josh Ross has already given us a full evaluate of them, and having gone via his information to the very best highway footwear lately we have now very related opinions on footwear, even when our toes are very totally different, so I’ll summarise from his work on this case:

As you have gathered already, the match is slender. The one Powerstrap up high is broad and comfy, and robust sufficient to retain the foot even at full energy. It’s fast to regulate on the fly, due to its measurement, however hardly ever is the higher foot the bit that wants adjustment mid-ride. This is why it is a Velcro closure that I can really get on board with for gravel use, as you are unlikely to truly expose the interior hooks and loops to grime that often. 

At the forefoot, the only BOA dial, a dual-direction mannequin, takes care of smaller changes with ease, for the a part of your foot that really swells over the course of the day. 

The stiffness is spot on for fast-paced driving and racing. Stiff sufficient to be optimum, not so stiff as to be uncomfortable while you’re taking it straightforward. The different benefit of the midsole is the cleat plate. The slots are extraordinarily lengthy, permitting tonnes of fore/aft adjustment, which means in case you’re into slamming your cleats to the midfoot then you definitely’re in luck. 

As for downsides… effectively that extraordinarily fairly exterior that does sort of put me in thoughts of early 90’s graphic design is not massively breathable, and whereas the toe is not flimsy, it would not have the identical safety from toe rub as the opposite fashions, so in case you do slam your cleats again simply bear that in thoughts. 

Best gravel footwear for a customized match

Carbon-soled biking footwear, whether or not gravel, highway or MTB, are often constructed round a flat carbon leaf sole. Bont, alternatively, makes use of a ‘bathtub’ choice, whereby the only extends up the edges to encase the foot fully in a carbon hull. This has the impact of constructing a shoe that’s mind-bogglingly stiff; take into consideration how a metal sheet is all the time going to be extra floppy than a metal I-beam. They are so stiff I actually can not fathom strolling in them, stiffer than some other shoe I’ve utilized by a noticeable margin. The expertise is just like sporting mountaineering boots with absolutely inflexible soles designed to just accept crampons.

Given the bath building, the warmth moulding course of is paramount to ensure you keep away from any stress factors. Twenty minutes within the oven at 70 levels is sufficient to render the soles pliable, sufficient for just a few millimetres of adjustment in any case. Bont does provide 4 totally different width choices, and selecting the right one is essential as a result of, strive as you would possibly with the butt finish of a screwdriver, in case your toes are too broad for the bath there may be nowhere for them to go. No delicate materials, simply laborious, immovable carbon fibre. 

Sadly I used to be only a hair too broad for the common width so I did not have probably the most snug expertise. But I did tune the match sufficient to be taught that in order for you a shoe that provides you the sensation of complete energy switch then it is laborious to search out something that touches the Vaypor G. Given the stiffness they’re reasonably unforgiving over notably tough floor, however as a race shoe they’d rival the S-Works choice and even beat it I’d say if you may get the match spot on. 

The closure system makes for a snug higher even when the only is difficult going, with a large flap which means no stress factors happen even when cranked up for an all-out effort. The toe field, too, is broad like that of the Lakes, so your little piggies can transfer round fortunately. As per the S-Works then, a race shoe solely, not for strolling, regardless of the looks of the aggressively lugged outsole. 

We’ve obtained a full evaluate of those already in case you want a bit extra data.

The finest gravel footwear for on a regular basis

If you have been driving gravel for even a brief time period you may most likely have heard the phrase “The Spirit of Gravel”. This nebulous beast means many issues to virtually as many individuals. To me it means “Wearing attractive gear whereas messing about within the sunshine”, and no shoe higher encapsulates that to me than the Café du Cycliste Outlands.

I’d have liked to be within the assembly the place somebody proposed styling a efficiency biking shoe after a classic set of mountaineering boots; I presume it occurred after a boozy lunch with numerous wealthy cheeses and dried meats. 

These aren’t the very best gravel footwear for something actually. The heel retention is not nice, regardless of the very best efforts of the cat’s tongue cloth on the within. The laces too typically slip while you’re making an attempt to tie them up and slip within the eyelets, so getting the proper match is difficult, and making a shoe with leather-based, metallic eyelets and a full gum rubber outsole makes them the heaviest ‘correct’ gravel shoe of the bunch. 

I do not care although, as a result of they’re lovely. They odor nice too, for now, and are ageing effectively. They’re an costly affectation, however they make me really feel one million {dollars} after I do put on them. For normal driving, they’re completely sufficient from a efficiency standpoint, and I’m additionally an enormous proponent of the truth that trying good makes you are feeling higher and journey higher. 

They are additionally extraordinarily effectively made and really feel luxurious, extra so than the costlier footwear on the listing. The full gum outsole can be second solely to the Explore Powerweave by way of ease of strolling, solely detracted from by the slight heel carry with every step.

