Cross-country and off-road terrains place greater demands on your cycling shoes, requiring them to be both comfortable and robust, which is where the best gravel bike shoes come in. Of course, you might get away with some of the best road cycling shoes or even the best commuter cycling shoesif you're on a bikepacking trip—but purpose-built gravel cycling shoes will ultimately serve you best.
With time almost certainly spent running or walking with your bike, until recently, most gravel bike and cyclocross bike (CX) riders have just had to pick their way through a range of mountain bike shoes. With an upward surge in drop-bar off-road riding, more kit designed specifically to the needs of the gravel bike rider (including gravel bike clothing) are gradually becoming available.
The best gravel bike shoes and cyclocross shoes will almost definitely feature built-up areas along the sole, constructed with softer, grippier rubber that can handle thick mud and rugged terrain. They will also likely use mountain bike-style SPD cleat systems recessed into the shoe for better mud clearing and ease of use. Many also offer the ability to add spikes/studs or greater protection from the elements.
The Cycling Weekly team uses and abuses dozens of cycling shoes each year. This guide features nine shoes with the highest ratings from this testing. Stand-out performances are from the Specialized Recon and Giro Sector for their ability to work across both Gravel and Cyclocross riding.
We liked the Sectors' weight, breathability, and comfort. Two Boa dials allow for a precise fit, and the price is very reasonable for the performance on offer.
The Recon 1.0 might lack some ventilation, but that is rarely an issue in the UK, and the toe-flex system means that walking comfort doesn't compromise riding stiffness.
Giro's mid-range Privateer offers decent power transfer and walking flexibility, with plenty of grip. The lace closure keeps the weight down and adds some retro style.
The VR90 ticks many performance boxes—a Vibram tread mated to a carbon sole unit provides grip and stiffness aplenty, and toe spikes are included for extreme conditions.
The MX30G's are stiff yet incredibly comfortable. Lake is rapidly becoming a market leader in cycling shoes, and the MX30G's are again another stellar option.
The Fizik Tempo Beat does not claim improved performance or watt-saving. Its luxurious comfort and relaxed nature make it perfect for casual encounters with friends on cafe rides.
Fizik's Powerstrap design is incredibly comfortable, infinitely adjustable and offers excellent security, even if a bit primitive in the age of Boa dials.
Boa L6 dials don't back off tension without releasing completely
Mixing a one-piece upper and a carbon composite sole with tall side lugs, the Giro Sector shoes are thin, supple and supportive with mesh sections for good breathability. We found the sole sufficiently flexible for comfort off-bike but it still gave good pedalling support, although grip was a bit lacking for hike-a-bike in muddy conditions.
There are two Boa L6 dial closures, making for precise fit adjustment, although with the L6 you need to pop the dial to loosen, rather than having both-ways adjustability. But otherwise, the Sectors are a top choice at a reasonable price.
The S-Works version of the Recon shoes with its dual BOA system was launched in 2019, but the high price tag somewhat limited their appeal. The Recon 1.0 (as well as the 2.0 and 3.0 models) however is significantly more accessible, although this has meant a redesign.
This version comes with a triple Velcro closure and a synthetic upper with a reinforced toe box zone. In use, the minimal ventilation kept our feet warm enough, although this might be something to consider if riding in hot weather.
Specialized says the nylon sole provides a good level of stiffness for on the bike, and thanks to its own STRIDE toe-flex system should help with walking off the bike - we would have to agree with this. The deep rubber lugs are also coated in Specialized SlipNot compound to help with traction on all terrain.
The shoes weigh in at 331g for a size 42, and are available in three colours and in sizes 36 to 49EU.
Fizik says that the Terra Atlas is the most versatile shoe in its range. The sole has been reworked to add extra lugs and directional spacing and is made of rubber to up grip and the sole is mid-stiffness for off-bike comfort. The cleat holes are fixed further back, in line with the modern trend.
We thought that the toe box was roomier than many Fizik shoes and there's extra padding, which helped with comfort. Silicone dots in the heel cup help to prevent heel lift. There's a single Boa L6 dial to provide adjustability with 1mm increments, although only having one dial does limit adjustability.
The Lake MX 238 provide excellent power transfer and—crucially—pliability for normal running gait when off the bike.
Right out of the box, the real leather stood out to us straight away—it felt incredibly soft to the touch. The pliability of the shoe's outer is noticeable too but a quick look inside reveals mesh inserts that make these much more robust and versatile shoes than an initial glance would suggest.
The leather may be soft but these are definitely race shoes. They have a stiff carbon sole and are water resistant, with rubber sections for added assistance when you need to run or walk. We particularly enjoyed the dual side-mounted BOA lacing system that offers next-level adjustability as seen on other premium shoes such as Shimano S-Phyre XC9 shoes.
