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

We bring up the topic of shoes because it comes up again and again in countless conversations at cycling events. Burning soles, uncomfortable pressure and numb toes are the first things mentioned when it comes to shoes. And tips are given: "Try shoe XY, it's good". When it comes to saddles, we already know that this is not transferable from one person to another. Not everyone is happy with the same saddle. It's similar with shoes. Common statements about the fit of cycling shoes are quickly misunderstood: Cycling shoes should fit snugly on the foot. However, this does not mean that the shoe pinches and constricts, but that it gives the foot a firm hold when pedalling. The support in the shoe combined with a stiff sole ultimately helps you to pedal efficiently. So let's start with a few basics on how to find a suitable cycling shoe.

These shoes are in the test

Click or tap on the respective shoe model to go directly to the shoe quick checks - sorted here from A to Z.

• Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4: Stylish and comfortable for touring and everyday wear >> available here
• Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon: Airy and stiff, for racing and fast tours >> available here
• Lake MX242: The most comfortable shoe in the test, even for "problem feet"
• Shimano SH RX600: Good, lightweight all-round shoe >> available here
• Specialised Recon ADV: Comfortable lace-up shoe for long tours including hike-a-bike sections >> available here
• S-Works Recon: Light and stiff, ideal for gravel racing >> available here
• Quoc Gran Tourer XC: stiff and comfortable for bikepacking and fast rides >> available here

Why is a suitable cycling shoe important?

As mentioned above, a well-fitting shoe helps you to pedal efficiently and should not cause any pain. And yet: shoes are often too tight, says 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 at the gebioMized Concept Lab for bike fitting have shoes that are too tight. "The main problems caused by shoes that are too tight are numbness, burning soles and tingling", he says. Jörg Schmidt, Sales Manager gebioMised & Lake Cycling in the D-A-CH region, adds: "Many knee problems can also be traced back to the foot"for example, if a shoe that is too tight is simply bought one size larger. Although the shoes become longer, they are hardly noticeably wider. Often the pedal plate can no longer be adjusted correctly, which leads to knee problems.

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

3 steps to the right gravel shoe

But how do you find the right cycling shoe? Certainly not like Cinderella - well, in fairy tales you look for the right foot and not the right shoe.

1. pedal system and shoe fastener

Most people choose MTB pedals with a click system for their gravel bike. The cleats, i.e. the connection between shoe and pedal, differ depending on the pedal manufacturer. What they all have in common is that they are attached to the shoe with two screws (road bike shoes have three screws). If you want, you can also use gravel shoes on a road bike. The advantages are, for example, the same pedal system on all bikes, more comfortable walking, the cleats last longer. The disadvantage is that most off-road cleats and pedals reduce the contact surface to the shoe, which can impair power transmission and increase the pressure on the sole of the foot.

If you are unsure or don't want to carry an extra pair of shoes on bikepacking tours, platform pedals and shoes without a click system are also a good choice.

Twist fasteners, Velcro fasteners and good old laces are the most important fastening systems for gravel shoes - or a combination of all of them. The advantage of twist fasteners such as Boa: the shoes can be opened and closed quickly and adjusted easily - even while riding. Laces cannot be adjusted while riding. If they are too tight or too loose, you have to stop. Velcro fasteners such as those on the Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4 are also quick to use and, if of good quality, will last the life of the shoe.

2. the right fit

Have you taken the insole out of the shoe and stood on it? No? Then give it a try! What shape does the foot have to take to fit into the shoe?

Many size charts only ask for the length, the foot width is not taken into account when choosing a size. Sometimes shoes are available in wide - i.e. in a wider version. Many manufacturers use foot scans of countless people and develop an all-round last that is supposed to fit the majority of feet. But "one size does not fit all" is how the US manufacturer Lake describes its fitting philosophy. Its shoes are built on 11 different lasts. This results in suitable shoes for different areas of use and different foot shapes. Lake's philosophy also means that the shoes are mainly available directly from bike fitters. The Australian manufacturer Bont also takes a different approach and has up to four different shoe widths per model in its programme.

The right fit enables more efficiency and ... comfort, no matter how far the distance. - Bont Cycling

Because the cause of problems such as knee pain can also lie in the feet or the shoes and the adjustment of the cleats, bike fitters take a close look here - depending on the fitting package booked. Simply measuring the length is not enough to find the right shoe. We went through the process of measuring feet and finding the right shoe. To do this, we visited the gebioMized Concept Lab at HYCYS in Munich. Here, our feet were scanned and measured and we took a look at the insole we were wearing. This often reveals a lot about the fit of the current foot. A table showing the shape of the foot and the intended use then provides the bike fitter with information on which last and therefore which shoe might be suitable, and of course the planned area of use of the shoe also plays a role. A shoe for road bike racing sits differently on the foot than one for relaxed bikepacking tours, where the shoe should also be comfortable on long days.

