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. 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. I haven’t had the chance to practise cyclocross skills in the XC7s because we’re out of season in the UK.

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.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 You get two of Sidi’s Tecno 3 Push dials for retention, with the top one working in tandem with a strap across the instep. We don’t find Sidi’s dials quite as simple as the two-way micro-adjustment of the latest Boa dials, but they are still easy to use and hold firm over long rides. So just like the best gravel bikes, the best gravel bike shoes often feel subtly different to kit designed specifically for other riding disciplines.

The line between gravel shoes and cross-country mountain bike shoes is often thin. David Caudery / Immediate Media A brilliant entry-level off-road cycling shoe, the XC3 SPD MTB Shoes, here in 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 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. Chain reaction Cycles and CRC are trading names of Wiggle Ltd (In Administration) registered in the United Kingdom at 1000 Lakeside, Suite 310, Third Floor N E Wing, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3EN, It’s important to note that when shopping for Shoes – Cycle products, it can be tempting to go for the lowest price possible, but be wary of retailers that offer prices that seem too good to be true. Some less reputable retailers may sell counterfeit or low-quality Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes, which can be dangerous and not perform as well as the genuine product. Choosing a reputable retailer like Chain Reaction Cycles can help ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product at a competitive price. They also feature a seamless midsole construction. This brings your foot closer to the pedal axles, giving a more natural pedal stroke and again maximising power transfer. And with the open tread design, you’ll enjoy excellent grip when you’re off the bike.

A common combination is a strap over the toe section that allows it to be tightened independently, with a Boa dial or similar over the mid-foot. It’s a construction that generally works well, as long as there’s enough adjustment in the toe strap. The synthetic leather used for the upper feels supple yet sturdy enough for off-road scuffles. It's essentially one piece of material, with just an added reinforced section to secure the strap across the toe. The under and over wraparound design eschews the traditional two sides and separate tongue opening and it's incredibly comfortable as the shoe wraps over the entire foot with no pressure points or seams to rub. 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.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. When it comes to Shoes – Cycle products such as Shimano XC3 SPD MTB Shoes, 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 can actually end up costing you more in the long run. 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.