High-quality material: The Suplest XC/Gravel Performance in the test
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The brand new Suplest XC/Gravel Performance made it straight from the factory in Italy to our editorial office. The newcomer from Switzerland is so fresh that the glue has probably only just dried properly.
Chic design and good workmanship
The Suplest has a very high-quality feel from the very first touch. The material is almost seamless and extremely clean. An inconspicuous TPU layer protects the toe and heel area. The two Boa fasteners are kept conspicuously flat to minimise the contact surface in the terrain. They close a tongue construction that fits snugly over the instep but, unlike the top Boa fasteners, can only be fine-tuned in one direction.
More gravel shoes in the test
- Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon >> e.g. available here
- Mavic Cosmic Boa SPD >> e.g. available here
- Northwave Razer >> e.g. available here
- Quoc Gran Tourer XC >> e.g. available here
- Scott Gravel Pro >> e.g. available here
- Shimano RX801 >> e.g. available here
- Specialised Recon 1.0 >> e.g. available here
- Specialised S-Works Recon
Suplest XC/Gravel Performance: Stiff sole and good profile
The Swiss have also made no compromises when it comes to the sole construction: a stiff carbon core is designed to provide plenty of steam on the pedals. A rubber coating made of SUPtraction material with a generous tread pattern covers almost the entire surface. Although this increases the weight slightly, it also ensures that you have a secure footing on the pedal when unclicked and does not damage the carbon fibre. Because the profile extends to the outside of the sole, you won't be riding on raw eggs, even when pushing off.
There is also a surprise inside the shoe: Suplest has been working with Solestar for several years. The XC/Gravel Performance therefore contains a high-quality insole that pleasantly supports the arch of the foot and noticeably improves comfort.
For fast tours with a good fit
When you slip them on, you quickly realise that the Suplest is not a shoe for relaxed cruising on gravel highways. The fit is racy, narrow and flat. The wrap-around tongue hugs your feet almost perfectly, and the tensile material provides optimum support when you start sprinting off-road. Only the somewhat flat heel area is not ideal for every foot and could do with some additional rubberisation to prevent the heel from lifting when running or pedalling.
We also particularly liked the flat design of the carbon sole. This means you stand comfortably close to the pedal and feel very directly connected - unlike with the Shimano RX8, whose sole is noticeably higher and makes you stand a little more wobbly on the pedal. With a value of just under 400 N/mm, the Suplest delivers solid power transmission, even if it is not quite on a par with the slightly stiffer Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon.
Info & price of the Suplest XC/Gravel Performance
- Price: 299 Euro
- Weight (size 46): 795 grams
- Sizes: 39-47; 42,5-44,5 half sizes
- Sole / StiffnessCarbon / 396 N/mm
- Made inItaly
- EquipmentTwo Boa swivel fasteners, wrap-around tongue, carbon sole, TPU reinforced toe and heel, Solestar insole, SUPtraction profile
- Fitnarrow and flat throughout; true to size
Test grade & conclusion
With the new XC/Gravel Performance, Suplest delivers an extremely strong all-rounder for gravel races, marathons and fast trail tours. Despite the stiff carbon sole, the Swiss shoe combines decent running characteristics with high comfort and an excellent fit - only the flat heel needs to fit the foot. Our tip for fast bike and gravel adventures.
