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With the ProClip 8.0 Race, Leatt is entering the gravel shoe stage for the first time and has come up with quite a few ideas for its premiere. The seamless upper material is made of robust Dyneema, a type of ripstop material, which is supplemented by a more stable TPU construction on the sides and toes. The knitted and circumferential tongue is designed to prevent pressure points even on long distances. The South Africans rely on two MOZ twist fasteners for optimum hold in the shoe, which should distribute the pull of the fastening straps cleanly over the instep.
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
Leatt ProClip 8.0 Race - also good on foot
The carbon reinforced nylon sole has been generously covered with grippy rubber studs so that you can not only kick up a lot of dust on the gravel track with the Leatt, but are also safe on pushing passages. Leatt includes a second set of insoles in the box for customisation. The heel is held in the shoe by grippy "cat tongue material".
Unfortunately, Leatt pays for its attention to detail on the scales: at 802 grams in size 46, the ProClip 8.0 Race is one of the heavier models in the comparison - the Shimano RX801 weighs 130 grams less.
Good fit
On the other hand, the ProClip 8.0 Race is very comfortable to wear and offers your feet a little more space than some of its slimmer race rivals. The two in-house dials are easy to operate - although not quite as smooth as the Boa dials - and secure the feet firmly in the shoe via the two V-shaped straps, although the straps can put a little pressure on the instep over time if they are too tight.
Leatt has made a compromise with the sole: The carbon reinforcement in the cleat area improves power transmission, while the rest of the sole is kept a little more flexible, which means you can also easily manage pushing passages in the Leatt. What's more, the ProClip 8.0 Race has not been given a slimmed-down gravel sole, but a proper tread pattern inspired by MTB shoes. This not only improves off-road grip, but also stability on the pedals. With a value of 296 N/mm, the Leatt is not quite on a par with a Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon or the Suplest XC/Gravel Performance - but the power transfer is sufficient and the light flex could pay off in slightly higher comfort on long tours.
Info & price of the Leatt ProClip 8.0 Race
- Price: 259 Euro
- Weight (size 46): 802 grams
- Sizes: 38,5-48,5
- Sole / StiffnessNylon-carbon mix / 296 N/mm
- Made inChina
- Equipment2 MOZ twist fasteners, all-round knitted tongue, RideGrip profile, Dyneema upper, 2 different insoles. insoles; cat tongue material heel, extended pedal channel
- FitMedium to wide toe area; otherwise medium width; falls rather short
Test grade & conclusion
- Power transmission / stability (35 %): Grade: 1.8
- Walk / Grip (25 %): Grade: 1.5
- Closure / Handling (20 %): Grade: 1.3
- Weight (20 %): Grade: 2.5
- Overall grade: 1.9
Leatt makes a successful appearance in the gravel sector with the ProClip 8.0 Race. The shoe offers a good compromise between stiffness and comfort and also scores points on longer tours. Thanks to its pronounced outsole, it is also a solid partner for marathon bikers - the stability on and off the pedals is excellent. We found the knitted shaft to be comfortable, the two twist fasteners ensure a good hold in the shoe, but can be a little tight when pulled hard. Unfortunately, they are a little heavy.