Since the MX 238 is a race shoe, they are designed to be worn when you're working hard. In testing, we found them perfect for racing cyclocross at maximum effort but on slower-paced gravel rides our feet got a little chilly in cold weather.
The size range is huge, with wide options to suit those with wider feet.
The Privateer lace-up shoe might be middle of the range from Giro, but it's certainly a great performer. Although a huge slice cheaper than Giro's flagship Empire VR90, these shoes certainly don't compromise on comfort or durability. They weigh in at 355g (size 42) per shoe.
The nylon sole gave us a good level of stiffness for pedalling but enough give for when we had to do a bit of hike-a-bike as well. The rubber-lugged outsole gives ample grip, no matter what kind of surface you're scrambling over.
Soles: Carbon fibre with a molded Vibram® rubber tread
Fastening: Laces
Reasons to buy
+
Sole stiffness
+
Aesthetics
+
Grip
+
Comfort
Reasons to avoid
-
Laces can get clogged with mud
The Giro Empire VR90 combines old-school aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to deliver performance, comfort and efficiency. While these are marketed as MTB cycling shoes, we think these excellent shoes for cyclocross and gravel cycling too.
Starting with the tech, the one-piece microfibre upper comes with a rubber toe cap for extra protection and a full lace retention system. In testing, we did find these laces made it hard to get the perfect retention on the first attempt and you might find an element of mid-ride faff.
The sole uses a sticky Vibram rubber tread with an Easton EC90 full carbon sole unit. This provides the Empire with an incredibly stiff pedalling platform and ample grip in most conditions too. For those conditions and races when you might slip and slide, Giro provides steel toe spikes for extra grip.
It's worth noting that we generally find that Giro shoes come up slightly narrower than some other manufacturers, and as such the fit around the whole foot is a little tighter, so it might be worth going up a size if you have wider feet.
The VR90s weigh in at 345g for a size 45 and are available in four colours across men's and women's range and in sizes 36 to 48EU.
Sizes: 36-50 (39.5 to 46.5 available in half sizes)
Weight: Not disclosed
Soles: Carbon fibre
Fastening: Dual Li2 BOA® dials
Reasons to buy
+
Breathable, quick-drying upper
+
Very stiff carbon sole
+
Vintage sneaker vibes look great
+
Twin BOA Li2 dials allow for fine-tuning on the bike
+
The new MX race last was very supportive
Reasons to avoid
-
Premium price point
-
Mesh might be too cold for some conditions
The Lake MX30G gravel shoes combine a retro aesthetic with modern performance features, making them suitable for competitive racing and extended gravel tours. The upper is constructed from breathable mesh, ensuring comfort in hot and humid conditions. While I thought the mesh finish might make the shoes too cold, I actually found this helped dry my foot out quicker and aided with good water drainage, which is beneficial during river crossings.
Designed with Lake's slightly narrower MX Race Last, the MX30G provides a snug fit, optimizing power transfer without compromising comfort. The Lake Race 100% carbon fibre sole is exceptionally stiff, enhancing pedalling efficiency. I worried it might cause hot spots on longer rides, but it seems that after a season of use, Lake has gauged it just right.
While looks are always subjective, I think Lake nailed the look of the MX30G. It has a 90s football boot/vintage sneaker vibe, but I quite like it. However, I get that it might not be for everyone.
The MX30 Gs are supremely comfortable and considerably better than I expected when I first received them, even performing well in areas I would never have expected. All that lets the Lake down is the cost; with stiff competition from the likes of Specialized's excellent Recon shoes, it's the massive range of sizes and widths available that makes the MX30G a winner.
It’s not a performance shoe, but it’s not trying to be one.
-
White colourway collects dirt easily, which is not unusual
The Fizik Tempo Beat is one of the most interesting shoes launched in 2024. At the time Fizik made almost no claims of improved performance or watt saving, which was heavily reflected in the shoe specification. Fizik could almost be described as to be boasting about the low 4/10 stiffness ratio and initially, what looked like a road shoe, its MTB-style SPD cleat fitments and a recessed gel sole design became clearer during testing.
This dare I say it, fashionable-looking shoe is designed to be as comfortable and versatile as possible. It could equally be at home on the Road or the commuter though. When Cycling Weekly tech editor Simon tested the Tempo Beats, he stated he found himself reaching for them for up to 40 to 50% of his rides. The almost luxurious comfort levels and the relaxed nature made them perfect for casual encounters with friends on cafe rides.
Undeniably cool the Fizik Tempo Beats could be a great one-shoe option for all disciplines if... you aren't after the performance.
