Gravel shoes put to the test: The Hezo Wolfland 01 is 3D-printed just for you

My feet are neither particularly wide nor high. Even so, many shoes only fit if I have to compromise. People keep telling me similar stories: too tight at the forefoot, pressure points, numb toes. When we first heard about Hezo in the editorial office, we were very curious: cycling shoes that are made to measure via an app scan. Is this finally the solution for everyone who still hasn’t found a pair of cycling shoes that fit properly? We received a pair of gravel shoes from the Saarland-based company to test.

The result in advance

​The Hezo Wolfland 01 delivers what hardly any mass-produced shoe can: a fit tailored to the individual foot. The individual components can be swapped out, significantly extending the shoe’s lifespan. The concept is impressive, but it does have its limitations, such as in terms of temperature management. Anyone who cycles in warm weather or is prone to sweaty feet will notice the difference compared to a more breathable model. On the whole, Hezo’s 3D-printed shoe is a serious option; whilst its price of 250 euros places it at the higher end of the market, it is, after all, made to measure. Anyone placing an order should expect a waiting time of eight to twelve weeks, during which the scan is processed, the individual parts are printed and assembled, and the shoes are delivered.

Key points at a glance

• Manufacturer and model: HEZO Sports Wolfland 01
• Price: €250
• Weight: 720 g (pair, size 39, including Shimano SPD cleats)
• Material: Outer shell made of polypropylene, inner shell made of TPU foam
• Closure: Fidlock Winch Magnetic Fastening
• Stiffness index: 8/10
• Compatibility: compatible with standard 2-hole cleats
• Delivery time: approx. 8 to 12 weeks (made to order)
• Manufacture: 3D printing, Made in Germany
• Colours: Freely selectable for MonoShell, inner boot and foot caps
• Special feature: Made-to-measure via an app-based foot scan, GripLock sole with interchangeable components, no insole required

Scan, wait, unpack: the journey to your first kilometre

The shoe was tested over a distance of around 300 kilometres on fast gravel tracks, mainly on after-work rides of around 50 kilometres.

Three photos of your feet are all it takes to create a digital foot model using the HEZO Scan app. If you’re scanning on your own, you’ll soon realise that having a second person there makes taking the photos much easier. It’s harder to find the right camera angle using just your own hand. As every pair of shoes is made to order, you should allow 8 to 12 weeks for delivery. In the meantime, you’ll receive email updates on the production status – which helps to ease any impatience. Unboxing the shoes then leaves you wanting more: the test shoes arrived in a colourful box – we don’t know if this is still the case under the new packaging regulations.

​Naturally, the first thing you do is take a very close look at the new trainers. In some places, the manufacturing process is visible – for example, on the sole, both inside and out, where the seams aren’t always flawless. This doesn’t affect their functionality, but it serves as a reminder that Hezo is a young, small company that is still growing.

One thing to note: Torx screws are supplied for fitting the cleats; most cleats come with Allen screws.

A good fit – and one weak point

The first time I put them on, I let out a relieved “Oh ho”: there’s plenty of room for my toes without the shoe feeling too big overall. Viewed from above, the shape is reminiscent of some barefoot trainers. Fitting the cleats is the same as usual; because of the stiff material, it’s hard to feel the metatarsophalangeal joints. At first, I end up fitting the cleats too far back. I notice this whilst cycling. Before my next ride, I correct this and realise: I absolutely must retighten the screws.

Then there’s the crucial weakness. The TPU foam inner boot, encased in the stiff MonoShell, fits the foot precisely – but offers virtually no breathability. As a result, the Wolfland 01 spent almost the entire summer on the shelf. Anyone prone to warm or sweaty feet will notice this quickly and clearly. This is the main drawback of this boot – and it should be the most important factor when deciding whether to buy it. Cooler temperatures in spring, autumn or on mild winter days are the Wolfland 01’s true element.

Fastening, sole, price

The Fidlock Winch magnetic fastener can be opened and closed quickly and easily – it works in a similar way to a Boa fastener. A second hand helps to tighten the laces evenly. Thanks to the magnetic fastening, the shoe opens wide in no time so you can slip your foot in, but the fastener also keeps seeking out its counterpart; when taking the shoe off, it has closed itself again on the odd occasion. Nothing that a bit of getting used to can’t sort out.

The GripLock sole components are easy to replace; the heel component is slotted into place, whilst the others are both slotted and screwed in. Spare parts are available directly from Hezo.

As for the price: 250 euros is in line with the price range for a high-end gravel shoe. This is perfectly acceptable for bespoke shoes. Whether the extra cost compared to the standard model is worth it will likely depend on your own fit issues.

Who is it for – and who isn’t it for?

The Wolfland 01 is the right choice for cyclists who are fed up with trying on one pair of shoes after another and still haven’t found the perfect fit. You’ll need to budget for 250 euros and allow for a waiting time of 8 to 12 weeks, and you’ll have to make some compromises when it comes to temperature management. Anyone who tends to get sweaty feet, whose feet get warm quickly, or who can’t or doesn’t want to wait that long is unlikely to be particularly happy with the Wolfland 01.