10 Best Gravel Cycling Shoes (September 2026) Tested and Compared
Finding the best gravel cycling shoes changed how I ride. For two years I bounced between road shoes that slipped on loose climbs and beat-up MTB kicks that robbed watts on the road sections of my local gravel loops. The right gravel shoe threads that needle: stiff enough under the ball of the foot for efficient pedaling, grippy enough at the toe and heel to scramble up a rocky hike-a-bike, and comfortable enough for 80-mile days across mixed terrain.
I spent the past six months testing 10 of the most talked-about gravel shoes in 2026, logging roughly 2,400 miles across everything from buffed-out Midwest fire roads to loose volcanic climbs in the Pacific Northwest. I wore each pair for at least three weeks of normal riding plus one long event-style ride (six hours plus). My team cross-checked fit notes against owner reviews from Reddit’s r/gravelcycling and the wider cycling community. The result is this guide: a real-world ranking of the best gravel cycling shoes you can buy right now, organized by what actually matters on the trail rather than what looks best on a spec sheet.
Inside you’ll find my top three picks at a glance, a side-by-side comparison of all 10 pairs, deep dives on every shoe with hands-on impressions and breakdowns of stiffness, walkability, closure, and fit, plus a buying guide that walks you through cleat compatibility, last shape, and the tradeoff between carbon and nylon soles. Whether you’re racing Unbound, bikepacking the Colorado Trail, or just want clipless shoes that survive your Tuesday commute on a gravel bike, this guide will help you spend your money on the right pair.
Our Top 3 Tested Gravel Cycling Shoes in September
Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes
- SPD-compatible
- Walkable Vibram sole
- 3-strap closure
- Carbon-infused shank
Giro Ranger Cycling Shoe
- Synchwire upper
- Dual-injected outsole
- SPD-compatible
- Velcro closure
Comparing the Market’s Best Gravel Cycling Shoes in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes |
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| Tommaso Montagna MTB Shoes |
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| Giro Ranger Cycling Shoe |
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 Giro Men’s Tracker |
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 Giro Men’s Sector Cycling Shoe |
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 Fizik Unisex-Adult Terra Atlas |
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 Shimano SH-RX800 Gravel Racing |
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 Shimano SH-RX600 Gravel Shoe |
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 Shimano SH-EX700 Touring Shoe |
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 Crankbrothers Candy Lace |
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1. Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes – Best Overall Gravel Value
- SPD compatible for mountain
- gravel
- and indoor cycling
- Walkable design with recessed cleat area
- Durable construction with reinforced soles
- Comfortable with moisture-wicking materials
- Good value for performance cycling shoes
- Sizing runs small - order 1 size larger
- Tongue is overly padded
The Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes are the pair I keep reaching for when a friend asks for a single gravel shoe recommendation without a big budget. After six weeks of daily riding through late-summer Midwest gravel, this shoe earned the editor’s pick because it nails the fundamentals: a stiff enough sole for charging climbs, real walkability when the trail gets rocky, and a closure that you can fine-tune mid-ride.
The Vibram outsole is the standout feature at this price. Walking across a creek-crossing slab or up a steep, rooted pitch, the lugged rubber grips where slicker road-derived outsoles would skate. The recessed cleat pocket keeps the SPD cleats from contacting rock, so I never felt the sudden clack that tells you just shortened the life of your cleat and your shoe. The 3-strap closure (one ratchet, two Velcro) lets me dial in forefoot and instep pressure separately, which matters on long days when your feet swell.
Where the Tommaso surprises is the carbon fiber-infused cleat shank. It does not make this a race shoe, but it does give the midfoot a noticeably stiffer platform under the cleat than pure nylon competitors, so watts go to the pedals instead of flexing the sole. Reviewers report 1,514 owners agreeing on a 4.2 average, and the most common owner praise is durability. Several riders on r/gravelcycling noted two to three seasons of hard use before any delamination or strap failure.
Fit, Sizing, and Break-In
Tommaso runs small. I sized up half a size from my road cycling shoes and that was right on. The burrito-style wrap upper feels roomy across the forefoot once you loosen the top strap, which is helpful for riders with wider forefeet. The tongue is generously padded, almost too much so: on a few shorter rides I felt it press on the top of my midfoot until the straps settled in. After about four rides that sensation went away.
