Best gravel bike shoes 2025: cycling shoes for being on and off the bike

Gravel & Cyclocross disciplines ask a lot from your shoes. So, we have tested the best shoes for durability and performance both on and off the bike

Rachel riding the Canyon Grail across a heath wearing gravel cycling shoes and clothing.
(Image credit: Future)

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 shoes if 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.

Hannah Bussey

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. 

With contributions from