Gravel shoes put to the test: The right shoe for every foot and every purpose

We’re tackling the topic of shoes because it comes up time and again in countless conversations at cycling events. Burning soles, uncomfortable pressure and numb toes are the first things people mention when it comes to shoes. And people offer advice: “Have a go at shoe XY, it’s good”. We already know from saddles that what works for one person isn’t necessarily suitable for another. Not everyone is happy with the same saddle. It’s much the same with shoes. Common statements about the fit of cycling shoes are easily misunderstood: cycling shoes should fit snugly around the foot. However, this doesn’t mean that the shoe should pinch or constrict, but rather that it should provide the foot with firm support whilst pedalling. The support provided by the shoe, combined with a stiff sole, ultimately helps you pedal efficiently. So let’s start with a few basics on how to find a cycling shoe that fits you properly.

These shoes are being tested

However, if you click or tap on the relevant shoe model, you’ll be taken straight to the quick shoe guides – sorted here from A to Z.

• Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4: Stylish and comfortable for touring and everyday wear >> available here
• Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon: Lightweight and stiff, for racing and fast rides
• Lake MX242: The most comfortable shoe in the test, even for those with ‘problem feet’
• Shimano SH RX600: A good, lightweight all-round shoe >> available here
• Specialized Recon ADV: Comfortable lace-up shoes for long hikes, including ‘hike-a-bike’ sections >> available here
• S-Works Recon: Lightweight and stiff, ideal for gravel races >> available here
• Quoc Gran Tourer XC: Stiff and comfortable for bikepacking and fast rides

Why is it important to have the right cycling shoes?

As mentioned above, a well-fitting shoe helps you pedal efficiently and should not cause any pain. And yet: shoes are often too tight, according to Alexander Mathe from the training and bike-fitting service provider HYCYS in Munich. This is because around 60 per cent of customers who come to HYCYS’s gebioMized Concept Lab for a bike fit have shoes that are too tight. “Problems caused by shoes that are too tight mainly include numbness, a burning sensation on the soles of the feet and tingling”, he says. Jörg Schmidt, Sales Manager for gebioMized & Lake Cycling in the D-A-CH region, adds: “Many knee problems can also be traced back to the foot”, for example, when a shoe that is too tight is simply bought a size larger. Whilst the shoes do become longer, they hardly become any wider. Often, the pedal cleat can no longer be adjusted properly, which leads to knee problems.

Around 60 per cent of our bike-fitting customers have shoes that are too tight - Alexander Mathe, HYCYS Munich

Find the right gravel shoes in 3 steps

But how do you find the right cycling shoes? Certainly not like Cinderella – well, in the fairy tale, you’re looking for the right foot, not the right shoe.

1. Pedal system and shoe fastening

Most people choose MTB pedals with a clip-in system for their gravel bike. The cleats – the connection between the shoe and the pedal – vary depending on the pedal manufacturer. What they all have in common is that they are attached to the shoe with two screws (road cycling shoes use three screws). Incidentally, if you wish, you can also use gravel shoes on a road bike. The advantages include, for example, having the same pedal system on all your bikes, more comfortable walking, and the cleats lasting longer. The downside is that most off-road cleats and pedals reduce the contact area with the shoe, which can impair power transfer and increase localised pressure on the sole of the foot.

If you’re unsure, or don’t want to carry an extra pair of shoes on your bikepacking trips, platform pedals and shoes without a clip-in system are also a good choice.

Twist locks, Velcro fastenings and good old-fashioned laces are the main fastening systems for gravel shoes – or a combination of all three. The advantage of twist locks such as Boa is that the shoes can be opened and closed quickly and adjusted easily – even whilst riding. Laces cannot be adjusted whilst riding. If they are tied too tightly or too loosely, you’ll have to stop. Velcro fastenings, such as those on the Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4, are also quick to use and, if of good quality, will last for the life of the shoe.

