DMT IAAN: New gravel shoes for gravel and easy trails

DMT is introducing the IAAN a new gravel shoe designed to bridge the gap between a sporty road cycling shoe and a robust MTB model. The focus is on riding on tarmac, firm gravel tracks and easy off-road sections, rather than technically demanding trails.

For BIKE readers, the new sole is particularly exciting: it is designed to offer more grip when pushing the bike, on short stretches of running and on loose terrain than a classic road cycling shoe. At the same time, DMT aims to keep the IAAN light and responsive enough so that it doesn’t feel sluggish on fast gravel stages.

Mesh upper with Dimple Tech

The outer fabric of the IAAN consists of a technical, hexagonally structured mesh. DMT calls this surface ‘Dimple Tech’. According to the manufacturer, the small indentations are modelled on microstructured surfaces designed to influence airflow. However, the combination of breathability, low weight and a stabilising blend of materials is likely to be more important for long days on the bike.

A reinforced toe box is designed to protect the foot from contact with stones and minor impacts. This is a useful feature for anyone who occasionally takes their gravel bike off-road onto forest tracks or easy trail sections.

A new sole for greater safety off-road

DMT has developed a special gravel sole for the IAAN. The rubber compound is softer than that used in pure road shoes, and the lug pattern is designed to provide better grip on gravel, damp surfaces and during short sections where you have to push the bike. According to DMT, the sole is also designed to improve walking comfort.

The shoe therefore remains clearly a model designed for easy terrain. Anyone who regularly rides technical trails, steep sections with roots or longer ‘hike-a-bike’ stretches will probably need a MTB shoe with an even coarser tread pattern. For fast rides on varied terrain, however, the IAAN could be an interesting compromise.

Boa Li2 for a perfect fit on the go

The asymmetrically positioned Boa-Li2 dial is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the instep and allow for quick adjustments whilst riding. This is a particularly useful feature on long gravel rides, when your feet may swell or conditions change.

BIKE has already covered this topic in the Buying guide for gravel and XC shoes Classified: As well as power transfer and fit, grip and walking comfort are particularly important when the route involves more than just firm gravel.

DMT IAAN: Key facts