Light, stiff and fast: The Shimano RX801 gravel shoe on test

The Shimano RX801 looks fast even when stationary. The lightweight gravel pedals should be the ideal companion for fast gravel laps and XC courses

A carbon sole is designed to transfer calf power to the pedals without loss

For optimum hold in the shoe, Shimano combines a Boa Li2 twist lock with Velcro on the forefoot

Thanks to numerous laser cuts, the Shimano RX801 is one of the slightly airier candidates in the test

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Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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Shimano has added special gravel shoes to its range. The Shimano RX801, a particularly lightweight racing version, has many similarities with the cross-country models. What makes it different?

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Visually, the RX801 The design is strongly reminiscent of the XC502, but the robust synthetic leather is slightly less reinforced with TPU inserts in the toe area. Instead of the cheaper Boa L6, the Li2 fastener, which can be finely adjusted in both directions, is used, while a Velcro strap in the toe area improves the fit. While the cheaper XC502 is based on a carbon-reinforced nylon sole, the RX801 transfers power to the pedals via a super-stiff carbon sole. However, with the significantly narrower rubber profile, you should be a little more careful when pushing off.

The tongue is a so-called wrap-around construction, which ensures a good fit and prevents pressure points. The two fasteners extend over a particularly large area - that's great

Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe tongue is a so-called wrap-around construction, which ensures a good fit and prevents pressure points. The two fasteners extend over a particularly large area - that's great

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
Specialised Recon 1.0 >> e.g. available here
Specialised S-Works Recon >> e.g. available here
Suplest XC/Gravel Performance
All gravel shoes from the test at a glance

Shimano RX801 fits perfectly

The comfortable wrap-around tongue and non-slip material on the heel are shared by both models. The fit is also similar: narrow and flat. However, Shimano has a wide version in its range for wider feet - not every manufacturer offers this.

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The combination of the twist lock and Velcro fastener allows the Shimano to be adjusted almost perfectly to the feet. This is also due to the fact that the two fasteners are positioned far apart and can therefore build up traction both at the toes and up to the heel.

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Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe hook and loop fastener positioned far to the front provides additional support

The tongue with its special construction fits snugly around the instep without causing pressure points. The material only pushes together slightly on very slender feet. The hold in the shoe is excellent as long as you are standing on the pedals. Overall, we found the material to be a little stiff and not very supple; the Suplest XC/Gravel Performance, for example, offers even more comfort.

Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe material is relatively well ventilated and extremely tensile - but not a comfort miracle

Weight savings

At just 634 grams in size 46, the Shimano RX801 is definitely one of the lightweights in the gravel community. This is made possible on the one hand by the extensive use of carbon, which is reflected in excellent power transmission, and on the other hand by the absence of a usable outsole. The narrow profile makes you feel like you're stomping through the terrain in Manolo Blahniks - beware of the risk of twisting your ankle!

Photo: Stefan FreyIn the lab it was only the third stiffest, but in practice the Shimano feels extremely stiff!

The combination of a stiff carbon sole and stable upper material ensures maximum power transmission - even if the pure laboratory value is not the best in comparison

Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe combination of a stiff carbon sole and stable upper material ensures maximum power transmission - even if the pure laboratory value is not the best in comparison

There would be fewer compromises with the XC703, which has a wider outsole. In a comparable size, you have to accept an additional weight of around 100 grams, but you get a second Boa dial on top, which could further improve the adjustment in the toe area.

Photo: Georg GrieshaberBeyond the pedals, you have to be prepared to compromise with the RX801. You run like on raw eggs

In addition to the really poor running characteristics, we weren't entirely convinced by the stance on the pedals: although the RX801 convert every movement of the calves into propulsion, the thick carbon sole makes you stand a little higher and more wobbly on the pedals than, for example, with the Suplest Gravel shoe mentioned above.

Info & price of the Shimano RX801

Price250 Euro >> at Rosebike or Bike Components available
Weight (size 46): 634 grams
Sizes: 38-48 / also in wide
Sole / StiffnessCarbon / 367 N/mm
Made inChina
EquipmentBoa-Li2, Velcro fastening; enclosing tongue; replaceable pad; narrow profile sole; short pedal channel
Fitnarrow and flat throughout, flat instep, true to size

Photo: Georg GrieshaberLeisurely cruising is not the strength of the Shimano RX801. They want to be pedalled hard over fast gravel tracks

Test grade & conclusion

Photo: TOURThe Shimano RX801 is a thoroughbred gravel racing shoe

With the RX801, Shimano has a thoroughbred gravel racing shoe in its programme. Thanks to the thick carbon sole, extremely durable upper material and almost perfect fastening system, power is transferred to the pedals without loss. The other side of the coin: The Shimano is not a comfort miracle, and if you want to master longer pushing passages with it, you should have experience in running with high heels. However, as long as you stand on the pedals, the RX801 a top shoe for gravel sprints.

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