As we have learnt, many people wear shoes that are too narrow for cycling. Instead of simply buying a shoe one or two sizes larger and risking other problems, you should also pay attention to the right width.

Tips for the right fit

1. The right size: Draw the outline of both feet on a piece of paper, either barefoot or wearing socks, and measure from the heel to the longest toe. Add five millimetres and then check the manufacturer's size chart.
2. Width: Take the insole out of the shoe and put it on - does the width fit?
3. Heel seat: Put the shoe on and close it. Does the heel sit well in the shoe?

Problem "problem feet"

People with hallux valgus or other foot deformities often find it particularly difficult to find shoes that fit at all, let alone cycling shoes that fit. The upper material of cycling shoes is usually not very flexible, nor should it be. But there are solutions. This is where Lake comes into play again - with its upper construction, which is used in all models labelled 242. The upper material of the 242 shoes is divided into six segments to cater for foot types that are difficult to adapt to. People with bunions, malpositions, very narrow or wide feet, very low or high insteps will be happy with this shoe. The tongue construction allows the fit to be fine-tuned and relieves sensitive or painful areas of the foot. In addition, the heel cap can be moulded with heat and adapted to the foot.

We have tested the Lake MX242.

3. areas of application and requirements

Stiff, abrasion-resistant, breathable, waterproof, grippy... these are just some of the adjectives used to describe cycling shoes. Depending on the area of use, a cycling shoe must fulfil certain requirements. What do shoes for fast gravel races have to do? What requirements should shoes for bikepacking and adventure tours fulfil? The gravel shoe test reveals.

The big gravel shoe test

In our gravel shoe test, we tried out various shoes with two different pairs of feet and collected quite a few kilometres - some more, some less, as they were added later.

We have divided the shoes into different categories:

• Gravel racing & fast tours
• Bikepackking, Adventure
• Not just for "problem feet"

Shoes for adventure & bikepacking in a quick check

Exposed carbon soles are not necessarily the best idea for adventurous tours where the bike sometimes has to be pushed or carried. Stones can really damage the 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 makes the shoe both stiff and grippy when walking. Specialized does a similar thing with the Recon ADV and partially covers the carbon sole. For so-called hike-a-bike sections, i.e. sections that are too steep or too rough to ride, the Recon ADV is also slightly flexible in the toe area - for a better ride.

That is important:

• Grippy sole
• Fit
• comfortable on the bike and when walking

That is less important:

• Weight
• Stiffness

Specialised Recon ADV

The Recon ADV is the adventure gravel shoe from Specialized. Twist fasteners like the Boa are easy to replace if they break, but where do you get a replacement on a bikepacking tour? Laces are a little more time-consuming to put on and take off. However, they can be replaced in many places. Once properly laced, the shoe sits comfortably on the foot even on longer routes. The longest route in the test was 540 kilometres and 10,000 metres in altitude in just over 41 hours non-stop on the Seven Serpents Quick Bite.

So far the best shoe I've had for long distances. However, the heat builds up in the shoe, which is uncomfortable on hot days. - Sandra Schuberth, Delius Klasing online editor

Plus: A shoe to feel good in

Minus: Heat builds up, not so good for midsummer

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

>> Detailed test report on the Specialised Recon ADV

Quoc Grand Tourer XC

The Grand Tourer XC is the ultimate off-road adventure shoe for the manufacturer Quoc. Whether on a gravel bike or a mountain bike. Two twist fasteners ensure that the shoe sits firmly on the foot without pinching. The TPU-coated carbon sole is stiff and ensures good power transmission. At the same time, it offers grip when you have to push on rough terrain. In the forefoot area, the Quoc has a similar cut to the Specialised Recon ADV.

Plus: coated carbon sole protects carbon and provides grip, reflective details

Minus: kwide range of sizes

• Price: 279 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
• Sizes: 38 - 47
• Weight: 662 grams (size 39.5, with cleats)

Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4

After two years of continuous use, the Velcro fasteners are still holding up perfectly, despite initial reservations. The two straps also allow quick readjustment during the ride if the shoe should ever be too loose. Although this is not as quick as with a Boa dial, it is also less susceptible to dirt.

Although the X4s are sized according to the size specification, they do fit more suitable for narrow feet. It can quickly become difficult with thick socks. We have replaced the rather plain insole with a customised one, which significantly improves comfort.