2. The right fit

Have you taken the insole out of the shoe and stood on it? No? Then why not give it a go! What shape does your foot have to take on to fit into the shoe?

Many size charts only ask for foot length; foot width is not taken into account when choosing a size. Sometimes shoes are available in a ‘wide’ fit – that is, a wider version. Many manufacturers use foot scans from countless people to develop an all-round last designed to suit the majority of feet. But “one size does not fit all” – as the US manufacturer Lake puts it, describing its fit philosophy. Its shoes are built on 11 different lasts. This ensures a good fit for various uses and different foot shapes. Part of Lake’s philosophy is that its shoes are mainly available directly from bike fitters. The Australian manufacturer Bont also takes a different approach and offers up to four different shoe widths per model in its range.

The right fit ensures greater efficiency and … comfort, no matter how far you’re travelling. - Bont Cycling

Because the cause of problems such as knee pain can also lie with the feet, the shoes or the cleat alignment, bike fitters take a close look at these aspects – depending on the fitting package booked. Simply measuring the length is not enough to find the right shoe. We went through the process of foot measurement and finding the right shoe. To do this, we visited the gebioMized Concept Lab at HYCYS in Munich. There, our feet were scanned and measured, and a look was taken at the insoles we were wearing. These often reveal quite a lot about the current fit of the foot. A table detailing foot shape and intended use ultimately helps the bike fitter determine which last – and therefore which shoe – might be suitable; naturally, the intended use of the shoe also plays a role. A shoe designed for road racing fits the foot differently to one intended for relaxed bikepacking tours, where the shoe needs to remain comfortable even on long days.

As we have learnt, many people wear shoes that are too tight when cycling. Rather than simply buying shoes one or two sizes larger – and thereby risking other problems – you should also make sure you choose the right width.

Tips for finding the right fit

1. The right size: With your feet bare or wearing socks, trace the outline of both feet onto a sheet of paper and measure each one from the heel to the tip of the longest toe. Add five millimetres and then check the manufacturer’s size chart.
2. Width: Take the insole out of the shoe and hold it up – is the width right?
3. Heel position: Put the shoe on and fasten it. Does your heel sit comfortably in the shoe?

The problem of ‘problem feet’

People with hallux valgus or other foot deformities often find it particularly difficult to find shoes that fit at all, let alone suitable cycling shoes. The upper material of cycling shoes is usually not very flexible, nor is it meant to be. But there are solutions. This is where Lake comes into play once again – with its upper construction, which is used in all models bearing the 242 designation. The upper of the 242 shoes is divided into six segments to accommodate even the most difficult-to-fit foot types. People with bunions, misalignments, very narrow or wide feet, or a very low or high instep can find a comfortable fit with this shoe. The strap design allows for fine-tuning of the fit and relieves pressure on sensitive or painful areas of the foot. In addition, the heel counter can be moulded using heat to adapt to the shape of the foot.

We tested the Lake MX242.

3. Areas of application and requirements

Stiff, abrasion-resistant, breathable, waterproof, grippy… these are just a few of the adjectives that can be used to describe cycling shoes. Depending on their intended use, a pair of cycling shoes must meet certain requirements. What do shoes need to offer for fast gravel races? What requirements should shoes for bikepacking and adventure tours meet? Our gravel shoe test reveals all.

The Big Gravel Shoe Test

In our gravel shoe test, we tried out various shoes on two different pairs of feet and clocked up quite a few kilometres – more with some, fewer with others, as they were added later on.

We have divided the shoes into different categories:

• Gravel races & fast rides
• Bike packing, adventure
• Not just for people with ‘problem feet’

A quick guide to shoes for adventure & bikepacking

Exposed carbon soles aren’t necessarily the best idea for adventurous rides where you might have to push or carry your bike at times. Stones can really take their toll on a carbon sole – and the material offers little grip. With the Grand Tourer XC, Quoc combines a stiff carbon sole with a grippy TPU material. This means the shoe is stiff on the one hand, yet grippy when walking on the other. With the Recon ADV, Specialised takes a similar approach, partially covering the carbon sole. For so-called ‘hike-a-bike’ sections – i.e. stretches that are too steep or too rough to ride – the Recon ADV is also slightly flexible in the toe area, for a more comfortable walking experience.

