Ever felt your feet slipping around, or like your shoes just weren’t built for the adventure you’re on? Gravel riding is a special kind of cycling. It’s not quite road biking, and it’s not quite mountain biking. You zoom over dirt roads, dusty paths, and sometimes even bumpy trails. But when it comes to your feet, finding the right shoes can be a real puzzle. Do you need something stiff like a road shoe, or something with more grip like a mountain bike shoe? It’s a question many gravel riders ask.
Choosing the wrong shoes can make your ride uncomfortable. Your feet might ache, you might get blisters, or you might even slide off your pedals when you need traction the most. It can really take away from the fun of exploring new places on your bike. But don’t worry! This post is here to help you figure it all out. We’ll break down what makes a great gravel shoe and guide you to find the perfect pair for your next adventure.
Our Top 5 Shoes For Gravel Riding Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Shoes For Gravel Riding Detailed Reviews
1. Tommaso Roma Mountain Bike Shoes
Rating: 8.6/10
The Tommaso Roma Mountain Bike Shoes are designed for serious cyclists who demand performance and comfort. These Italian-designed shoes are built to last, offering excellent support and power transfer for all types of riding, from rugged trails to smooth roads and indoor spin classes. With a focus on quality since 1985, Tommaso aims to help riders achieve their best while enjoying the cycling community.
What We Like:
- Versatile for all cycling types: Whether you ride mountain, gravel, commute, or spin, these shoes perform well.
- Enhanced power transfer and stability: The stiff sole helps you ride harder, faster, and longer.
- Durable construction: Reinforced soles and sturdy build can handle tough rides.
- Comfortable and breathable: Moisture-wicking materials and great padding keep your feet cool and dry.
- Easy walking: A recessed cleat area lets you walk comfortably off the bike.
- Secure fit: The firm laces and 3-strap design lock your heel in place without pressure points.
- Community support: Tommaso offers helpful support from a cycling-focused team.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cleats are not included: You’ll need to purchase SPD cleats separately.
- Firm laces: Some riders might prefer a different closure system for quicker adjustments.
These Tommaso Roma shoes offer a great blend of performance and durability for any cyclist. They are a solid investment for those looking to improve their ride.
2. Tommaso Comodo MTB Shoes for Mens Mountain Bikes with Flat Pedals
Rating: 9.1/10
The Tommaso Comodo MTB Shoes are built for adventure, whether you’re tackling mountain trails, crushing gravel paths, or cruising on the road. These shoes blend timeless style with serious performance, making them a versatile choice for any cyclist. Designed for comfort and durability, they aim to keep you riding longer and safer.
What We Like:
- These shoes offer a classic look with real suede leather and extra padding for all-day comfort.
- They fit snugly for great performance and safety, and you can size up for a more relaxed feel.
- Made with tough ripstop nylon and genuine leather, these shoes are built to last through all your adventures.
- The STKgrip rubber soles keep your feet firmly planted on the pedals, preventing slips and saving your shins.
- Tommaso has been making quality cycling gear since 1985, and they back their products with a Lifetime Warranty.
- Their customer service team in Denver is ready to help with any questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The snug fit might not be for everyone, and riders preferring a looser feel will need to size up.
- While stylish, the suede leather might require more care than synthetic materials, especially on muddy trails.
These Tommaso Comodo MTB shoes offer a fantastic combination of style, comfort, and performance for a wide range of cycling activities. They are a solid investment for any rider looking for reliable and good-looking cycling footwear.
3. Crankbrothers Unisex Clip-in Mountain-Biking-Shoes
Rating: 9.3/10
The Crankbrothers Candy Lace Gravel/XC shoes are built for adventure. Whether you’re riding on gravel roads, exploring new trails, or going on long bike trips, these shoes are a great choice. They offer comfort and performance for all sorts of rides.
What We Like:
- These shoes give you great grip on any path thanks to their special rubber bottom with deep treads.
- They protect your feet well, especially your toes, from bumps and scrapes.
- The shoe helps you push hard on your pedals, sending your energy directly to the bike.
- You can move your bike clips around to find the best spot for your feet.
- The top part of the shoe is made of tough, water-resistant material that also lets air in to keep your feet cool.
- The laces keep your feet snug and comfortable, and a little loop holds them so they don’t get caught.
- They are designed to feel good on your feet, even on long rides.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the synthetic upper is durable, some riders might prefer a more traditional leather look.
- The “relaxed toebox width” is great for comfort, but riders with very narrow feet might want to try them on first to ensure a perfect fit.
These Crankbrothers shoes are a solid option for anyone who loves to ride off the beaten path. They balance comfort, protection, and performance well for the adventurous cyclist.
4. Fizik Unisex Terra Atlas boa-Gravel-Comfortable-Shoes
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for any adventure with the Fizik Terra Atlas boa-Gravel-Comfortable-Shoes in grey. These shoes are designed for riders who love to explore every kind of trail. Whether you’re speeding down hills, going on long rides, or hitting gravel paths, the Atlas shoes help you do it all. They fit comfortably, even for long days in the saddle. You can easily adjust them for the perfect fit with a simple dial.
What We Like:
- Super versatile for all kinds of riding, from dirt trails to gravel roads.
- Designed with lots of rider feedback, making them tough and reliable.
- Comfortable for long rides with a roomy fit and good airflow.
- Great grip on the bottom helps you walk when you need to.
- They help you pedal efficiently with a stiff sole.
- Easy to adjust the fit with a single BOA dial.
What Could Be Improved:
- The grey color might show dirt easily on muddy rides.
- While versatile, dedicated shoes might offer a slight edge for very specific disciplines.
The Fizik Terra Atlas shoes are a fantastic choice for the adventurous cyclist. They offer comfort and performance across a wide range of terrains.