The walking and hiking sections in particular have left visible marks on the shoe and worn away the sparse tread so that the cleats touch the ground when running. The X4 is therefore recommended as a lightweight and comparatively inexpensive shoe for fast laps with little contact with the ground. Due to its casual design, however, it is also well suited for commuting.

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

Minus: No reflective elements

• Price: 159 Euro >> available here
• Sizes: 36 - 48
• Weight: 688 grammes

Shimano SH-RX600

The sole of the Shimano SH-RX600 is stiff but not as hard as a board. That's why we list it in our bikepacking and adventure category. If you do both, racing as well as adventure tours with not too many pushing passages, the Shimano SH-RX600 is a good companion. The sole is carbon reinforced, the shoe and sole are light overall and inspired by gravel racing.

The women's version has a narrower cut. People with narrower feet who fit a shoe in sizes 36 to 44 can take a closer look at the women's model. If wider shoes fit you better, the men's model is available in sizes 38 to 50. In wide, the shoe is available in sizes 38 to 48.

A detailed test summary follows.

Plus: light, slightly wider cut

Minus: The insole offers little support, if necessary replace 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 from size 36 to 50
• Weight: (size 40, without cleats)

Gravel shoes for gravel racing and speed in a quick check

Racing is all about speed. And when it comes to speed, weight also plays an important role. A stiff sole is required for efficient power transmission, and carbon soles are often used. In gravel shoes such as the S-Works Recon, the carbon is exposed.

That is important:

• Stiff sole for good power transmission
• Good fit
• No pressure pain in the shoe

That's not so important:

• Traction
• Comfortable when walking
• Waterproof

S-Works Recon

With the S-Works Recon, Specialized has created a gravel shoe that almost feels like a road shoe. The S-Works is made for fast rides and races, not for pushing or walking. The ergonomic adjustment in the footbed is special and takes some getting used to at first. Specialized/S-Works has placed a wedge in the forefoot area that slides under the ball of the big toe. This should enable better power transmission from the forefoot. Our impression: After a short familiarisation phase, you feel comfortable and actually have the feeling that you can exert more targeted pressure on the pedal with your forefoot.

The S-Works Recon are quite airy, which makes them ideal for warm days, not so much for cool ones and not at all for wet ones. If they get dirty, they can easily be cleaned of dust and mud with a damp cloth. The sole is race-like stiff - a performance shoe with a good, not too narrow fit. However, the carbon sole is sensitive and gets scratched if you push/carry the bike a lot off-road or click into the clipless pedal impetuously.

Plus: airy, special ergonomic adjustment in the forefoot area, rather stiff sole

Minus: It also feels almost like a racing shoe when walking, carbon sole scratches quickly

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

Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon x Pas Normal Studios

For a few weeks now, the elegant and airy Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon has been available in a special edition created in cooperation with the Danish cycle clothing manufacturer Pas Normal Studios. It goes without saying that the result is an elegant and minimalist design. Velcro fasteners in combination with a Boa twist fastener ensure finely adjustable settings. As is usual for Fizik, the shoe tends to fit narrow to normal width feet. The sole is as hard as a board, making the shoe predestined for racing and fast tours. The shoe has reflective details both on the side and at the back.

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

Plus: lightweight, slim fit, very stiff sole, easy to customise, reflective details

Minus: expensive

• Price: 330 Euro (without PNS 299) >> available here at a reduced price
• Sizes: 36 - 48
• Weight: 597 grams (size 39.5, without cleats)

>> First test of the Fizik Ferox Carbon x PNS

Also interesting

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

Lake MX242 ... not only for "problem feet"

The shoe is currently still undergoing practical testing. We can already reveal our first impressions. The fit is very good thanks to the lace construction and double Boa fastening. The tongue and shaft close close to the ankle, potentially causing pressure. The relatively high weight doesn't play a role in practice. We like the wide channel for cleat installation. The sole is very stiff, but at the same time offers very good grip for walking.

Plus: Feel-good shoes, even for foot problems and problem feet

Minus: expensive, heavy, no version without leather

• Sizes: 37 to 50
• Weight: 875 grams (size 42.5, without cleats)
• Price: 359 Euro

Summary: Steps to suitable gravel shoes

• Select pedal system
• Find the right fit
• Select closure system - if possible, the fit should be prioritised higher
• Don't stick rigidly to categories, comfort and fit are more important
• Adjust the cleat position; if this is not correct, the shoe may pinch despite a good fit
• Start from the beginning the next time you buy shoes, feet can change