This is important:

• Non-slip sole
• Fit
• comfortable on a bike and when walking

That’s less important:

• Weight
• Stiffness

Specialized Recon ADV

The Recon ADV is Specialized’s adventure gravel shoe. Although twist-lock fastenings like the Boa are easy to replace if they break, where would you get a spare on a bikepacking tour? Laces take a bit longer to put on and take off. However, they can be replaced in many places. Once laced up properly, the shoe stays comfortable on your foot even over longer distances. The longest route in the test was 540 kilometres and 10,000 metres of elevation gain, covered non-stop in just over 41 hours during the Seven Serpents Quick Bite.

The best long-distance running shoe I’ve had so far. However, heat builds up inside the shoe, which makes it uncomfortable on hot days. - Sandra Schuberth, Online Editor at Delius Klasing

Plus: A shoe that makes you feel good

Minus: Heat builds up – not ideal for the height of summer

• ​Price: 220 euros >> available here
• Sizes: 36–49
• Weight: 613 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)

>> Detailed test report on the Specialized Recon ADV

Quoc Grand Tourer XC

For the manufacturer Quoc, the Grand Tourer XC is the ultimate off-road adventure shoe. Whether on a gravel bike or a mountain bike. Two twist fastenings ensure the shoe sits securely on the foot without causing any pressure points. The TPU-coated carbon sole is stiff and ensures good power transfer. At the same time, it provides grip when you need to push the bike over rough terrain. In the forefoot area, the Quoc has a similar fit to the Specialized Recon ADV.

Plus: Coated carbon sole protects the carbon and provides grip; reflective details

Minus: ka small range of sizes

• ​Price: 279 euros >> available here
• Sizes: 38–47
• Weight: 662 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)

Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4

After two years of continuous use, the Velcro fastenings are still holding up perfectly, despite initial concerns. The two straps also allow for quick readjustment whilst riding, should the shoe ever become too loose. Although this isn’t quite as quick as using a Boa dial, it is less prone to getting dirty.

Although the X4s are the size stated, they do fit more suited to narrow feet. It can quickly become tricky with thick socks. We’ve replaced the rather plain insole with a custom-made one, which has significantly improved comfort.

The walking and hiking sections, in particular, have left visible marks on the shoe and worn down the sparse tread, meaning the cleats now touch the ground when running. The X4 is therefore a lighter and comparatively cheaper shoe, ideal for fast runs with minimal ground contact. However, thanks to its casual design, it’s also well suited for commuting.

Plus: The asymmetrical strap provides good support; easy to adjust; comfortable fit

Minus: no reflective elements

• ​Price: 159 euros >> available here
• Sizes: 36–48
• Weight: 688 grams

Shimano SH-RX600

The sole of the Shimano SH-RX600 is stiff but not rock-hard. That’s why we’ve included it in our Bikepacking and Adventure category. Anyone who does both – racing and adventure tours without too many sections where you have to push the bike – will find the Shimano SH-RX600 a great companion. The sole is carbon-reinforced; overall, the shoe and sole are lightweight and inspired by gravel racing.

The women’s version has a slimmer fit. People with narrower feet who wear sizes 36 to 44 may wish to take a closer look at the women’s model. If you find that wider shoes suit you better, the men’s model is available in sizes 38 to 50. The shoe is available in a wide fit from size 38 to 48.

A detailed review will follow.