These are a shoe to purchase if I’m being completely trustworthy, simply since you need them, and that is high quality. There’s area for that alongside extra pragmatic selections, however please nonetheless bear issues similar to slot in thoughts as I am going into later within the FAQ’s.  

Best gravel footwear for commuting

Many individuals go for a gravel bike as a do-it-all wagon. Something that may deal with highway, gravel, and likewise commuting duties. Well, is smart to incorporate an choice for these going to and from an workplace then, proper?

The Chelsea, a Chelsea boot with an non-obligatory cleat recess within the sole, from Quoc can be my selection. For the summer season, in case you work someplace distinctly trendy then you might effectively get away with a pair of Adidas Velosambas, however for one thing that works on the bike year-round, and would not go away you falling foul of draconian gown codes, the Quoc Chelsea is difficult to beat. 

While the leather-based forefoot and suede rear aren’t completely impervious to water ingress, it does an awesome deal higher than some other shoe on this listing while you fly via a puddle. The sole is stiffer than you are seemingly anticipating, stiffer than a few of the composite soled choices above, so whereas it is higher for strolling in it isn’t practically as snug as, say, an precise pair of regular Chelsea boots. The flip facet of that is that they are surprisingly good for driving in, by no means floppy, and with surprisingly good heel retention. You can match a filler block the place the cleat recess is, however in my thoughts, at that time, chances are you’ll as effectively get a set of Blundstones. 

While reflective detailing is rarely an alternative choice to a set of the very best bike lights whereas driving at evening, including reflectivity to footwear is an effective place to do it, because the movement is unnatural to the human eye at evening and stands out. The collection of dots on the rear provides a little bit bit of additional security in case you’re driving to and from work after darkish.  

You could discover I’ve a measurement smaller right here than the opposite Quoc choices, however after testing these are literally a smidge too small, so follow the sizing for the opposite pairs in case you’re in two minds, that being your regular measurement.

Best gravel footwear for top tempo normal use

Take a Privateer, slim it down a bit, add an Easton carbon midsole and a Vibram outsole and you’ve got the Empire VR90, the gravel model of the Empire SLX highway shoe, which my colleague rated as the very best highway shoe available on the market (one thing I agree with him on). 

These are a greater shoe than the Privateer, so why not charge these the very best general? In my opinion, the enhancements over the Privateer aren’t sufficient to warrant spending the additional hundred kilos except you really need the efficiency positive aspects, and in opposition to the backdrop of the event of the Empire SLX, the VR90 feels considerably dated. Also, the Empire VR90 sit alongside different high-performance choices, the place they stand out much less. 

That being mentioned, if like me you’re keen on the match on provide from lace-up footwear, and need one thing stiff, snug, sturdy, and straightforward to wash then these are the footwear for you. The carbon sole does an efficient job of maintaining the toes planted however is not so hellishly stiff you could’t stroll about in them. 

Gone is the double bolstered heel of the Privateer, leading to a sleeker, extra aesthetically pleasing exterior, however nonetheless with that all-season impervious nature. The outer sole is basically the identical because the Privateer, however with Vibram branding, which does not actually add a lot in my view besides some quantity to the worth. 

I’ve delicate excessive arches, so I exploit aftermarket insoles, however these do include a customisable set of insoles to tune the match too, which actually helps, however I’m but to discover a shoe with enough insole assist out of the field. 

Of all of the footwear these are what I’ll most likely proceed to journey following the end result of this group take a look at as a result of they match me very effectively and are not so fancy that I’d fear about trashing them. While they was once a critical contender for the very best race shoe, they now really feel like a efficiency generalist. I’d like to see an SLX model in time, like Specialized has accomplished with the Torch/Recon, so as to add a bit extra competitors on the high finish.

How to decide on the very best gravel bike footwear for you

As with any buy, one of the simplest ways to get what’s good for you is to begin by being trustworthy about your use case. If you do not race, you do not want race footwear, for instance. It’s really easy to fall into the “ah however what if at some point I…” lure, however I implore you to actually outline what you want now earlier than you house in on what chances are you’ll at some point want down the road.

Once you are accomplished with the perform, the match is the subsequent key factor to contemplate (sure, greater than closure, sole materials and even aesthetics I’m afraid). Footwear is a big a part of one of many primary contact factors along with your bike, and getting the match improper can have knock-on implications up the biomechanical chain. More than getting selecting the proper saddle or the very best cargo bib shorts, footwear can play mischief along with your tendons reasonably than your delicate tissue. If you do not know how broad your toes are then do a little analysis; I assumed I had the dainty slender toes of a ballerina, however after getting a motorbike match I discovered I even have troll toes, so chances are you’ll be stunned. 

Then you’ll be able to take into consideration closure and aesthetics. These are extra down to private choice and have no actual drastic impacts so you’ll be able to choose your poison as you please.