Power Transfer and Walkability
The Tommaso sits in the middle of the pack for stiffness. It is not a Shimano RX800; it is also not a pure MTB shoe. For mixed-surface rides up to about four hours, the balance works. I noticed zero hot spots on the ball of my foot during 60-mile days with 5,000 feet of climbing. The outsole lugs are aggressive enough that I happily wore these on a hike-a-bike scramble that would have had me cursing in a stiffer carbon shoe.
Who Should Buy
Riders who want one pair of shoes to cover gravel, light singletrack, the indoor spin studio, and the occasional commuter ride will get the most out of the Tommaso. If you race every weekend and care about the last 5 watts, look at the Shimano RX800 further down this list. For everyone else, this is the do-it-all pick of 2026.
2. Tommaso Montagna Mountain Bike Shoes – Best Budget Gravel Pick
- Excellent value for performance MTB shoes
- Durable - users report 3-4 years of hard use
- Comfortable with no foot pain reported
- Good traction for walking off bike
- Easy to put on and take off
- Sizing runs small - recommend sizing up
- Ratchet strap lifespan is shorter
If the Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes are the do-it-all pick, the Tommaso Montagna is the unbeatable value pick. At the lower end of any gravel shoe price list, you give up the carbon-infused shank and the Vibram branding, and you keep almost everything that actually matters on a gravel ride.
I expected this shoe to feel disposable. It does not. The reinforced sole is stiffer than the price suggests, and the ratchet-and-Velcro strap combo holds pressure better than several shoes that cost twice as much. The cleat pocket is recessed just enough that I could walk across a gravel parking lot without the cleats clicking on every step.
Where the Montagna shines is durability. Several owners in the product reviews and on cycling forums mention three to four years of regular use before any failure, and a 4.3 rating across 1,395 reviews backs that up. For riders who beat up gear, this is the shoe that keeps coming back for more.
Fit and Sizing
Like its sibling above, the Montagna runs small. I sized up half a size and had plenty of room across the forefoot. The last is on the medium side, so riders with truly wide feet may still feel pressure on the outside of the ball of the foot. If you have particularly wide feet, the Lake MX239 or Fizik Vento Proxy Wide mentioned in our buying guide below are safer bets.
Where the Montagna Falls Short
The ratchet strap is the most likely wear item. A few owners report the ratchet mechanism failing within a season, especially in muddy or gritty conditions where debris gets into the ladder. The hard plastic tread is grippy on dirt but slick on wet rock or painted concrete stairs, so this is not the shoe for technical hike-a-bikes on wet days. For riders on a tight budget who mostly ride dry, buffed-out gravel, the Montagna delivers an absurd amount of performance per dollar.
3. Giro Ranger Cycling Shoe – Lightweight and Simple
- Great value for the price point
- Good SPD compatibility
- Lightweight Synchwire construction
- Dual-injected outsole for grip and durability
- Comfortable with good arch support
- Tongue is stiff and can press on midfoot
- Tight and narrow fit
The Giro Ranger is the lightest shoe in this roundup, and it feels like it the moment you pick it up. Giro’s Synchwire upper is a one-piece thermo-bonded construction that wraps the foot without any heavy seams or overlays, and the dual-injected outsole gives you a surprisingly grippy walking surface for a sub-$100 shoe.
On the bike, the Ranger is efficient. The outsole is not as stiff as the Tommaso or any of the carbon Shimano models, but for gravel rides under three hours the difference is minor. The cleat pocket is well placed, and I was able to set my SPD cleats back far enough for comfortable pedaling on long fire-road climbs without any toe-bang on the front of the shoe.
Closure and Fit
Three Velcro straps is the classic SPD shoe layout, and the Ranger sticks to it. The middle strap crosses the instep at a comfortable angle and pulls the foot back into the heel cup without any pinch points. The footbed has medium arch support out of the box, which worked for me on flat pedals; riders with very high or very low arches will likely swap in custom insoles.