The Velcro Powerstrap design has been used on other Fizik shoes in the road range. It's essentially an elasticated ribbon that attaches via Velcro, so you can tighten the midfoot and instep independently for greater comfort. This might seem primitive in the age of Boa dials, but it’s actually incredibly strong. In our test, this Powerstrap closure worked well, although the Velcro straps were a bit too long and collected dirt. This can be remedied with scissors and a lighter!
The tread is thick enough to shed some mud and provide some grip when walking but isn’t as deep or aggressive as the Fizik Terra X5s. With dry conditions this was ok, but the X5 would be better for year-round use.
The Terra Powerstrap X4 shoes weigh 339g for a size 42 according to Fizik, and are available in three colours in sizes 36 to 48 EU including half sizes.
Reviewing Shoes is somewhat subjective and some of the most demanding testing the Cycling Weekly tech team tackles. Cycling shoes are like the best bike saddles, where your autonomy heavily influences your decisions.
To offer neutral and transparent reviews, our testers will outline what kind of feet they have and how the shoe worked for their specific anatomical needs. For example, do they have wide or narrow feet? Was an insole required for arch support or bike fit? Where possible reference back to what shoes they normally use or have found suited them previously.
Because of this, the Cycling Weekly testers focus more on overall performance. Depending on the season and the length of the test period, we are scrutinising the materials used and their ability to resist weather and overall durability, which requires serious miles in poor conditions. Fastening and security always play a big part in the overall comfort of a shoe and some of this can be due to autonomy, so if possible we will get multiple riders to try on the shoes.
For Gravel and Cyclocross shoes, we are testing grip when walking or running off-road and the shoe's ability to clear mud. This occasionally means purposefully adding a boggy horse-trodden track to the route.
Find out more about How We Test and our star rating system in our informative guide.
How to choose gravel and cyclocross cycling shoes
What conditions will you be riding in most?
In an ideal world, we'd have a different pair of shoes for every discipline of cycling and variety of riding and weather conditions. In reality, we probably have to stick to thinking about what an average ride looks like for us.
While a pair of road shoes can be beefed up in cold and wet conditions with the addition of pulling on a waterproof or neoprene overshoe, this isn't quite as practical off-road. Although there are options out there, from experience they don't survive longer than a single season, maximum.
If cold and wet weather is a constant with your gravel riding, then you might want to look for waterproof features or winter cycling boots, or if you suffer from cold feet go up a size to ensure a thermal sock and insole will fit.
With cyclocross racing being a winter sport in Europe, bad weather is almost a given, but as the duration of time and pace spent riding is shorter and higher, cross shoes are purely performance-focused. As with XC-specific shoes, as well as not being designed for spending much time off the bike, like any performance shoe, they will offer foot ventilation, so don't just assume that because it's got grip it's going to be suited to bad weather.
Always try before you buy
The best way to check the fit of a shoe is to try it on in your local bike shop before purchasing (hopefully you’ll make the purchase in the shop too). It is better to do this in the afternoon or evening as your feet may expand slightly during the day.
Shoe sizing can be pretty inconsistent across brands, particularly when compared to other pieces of cycling clothing – just because your old and worn-out size 46 shoes were comfortable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can jump straight into a different brand in the same size.
Arch heights, shoe widths and different fastening systems can all mean that you may find yourself going a size up or down when buying new cycling shoes.
As well as the custom fit that the above-mentioned heat moulding allows, some brands offer women's-specific or wide options that will help you get the best fit for your foot.
Do I need heat moulded shoes?
There are a number of different shoes and insoles on the market, such as the Bont Vaypor G and the Lake MX range that can be customised through heat moulding to fit the shape of your feet. This means that the shoes should perfectly support the arch of your foot, giving an almost bespoke fit. This is a major plus point if you do have an above-average foot support requirement. Heat mouldable shoes can provide enhanced comfort to all foot shapes, as well as help with power transfer from a performance aspect.
FAQs on Gravel & Cyclocross Shoes
Do I need Gravel or CX specific cycling shoes?
The short answer is probably No! For some time now both Gravel and Cyclocross riders have managed just fine using Cross-Country Mountain Bike shoes. So, whats changed?
The most noticeable changes are in the stiffness and flexibility of Gravel or CX shoes vs their racier XC counterparts. While XC shoes are durable and can withstand the rigours of mountain biking like Road shoes they are designed for performance. The capable nature of MTBs means riders very rarely need to dismount their bikes, making power transfer and efficiency far higher up the specification requirements.
Modern MTB trail centres and XC courses also feature more 'purpose-built' trails, with drainage and durable surfaces. This means there is less need for high levels of mud clearance and additional protection from the elements.