5. Tommaso Montagna 100 Mountain Bike Shoes
Rating: 8.5/10
The Tommaso Montagna 100 Mountain Bike Shoes are your new go-to footwear for all kinds of cycling adventures. Whether you’re hitting the dirt trails, spinning at an indoor cycling class, or exploring gravel paths, these shoes offer great support and comfort. They are designed for men and work well with SPD-style cleats, giving you a secure connection to your pedals for better power transfer. These shoes are built tough to handle different terrains, making them a versatile choice for any cyclist.
What We Like:
- These shoes are super versatile, working great for mountain biking, gravel riding, and indoor cycling.
- They offer good support and comfort, so your feet feel good even on long rides.
- The durable construction means they can handle rough trails and frequent use.
- They provide precise pedal control, helping you ride more efficiently.
- The firm laces keep your feet snug and secure in the shoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cleats are not included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
These Tommaso Montagna shoes are a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable and comfortable cycling footwear for various types of riding.
Gravel Grinding: Your Guide to the Perfect Shoes
Hitting the gravel roads is a blast! You need shoes that can handle bumps, dust, and whatever the trail throws at you. Let’s find you the best pair.
What Makes a Gravel Shoe Great? Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for gravel riding shoes, keep these important features in mind:
- **Stiff Soles:** A stiff sole helps you push hard on the pedals. It also protects your feet from sharp rocks. Think of it like a shield for your feet.
- **Good Traction:** You’ll be walking and maybe even running sometimes. Shoes with grippy soles help you stay upright on loose gravel or muddy patches. Deep lugs, like the treads on a truck tire, are your friend.
- **Comfortable Fit:** Your feet will be in these shoes for hours. They should feel snug but not too tight. Look for shoes with plenty of room in the toe box.
- **Durability:** Gravel riding can be tough on gear. You want shoes that can take a beating and last a long time. Reinforced areas are a big plus.
- **Breathability:** Your feet can get hot when you’re riding. Breathable shoes let air flow, keeping your feet cooler and drier. Mesh panels are great for this.
- **Closure System:** This is how you tighten your shoes. Boa dials, Velcro straps, or laces all work. Boa dials offer quick and precise adjustments. Velcro is simple and fast. Laces give a classic look and feel.
Important Materials That Matter
The stuff your shoes are made of makes a big difference.
- **Uppers:** Many gravel shoes use synthetic leather or mesh. Synthetic leather is tough and can handle scrapes. Mesh helps with airflow. Some shoes might use nylon for a good balance of strength and flexibility.
- **Soles:** The sole is usually made of rubber for grip. The stiffness comes from materials like nylon or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber soles are very stiff and light, but they can be more expensive.
What Makes a Shoe Better or Worse? Quality Factors
Not all gravel shoes are created equal. Here’s what affects their quality:
- **Construction Quality:** Look for neat stitching and strong glue. A well-made shoe will last longer and feel better.
- **Sole Stiffness:** A stiffer sole means more power to the pedals. However, if it’s too stiff, it might feel uncomfortable when you walk.
- **Traction Pattern:** The design of the sole’s tread is important. Deep, widely spaced lugs offer the best grip on loose surfaces.
- **Protection:** Some shoes have extra padding or reinforced toe caps. This guards your feet against rocks and impacts.
Your Experience on the Trail: Use Cases
Gravel shoes are designed for more than just riding.
- **Bikepacking:** If you’re going on long trips with lots of stops, you’ll want shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
- **Gravel Racing:** For faster rides, you might want a stiffer, lighter shoe for maximum pedaling efficiency.
- **All-Around Adventure:** Most gravel shoes are great for a mix of riding, walking, and exploring.
Gravel shoes offer good support and grip. They are more rugged than road cycling shoes. They are also usually more comfortable for walking than track cycling shoes.
Gravel Shoe FAQs
Q: Do I need special shoes for gravel riding?
A: Yes, it’s best to have shoes made for gravel riding. They have better grip and are more durable for off-road conditions.
Q: Can I use my mountain bike shoes for gravel riding?
A: Yes, mountain bike shoes often work well for gravel. They have good traction and are built tough.
Q: What’s the difference between gravel shoes and road cycling shoes?
A: Road cycling shoes have very stiff soles with smooth treads for maximum pedaling. Gravel shoes have grippier soles for walking and are more durable.
Q: Are clipless pedals necessary for gravel riding?
A: No, you can use flat pedals with any sturdy shoe. However, clipless pedals can help you pedal more efficiently.
Q: How important is waterproofing for gravel shoes?
A: It depends on where you ride. If you ride in wet conditions often, waterproof shoes are very helpful.
Q: How do I know if my gravel shoes fit correctly?
A: They should feel snug all around your foot. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoe when you walk. There should be no pinching or rubbing.
Q: Are carbon soles better than nylon soles for gravel?
A: Carbon soles are stiffer and lighter, which is good for power. Nylon soles are usually more flexible and comfortable for walking, and they are often cheaper.
Q: How do I clean my gravel shoes?
A: You can use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust. For tougher stains, use mild soap and water. Let them air dry completely.
Q: Should I get shoes with Boa dials or Velcro straps?
A: Both work well. Boa dials offer very precise adjustments on the fly. Velcro straps are quick and easy to use.
Q: Can I wear casual shoes for gravel riding?
A: While you can technically ride in casual shoes, they won’t offer the support, protection, or pedaling efficiency of dedicated gravel shoes. They can also wear out quickly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
David Ruperto is a Footwear Engineer with expertise in 3D printing, design, and pattern making. With a background in Fine Arts from CUNY and training from SLEM and Cordwainer’s Savannah, he blends creativity with innovation. Based in New York, he shares his knowledge on BestForShoes.com, helping others explore the world of footwear.