ALL-ROADSHOES
We look at 16 footwear options for when you leave the tarmac
If you want to dip your toe into the booming gravel scene, well, you’ll likely fall on your arse if you don’t have a sturdy pair of shoes on your feet. We test 16 pairs this month
As the gravel bike market continues to grow and endurance bikes with discs offer bigger tyre clearances, getting off the beaten track becomes more of an option and, increasingly, cyclists are to be found venturing further afield.
Road shoes are perfect for when you’re road riding, but slick carbon soles don’t cope well when being walked on, and neither do road cleats that stand proud of the sole. That’s why it’s worth investing in mountain bike style SPD pedals and a pair of compatible shoes. Cyclo-cross riders have always gone for this option as most cross racers will entail some element of running, and it’s pretty hard running in road shoes (even if Froomey made it look relatively easy back in 2016 charging up Ventoux). Cross shoes, however, are usually mountain bike racing shoes – stiff, lightweight race only footwear just like we’re used to, but with the added bonus of tread bonded to the stiff sole meaning you can run in them and get traction on loose surfaces. All-road riding is pretty diverse, however, and for all those wanting to race there are as many that want to explore, and whilst some brands have introduced a specific gravel shoe (Mavic, Rapha) other brands have a wealth of mountain bike shoes not specifically for racers. These more trail-based shoes have slightly more flex in the sole, softer, plusher uppers and protection from knocks and the elements too. We’ve chosen a cross section of shoes to help you find your perfect pair.