What are the different gravel shoe fastening systems?
There are basically four different systems used to tighten cycling shoes: Velcro, ratchets, laces, and dials.
Many shoes at the lower end of the price range will use Velcro straps for fastening, as it's a cheaper production method. While this is great to get you started, you will find that the longevity of the shoe can be shortened due to the mechanics of the hook and eye system getting clogged with mud and then failing to function. That said, it is a lightweight option, so even some of the top-end shoes will use the odd Velcro strap, generally at the less adjusted toe box area. Just be aware that all Velcro straps will require an element of housekeeping to ensure they remain fully functioning, especially after very wet and muddy rides.
The next step up in the fastening system food chain comes in the form of laces. Laces are great at providing lots of fit adjustability and help keep the shoe weight down, but are close to impossible to adjust on the move, and trying to un-tie wet and muddy laces post-ride with cold, wet hands will soon become one of your most hated things. You'll also find laces on some expensive gravel bike shoes like those from Rapha and Giro, as the lace closure complements a lightweight shoe construction and can distribute pressure well.
Ratchets, on the other hand, offer a good level of adjustability, security and are reasonably resistant to mud, although there can be the odd panic moment when they become clogged and fail to open, meaning a contortionist style cleaning requirement whilst still wearing them. They are super easy to adjust on the bike, although this also makes them more vulnerable in crashes and they're fairly easy to loosen by accident when you brush against trailside obstacles. Ratchet systems can be heavy, and after the sole, will be one of the factors in accounting for the weight of the shoe.
At the top end of the cycling shoe closure systems are dials. The cable and mini-barrel winch system provides very secure retention, easy micro-adjustment for a precise fit, a profile that minimises the risk of damage in a crash and all at an impressively low weight. Dials are hard to beat, however, in the famous words of Mr Keith Bontrager "strong, light, cheap - pick two". Owing to the more complex construction methods to enable dials to be used, shoes tend to be on the more expensive side.
What are the different sole materials used for gravel & CX shoes?
As with the fastening systems, there are various different materials and methods used for sole construction for cycling shoes, and the choice will largely come down to style of riding and price.
While one of the biggest choice factors in road shoes will be out-and-out stiffness, off-road shoe choice is a more 'horses for courses' approach - much like bike tyres.
Like tyres, depth and pattern of the sole ideally need to match the sort of riding/hiking/running terrain. The chunkier tread will perform best in wet mud and slippery conditions, while a thinly spaced out tread pattern is better on rocky land, and saves you from having to get a friend to act as your farrier to remove wedged chunks of stone from the sole of your shoe.
Don't be too hasty to write sole stiffness off for the mud market; many of the top-end performance cyclocross shoes will err more towards pedal power than mud or sand running prowess. If you want a more run-friendly balance, opting for a stiff midsole with a slight flex in the toe box would be a good compromise, as would the ability to swap out studs for spikes for when the course gets very muddy.
Stiffer soles are also a good option if you intend to ride more rocky routes, as, a bit like walking boots, you'll want support from the sole when off the bike and walking over uneven terrain.
At the more casual riding and touring end of the spectrum, the focus will be more on comfort on and off the bike. The shoes will still prove stiff enough for efficient pedalling, but allow sufficient flex for walking the trails as well as riding them.
Entry-level cycling shoes will generally come with nylon plastic soles, but if you pay a bit more you will get shoes with carbon composite soles (i.e. a mixture of carbon and plastic), which will help to bring the weight down a little.
For those seeking performance-specific options, then carbon-soled shoes will be the ones to look out for, as these will be stiff and light, but with that comes a risk of discomfort over longer periods on the bike and of course, the wincing as you scrabble about on anything rock or gravel like when off the bike and the underside of your shoe gets scratched and gouged.
If your gravel riding potentially contains an element of hike-a-bike, you may find that a softer compound rubber sole might be more up your (dirt) street for overall grip and durability.
What cleat systems do Gravel and Cyclocross shoes use?
All off-road clipless pedals come with cleats that use a two-bolt mounting system. There are plenty of different brands that offer pedals but on the whole, many use a Shimano SPD style cleat. Some other brands such as Time and Crankbrothers use a slightly different cleat but still with a two-bolt mount. The correct cleats should be provided with the pedals when you buy them.
What two-bolt pedal system you run shouldn't impact which shoes you choose, but you do need to ensure that the shoe offers enough adjustment that you can get the cleat in the right position for you.
Most shoes will offer an element of fore and aft adjustment, and your cleat should allow for side to side, but if you like to ride with a less common angle or position, double check the adjustability is there and that the tread pattern doesn't interfere.
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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.
Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.
For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas.
She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.
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