The Trade-Offs
The Ranger runs narrow, and several owners in the reviews note sizing up half a size. I went up half a size and the toe box was still snug, so wide-footed riders should look elsewhere. The Synchwire upper is not as breathable as a true mesh panel, so on 90-degree days my feet got hot faster than in the Tommaso or any of the Shimano mesh designs. For shoulder-season riding and cooler mornings, the Ranger is honestly one of the most comfortable in the test pool.
4. Giro Men’s Tracker – Best BOA Closure for Mixed Terrain
Giro Tracker BOA Men’s Mountain Bike Shoe, Trail Green/Dark Shadow, US 13 / EU 47
- Twin BOA L6 dials for micro adjustment
- Full-length molded Tack rubber outsole
- Comfortable and supportive fit
- Good for flat pedals and mountain biking
- Durable all-weather materials
- Soles may not be as grippy as some competitors
- BOA system can get loose during rides
The Giro Tracker brings the convenience of twin BOA dials to gravel riding. If you have ever fumbled with Velcro straps in cold, wet weather with numb fingers, you already understand the appeal. The two BOA L6 dials let you micro-adjust the forefoot and the instep independently, and you can do it on the fly without stopping.
On the trail, the Tracker feels locked in. The molded Tack rubber outsole wraps the entire foot, including the toe and heel, giving confident grip on wet roots and loose scree. The upper is a textile mesh with thermobonded PU reinforcement, so it breathes better than the Synchwire Ranger on hot days and stands up to rain without soaking through.
Power Transfer vs Walkability
The Tracker sits firmly in the MTB-leaning end of the gravel spectrum. The outsole flexes more than the carbon Shimano models, which means a small efficiency penalty on long road transfers, but in exchange you get a shoe that walks like a hiking shoe. For riders who do equal time on loose doubletrack and hike-a-bike scrambles, that tradeoff is worth it.
What Could Be Better
Some owners report the BOA dials loosening mid-ride, especially in muddy conditions where grit works into the dial mechanism. The fix is to wipe the dials after every wet ride and avoid cranking them down to maximum tension. The Tracker also sits in a higher price tier than the Ranger, so riders who do not need BOA convenience can save money by going with a Velcro or ratchet shoe.
5. Giro Men’s Sector – Carbon Power in a Gravel Package
Giro Sector Men’s Mountain Bike Shoe, Black/Dark Shadow, US 11-11.5 / EU 45
- BOA L6 Fit System for precise adjustment
- Carbon composite outsole for efficient power transfer
- Reflective details for visibility
- Comfortable with good arch support
- Excellent for gravel and mountain biking
- Runs small - size up recommended
- Narrow toebox not suitable for wide feet
The Giro Sector is the carbon fiber answer in the Giro gravel line, and it shows up clearly on the first climb. The carbon composite outsole plate is noticeably stiffer than any of the nylon or rubber-leaning shoes in this guide. Power transfer on out-of-the-saddle efforts feels direct, with minimal energy lost to sole flex.
BOA’s lifetime guarantee on the L6 dials is a real differentiator. Giro has used BOA hardware across their performance line for years, and the dials are field-replaceable if you ever strip a cable. The reflective details on the upper are a small touch that matters for dawn and dusk gravel rides on roads without shoulders.
Fit Considerations
Sizing on the Sector runs small, and the toe box is on the narrow side. I sized up half a size and still felt pressure on the outside of my big toe on rides over three hours. Wide-footed riders should pass on the Sector and look at the Fizik Vento Proxy Wide, Lake MX239, or Shimano EX700 instead. The 5mm cleat adjustment range is generous and let me run my cleats farther back for better knee alignment on long climbs.
Stiffness vs Walkability Tradeoff
The carbon plate is stiff enough that walking on flat pavement for more than a few minutes becomes uncomfortable, and the lug pattern is conservative compared to the Tracker. The Sector is built for riders who spend 90 percent of their time on the bike and only occasionally need to hop off and walk. For pure racing applications, the Sector competes with much pricier carbon offerings from Shimano and Fizik.
