Gravel shoes: how to choose
Choosing gravel shoes means buying neither road shoes nor mountain bike shoes. Gravel has its own demands: pedalling efficiently on tarmac and trails, while still being able to put a foot down on technical sections. This guide reviews the criteria that really matter, with a comparison and the Quoc range stocked at Steel Cyclewear in Paris.
- Sole: stiff but not fully rigid, and lugged — for power transfer AND walking.
- Pedals: SPD standard (2-bolt recessed cleats); avoid protruding road cleats.
- Closure: laces (fine, light adjustment) or dials (quick tweaks while riding).
- Sizing: allow a little extra volume — feet swell over the distance.
- At Steel: the Quoc Gran Tourer XC range, to try on in our Paris shop.
Why gravel shoes differ from road shoes
A road shoe is all about stiffness and lightness: carbon sole, protruding cleats, no compromise on power — but walking in them is a feat. A mountain bike shoe, on the other hand, is often too soft for the long rolling sections of gravel. The gravel shoe sits in between: stiff enough to transfer power, lugged enough to walk when needed.
"Won't a road shoe do for gravel?" On a 100% tarmac ride, just about. But the moment you put a foot down in mud, on a trail or for a hike-a-bike, the smooth sole and protruding cleat become a liability.
Sole: the stiffness rating that really counts
Sole stiffness drives efficiency. A carbon sole transfers nearly all your power, at the cost of walking comfort. A composite or reinforced nylon sole gains flex and walkability. For gravel, aim for high but not total stiffness, with lugs for grip.
Pedal compatibility: SPD vs Look Kéo
Gravel is almost always ridden with SPD: 2-bolt cleats, recessed into the sole. You walk without slipping and clipping out is intuitive. Road cleats such as Look Kéo (3-bolt, protruding) are best avoided on trails: they slip and wear fast. Check the shoe is drilled for the 2-bolt standard.
Walkability: when you put a foot down on the trail
Carrying the bike, a café stop mid-ride, a technical section on foot: a lugged sole and recessed cleat make all the difference. It's gravel's key advantage over road, and the first thing you miss with the wrong shoes.
How to choose based on your gravel riding
"Which shoe to start gravel with?" It depends on your terrain. Here's a guide for three typical uses, anchored on the available Quoc models.
| Riding | Recommended stiffness | Closure | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road gravel & long distance | High | Dials (adjust while riding) | Premium |
| Multi-day bikepacking | Medium to high | Laces or dials | Mid-range |
| Technical gravel / trails | Medium | Dials + velcro | Mid-range |
Road gravel and long distance: comfort first
On long rolling rides, a stiff sole and good hold prevent pressure points. Favour a closure you can adjust while riding, to fine-tune as your foot swells.
Bikepacking: lightness and walkability
On tour, you walk more: bivy, resupply, hike-a-bike. A slightly softer, lighter shoe with a well-lugged sole is more pleasant day to day. See our bikepacking bags guide.
Technical gravel: grip and protection
On trails, you want grip, a toe-protecting upper and a secure closure. Walking comfort matters more than raw efficiency.
Closure, sizing and fit: mistakes to avoid
Three closure systems coexist. Laces offer fine adjustment, lightness and classic looks — but no on-the-fly tweaks. Velcro is fast, but the hold is less precise. Dials (BOA-style) allow micro-adjustment, even while riding: the most versatile system.
On sizing, beware: in gravel, feet swell on long rides and you sometimes wear thicker socks. "Will my usual size do?" Often yes, but allow a little extra volume if unsure, especially for ultra-distance. A too-tight shoe quickly turns painful after several hours.
Caring for and maintaining your gravel shoes
After a muddy ride, rinse with clean water and a soft brush, never in a machine. Let them air-dry away from any direct heat that would warp the upper. Store them dry.
Watch the wear on lugs, cleats and closure eyelets: these are the first signs a replacement is near. A worn cleat clips out poorly and damages the pedal; smooth lugs lose grip when you put a foot down.
The models available at Steel Cyclewear
We stock the Quoc range, built for gravel and ultra-distance. Both Gran Tourer XC versions share the GravelGrip™ sole for easy walking.
The Gran Tourer XC Lace appeals to fans of fine adjustment and classic style, perfect for versatile bikepacking.
The Gran Tourer XC with twin dials adds a stiffer carbon upper and quick on-the-bike adjustment, for sporty gravel and long distances. Drop by the Paris shop to try them on.
Frequently asked questions
Are gravel shoes SPD-compatible?
Yes, gravel riding uses the SPD standard (2-bolt, recessed cleats), ideal for walking and easy clip-out.
Laces or dials?
Laces offer fine, light adjustment; dials tweak fast, even while riding, and usually pair with a stiffer upper.
Which size should I choose?
Start from your usual size. If unsure or riding ultra-distance, allow a little extra volume (feet swell).
Can you ride gravel in road shoes?
On tarmac, yes. As soon as the terrain gets technical or you have to walk, a gravel shoe (lugged sole, SPD cleat) is far better suited.
See also: the Quoc collection, the shoes collection, our bikepacking bags guide and our bikepacking selection.