Gravel shoe test: Scott Gravel Pro - The best of road and MTB shoes combined?
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The Scott Gravel Pro is designed to combine the best of MTB and racing, according to the manufacturer. To achieve this, the Swiss have given their gravel shoe a seamless upper material that feels soft like suede, but is actually made of plastic and has a mesh window on the inside for better ventilation. A light profile made of sticky rubber has been applied to the sole made of a nylon-fibreglass composite - Scott also uses this rubber for its MTB shoes.
Not optimally adjustable despite Boa fastener
A single Boa L6 twist lock is supposed to provide support in the shoe. Will it work reliably? We think so: Not optimally, because the Boa rope no longer runs cleanly through the loops, especially in the front area, and therefore does not provide an ideal fit. As a result, the shoe either sits a little loosely on the toes or too tightly on the instep.
Inside the Gravel Pro, Scott has provided a slightly more stable insole with a light pad that comfortably supports the foot. However, additional features such as a rubberised heel for better grip or a cleat mounting scale are not available at this price point.
I would never buy a shoe with just a single twist fastener. In the past, I've always found that this simply doesn't allow the shoe to fit perfectly.
Peter Nilges - BIKE Test Manager
Secure footing, moderate rigidity
Otherwise, we really liked the slim and comfortable fit of the Scott. The hold on the heel is also good, without the shoe pressing anywhere. Thanks to its flat design, the Gravel Pro is quite secure on the pedals. Even if the laboratory attests to a decent stiffness of 339 N/mm: You can definitely feel some flex on the Scott sole when pedalling hard.
Surprisingly high walking comfort
Surprise when running: Although the tread is quite narrow, the Scott feels quite secure on slippery sections. This is partly due to the fairly flat tread pattern and partly due to the grippy sticky rubber compound.
Scott Gravel Pro - Info & Price
- Price160 Euro >> available here
- Weight (size 46): 775 grammes
- Sizes: 38-48; no half sizes
- Sole / StiffnessNylon glass fibre / 339 N/mm
- Made in: Cambodia
- EquipmentSticky-rubber profile; Boa L6 twist lock, insole with pad
- Fitnormal to slim fit; flat instep; length true to size
Evaluation & conclusion
The biggest drawback of the Scott Gravel Pro is the single twist lock, which doesn't allow for optimal adjustment over the entire foot. This is a shame, because the shoe is not only really comfortable, but also offers very good heel support with its slim fit. Although the tread is narrow, it is also quite flat and grippy - which is why the Scott doesn't feel too wobbly on the trail. We cannot confirm the passable laboratory value for stiffness in practice. The sole flexes noticeably when pedalling hard. Therefore: more of a comfortable tourer than a sprinting racer. Relatively well ventilated.