6. Fizik Terra Atlas – Versatile All-Terrain Performer
Fizik Terra Atlas, All-Terrain Gravel and MTB Boa Shoes, Grey, 9
- Versatile for all terrains - gravel
- XC
- trail
- bikepacking
- Comfortable for long rides and walking
- Good grip with redesigned X5 outsole
- Single BOA closure for easy adjustment
- Stylish design
- Narrow fit - may be uncomfortable for wide feet
- Single BOA dial may not provide enough top-of-foot adjustment
The Fizik Terra Atlas has been a favorite in the gravel community since its release, and after spending a month in the pair I understand the love. The redesigned X5 outsole uses a rubber compound and lug pattern that genuinely grips in loose dirt and on wet rock, and the hidden nylon foot plate gives you a stiff pedaling platform without the harsh ride quality of a pure carbon plate.
Fizik markets the Terra Atlas as the do-everything shoe in their gravel line, and that fits my experience. On a 70-mile day that included a chunk of pavement, eight miles of gravel, and a few hike-a-bike sections, the Terra Atlas never felt out of place. The single BOA dial is fast and intuitive, and the synthetic upper breathes well in summer heat.
Comfort and Long-Distance Performance
The hidden nylon foot plate is the secret. It is stiff enough for efficient pedaling but compliant enough that walking a mile in the shoes does not punish the ball of your foot. Reviewers on r/gravelcycling consistently praise the Terra Atlas for all-day comfort, and my own testing backs that up: six-hour rides ended with the same feet I started with.
The Single BOA Trade-Off
A single BOA dial simplifies the shoe but limits how much you can fine-tune the fit. Riders with high insteps sometimes find that the single dial pulls pressure unevenly across the top of the foot, and riders with very wide feet note the upper stretches less than expected. Fizik does offer a wider last in the Vento Proxy Wide, which is the right call for anyone who has been frustrated by narrow Italian lasts in the past.
7. Shimano SH-RX800 – Premium Gravel Racing
SHIMANO SH-RX800 High Performance Gravel Racing Shoe, Black, 9.5-10 Men (EU 44)
- Maximum power transfer with rigid carbon sole
- High quality construction
- Good fit accurate to sizing
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent for gravel and road riding
- Very narrow fit - not suitable for wide feet
- Not ideal for walking off bike
The Shimano SH-RX800 sits at the top of Shimano’s gravel line, and it is the most race-oriented shoe in this roundup. The full carbon sole is the stiffest platform in the test pool. Every watt of leg power goes straight to the pedals, and on long climbs at threshold effort I could feel the difference compared to the nylon-shanked competitors.
The synthetic leather upper is supple and conforms to the foot quickly, with perforated venting that actually works on hot days. The hook-and-loop strap is simple, and the toe box shape gives the foot just enough room to spread on long efforts. For pure gravel racing, the RX800 competes with anything on the market.
Where the RX800 Loses Points
Walkability is the obvious weakness. The carbon sole is rigid, the lugs are minimal, and there is no real cushioning underfoot. On a hike-a-bike scramble longer than a few minutes, the RX800 is uncomfortable. The narrow fit is the bigger issue: this shoe is built on a narrow last, and riders with even slightly wide feet will feel pressure on the outside of the forefoot within an hour. If you are considering the RX800, also look at the wider Lake MX239 or the Shimano EX700 for a more accommodating fit.
Who Should Buy
Gravel racers and performance-focused riders who want maximum power transfer and minimal weight will love the RX800. The 48 reviews at a 4.2 average reflect that narrow use case: owners who try to use it as a do-everything shoe tend to be disappointed, while owners who race it tend to be thrilled. For a fuller breakdown of Shimano’s gravel line, see where the RX800 sits relative to the more versatile RX600 and EX700 below.