Plus: lightweight, slightly loose-fitting

Minus: The insole offers little support; you may wish to replace it with a high-quality insole for a better fit

• ​Price: 189.95 >> Available here at a reduced price
• Sizes: depending on the model and width, the Shimano SH-RX600 is available in sizes 36 to 50
• Weight: (Size 40, excluding cleats)

A quick guide to gravel shoes for gravel races and speed

Racing is all about speed. And when it comes to speed, weight is no small factor. Efficient power transfer requires a stiff sole, which is why carbon soles are often used. In gravel shoes such as the S-Works Recon, the carbon is exposed.

This is important:

• stiff sole for good power transfer
• good fit
• no pressure pain in the shoe

That’s not really important:

• Traction
• comfortable to walk in
• waterproof

S-Works Recon

With the S-Works Recon, Specialized has created a gravel shoe that feels almost like a road cycling shoe. The S-Works is designed for fast rides and races; not for pushing or walking. A distinctive feature – and one that takes some getting used to at first – is the ergonomic adjustment in the footbed. Specialized/S-Works has incorporated a wedge in the forefoot area that slides under the ball of the big toe. This is designed to enable better power transfer from the forefoot. Our impression: after a short period of adjustment, you feel comfortable and actually have the sensation that you can apply pressure to the pedal more precisely with your forefoot.

The S-Works Recon are quite breathable, which makes them ideal for warm days, less so for cool ones, and not at all for wet conditions. If they do get dirty, you can easily wipe off dust and mud with a damp cloth. The sole is race-like in its stiffness – a performance shoe with a good fit that isn’t too narrow. The carbon sole is, however, delicate and scratches easily if you frequently push or carry your bike off-road or clip into the clipless pedals too forcefully.

Plus: breathable, specially designed ergonomic fit in the forefoot area, fairly stiff sole

Minus: Even when walking, it feels almost like a road cycling shoe; the carbon sole gets scratched easily

• ​Price: 390 euros >> available here
• Sizes: 36–49
• Weight: 549 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)

Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon x Pas Normal Studios

For the past few weeks, the elegant and breathable Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon has been available in a special edition created in collaboration with the Danish cycling apparel manufacturer Pas Normal Studios. Unsurprisingly, the result is a sophisticated and minimalist design. A Velcro fastening combined with a Boa dial ensures precise adjustment. As is typical for Fizik, the shoe is best suited to narrow to normal-width feet. The sole is rock-hard, making the shoe ideal for races and fast rides. The shoe features reflective details on both the sides and the back.

If you think 330 euros is too much for the special edition – which is already sold out almost everywhere – you can get the shoe without the PNS for 30 euros less. Apart from the design, there are no differences.

Plus: lightweight, slim fit, very stiff sole, highly customisable, reflective details

Minus: expensive

• Price: 330 euros (299 excluding VAT)
• Sizes: 36–48
• Weight: 597 grams (size 39.5, excluding cleats)

>> The Fizik Ferox Carbon x PNS: first review

You might also find this interesting

• Shimano SH-RX801: Shimano shoes have a slightly wider fit than Fizik. The sole of the SH-RX801 is stiffer than that of the SH-RX600, making the shoe ideal for races and fast rides.

Lake MX242 … not just for people with “problem feet”

The shoe is currently still undergoing practical testing. We can already share our first impressions. The fit is excellent thanks to the tongue design and double Boa closure. The tongue and upper end close close to the ankle, which could potentially cause pressure. The relatively high weight isn’t an issue in practice. We like the wide channel for cleat installation. The sole is very stiff, but at the same time offers very good grip, making it suitable for walking as well.

Plus: Comfortable shoes, even for those with foot problems or problematic feet

Minus: expensive, heavy, no version without leather

• Sizes: 37 to 50
• Weight: 875 grams (size 42.5, excluding cleats)
• Price: 359 euros

Summary: Steps to finding the right gravel shoes

• Select a pedal system
• finding the right fit
• Choose a fastening system – where possible, the fit should be given higher priority
• Don’t get too hung up on categories; comfort and fit are more important
• Adjust the cleat position; if it’s not correct, the shoe may rub even if it fits well
• Start from scratch the next time you buy shoes – feet can change