Gravel shoes on test: The way to the right cycling shoe + test

We are focusing on the topic of cycling shoes and gravel shoes because we quickly came across the subject of shoes and foot problems in conversations with others at practically every cycling event we attended this year. Cycling without foot pain seems to be impossible for many; numbness, burning soles, uncomfortable pressure or toes that fall asleep are part of the daily routine for many. Even for me, the author of this article. I am also familiar with the problem of numb toes. After ultracycling events, where I cover as many kilometres and metres in altitude as possible in just a few days and nights with as few breaks as possible, it takes days or even weeks before I can feel my toes properly again.

Shoes, like saddles, are a very individual subject. And as with saddles, you realise that one person's ultimate tip is not necessarily the solution to another person's problems. Occasionally, a certain confusion of terms also makes it difficult to choose the right shoe. Common statements to the effect that a cycling shoe must fit snugly may give a false impression. This does not mean that the shoe pinches and constricts, but that it gives the foot support when pedalling and supports it with an adapted, stiff sole, which ultimately helps to save energy.

Why is a suitable cycling shoe important?

Alexander Mathe from the training and bike fitting service provider Hycys in Munich reports that around 60 per cent of bike fitting customers wear shoes that are too tight. And he confirms: "Shoes that are too tight mainly cause numbness, burning soles and tingling." Foot problems can also make themselves felt in a completely different part of the body, says Jörg Schmidt, Sales Manager for gebioMised and Lake shoes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: "Many knee problems can also be traced back to the foot." For example, when a shoe that is too tight is simply bought one or two sizes larger in the hope that it will then fit. The shoes are then longer, but hardly wider. Often the pedal plate can no longer be adjusted to fit, which can lead to knee problems.

But how do you find the right gravel shoe for your needs? This will be explained below.

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 cyclists choose mountain bike clipless pedals for their gravel bike. The cleats, i.e. the connecting plates between the 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. Of course, you can also ride a road bike with gravel shoes and MTB pedals - which would have the advantage of using the same system on all bikes. In addition, gravel shoes usually run better and the cleats last longer. One disadvantage would be that most off-road cleats and pedals create a smaller contact surface with the shoe, which can impair power transmission and increase pressure on the sole of the foot.

If you are unsure about the choice of pedal system 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 the good old laces - and a combination of all of these - are commonly used on off-road shoes. Twist fasteners, such as those from Boa, can be opened and closed quickly and adjusted easily - even while riding. With laces, you have to stop, but you can probably replace them quickly almost anywhere in the world. Velcro fasteners are also quick to use, and if they are of good quality, they will last the life of the shoe.

To summarise, this means for the lock and pedal system:

• The shoe must fit the pedal system
• The fastening system must provide support for the foot

2. the right fit

Have you ever taken the insole out of your shoe and stood on it? Give it a try.

Many shoe size charts only ask for the length, the width of the foot is usually not taken into account. Many manufacturers develop an all-round last, but "one size fits all" doesn't always work for shoes either, which is why some manufacturers offer their shoes in different widths. This includes the US brand Lake, which builds its shoes on eleven different lasts and can therefore offer shoes suitable for different purposes and foot shapes. Even for "problem feet". This makes the brand particularly popular with bike fitters who can measure their customers' feet, for example with a scanner. The insole of the cycling shoe currently being worn also reveals a lot about the required fit. After the measurement, a table provides information on which last and therefore which shoe might be suitable for the foot shape and intended use. A shoe for intensive and rather short racing use must sit differently on the foot and fulfil different criteria than one for relaxed but day-long bikepacking tours, which can also include longer walking distances.

We went through the process in the gebioMised Concept Lab at Hycys Munich.

Good to know: If a shoe model has always fitted, this does not mean that the new version will also fit. The fit can be different and feet can also change over time.

3 tips for the right fit

1. The right size: Draw the outline of your foot on a piece of paper, either barefoot or wearing socks, and measure from the heel to the longest toe. Then check the manufacturer's size chart.
2. Place on the removed insole - does the width fit?
3. Heel fit: Put the shoe on and close it. Does the heel sit well in the shoe?

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?

Cycling shoes for gravel racing

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

Cycling shoes for bikepacking and adventure

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 passages, 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

Gravel shoes in a quick check

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.

Specialised Recon ADV - Adventure and bikepacking shoe

The adventure gravel shoe from Specialised. Once properly laced, the shoe sits comfortably on the foot even on longer distances. In an extreme case, this was 540 kilometres with 10,000 metres of altitude non-stop. Heat builds up in the shoe, especially on hot days. This is an advantage on cooler days, but rather uncomfortable in midsummer. If the shoe gets wet, it dries slowly and can soon start to smell. After around 5,000 kilometres under sometimes extreme conditions, the sole unfortunately comes loose in some places.

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

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

>> Specialised Recon ADV - Detailed test report

Quoc Grand Tourer XC - shoe for adventure to racing

The Quoc shoe is made for off-road adventures, whether on gravel or mountain bikes. Two twist fasteners hold the foot in the shoe without pinching. The carbon sole allows good power transmission and, thanks to the TPU coating, provides grip when the bike needs to be pushed. Spikes, also made of TPU, provide support. However, they quickly show the strain. In the forefoot area, the fit is comparable to the Specialized Recon ADV, the sole of the Quoc is even stiffer. The shoe comes with three arch inserts to customise the shoe to your own foot.

Plus: coated carbon sole protects carbon and provides grip, reflective elements, resilient

Minus: Small size range

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

S-Works Recon - A shoe for gravel racing and fast tours

Specialized has created the S-Works Recon as a gravel shoe that almost feels like a road bike shoe - even when walking. The ergonomic adaptation in the footbed is special and takes some getting used to at first. A wedge in the forefoot area, which slides under the ball of the big toe, is designed to enable better power transfer from the forefoot. Our impression: After a short familiarisation phase, you feel comfortable and have the feeling that you can exert more targeted pressure on the pedal with the forefoot. The sole is maximally stiff - a performance shoe with a good, not too narrow fit. The carbon sole is sensitive and scratches quickly if you run a lot off-road or click into the pedals impetuously. The shoes are airy, good for warm days, not so much for cool days and not at all for wet ones.

Plus: Stiff sole

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

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

The Lake MX424 is not just for "problem feet"

People with bunions (hallux valgus) or other foot deformities are not the only ones who find it difficult to find shoes that fit, let alone cycling shoes that fit. The upper material of cycling shoes is usually not very flexible and should not be. But there are solutions. The upper material of the Lake MX242 is divided into six segments to cater for feet that are difficult to adapt to. Even people with very narrow or wide feet and a very low or high instep can be happy with this shoe. The tongue construction allows the fit to be fine-tuned, relieving sensitive or painful areas. In addition, the heel cap can be moulded with heat and adapted to the foot. There is also a racing bike version.

The test shoe only arrived shortly before the editorial deadline, so it had not yet been on an intensive test run. Initial conclusion: The fit is very good thanks to the tongue construction, the tongue and shaft close to the ankle. The relatively high weight doesn't play a role in practice.

Plus: Feel-good shoe also for "problem feet"

Minus: expensive, heavy, no version without leather

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