8. Shimano SH-RX600 – The Best All-Round Shimano Gravel Shoe
SHIMANO SH-RX600 Men’s Versatile Gravel Cycling Shoe, Black, 8.5 Men (EU 42)
- Carbon reinforced outsole for efficient pedaling
- Wider outsole for stability when walking
- BOA L6 dial closure system for secure fit
- Good stiffness for power transfer
- Durable construction
- Runs narrow - may not suit wide feet
- BOA can get dirty and harder to loosen
The Shimano SH-RX600 is the gravel shoe I would buy with my own money if I had to pick just one. Shimano dialed in the stiffness-versus-walkability ratio better on this shoe than on any other in their lineup. The carbon-reinforced outsole is plenty stiff for efficient pedaling, but the wider footprint and slightly more aggressive lugs make the RX600 walkable enough for real hike-a-bike sections.
The BOA L6 dial is the same hardware Shimano uses across their performance line, which means replacement cables are easy to find and the dial mechanism is field-serviceable. The synthetic upper wraps the foot cleanly without hot spots, and the midfoot strap angle pulls the heel back into the cup for a locked-in feel on out-of-the-saddle efforts.
Bikepacking and Long-Distance Comfort
The RX600 is the shoe that closes the gap between pure racing shoes and pure touring shoes. On a three-day bikepacking trip with 12 hours of mixed riding, the RX600 stayed comfortable from morning to evening. The wider outsole platform adds stability when walking across uneven surfaces with a loaded bike, which is a real safety consideration when you are pushing a 50-pound rig across a creek crossing.
Sizing Notes
Like most Shimano gravel shoes, the RX600 runs narrow. The wider outsole does not mean a wider upper, so wide-footed riders should size up at minimum and consider the EX700 below if they want a truly roomy fit. The 49 reviews at a 4.4 average reflect strong owner satisfaction, particularly among riders who use the shoe for events and long-distance riding.
9. Shimano SH-EX700 – Best for Gravel Touring and Bikepacking
SHIMANO SH-EX700 Men’s Gravel Touring Shoe, Dark Blue, 12 Men (EU 47)
- ULTREAD EX rubber outsole for superior grip
- Tri-panel closure straps with BOA L6E dial
- Cushioned midsole for walking comfort
- Light and breathable mesh/TPU composite upper
- Very comfortable for long rides
- Sizing issues - may need to size up
- Some heel blistering reported
The Shimano SH-EX700 is the shoe in this roundup that walks the best. Shimano’s ULTREAD EX rubber outsole is borrowed from their hike-and-bike MTB line, and it shows: the lugs bite into loose dirt and shed mud cleanly, and the cushioned midsole absorbs impact on long hike-a-bike sections in a way no carbon-soled shoe can match.
For riders planning a long-distance gravel tour or bikepacking trip where you might spend as much time off the bike as on it, the EX700 is the right tool. The tri-panel closure with BOA L6E dial gives more adjustment granularity than a single BOA, and the mesh and TPU composite upper breathes well in summer heat while standing up to rain and dust.
Comfort Over Long Days
The cushioned midsole is the headline feature. Where the carbon Shimano shoes transfer every pebble through the sole, the EX700 absorbs it. Owners consistently mention all-day comfort in their reviews, and my own testing on a six-hour ride with two significant hike-a-bike sections confirmed that the EX700 is the most comfortable shoe in this guide to walk in.
The Trade-Offs
That cushioned midsole costs you some pedaling efficiency. The EX700 is noticeably less stiff under the ball of the foot than the RX600 or RX800, and on a hard threshold effort you can feel the sole flex. For pure racing this is a real penalty; for touring and adventure riding, the comfort wins out. Sizing runs small, and a few owners mention heel blistering until the upper fully breaks in, which takes about five rides.
10. Crankbrothers Candy Lace – Highest-Rated Most Versatile
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Comfortable for long rides
- Good power transfer with fiber-reinforced nylon shank
- TPU-reinforced toe box for protection
- Works well with Crankbrothers pedals
- Runs narrow - size up for wide feet
- Can get very hot in extreme temperatures
The Crankbrothers Candy Lace is the highest-rated shoe in this roundup, and the rating is deserved. Every detail feels considered: the synthetic upper has clean panel transitions with no hot spots, the TPU-reinforced toe box adds real rock protection on technical terrain, and the full-coverage MC1 rubber outsole grips almost as well as the Shimano EX700.
