For some of us, gravel is simply a jaunt down a few green lanes, while others regard gravel as anything that mixes tarmac and dirt in one ride – even if that dirt calls for what are effectively mountain bike skills but on drop bars. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply.

The gold standard is the double Boa, which allows you to independently tighten the forefoot and instep. In our experience, this creates a fit that’s both secure and comfortable, yet stays solid throughout your ride. Uppers The Sector closes with a dual Boa dial system that allows for precise adjustments, while the supportive footbed is better than many. The toe box is also roomy. When it comes to Shoes – Cycle products such as Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes 2021, it’s essential to consider quality in addition to price. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, low-quality Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes 2021 can actually end up costing you more in the long run. Sidi’s Jarin is a cross-country mountain bike shoe, but this olive green version is aimed at the gravel market. Immediate MediaThe XC5s have a glass fibre-reinforced nylon sole with a stiffness rating of 7. There's no universal scale across shoe brands for sole rigidity, but Shimano's own chart tops out at 12 so these would sit about halfway – so a bit stiff for riding and a bit flexy for any walking. And that's exactly how the shoes feel: a good compromise between on-bike rigidity and off-bike usability. Location is often a factor too. In the UK, ‘gravel’ is more likely to mean country lanes and bridleways, while in the USA the well-maintained gravel roads of races such as Unbound are more commonplace. When it comes to walking, the rubber outsole provides a solid platform, but the smaller lugs don’t do so well in the mud.

Quality Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes 2021 will last much longer and perform better than their cheaper counterparts. They are typically made with higher quality materials and are designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Investing in a high-quality Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes 2021 means that you won’t have to replace it as frequently, saving you money. At the other extreme, flat-soled mountain bike shoes might have off-bike comfort but their flexible soles aren’t the best for power transfer. A brilliant entry-level off-road cycling shoe, the XC3 SPD MTB Shoes, here with a wider fit, feature key technologies from higher price point shoes to ensure you enjoy rapid progress across any rough terrain while delivering all-day comfort too.The Shimano XC5s passed everything with flying colours. I didn't even have to touch the dials to tighten everything up again after particularly gurning climbs, as is the norm with other shoes. Value and conclusion The Rapha Explore Powerweave Shoes essentially do the same job of being adept at both riding and walking about in, but are nearly double the price, though they do look a fair bit more fancy. But however you choose to define gravel riding, it is more likely than not that your gravel shoes will need to balance stiffness and efficient power transfer with comfort for longer rides and walkability for rugged terrain or off-the-bike use. The lower flap of the upper is held in place with a thin elastic strap to the sole of the shoe which can make putting the shoes on a bit of a wiggle and fiddle to get everything in the right place, but it's worth it.

If we ask a lot of the upper of cycling shoes in general, we expect the impossible of the sole unit of gravel-specific shoes. So just like the best gravel bikes, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines. Performance XC (cross-country) mountain bike shoes make for the closest match, which is why we’re seeing some styles badged as mountain bike and gravel hybrids. In fact, the difference between the two is often so small it might as well be non-existent and either will work fine for the other. Five things to consider when looking for gravel shoes The downside of laces is that they have a habit of working loose over the course of a ride, especially if walking is involved, which is likely on more technical gravel rides. Gravel-shoe uppers have to help deliver power transfer like road shoe uppers, but also have to have enough stretch for walking. They also have to be particularly durable and resistant to any scuffs from clambering over rough terrain.A brilliant entry-level off-road cycling shoe, the XC3 SPD MTB Shoes feature key technologies from higher price point shoes to ensure you enjoy rapid progress across any rough terrain while delivering all-day comfort too. Overall, this shoe is top-end. It does come with a price to match, but we’d happily choose the S-Works Recon Lace for our longest, most epic rides.