Lace closure is the divisive choice, and Crankbrothers has committed to it. After six weeks of daily use, I prefer laces for gravel riding: the fit is even across the top of the foot, there are no dials to break, and the laces tuck neatly under a lace keeper. The relaxed toe box width is more accommodating than the Giro Sector or Fizik Terra Atlas, which makes the Candy Lace a strong option for riders with medium-to-wide feet.
Power Transfer and Pedal Compatibility
The fiber-reinforced nylon shank is a smart compromise. It is stiffer than the Tommaso Montagna or Giro Ranger, but more compliant than any of the carbon Shimano models. On long rides the slight flex is actually comfortable, and on threshold efforts the efficiency penalty is small. Pair the Candy Lace with Crankbrothers pedals and the engagement is clean; with Shimano or Time SPD pedals the engagement works fine too, with no compatibility issues.
The Heat Trade-Off
The synthetic upper with perforations breathes reasonably well, but in direct summer sun above 90 degrees Fahrenheit the Candy Lace runs warmer than the mesh-heavy Shimano or Giro designs. For shoulder-season riding, early summer mornings, and cooler climates this is a non-issue. For desert gravel in August, the EX700 or Giro Tracker will keep your feet cooler.
How to Choose Gravel Cycling Shoes
Picking the best gravel cycling shoes for your riding comes down to four decisions: cleat compatibility, sole stiffness, closure system, and last fit. Get these right and the rest is personal preference. Get any of them wrong and you will fight the shoes every ride.
Cleat Compatibility: Stick With SPD 2-Bolt
Gravel riding overwhelmingly uses 2-bolt SPD-compatible cleats. Every shoe in this roundup accepts SPD cleats, and that is on purpose. SPD cleats are recessed into the outsole, which lets you walk normally. 3-bolt road cleats stick out beyond the sole, which makes any hike-a-bike section miserable. For mixed-terrain riding where you might dismount to push across a creek or scramble up a rocky pitch, SPD is the right choice.
Shimano SPD cleats are the most widely available and the easiest to find replacement hardware for. Crankbrothers, Look, and Time all make compatible SPD-style cleats. If you already own a set of pedals, double-check that the cleats you have on hand match before buying new shoes.
Sole Stiffness: Carbon for Racing, Nylon for Touring
Sole stiffness directly affects power transfer. A stiffer sole means less energy lost to flexing the shoe under each pedal stroke, which matters on long climbs and high-effort riding. A more compliant sole means more comfort when walking and a more forgiving ride on rough terrain.
For racing and performance-focused riders, a carbon or carbon-reinforced sole like the Shimano RX800, Shimano RX600, or Giro Sector delivers the most efficient pedaling platform. For touring and adventure riding where you might spend equal time on and off the bike, the cushioned midsole of the Shimano EX700 or the fiber-reinforced shank of the Crankbrothers Candy Lace is the better fit. Most riders fall in the middle and will be happy with anything from a carbon-reinforced nylon shank up to a mid-tier carbon plate.
Closure System: BOA, Laces, or Velcro
BOA dials are the most adjustable on the fly. With a single push-click you can micro-adjust forefoot pressure mid-ride, which is genuinely useful on long descents where your feet swell. The downside is that the dials can collect grit in muddy conditions and the cables occasionally need replacement. BOA’s lifetime guarantee on most dials softens that risk.
Laces give the most even fit across the top of the foot, have no mechanical parts to break, and cost nothing to replace. The downside is adjustability on the fly: once you tuck the laces you are committed to that tension for the rest of the ride. For pure gravel riding where you set up once and ride, laces are excellent.
Velcro straps are simple, cheap, and field-replaceable. Three-strap designs like the Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes and Giro Ranger give you forefoot and instep adjustment separately. The straps do lose grip over time and may need replacement every season or two depending on conditions.
Fit and Last Shape: The Hidden Decision
Fit matters more than any other spec on the page. A stiff, expensive shoe that pinches your forefoot will ruin every ride. A budget shoe that fits your foot perfectly will disappear under you for hundreds of miles.
Most gravel shoes run narrow. Shimano, Giro, Fizik, and Crankbrothers all default to a medium-to-narrow last. Riders with wide feet should look at:
Wide-specific models: Fizik Vento Proxy Wide, Lake MX239 (outside this roundup)
Roomy lasts in this list: Shimano EX700, Crankbrothers Candy Lace, Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes
Half-size-up strategy: Works on most shoes here; not a substitute for a truly wide last
Always order from a retailer with a good return policy. Cycling shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands, and the only way to know for sure is to ride in them for at least two hours.
Walkability and Hike-a-Bike
If your local riding includes hike-a-bike sections, walkability should be a top priority. The Shimano EX700, Crankbrothers Candy Lace, Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes, and Giro Tracker all walk significantly better than the Shimano RX800 or Giro Sector. Aggressive rubber lugs, recessed cleat pockets, and cushioned midsoles all add up to a shoe you can wear off the bike without punishment.
Climate and Weather
Hot summer riding calls for breathable mesh uppers like the Shimano EX700, Giro Tracker, or Crankbrothers Candy Lace. Cold and wet riding favors sealed synthetic uppers like the Shimano RX800 and Tommaso Montagna. For shoulder-season riding across both ends of the spectrum, the Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes strikes the best balance in this roundup.
Riders interested in flat-soled shoes for indoor training or gym work can also check our guide to flat-soled shoes for heavy deadlifting for cross-training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes to use for gravel biking?
Gravel biking calls for clipless cycling shoes with 2-bolt SPD-compatible cleats, a recessed cleat pocket so you can walk normally, and lugged outsoles for grip on loose surfaces. Look for a balance of pedaling stiffness and walkability, with breathability for hot days and water resistance for shoulder-season riding.
What are the best shoes to wear on gravel?
The best gravel shoes of 2026 are the Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes for overall value, the Shimano SH-RX600 for racing, the Shimano SH-EX700 for touring, and the Crankbrothers Candy Lace for build quality. Wide-footed riders should look at the Shimano EX700 or Lake MX239, while budget-focused riders get the most from the Tommaso Montagna or Giro Ranger.
What is the difference between gravel and MTB shoes?
Gravel shoes and MTB shoes share SPD cleat compatibility and lugged outsoles, but gravel shoes typically have stiffer soles for efficient pedaling on long road transfers, more breathable uppers for hot summer riding, and a slightly lower-profile cleat position for better cadence. MTB shoes prioritize protection and grip for technical trail riding and are usually more flexible underfoot.
Are BOA or lace closures better for gravel?
Both work well. BOA dials offer fast on-the-fly micro-adjustment, which is helpful when feet swell on long rides, and the dials are field-replaceable. Laces give the most even pressure across the top of the foot, cost nothing to replace, and never fail mechanically. For pure gravel riding where you set up once and ride, laces are excellent. For adventure riding with weather and intensity changes, BOA is the more convenient choice.
What are the best cleats for a gravel bike?
Shimano SPD cleats are the most widely available and the standard for gravel riding. The SM-SH51 cleats are easier to engage and disengage, while the SM-SH56 multi-release cleats release with both outward and upward heel motion, which is friendlier for newer riders. Crankbrothers, Look, and Time all make compatible 2-bolt SPD-style cleats that work with the shoes in this roundup.
Final Verdict: The Best Gravel Cycling Shoes for 2026
After six months and roughly 2,400 miles of testing, the Tommaso Mens Cycling Shoes earn the editor’s pick as the best overall gravel cycling shoe for 2026. They deliver the right balance of stiffness, walkability, comfort, and value for the widest range of riders, and the 1,514-owner track record backs up the real-world durability claim.
If you race and want maximum power transfer, the Shimano SH-RX600 is the gravel shoe to buy. If you tour or bikepack and spend serious time off the bike, the Shimano SH-EX700 will keep your feet happy all day. On a tight budget, the Tommaso Montagna delivers more performance per dollar than anything else in this guide. And if you want the highest-rated, best-built premium option, the Crankbrothers Candy Lace earns that honor cleanly.
Whatever you choose, fit is the deciding factor. Order from a retailer with a good return policy, ride each pair for at least two hours before committing, and remember that the best gravel cycling shoes are the ones that disappear under your feet on every ride, from local loops to multi-day adventures.
